Very Powerful Superior Performance Extremely Portable Smart Phased Array Ultrasonic Flaw Detector and Recorder with 2 Additional Channels for Conventional UT / TOFD
Designed and built under the drive for improved detection, productivity, and reducing of inspection cost ISONIC 3510 uniquelly resolves the well-known nowadays challenges faced by NDT and QA management
such as increasing of nomenclature and complexity of inspections combined with more demanding codes, standards, and norms along with significant loss of domain expertise
ISONIC 3510 carries the application based smart platform for the regular and advanced ultrasonic testing delivering
5 inspection modalities PA, TOFD, CHIME, SRUT GW, conventional UT and a combination of them
outstanding ultrasonic performance and probability of detection
simplicity and intuitiveness of operation and data interpretation
rapidness in the creation of the new inspection solutions and procedures
easily expandable on-board solutions base
reduced training time and cost
comprehensiveness of automatically created inspection reports
The optimal suitability of ISONIC 3510 for resolving of the huge variety of inspection tasks for all industries and processes involving ultrasonic NDT are strongly
backed by the above listed features and technical particulars and specs below
Flaw Detection and Thickness / Corrosion Mapping
True-To-Geometry Volume Overlay and 3D Coverage and Imaging for:
Butt Welds (Planar and Circumferential) with
Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Bevel or Unbeveled
Equivalent or Different Thickness of Jointed Parts
Longitudinal Welds
Fillet, Tee-, and TKY- Welds - Flat and Curved Parts
Corner and Nozzle Welds
Open Corner and Edge Welds
Lap Joints
Elbow and Transit Welds
Simple and Complex Geometry Solid and Hollow Shafts and Axles
Drill Rods, Bridge Hanger Pins, Bolts
Turbine Blades
Flat and Curved Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Honeycombs Parts Including Corners and Radius Areas
etc
TOFD
CHIME and SRUT GW - Short Range Guided Wave
Operating 1 or 2 PA Probes Simultaneously: No External Splitter Required
Fully Parallel Architecture 32:32 expandable to 64:64 / 128:128
Freely Adjustable Emitting and Receiving Aperture
EquPAS the Equalized Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Sensitivity
FMC/TFM
FD B-Scan (Frequency Domain B-Scan)
VAUT - Video Aided UT
GPS
Automatic Defects Evaluation and Reporting
Intuitive User Interface
UT over IP: Remote Control, Observation of the Indications, Data Acquisition through LAN, Internet, Intranet, etc
Fully parallel 32:32 PA electronics expandable to 64:64 / 128:128 functionality
2 PA probe terminals: 1 X 32:32 / 2 X 16:16 - switchable: there is no external splitter required for operating 2 PA probes simultaneously
Ability of work with PA probes carrying up to 64 and 128 elements
Independently adjustable emitting and receiving aperture with parallel firing, A/D conversion, and on-the-fly real time digital phasing
Phased array pulser receiver with image guided ray tracing / scan plan designer for the numerous types of simple and complex geometry welds, shafts, bolts, spindles, composite profiles, and the like
8192 independently adjustable focal laws
On-the-fly focal law editing ability
Bi-polar square wave initial pulse: up to 300 Vpp / 100 dB analogue gain / 0.2...25 MHz bandpass / 16 bit 100 MHz ADC / 32 taps smoothly tunable digital filter
Regular and volume overlay B-Scan / Sector Scan (S-Scan) / Horizontal Plane S-Scan (CB-Scan) coverage accompanied with all-codes-compliant A-Scan based evaluation
Multigroup coverage composed of several cross-sectional B- and S-Scans
Strip Chart
Single group and multigroup Top (C-Scan), Side, End View imaging formed through encoded / time-based line scanning, 3D-Viewer
Single side / both sides weld coverage with use of one PA probe / pair of PA probes
