PAUT Training in Thane and Nagpur (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Level II) by Spark NDT

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Level II Training: 10 day batch in Thane and Nagpur

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is an advanced ultrasonic technique in which a probe with many small elements fires each element at a computer calculated delay. The beam can then be steered through a range of angles and focused at chosen depths without moving the probe, so one probe and one pass cover a weld volume that would need several conventional probes and repeated raster scanning.

Spark Institute of Nondestructive Testing runs a 10 day PAUT course at Level II covering the physics of phased array beam generation, probe and wedge selection, focal law and scan plan design, calibration, data acquisition on welds, image interpretation, code compliance, and equipment and probe performance checks. Training combines classroom theory with hands on scanning and data analysis on instrumented weld specimens, and the course also covers software analysis and audit of acquired data.

The syllabus follows an 11 module structure aligned to the automated ultrasonic examination of welds, prepared with reference to the guidance in PCN GEN Appendix E9 for phased array examination. Practical work covers butt welds, parent metal lamination checks and offline data analysis.

Looking for PAUT training in India? Write to info@sparkndt.com or call +91 82080 65586 for fees, eligibility and the next batch, or use our contact page.

PAUT Training Course Details

Course	Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), Level II
Course duration	10 days
Training mode	Online live and offline classroom, plus hands on scanning and data analysis
Equipment covered	Phased array instruments with sectorial (S-scan), linear (E-scan), B-scan, C-scan and D-scan displays, plus offline analysis software
Trainer	ASNT Level III qualified NDT trainers
Training provider	Spark Institute of Nondestructive Testing
Locations	Thane and Nagpur, Maharashtra
Prerequisite	Working knowledge of conventional ultrasonic testing; Ultrasonic Testing Level II is recommended
Enquiries	info@sparkndt.com, +91 82080 65586

What You Will Learn in PAUT Training

• The theoretical background of phased array ultrasonics: physics of PA, PA beam characterisation, digitisation principles, parameter selection, scanning methodology and PA application on welds.
• How to prepare a scan plan for the examination of a weld and its heat affected zone (HAZ).
• How to prepare the work instruction needed to carry out a phased array examination on welds.
• Setup file creation and calibration on phased array ultrasonic equipment.
• Optimisation of display and acquisition parameters in a setup file.
• Parent metal lamination checks and scanning of welds in plates to detect discontinuities in the weld body and its HAZ.
• Analysis of scan data for the location and size of discontinuities in typical welded butt joints using offline analysis software.
• Interpretation and reporting of test results, and audit of PAUT data files and setup files.

PAUT Course Syllabus

1. Introduction and history of automated ultrasonic testing (AUT): AUT techniques and types, PAUT and TOFD in automated systems, development of zonal inspection.
2. Phased array ultrasonic fundamentals: Huygens and Huygens Fresnel principles, Fermat principle, constructive and destructive interference, near field and far field, principle of PA operation.
3. Phased array probes: piezo composite elements, 1 3 connectivity, matching layer, backing and cable requirements, probe types (linear, annular, matrix, daisy), element geometry of pitch, aperture, element width and height.
4. Beam shaping and beam steering: electronic steering and focusing, delay laws, focal laws, wedge parameters, index point, beam profiling and beam spread.
5. Phased array scanning: linear and sectorial scanning, raster versus electronic scan, encoded and motorised scanning, coverage and overlap.
6. Weld examination and parameter selection: equipment and probe selection, weld and code considerations, calibrations, technique development, probe position for linear and sectorial scans.
7. Data views and displays: A-scan, B-scan, C-scan, D-scan and S-scan, display axes, corrected and uncorrected images, imaging in linear electronic scan and sectorial scan.
8. Instrument features and digitisation: pulser and receiver, pulse width, band pass filter, smoothing, signal averaging, ADC, sampling and aliasing, dynamic range, compression, PRF and scan speed, soft gain, saturation, dynamic depth focusing.
9. Data analysis and flaw characterisation: separating geometric reflectors from relevant indications, ID connected crack, lack of sidewall fusion, porosity, OD toe crack, inadequate penetration, slag, crack sizing, offline analysis and reporting.
10. Code compliance for phased arrays: vertical and horizontal linearity, time of flight, coverage requirements, probe and equipment parameters, calibration records and reference standards used in weld examination.
11. Equipment and probe performance checks: beam profile, focusing, beam steering, element activity, wedge attenuation and wedge delay compensation, amplitude and time base linearity and their verification records.

