• The above scan plan includes several scan plan variables, can you find
them???
Phased Array Variability
• Sectorial Scanning
• E-Scanning
• Encoded vs. Manual
• Aperture Determination
• Multi-Channel/Grouping
• Focusing effects
• Transducer Selection
– Frequency & Beam
Spread Considerations
• Angle Selection
Scan Planning
Code Perspective
Scan Plan Variables
• Phased Array Scan plans should
provide at minimum:
– Part Details (Weld Design,
Curvatures, Connections)
– Probe and Wedge to be Used
– Focal Law Configuration to be
Used (Including initial instrument
settings)
– Index Offset Info
– Number of Scans
– Direction of Scans
ASME Example Requirements
• Section V
Article 4
• Requirements
of Scan
Planning in
Appendix V
AWS Example Requirements
D1.1
Info Related to
Scan Planning
under Part G
Testing
Procedure under
Annex S
API Example Requirements
1104
Info Related to
Scan Planning
Procedure
specific
Specialized
Calibration
Requirements
Phased Array
Scan Plan Equipment
Scan Plan Essentials
• Forming a scan plan involves 3 essential variables:
– Part Configuration
– Probe & Wedge Selection
– Focal Law Selection
• Information may be hand-drawn or plotted via software
Hand-Drawn
• Pros:
– Accounts for errors in Equipment
– Plots actual beam index point
– Focal Law adjustments visualized
• Cons:
– Time Consuming
– Visual Measurements
– Requires Equipment
– Actual Inspection piece may vary
Software
• Pros:
– Fast and efficient
– Easier Part Drawing/Dimensioning
– Traceable & Transferable
– Flexibility on Custom Parts
• Cons:
– Equipment Variations
– Part Variations
– Estimation of Focal Laws
– Manual Prove up required
Equipment Selection
• Choosing the proper equipment is as much scan
planning as choosing the proper angles or focal laws.
• Transducers should be proper for material properties
• Wedges should allow for good contact and transmission
• Instruments should be capable of handling both
Element Configuration
• Differences in array patterns will provide unique beam
characteristics
A
• 4 Primary Variables: e
– Element Qty. - A
– Element Size - E H
– Pitch - P
– Elevation - H p g
“VPA” Considerations - Focusing
• Focusing in Phased Array is 16 element 32 element
dependent upon the Aperture used aperture aperture
and Pitch of those elements
• Larger Pitch Transducers and Higher
Aperture sizes will provide better
focusing
• Sometime necessary when Height
Sizing is important
“VPA” Considerations - Steering
• Steering in Phased Array is
dependent upon the amount of
beam spread from individual
elements
• Over steering a transducer can
lead to grating lobes, resolution
losses, and increased errors in
refracted angle
• Smaller Element Sizes and
Reduced Pitches aid in steering
Curvature Considerations
• Caution should be taken in using Phased Array in Axial
or Long Seam weld inspections
• Smaller equipment is easier to use as the compensation
through focal laws may not be necessary
• Larger wedges create non-linear focal law calculations
that sometimes require the addition of special software
Phased Array
Scan Plan Creation
Scan Plan Thoughts
• From the perspective of the technician, a scan plan
provides instruction for probe placement and focal law
creation
• With no direct code instruction and high variance on
Phased Array use, this leaves more room for
interpretation and how to provide these instructions
• 2 Extremes of Scan Plan Creation
– Minimalistic
– Flood Method
Minimalist Scan Plans
• From a Code standpoint, coverage is the only requirement and the
minimalist approach fulfills only that basic necessity
• Studies have found that with Phased Array, the optimum BIA with
• Sectorial Scans = +/-10 degrees of normal incidence
• E-Scans = +/-5 degrees of normal incidence.
Scan Plan Methodology continued
• Example:
– With a 30 degree bevel – perfect bevel incidence would result
from a 60 degree refracted shear wave.
– Fusion Zone to be covered with refracted waves between 50
and 70 degrees (+/- 10 of 60 degrees.)
70
50
Scan Plan Methodology continued
• 3. Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) Coverage – The total code specified
area of interest must be covered. ASME specifies the weld zone
plus 1” or “t” whichever is less for materials less than 3” thick.