TOFD Map out of a pair of PA probes
Top (C-Scan), Side, End View imaging formed through encoded XY- scanning, 3D-Viewer
Built-in automatic coupling monitor and lamination checker for wedged probes
Equalized cross sectional coverage sensitivity: TCG-independent gain per focal law adjustment providing pure angle gain compensation for S-Scan, etc
DAC, TCG
Dynamic Focusing
FMC, TFM, Back Diffraction Technique with / without and Mode Conversion
Processing of diffracted and mode converted signals for defects sizing and pattern recognition
Operating Linear Array (LA), Ring Array (RA), Matrix Array (MA), Dual Matrix Array (DMA), Dual Linear Array (DLA), and other PA probes
FFT signal analysis
FD B-Scan (Frequency Domain B-Scan) for the material structure characterization and other special tasks
100% raw data capturing
Automatic alarming defects / generating of editable defects list upon scanning completed
Advanced defects sizing and pattern recognition utilities
Conventional UT and TOFD:
2 channels
Single / dual modes of pulsing/receiving for every channel
Bi-polar square wave initial pulse: up to 300 Vpp / 100 dB analogue gain / 0.2...25 MHz bandpass / 16 bit 100 MHz ADC / 32 taps smoothly tunable digital filter
Comprehensive postprocessing and data reporting toolkit
Remote control and data capturing with use of a regular PC with no need in special software
No intake air / no cooling IP 65 light rugged case
Sealed all-functional keyboard and mouse
8.5 bright touch screen
Ethernet, USB, sVGA terminals
ISONIC 3510 uniquely combines PA, single- and multi-channel conventional UT, and TOFD modalities providing 100% raw data recording and imaging. Along with the intuitive user interface, portability, lightweight, and battery operation this makes it suitable for all kinds of every-day ultrasonic inspections
The PA modality is carried by the fully parallel non-multiplexed 32:32 electronics with independently adjustable emitting and receiving aperture, each may consist of 1...32 elements when operating one PA probe or 1...16 elements per probe
in case of operating two PA probes simultaneously: there is no external splitter required for the simultaneous use of 2 PA probes. The 64- and 128-elements PA probes may be used with the ISONIC 3510 as well upon they are connected to the
corresponding instruments terminals through the various miniature extenders expanding the functionality to the fully parallel 1 X 64:64, 2 X 32:32, 1 X 128:128, and 2 X 64:64 modes with no multiplexing involved (depending on the type
and quantity of the extenders). The groups of phased array probe elements composing the emitting and receiving aperture may be fully or partially matching or totally separated allowing flexible managing of the incidence angles, focal distances,
types of radiated and received waves including directly reflected and diffracted signals either mode converted or not
Each channel is equipped with the own pulser-receiver and A/D converter. Parallel firing, A/D conversion, and on-the-fly digital phasing are performed for every possible composition and size of the emitting and receiving aperture
so the implementing of each focal law is completed within a single pulsing/receiving cycle providing the maximal possible speed of material coverage
ISONIC 3510 allows using of the various types PA probes: linear and rings arrays (LA and RA), dual linear arrays (LA), matrix arrays (MA), dual matrix arrays (DMA), Dual Linear Array (DLA), etc
In addition to the PA electronics ISONIC 3510 carries 2 independent conventional channels for implementing of the regular UT and TOFD inspection; each channel is capable for both single and dual modes of use
The top level ultrasonic performance is achieved through firing PA, TOFD, and conventional probes with the bipolar square wave initial pulse with wide-range-tunable duration and amplitude (up to 300 Vpp).
