Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection Services

UTSW is an economical way for a full body weld examination, either in-service or new construction. 

This method uses a single element transducer to generate ultrasound that passes through the weld volume. Flaws can be characterized and height sized using an A-scan signal.

PAUT has become the new standard for ultrasonic weld examinations and an excellent way to perform high resolution corrosion mapping. 

This method uses an array of elements housed in a single probe that are pulsed by a computer to generate a desired ultrasonic beam.  An image is produced which aids in the characterization and sizing of flaws. PAUT can be digitally stored for review and permanent record. 

TOFD provides excellent detection and height sizing of flaws through the use of diffracted energy. TOFD is an excellent compliment to PAUT examinations.

Unlike UTSW and PAUT which use reflected ultrasonic energy, TOFD utilizes diffracted ultrasonic energy that emanates off the tips of flaws. With the use of the pitch-catch transducer setup and an amplifier, a gray scale B-scan image can be produced that provides height sizing accuracy of plus or minus 1 mm (reflective sizing can be accurate to plus or minus 3-4 mm). 

Qualis NDT technicians are trained and certified through the Shell Oil Company and Lavender International for the detection of HTHA. We utilize the most current and reliable techniques for detecting this detrimental damage mechanism. 

HTHA examinations use a combination of advanced UT techniques. This includes the Advanced Ultrasonic Backscatter Technique (AUBT), Spectrum Analysis, TOFD, and PAUT. Once all the examinations have been performed, a detailed report is compiled that will indicate whether or not your assets are affected by HTHA.