Introduction to Data Interpretation

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 Preface

The operation of many NDT methods including Guided

Waves is greatly simplified by the use of computers to
calibrate the equipment, and gather, store and display test
data. This does not remove the responsibility from the
operator to ensure that the test results are valid.
The interpretation of test data relies on the skill of the test
operator.
Interpretation expertise is gained through experience!
A Level 1 certified GWT operative can satisfactorily operate
the test equipment, collect data and present the results
under close supervision.
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 Data presentation - A-Scan Display

GWT data are usually presented as an A-scan (Amplitude v Distance)

which is familiar to all ultrasonic testing technicians. However, in GWT the
distance axis (X) is shown in metres rather than millimetres. The amplitude
axis (Y) is shown in millivolts (mV) rather than Decibels (dB)

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 A-scan Displays

Linear A-scan Logarithmic A-scan

A presentation of data using a scale with A presentation of data using a scale where the Y axis
equal divisions for equal values. divisions are orders of magnitude. This view can be
helpful when the data covers a large range.
Amplitude

Distance
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 Guided Wave Responses

Flange
Transducer
Tool

Weld Metal loss Metal loss

Symmetrical
mode

Symmetrical Vertical Horizontal

mode - black flexural flexural mode -
mode - blue Red

Range (m)
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 A-scan Showing Common Pipe Features

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 There are 5 Steps to Interpreting A-scans

• Identify signals from known features – Welds, Supports,

Bends, Branches etc.
• Fit DAC curves and set diagnostic length.
• Investigate any anomalous indications eliminating mirrored
responses / reverberations etc.
• Focus on any remaining indications.
• Classify anomalies according to the Amplitude /
Directionality Matrix.

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 Pipe Features

• Girth welds – Shows symmetrical signals (used for setting DAC curves)
• Flange – Shows symmetrical signals 100% reflection
• Bends/elbows – Distort the wave, we can inspect beyond one bend
but best practise is not to.
• Pipe Supports – Display a strong flexural component dependant on
their orientation
• Branches / T’s – Produce flexural signals, but may not affect the test
sensitivity depending on their diameter.
• Coatings – Some types of coatings will attenuate the signal.
• Internal deposits - will also absorb ultrasound.

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 Girth Welds

Girth welds are a uniform axi-symmetric feature, so will be displayed as a

predominantly black trace on the A-scan presentation.
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 Flanges

A flange may appear ‘weld’ like due to its

predominant black trace on the A-scan.
The noticeable differences between the
two signals are the received amplitudes
and echo dynamic response.

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 Bends / Elbows

The first bend weld will appear almost

identical to that of a girth weld because
it’s essentially the same feature although
sometimes with a slightly higher
amplitude to that of a standard girth weld.
The second bend weld adjacent to the
flange will normally display a drop in
amplitude and display a higher flexural
response depending on the bends
orientation

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 Pipe Supports
Signals received from pipe supports can vary dramatically
depending on their style and wherever they are welded,
clamped or resting. Poorly designed pipe supports are
responsible for many piping corrosion failures!

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 Branches and T’s
Branches and T pieces are commonly seen pipe features which cover a large
spectrum of non axi-symmetric reflectors of various diameters including vents,
valves, weldolets, instrumentation points etc.
The signal response seen from this group of features is largely dependent on
diameter. Smaller diameter features such as vents or drain valves will give a small
flexural response depending on its orientation but will have little effect on the onward
travelling wave. More severe effects are seen at larger diameters when testing such
features as a branch or T piece which has an equal diameter to that of the main
carrier pipe. These features will also exhibit a strong flexural component but may
have a detrimental effect to the onward travelling wave.

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 Guided Wave Responses
Branch 1
Flange 1 Weld 2

Tool Weld 1 Corrosion

Weld 1 Weld 3

Weld 2
A-scan
Branch 1
Branch 2
Weld 3
Branch 2
Flange 1
Tool Flange 2
Flange 2
Corrosion

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 Ghost / Mirror Signals

Ghost/Mirror will appear between signals from

girth welds and may result from locating the
transducer tool close to a large symmetrical
reflector e.g. Flange or from incomplete
cancellation of unwanted wave modes.

