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Comparison Corrosion Mapping Solutions using Phased Array and

Conventional UT Techniques
Philippe RIOUX
Sonatest; Qubec, Qubec, Canada; Phone: 1 418 682 6222 x117; e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
There are many kinds of corrosion inspection solutions and choosing the right one may be complex. UT Corrosion
mapping is a quantitative way to inspect the thickness of a material affected by corrosion. Oxidation or erosion
reduces piece thickness and pulse-echoes distances are directly reduced. While one beam of a mono channel UT
device can report one thickness at a time, a multi-beam or linear scan can produce an array of thicknesses. Both
techniques are accurate but the inspection requirements may differ and so does the complexity of the setup. Today
embedded software provides all the necessary tools to produce charts and spot mapping using a Mono channel UT
setup. In addition to that, a PC software application can enhance the workflow by assisting the technician in
producing the inspection scan plan, analyzing the data and comparing the information with previous results. For
Phased Array techniques, embedded software typically does some corrosion inspection and mapping but with a much
higher resolution and provides advanced analysis tools. The paper presented will compare Corrosion Mapping
solutions using mono and phased array transducers. In addition, we will explore software solutions that improve
inspection jobs. Advantages, benefits, results and limitations in corrosion inspection solutions will also be presented.
Keywords: Corrosion Mapping, Phased Array, Ultrasonic Testing, Assistance Tools

1. Introduction
Corrosion mapping by ultrasonic testing has been proven by many industries for numerous years. Specific
Inspection Fields using this application are pressure tanks and clad vessels. The solution depends on the
costumers requirements and this paper will show how Sonatest can provide them. In another way, the
approach to corrosion mapping will be extended from pre-inspection plans to high-end analysis. Benefits
and results using conventional UT and Phased Array (PA) are going to be presented. The Portable
acquisition devices used in this study are the Sonatest D-70 and Veo. The PC compatible software is
UTLity and UT Studio respectively. All transducers used here are also made by Sonatest.
Mapping consists of an array of depth collected in a specific area. Depending on the method used,
resolution can be increased. For example, sometimes it is enough to collect a 5X5 grid to have a big
picture of corrosion. It is quick, fast and cheap. Otherwise, a PA technique gives the best results that we
can acquire: Resolution, Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT), speed using rolling transducer,
accuracy, etc.
Each inspection should have a plan. The plan is mostly defined by a Level III inspector. In this
paper, the tools to achieve a complete inspection will be explained. The results associated with these tools
are in conventional UT and PA.
Sections presented herein are Conventional, PA and an Overview.

2. Conventional UT mapping
2.1 Inspection Planning
The recipe starts with all the ingredients:
UT Probe, Material specifications, PC Computer, Digital Flaw detector (DFD) and its PC software
version. (Sonatest D-70 and UTLity in this section)

2.1.1 Probe
The appropriate transducer is important. Depending on which thicknesses you have to deal with, some
transducers may not be suitable for many reasons. Choose the right frequency so peaks are thin and
reliable. There is also a compromise with attenuation but normally corrosion does not require the far field.
For short sound path, a focusing shoe improves signal artefacts. Known as near field phenomenon, a twin
crystal probe overcomes this issue by using pulse-echo physics but crystals are fixed in a natural position
to pitch and catch. The dual element configuration removes the main bang echo. Thus, close wall echo
may appear without getting closer to the main bang now invisible.
Hint: Dual crystal transducers support the Auto-Zero feature that is a quick pulse-echo action that
searches out instantly the probe zero. It is more commonly used by high temperature sensing where the
probe zero moves versus temperature.

2.1.2 MaterialSpecifications
Previously, the inspector knows what the part to be inspected is. He knows the velocity and the thickness
tolerances accepted. In a simple way, the part is dictated by a high and low limit. The tolerance is the gap
between passable and rejection.
E.g.: 15 mm steel plate. High alarm starts at 16mm and low at 10 mm. Tolerance is set at 2 mm.

Tolerance

mm 0

8 9 10

Low

High

11 12 13 14 15 16

Tolerance

17 18 19 20

Those settings are intrinsic to an inspection plan. They can both be set on the instrument and created by
UTLity before the inspection. An Inspection plan is transferred to the DFD using USB. Moreover, 1D or
2D grids can be previously planned.

2.1.3 DFD
The user has the choice to create his inspection plan or load the one previously set in UTLity. He is now
ready to store thicknesses. In store mode, the user has only to press OK and case location increments
automatically. In this case (see figure 1), the user had set his increment earlier, using XY (add X and then
Y). Default setting for XY label are numbers in X and letters in Y. It is as simple as moving the probe on a
gridded piece and then press OK on the device to record.

Figure 1

2.1.4 PCSoftware
In general, UTLity is used as a complement to the DFD. It does day-to-day tasks, backs up internal
memory of the DFD or updates the embedded software. For grid inspection, UTLity is a leap from
conventional Thickness logging.