The high stability of the initial pulse amplitude within entire duration of the positive and negative half-waves, the extremely short boosted rising and falling edges and the automatic adaptive damping improve
the signal to noise ratio and resolution allowing controlling of the analogue gain over the 0 100 dB range for each modality
ISONIC 3510 is a very powerful platform for the huge number of the practical PA UT applications available for the activation at any moment. Thanks to the unique True-To-Geometry Volume Overlap Coverage and Real Time Imaging
the ISONIC 3510 is suitable for the high performance inspection of the simple and complex geometry welds (butt, longitudinal, fillet, lap, corner, elbow, etc) with scanning from one or both sides simultaneously (if applicable), bolts,
bridge hanger pins, wind turbine and other shafts, annular rings, flanges, rails and railway axles and wheels, CRFP and GRFP composite panels and profiled stuff, and the like. The precise and easy reproducible
automatic Equalizing of the Sensitivity within Entire Cross-Section / Volume of the Material is provided by the unique TCG-independent angle gain / gain per focal law compensation solution along with the
DAC / TCG image normalization
Thanks to the above noted True-To-Geometry Volume Overlap Coverage and Imaging and Equalizing of the Sensitivity within Entire Cross-Section / Volume of the Material the inspection
results produced by the ISONIC 3510 are easy interpretable and well acceptable by the UT Pros and non-Pros as well
ISONIC 3510 is packed into the IP 65 reinforced plastic case with no intake air or any other cooling means. The large 800X600 8.5 bright screen provides fine resolution and visibility for all types of inspection data
presentation at strong ambient light along with the optimized power consumption rate for the outdoor operation
ISONIC 3510 is fully compliant with the following codes
ASME Code Case 2541 Use of Manual Phased Array Ultrasonic Examination Section V
ASME Code Case 2557 Use of Manual Phased Array S-Scan Ultrasonic Examination Section V per Article 4 Section V
ASME Code Case 2558 Use of Manual Phased Array E-Scan Ultrasonic Examination Section V per Article 4 Section V
ASTM 1961 06 Standard Practice for Mechanized Ultrasonic Testing of Girth Welds Using Zonal Discrimination with Focused Search Units
ASME Section I Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME Section VIII, Division 2 Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels. Alternative Rules
ASME Section VIII Article KE-3 Examination of Welds and Acceptance Criteria
ASME Code Case 2235 Use of Ultrasonic Examination in Lieu of Radiography
Non-destructive testing of welds Ultrasonic testing Use of automated phased array technology. - International Standard EN ISO 13588:2012
Non-Destructive Examination of Welded Joints Ultrasonic Examination of Welded Joints. British and European Standard BS EN 1714:1998
Non-Destructive Examination of Welds Ultrasonic Examination Characterization of Indications in Welds. British and European Standard BS EN 1713:1998
Calibration and Setting-Up of the Ultrasonic Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) Technique for the Detection, Location and Sizing of Flaws. British Standard BS 7706:1993
WI 00121377, Welding Use Of Time-Of-Flight Diffraction Technique (TOFD) For Testing Of Welds. European Committee for Standardization Document # CEN/TC 121/SC 5/WG 2 N 146, issued Feb, 12, 2003
ASTM E 2373 04 Standard Practice for Use of the Ultrasonic Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) Technique
Non-Destructive Testing Ultrasonic Examination Part 5: Characterization and Sizing of Discontinuities. British and European Standard BS EN 583-5:2001
Non-Destructive Testing Ultrasonic Examination Part 2: Sensitivity and Range Setting. British and European Standard BS EN 583-2:2001
Manufacture and Testing of Pressure Vessels. Non-Destructive Testing of Welded Joints. Minimum Requirement for Non-Destructive Testing Methods Appendix 1 to AD-Merkblatt HP5/3 (Germany). Edition July 1989
The zero point test and annual verification procedures of ISONIC 3510 are fully compliant with the international standards below and the corresponding national norms
PA channels
ISO 18563-1. Non-destructive testing Characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment. Part 1: Instruments
ISO 18563-3. Non-destructive testing Characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment. Part 3: Combined systems
Conventional channels
EN 12668-1. Non-destructive testing Characterization a verification of ultrasonic examination equipment. Part 1: Instruments
EN 12668-3. Non-destructive testing Characterization a verification of ultrasonic examination equipment. Part 3: Combined Equipment
1 X 32:32 switchable to / from 2 X 16:16
1 X 64:64* switchable to / from 2 X 32:32*