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 Ghost Signals

D Pipe ends

Tool

30
Weld

‘Ghost’
20
Millivolts

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60
2D Metres

• Ghost signal from pipe end behind tool

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 Ghost Signal at 35KHz

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 Ghost Signal at 50KHz

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 Reverberations

Reverberations are most often noted when using the

Longitudinal wave mode on high pressure water lines.
Multiple echoes at regular intervals are displayed after the
first and subsequent girth weld signals.

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 Reverberations

Tool

Pipe
Weld
Reverberation

30
Millivolts

20

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60
Metres

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 Reverberations

These signals may mask possible responses from features

in the area where the reverberations are plotted
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 Data Annotation

Features names can be added to the A-scan

display by selecting a suitable description from
the feature menu

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 Complex pipeline geometry

All pipe features and changes in pipe geometry reflect

ultrasound. In some situations pipeline geometry may be
too complex to obtain a confident diagnosis as signals from
multiple features in close proximity may obscure signals
from metal loss damage

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 Complex pipeline geometry

Flanges

Branch
Girth Welds

Pipe Contents
Coatings

Support Collars
Internal Deposits

• A weld response is close to that of a flange so extreme care should be taken .

• A drawing of the structure helps to identify features.

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 A-scan from complex pipe geometry

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 Setting DAC

100

Attenuation Measurement
Millivolts

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60
Metres
30
Millivolts

20

DAC Construction 10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60
Metres
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 DAC Setting

Flange
Weld Attenuation

100

Noise
10 

Millivolts

0
10 20 30 40 50 60
Metres

Automatic detection of girth welds and calculation of the attenuation rate if 2 or more welds are
identified in a single direction.
• Fits the -14dB line to the identified peaks.
• the 0dB level is set such as the –26dB level corresponding to a 9% loss in cross-sectional area
(green line on the screen) and the 32dB level which is used to determine diagnostic length.
• Operators can set the DAC curves manually using same steps
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 Attenuation and Noise

Logarithmic A-scan

Attenuation

Material noise Electronic noise

Time base

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 A-scan Threshold Levels
Flange
100% Reflector (0dB)

-14dB
Girth welds
-20dB

-26dB

-32dB

Noise
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 A-Scan Threshold Levels

Category 3

Category 2

Category 1

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 Anomalies Identification

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 Factors affecting anomaly response

• Size as ‘seen’ by the wave propagating along the pipe

• Depth of the area.
• The axial extent of the area to a lesser degree.

Axial length

Depth Circumferential
extent

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 Focusing of Guided Waves

• Segmented tool allows the energy to be concentrated

at a point – axially and circumferentially
• Acts as a phased array
• Increased sensitivity by 12dB
• Circumferential length information

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 Effect of number of segments

4 segments 8 segments 16 segments

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Focusing of Guided Waves

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Energy focused in-line with defect

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Energy focused 270 from defect

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 Directionality 3 Response

A highly directional response

indicates that the defect is -6dB
concentrated on a small
circumferential area, so is likely to
be deep.

Directionality 3 – Score 3

Maximum Amplitude
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 Directionality 2 Response

If the response spans two adjacent -6dB

focal points, then the defect is likely
to be wider and will be shallower for
a given response amplitude.

Directionality 2 – Score 2

Maximum Amplitude
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 Directionality 1 Response

If the defect is spread across more

than two focal points, then it is likely -6dB
to be more widely distributed and
will be shallower than the previous
examples for a given amplitude.

Directionality 1 – Score 1

Maximum Amplitude
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 Directionality 0 Response

A highly symmetrical response, e.g.

from a weld, will give a uniform -6dB
amplitude as the focus is moved
around the pipe.

Directionality 0 – Score 1

Maximum Amplitude
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 Evaluation Matrix
The overall classification is obtained by multiplying the Category scores for both
Amplitude and Directionality (Amplitude x Directionality).
Amplitude Directionality Score Follow up priority
Category Category
3 3 9 High
3 2 6 High
3 1 3 High
2 3 6 High
2 2 4 High
2 1 2 Medium
1 3 3 High
1 2 2 Medium
1 1 1 Low
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