PAUT Compared with Conventional Ultrasonic Testing

• Conventional UT uses one beam angle; PAUT uses the same angle or a range of angles and can be excited to give angular variation down to 0.1 degree, which improves detection of mis oriented defects.
• Conventional coverage needs raster scanning, while PAUT gives good coverage with one or more line scans depending on thickness.
• PAUT is faster because scanning is electronic, typically an order of magnitude faster than equivalent conventional raster scanning.
• A single PA probe covers a wide range of applications, and one small probe can replace several single element probes where access is limited.
• Setups are made by loading a file and calibrating, so different parameter sets are accommodated by pre prepared files.
• PAUT probes and instruments are more complex and cost more than conventional equipment, and PAUT technicians need more training and experience in the field.

Practical sessions are run on weld coupons with the probe, wedge and encoder the candidate will use in the field, so beam setup, index point, couplant discipline and scan speed are practised as one routine rather than as separate topics.

Beam Steering, Focusing and Focal Laws

Each element of the array launches its own small wavefront. With the correct transmit and receive delays the wavefronts add up in the direction the inspector selects, which is what makes steering possible, and parabolic delays converge the same beam at a chosen depth. A focal law is the calculated set of delays, together with the element group and element gains, that produces a beam with a predetermined direction and depth of focus. A scan plan is built from a set of focal laws, one per zone of the weld.

Because each element is pulsed with a delay, constructive interference extends to the focal point instead of being confined to the natural near field. This is why phased array can be used close to the probe face, where a conventional probe gives unreliable amplitude.

Data Views and Flaw Characterisation

• A-scan: amplitude against sound path or time of flight, the basic measurement view.
• B-scan: a cross sectional view along the scan axis.
• C-scan: a plan view of the scanned volume, used to map and locate indications.
• D-scan: a depth view along the beam axis.
• S-scan: the sectorial view produced by sweeping focal laws through an angle range, the everyday weld inspection display.

Characterisation is where the training concentrates: knowledge of the welding process and bevel geometry, the order in which reflectors are evaluated, and the difference between an ID or weld crown geometry signal and a relevant discontinuity such as an ID connected crack, lack of sidewall fusion, porosity, OD toe crack, inadequate penetration or slag. Candidates practise on acquired data files and then size and report the indications found.

Applications of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

• Cross country pipeline girth welds on automated and encoded scanning systems, often combined with TOFD.
• Pipe mills: full body inspection systems, rotating pipe systems and ERW high speed inline inspection.
• Refinery and petrochemical plants: weld integrity and corrosion mapping, including array probes for tube wall mapping.
• Pressure vessels: circumferential and longitudinal seam welds.
• Power and process plant: heavy section welds, headers and boiler components.
• Heavy industry: forgings, electron beam welds and underwater structures.
• Aerospace and defence: engine and airframe components, carbon composite and laser weld inspection.
• Specific cases: stress corrosion cracking with same side sizing, narrow gap welds, small diameter pipe welds and rail inspection.

Who Can Attend PAUT Training

• Ultrasonic technicians moving to advanced or automated ultrasonic methods.
• QA/QC engineers and welding or piping engineers who specify, audit or accept PAUT reports.
• Third party and client inspectors who review phased array data and setup files.
• Level II candidates under an employer written practice aligned to ASNT SNT-TC-1A.
• Engineering graduates and diploma holders seeking a career in NDT with an advanced method.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the PAUT course at Spark NDT?

The Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing course runs 10 days at Level II. See the course durations for other methods, and contact us for the current batch calendar.

Is there a prerequisite for PAUT training?

You should be able to carry out conventional ultrasonic testing to a recognised written practice. Most candidates hold, or are working towards, Ultrasonic Testing Level II before starting PAUT, because the course assumes sound beam theory, calibration and flaw detection are already familiar.

Is the training performed at the institute or on-site?

Both. Regular batches are conducted at the Spark NDT institutes in Thane and Nagpur, and corporate batches are arranged at a client premises where the client has the equipment and representative weld specimens.

Is online PAUT training available?

Theory and software analysis are delivered online live where required, and offline classroom training with practical scanning is available at Thane and Nagpur. Confirm which sessions, practical exercises and examinations require in-person attendance for your batch.

Which instruments and software are used?

Training uses industry-standard phased array instruments and their sectorial, linear and corrected display modes, together with the offline analysis tools used to review, size and report acquired data.

Does PAUT replace radiographic testing of welds?

In many applications, yes, and without the radiation safety controls RT requires. Acceptance depends on the code or project specification, the joint configuration and access, so PAUT is specified against the applicable code rather than as a general substitute.

Does Spark NDT issue the certificate?

Spark NDT is a training and examination centre working as an Outside Agency under ASNT SNT-TC-1A guidelines. It trains and examines candidates; certification is issued by the employer under its written practice, or by the applicable certification body.

Enquire About PAUT Training

For the syllabus, fees, hostel guidance and the next PAUT batch in Thane or Nagpur, write to info@sparkndt.com or call +91 82080 65586. Company and on-site batches are arranged for teams.