1 X 128:128* switchable to / from 2 X 64:64*
* - with use of the corresponding extension terminals Important: there is no external splitter required in case of using 2 PA probes simultaneously
Initial Pulse:
Bipolar Square Wave with Boosted Rising and Falling Edges, Guaranteed Shell Stability, and Active Damping
Transition:
≤7.5 ns (10-90% for rising edges / 90-10% for falling edges)
Amplitude:
Smoothly tunable (12 levels) 50 300 Vpp into 50 Ω
Half Wave Duration:
50 600 ns controllable in 5 ns step
Emitting aperture:
1...32/64*/128* adjustable as fully or partially matching OR mismatching with the receiving aperture
* - with use of the corresponding extension terminals
Receiving Aperture:
1...32/64*/128* adjustable as fully or partially matching OR mismatching with the emitting aperture
* - with use of the corresponding extension terminals
Phasing - emitting and receiving:
0 100 μs with 5 ns resolution independently controllable
Analogue Gain:
0...100 dB controllable in 0.5 dB resolution
Advanced Low Noise Design:
85 μV peak to peak input referred to 80 dB gain / 25 MHz bandwidth
Frequency Band:
0.2 25 MHz
A/D Conversion:
100 MHz 16 bit
Digital Filter:
32-Taps FIR band pass with controllable lower and upper frequency limits; non-linear acoustics technique supported
Superimposing of receiving aperture signals:
On-the-fly, no multiplexing involved
Phasing (receiving aperture):
On-the-fly 0 100 μs with 5 ns resolution
Dynamic Focusing:
Supported
FMC, TFM, Back Diffraction Technique with / without and Mode Conversion:
Supported
A-Scan:
RF
Rectified (Full Wave / Negative or Positive Half Wave)
Signal's Spectrum (FFT Graph)
Reject:
0...99 % of screen height controllable in 1% resolution
Material Ultrasound Velocity:
300...20000 m/s (11.81 787.4 "/ms) controllable in 1 m/s (0.1 "/ms) resolution
Time Base - Range:
0.5...7000 μs - controllable in 0.01 μs resolution
Time Base - Display Delay:
0...400 μs - controllable in 0.01 μs resolution
Probe Delay:
Automatically settled depending on the PA probe / wedge / delay line in use according to the desired:
Aperture(s)
Incidence Angle
Focal Point Position
etc
DAC / TCG:
One Per Focal Law
Multi-curve
Slope ≤ 20 dB/μs
Available for the rectified and RF A-Scans
Theoretical through entering dB/mm (dB/") factor
Experimental through recording echoes from several reflectors; capacity - up to 40 points
Automatic Gain Correction:
Complimentary Mechanism Independent on DAC / TCG:
AGC - Angle Gain Compensation for the sectorial scan coverage
GPSC - Gain Shot (Focal Law) Correction for other types of coverage
EquPAS - Equalized PA Inspection Sensitivity:
Provided for every desired type of reference reflector:
SDH (Side Drilled Hole)
FBH (Flat Bottom Hole)
EDM Notch
etc
Gates:
2 Independent gates per focal law controllable over entire time base in 0.1 mm /// 0.001" resolution
Threshold:
5 95 % of A-Scan height controllable in 1 % resolution
Phased Array Probes:
1D Array linear (LA), rings (RA), and the like
Dual Linear Array (DLA)
Matrix Array (MA)
Dual Matrix Array (DMA)
Focal Laws:
8192 in total
Independently adjustable gain / time base / apertures / pulsing receiving modes, etc for each focal law among the plurality of implemented within a frame composing sequence
From an external computer running under W'XP, W'7, W'8, W'10 through Ethernet
No special software required
All calibration and inspection data is stored in the control computer
Ambient Temperature:
-30°C ... +60°C (operation)
-50°C ... +60°C (storage)
Housing:
Rugged reinforced plastic case with the stainless steel carrying handle
IP 65
No air intake
The cooling is not required
Dimensions:
292x295x115 mm (11.50"x11.61"x4.53") - with / without battery inside
Weight:
4,850 kg (10.70 lbs) with battery 4.200 kg (9.26 lbs) without battery
Phased Array Pulser Receiver
In the ISONIC 3510 PA Pulser Receiver is controlled through the intuitive operating surface combining classiic user interface of ultrasonic flaw detector and the ray-tracing graphics
Types of waves to be generated in / received from the material are controlled / selected through entering the value of the corresponding ultrasonic velocity in the material. The instrument screen movie below
illustrates an example of switching between longitudinal / shear wave whilst the wedged linear array probe is placed on the IIW-I (V1, K1) block receiving the signal from 100 mm radius concave cylindrical surface (the wedge angle
of 36°exceeds the first critical angle)
The trace of ultrasonic beam, probe footprint, focal points, apertures, etc are truly imaged upon entering thickness, OD, and other data characterizing geometry of the material
Whilst performing inspection with the use of wedged linear array probes according to the S-, B-, or other scan plan it is possible to add a number of additional focal laws to the main sequence.
