Third Generation Advanced Phased Array Flaw Detector

| Environmental Testing

Advanced Phased Array Flaw Detection system uses multiple technologies

Non-Destructive Test (NDT) specialist, Sonatest, has released its latest advanced phased array flaw detection system.

The latest Veo3 flaw detection system offers a packet capture (PCAP) touch interface, user templates and live TFM (Total Focusing Method). However, the main difference with the Veo3 is its live concurrent multi-scan / multi-technique capabilities.

For some time, it has been widely recognised and accepted that welds can be inspected using both Phased Array and TOFD (Time Of Flight Diffraction). The Veo3 is an instrument that can not only perform live TFM, but also concurrently present PA and TOFD in one single acquisition. As the three inspection techniques are complementary, the Probability of Detection is significantly increased. Furthermore, the time saved is considerable: one pass, one setup, one file, one position reference, one analysis.

Even though the Total Focusing Method is now a popular inspection method, there are still a limited number of TFM certified technicians in the workplace. TFM can be misleading, especially if the wrong propagation mode is selected. With the Veo3 multi-scan capabilities, it is now possible to simultaneously produce TFM and phased array scans. This complementary imaging technique improves not only the Probability of Detection, but also the confidence of the experts who carry out the inspections.

“It is now common knowledge that the incorrect selection of a TFM propagation mode for an application could lead to an undetected flaw. With Veo3, having the ability to simultaneously produce PA and TFM scans lowers the risk of missing a flaw and give technicians added peace of mind” explained Yvan Gosselin, Technical Director at Sonatest.

The Veo3’s multi-technique functions allow users to benefit from the additional resolution and sizing performance of TFM – all while performing inspections to an already approved phased-array procedure.

“Sonatest understands the challenges of NDT inspection. Every day, crucial decisions are made based on the evaluation of critical components. These decisions have both massive financial and security implications. Therefore, the additional information provided by the multi-technique of Veo3 is so valuable. Moreover, adding PA scans can often make the inspection fully compliant.”, said Francois Lachance – Product Manager at Sonatest.