Figure 2

In the Grid Plan section, the whole window in UTLity appears as above and preparation can begin. The
advantage of doing this way allows you to make your inspection plan already up to date. The user can load
previous data from years ago from CSV or manually enter them. Rows and columns labels can be changed
as well. Adding explanations or comments can make people more confident about the inspection report.
After each thickness is recorded, ask for notes automatically pops up in the window and then the user
chooses the appropriate note.
N.B.: Previous data and Notes cannot be set in the embedded inspection plan software.

2.2 Data Collected

2.2.1 OnDFD
At first sight on the DFD, once thicknesses have been logged, the user can see the overall results and
navigate through the grid. During recording mode, the user can overwrite data he just collected, and he can
add an extra datum using the OK button with a long press. This extra data is shown like this n.nn/n.nn.
Basic color map is also applied in the DFD. (See figure 3)

Figure 3

At that moment, the user should save the recorded data and upload the file in his computer. The user can
also apply another inspection plan and do a new acquisition.
Hint: To increase data density, B-Chart is a good method. It may record in a stripe up to 50 samples/cm
via encoder or time based. Value of minimum thickness always updates during acquisition.

2.2.2 OnPC
UTLity can open a file directly on the device because it is seen as a USB key. Files can be managed from
DFD to PC and vice versa using drag and drop. The PC software offers a better view of the T-Log just
acquired.
Figure 4

Referring to figure 4, the user interface shows all the items: Inspection Plan Configuration, Alog (if
recorded), Grid, Values, Files Tree, Color Map and CSV exportation.
The inspection is the one that had been used to log fill the grid. During the acquisition, up to 2 values can
be stored in a single cell. The user can choose the Value, Extra Value or Previous Value representation.
Recording a T-Log may not be sufficient nonetheless the A-Scan can be saved as well as the panel itself.
Hence, new range or gain could have been changed and making tracking a lot easier after.
For any further analysis, Color Map button activates custom palette. Cursors in plate mode can be added
and a new colour attached to it. Color map is as good as the rainbow gradient. The user can fine adjust the
threshold between colours.
As mentioned in section 2.2.1, resolution can be as high as 50 samples per millimetres using B-Chart.
Looking at the B-Chart is similar to seeing a slice of the piece. Zoom button allows the user to examine
thickness directly on the B-Chart. B-Charts can be exported to a PDF that contains the chart snapshot and
configuration parameters.

Figure 5

For high-end users, data manipulation can be achieved once the grid or B-Chart has been exported to CSV.
From any spreadsheet software, the user may adapt his grid by merging cells, averaging, rounding,
thickness regression curve, etc. From that point, flexibility is now transferred to the user and it should be
analysed carefully.

2.3 Working Flow

Transfer
CompletePC
InspectionPlan
toDFD
InspectionPlan
inUTLity
LoadInternal
InspectionPlan

RecordData
TLog
Alog
Notes
PreviousData

RecordData
TLog
Alog

Saveand
transfertoPC

ReviewinUTLity
ColorMap
Notes
Values
ExtraValues
PreviousData
ExporttoCSV
AlogView
Panel

Figure 6

3. PA Corrosion Mapping
3.1 Inspection Planning
The material list is analogue to conventional: PA Probe, Material specifications, PC software and DFD.
(Sonatest Veo 16:64 and UT Studio in this section)

3.1.1 PAProbe
Table 1

X3 64 Elements
Array length: 45 mm

T5 64 Elements
Array length: 60 mm

WheelProbe 2 64 Elements
Array length: 51.1 mm

In the context of environment, a smaller array is more capable to fit in constricted space like the X3 probe.
The X3 and T5 probes presented here at 5 MHz have good resolution. The wavelength is small enough to
perceive flaws as small as the wavelength divided per 2. Hence, in steel, depth resolution in the linear scan
is about 0.59 mm. For depth resolution, this is comparable to conventional UT. The primary advantage
here is the array of transducers. It is like having 64 probes working for you at the same time. The
transversal resolution corresponds to the element pitch that is 0.6 mm for the X3 and 0.8 mm for the T5
and WheelProbe. These types of probes suggest using an 8 active element aperture. This simulates a
symmetrical beam (6.4x6.4 mm) and wherever the probe attacks the defects, it will appear always in the
same shape.
These probes have a delay line. All options are possible since it is made of rexolite plastic: irrigations,
wear pins, circumference radius and height. The height of the wedge gives all the range path clearance
necessary to inspect pieces without rexolite echoes. Such transducers can have a hard face optionally
therefore no wedge is required at that moment.
The WheelProbe has a water delay line and a special tyre that fits with water properties. Thus, there are no
echoes between water, tyre and coupling water. To cover surface imperfections, only a mist of water is
required. The design of the wheel is multi-purposed. Its sided roller adapts from concave, flat to convex
surfaces. The V-roller can be fitted to inspect longitudinally on a pipe. Even the handle can be adapted to a
single handle or in C as shown above in table 1.

3.1.2 MaterialSpecifications
When it is the time to build a configuration file, the user sets all parameters involved in this inspection.
Part tab contains physical properties. Scan parameters defines Gain, Acquisition Area, Focusing,
Transmission, Reception and Elements Selection. All these parameters are shown in a 3D view in figure 7.