The calibration for each such focal law is performed through the Phased Array Pulser Receiver dialogue. The instrument screen video below illustrates activation of 0-deg compression wave pulsing-receiving
focal law in order to monitor coupling between the probe and material through evaluation of the back wall echo amplitude (the same focal law allows detection of laminations in the parent material under
the probe at the same time):
Signal presentation and evaluation for the A-Scans obtained through implementing of the desired focal laws is fully compliant with the conventional UT codes and procedures
DAC and TCG may be created through collecting echo amplitude / time of flight data from up to 40 reflectors (points) or through entering dB/mm (dB/inch) factor. The photos and
video below illustrate the use of the typical calibration block for creating a DAC through collection of shear wave echoes from the Flat Bottom Hole (FBH) obtained through the half-, full-, 1.5 skip insonification:
The videos below illustrate preparing DAC for other reference reflectors, namely, the EDM Notch and the Side Drilled Hole (SDH), commonly used for the shear wave inspection:
The video below illustrates preparing DAC for the compression wave inspection with the use of FBH reference reflector:
The above allows using of the same concepts and calibration blocks as for conventional UT and extremely simplifies calibration of the instrument prior to the electronic scanning
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
B-Scan / S-Scan
Cross-sectional insonification and imaging of the material may be provided electronically with use of linear array probes through:
Linear scanning with ultrasonic beam at predetermined incidence angle through reallocating of fixed size emitting/receiving aperture within entire array and composing of B-Scan image
Sectorial scanning with ultrasonic beam produced by fixed emitting/receiving aperture through steering of incidence angle in the predetermined range and composing of S-Scan image
Combining linear and sectorial scanning
etc
The effects of inequality of elements of linear array, varying sound path and loss in the delay line or wedge, dependency of energy of refracted wave and effective size of emitting/receiving aperture
on incidence angle should be compensated to equalize the sensitivity over insonified cross-section. The unique feature of ISONIC 3510 is the ability of managing independently adjustable focal laws
within the same frame-composing sequence of pulsing/receiving shots so every focal law may me executed with individually adjusted gain, time base, and other core settings providing:
Gain per Shot Correction for B-Scan
Angle Gain Compensation for S-Scan
True-to-Geometry imaging representing actual distribution of ultrasonic beams and true-to-location indication of defects in the cross-sectional view of the material
Several examples below illustrate the superior performance of ISONIC 2010 proven on the most commonly used simple reference blocks. The instrument files for each example are downloadable and may be played back using the freely distributable ISONIC PA Office software package
Example 1: Two compression wave B-Scan images of three flat bottom holes. The corresponding instrument file # 1 and instrument file # 2 are available for download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 2: Shear wave S-Scan image of several side-drilled holes forming 50 mm radius arc in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 3: Shear wave S-Scan image of several side-drilled holes forming 25 mm radius arc in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 4: Shear wave S-Scan image of several side-drilled holes forming straight vertical line in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 5: Shear wave S-Scan image of several side-drilled holes forming straight line in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 6: Shear wave S-Scan image of nine side-drilled holes forming 3 short straight lines in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 7: Shear wave S-Scan image of seven side-drilled holes forming Z-chain in the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 8:True-to-Geometry shear wave S-Scan image of four notches on the bottom surface of the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 9: Shear wave S-Scan image of three flat bottom holes made from the cylyndrical outer surface of the material. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 10: Shear wave S-Scan image of three side-drilled holes forming a vertical line and the inclined step in the material behind the holes. The corresponding instrument file is available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
