One of the greatest challenges in industrial nondestructive testing (NDT) is performing inspections at high production rates. Ultrasonic phased arrays are successfully being used to achieve high-speed inspection through utilization of multiple probes and inspection systems operated in parallel. Another advantage of phased array inspection is the ability to perform multiple inspections with the same probe, for example, electronic beam steering allows a range of angled-beam inspections to be performed with the same probe. The ability to perform electronic scanning with phased arrays can also significantly increase inspection rates compared to mechanical translation of the probes. The examples presented below demonstrate how automation and parallel phased array systems are being used to meet the challenging inspection and production requirements encountered in high-speed tube and pipe manufacturing.
Testing systems are typically unique and optimized for each application depending on the type of tube/pipe, the manufacturing process and the end use [1]. Pipe mills present a challenging industrial environment, and often operate with three shifts to achieve production capacities of 90% or more. Inspection systems must therefore be fast and extremely robust, able to operate trouble free in an environment with many sources of electromagnetic interference.