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  Ultrasonic Phased Array Courses    
 

 

    
  Ultrasonic Phased Array Technique    
 
Ultrasonic Phased Array originated as early as 1959 when Tom Brown at Kelvin and Hughes filed for a patent of an annular dynamically focussed transducer system. This system latterly became known as phased array.

During recent years arrays have evolved from 4 piezoelectric elements to electronic beam manipulation using up to 512 individual piezoelectric elements in one transducer housing. Thus facilitating a complex electronic manipulation of the acoustic wave fronts.

Until the past decade industrial application of ultrasonic phased array technology has been rather scarce. Undoubtedly most of this has been down to a lack of computing power that is required for rapid excitation of the multiple element transducers and the need to process large data files that scans produce.

Phased array technology is the ability to modify electronically the acoustic probe characteristics. Probe modifications are performed by introducing time shifts in the signals sent to and recieved from

  

individual elements of an array probe. Any ultrasonic techniques for flaw detection and sizing can be applied using phased-array probes.


Picture from RD Tech

Phased array provides high speed electronic scanning without moving parts, improved inspection capabilities throguh software control of beam characteristics, inspection with multiple angles with a single electronically controlled probe, many configurations; P/E, T/R, TOFD and Tandem, and greater flexibility for inspection of complex geometries (optimized focusing and optimised beam angle).

Phased array can be used for the following applications; raw material production, aircraft, naval, power generation, petrochemical and anything else that currently applies pulse-echo testing.

    
 
 

 

    
       
  Training Courses at Lavender International    
  We can provide Ultrasonic Phased Array training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels , 2, and 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A.    
 

Level 2:

General Theory:

- Principles of phased array probes
- Principles of inspection sensitivity
- Phased Array Instrument
- Scanning with phased array probes
- Calibration and checks
- Software for data collection and data analysis
- Principles of data analysis
- Software familiarity
- Use of software tools for defect detection and sizing
- Data analysis
- Procedures for verification of flaw existence and position
- Reporting

  

Level 3:
In addition to Level 2:
General Theory:

- Procedure writing
- Methods of simulating phased array inspections
- Basic knowledge of specialised applications

    
  PCN Minimum Training and Work Experience Requirements - candidate must hold appropriate UTL2 prior to this course    
 

Level 2:
80 Hours Training
3 Months Work Experience

  

   
 
 

 

    
  Coding for Phased Array Training Courses    
 

UTPA80 - 8 Days Course suitable for PCN Level 2 (80 Hours)

  

   
  Please note, there is a further charge if you require examination at the end of your training course, look at the examination page for details.

Please telephone the Lavender International office or email nicola@lavender-ndt.com if you require help deciding which course you require and information about the Phased Array Course Schedule.		    
       
       
  Tim Armitt is our Level 3 NDT Lecturer responsible for the operation of the Ultrasonic Phased Array courses. Please email Tim at tim@lavender-ndt.co.uk for further information. You could also call the Lavender Office on +44(0)1226 765769.