Figure 7

Figure 8

The inspection plan overall view is show in figure 8. This view is a good guideline of the setup once
placed on the part. In addition, it helps the inspector to plan his marker on the surface. This entire
configuration can be built via UT Studio before inspection.

3.1.3 PhasedArrayDFD
The Sonatest Veo is the product used in this part. This is a 16-active element device that can multiplex up
to 128 elements. There is a WheelProbe that has 128 elements. Hence, it has about 96 mm of active area
instead of 46 mm. Thus, speed of area covered is 2 times faster.
During live acquisition, the user has a scrolling view of the building up C-scan. Each stripes of the C-scan
side by side is called merged C-scan. As figure 8 represents the covered area, merged C-scan is the area
in the amplitude or thickness extracted.
Amplitude and Thickness scans

C-scan of a defect in amplitude on left, Thickness on right

Figure 9

Figure 10

A large selection of layouts is available to make the inspection comfortable. Multi A-scans layouts contain
1 extractor per A-scan such that the user can spot thickness sections. Alarms associated to a gate can be
outputted to the GPIO in the device. The WheelProbe 2 uses both encoder and GPIO connectors. Thus, the
user has a direct feedback view instead of looking at the Veo. Indeed, the probe has 3 configurable LED.
The pre-defined outputs are Gate 1 and Gate 2 states and Record mode status.
Together with the LED feedback, a phone kit and remote, inspection setup can be far away from the device
without limitations. The wires can be as long as 10 meters.

10 m

10 m

Figure 11 Radius of Action

3.2 Data collected

Immediate review on device is possible once the record file has been loaded. The UI remains the same but
the data is now saved in a file. From now on, extractors are in place so extra views from L-scan reveal Ascans, B-scans, C-scans, B-log (B-chart in D70), Top-view, End-view, etc. That is why there are lots of
layouts available.
Useful Views:
L-scan: Amplitude representations of beams recorded at scan and index position. It literally is the
electronic B-scan right down the probe.
C-Scan: Each beam of the probe is an A-Scan. Each A-Scan generates 1
pixel of the view. If data extraction is a thickness, the color palette will
translate the number into a colour. Similarly, it behaves the same in
amplitude. Depth mode shows erosion and scouring, and amplitude shows
corrosion and pitting. In figure 10, on the bottom left side, the blue
represents a low amplitude reflector. The sound reflector is angled, and
then no echo is received.
Figure 12

B-log: Comparable to B-Chart, it is the depth view along the scan axis.
Refer to figure 5. Instead of bars in B-Chart, B-Log is a red line representing thickness and color behind is
mapped versus amplitude or depth.

Average, Max and Min lines can be also

shown in View Properties. Data from a BLog is combined from one scan at the time
(Like figure 13). It is not the B-Log
provided by merged-C-Scan. (Multiple
scans assembled) Briefly, under all
circumstances, color-mapping information
is really important.

Figure 13

3.2.1 Annotations
The Annotation table allows the user to output precise measurements in a table of results. The annotation
box size and position can be dragged and dropped all over the view. The definition of defect can be
defined whether in depth or amplitude. The annotations use the following limits to size the defects.

Figure 14

3.2.2 CSVexportation:
Save View Data to CSV file button convert current amplitude or depth into a CSV table. Optionally, it is
right output in the device in Views menu. This capability is for those who want more flexibility in data
manipulation. Many views have this feature: Current L-scan, C-scans, A-scans, Top and End Views. Files
created from the devices can be transferred on basic USB key or shared in FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

3.3 Advanced Working Flow

ReviewinUTStudio:
ColorMap
ColorMapEditor
Annotations
Notes
MultipleWorkingSheets
Create
ConFigurationfor
Inspection:
InUTStudio
or
InVEO/PRISMA

LoadConFigurationFile
RecordData
LinearScan
CScan
MergeScans
LoadConFigurationFile
fromPreviousData
(.utadatato.utcfg)

CostumLayouts
ExporttoCSV
PDFReport
DragandDropViewstoWord

DirectlyopeninVEO/PRISMA:
ExporttoCSV
PreFinedLayouts
SharetoFTPserver
PDFReport

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4. Benefits and Advantages Comparison Chart

Conventional Mapping
Low Cost
Simple Training
Easy and Light User Interface
Fast Point Acquisition
Small Equipment
Color Palette Application
CSV Exportation
Traceability
Notes

PA Mapping
High resolution Encoding
Near Surface Resolution
Low Coupling Required (WheelProbe)
Very Low Irrigation Required (WheelProbe)
Fast Encoding Performance
Synthetic Focusing
100% Coverage
Color Palette Application and Editor
Multi Views
Advanced PC software
CSV Exportation from any Views
Embedded Reviewing
Further Analysis Possibilities
Traceability
Annotations and Notes

5. Conclusion
In all cases, the user choses conventional or PA application to give the most satisfying results. Nowadays,
software tends to ease the user interface to make things faster. Since both ways of inspection are as
friendly as possible, training is easier. Moreover, the requirements can be improved in some cases where
standards switch from conventional to PA. Traceability, predictability, reproducibility and more are also
the keys to refine the industrial processes.

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