Example 11: Compression wave S-Scan image of the 1.2 mm flat bottom hole at ~251 mm depth in the ALCOA block and the back surface of the said block. The corresponding instrument file # 1 and instrument file # 2 are available for the download and playing with use of ISONIC PA Office Software package
For the significant number of inspection tasks the quality of the material may not be distinguished surely based on the traditional pulse echo technique: the deviation between the typical parameters of ultrasonic signals (amplitude, time of flight)
such as, for example, back wall echo, back scattered noise, etc is not sufficient for the grading of the material quality or GO / NO GO decisions. The frequency domain analysis applied to such signals became a very efficient tool for the
conventional modality based ultrasonic testing (UT), for example detection and sorting of the metals affected by HTHA (High Temperature Hydrogen Damage Attack), characterization of the composite parts and honeycomb panels, and the like. The quality
check and verification of the conventional ultrasonic probes according to EN 12668-2 and ASTM E 1065 involves the frequency domain signal analysis as well. Thus since almost 20 years ago all models of Sonotron NDT smart conventional UT flaw detectors
and the conventional channels of all Sonotron NDT PA instruments are featured with the frequency domain signal display based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) implementation
The main problem of the conventional ultrasonic inspection based on the frequency domain signal analysis is the need in performing of the discrete point-by-point probing: due to the spectrum of the signal is very sensitive to the coupling
deviations the coupling should be stabilized for every new touch of the material surface with conventional probe making the scanning almost impossible so the speed of inspection is very low and practically there is no way to detect the boundary between
the normal and affected area of the material precisely
Since February, 2018 the frequency domain signal analysis became the standard feature of the PA Modality functioning for all portable Sonotron NDT instruments ISONIC 3510, ISONIC 2010, and
ISONIC 2009 UPA Scope and for the high speed automatic PA inspection platform ISONIC PA AUT. The FFT function is applicable to every focal laws A-Scan obtained
at the calibration, inspection, and evaluation stage bringing the speed and reliability of the material characterization to the significantly higher level. For every frequency domain graph (FFT graph) the signals center frequency and bandpass
at the desired level are determined automatically and the corresponding mapping and real time imaging is available. The video below illustrates the typical application example related to the inspection of honeycomb panel with composite skin when
the FFT is applied to the back wall echo and the FD B-Scan (Frequency Doman B-Scan) image is formed for the entire PA probe coverage providing very clear pitch-size-resolution distinguishing between the different quality areas while the
regular B-Scan imaging doesnt allow the same rapidness and simplicity of interpretation
The next video represents the PA Probe connected to the standard delay line, the front surface of which is free. The FFT is applied to every echo obtained through the reflection from the front surface of delay line whilst the firing / receiving aperture
consists of one element only: in such manner each element of the probe is verified rapidly by the echo amplitude, waveform, and frequency domain so the PA Probe verification document may be issued automatically in less than a minute since the PA probes
terminal is plugged in; the results of verification become compatible with the similar analysis performed for the conventional probe
Some new frequency domain based PA inspection applications coming with the soon updates of the instruments software relate to the HTHA checking using compression and shear waves, casting nodularity inspection, defect pattern analysis, etc.
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
True To Geometry Coverage and Imaging
True-to-Geometry Coverage and Imaging is the unique proprietary technology of Sonotron NDT, which is explained below based on an example related to the inspection of longitudinal weld
True-to-Geometry Coverage and Imaging Technology is based on the following principles:
the actual outer shape and dimensions of the material are entered into the instrument along with the important internal structure particulars and represented on the screen as the dimensioned drawing (sketch)
the image guided ultrasonic beam-tracing is performed by an operator over the said drawing through varying probe position on the scanning surface and manipulating beam coverage parameters virtually until the optimal scan plan is achieved
the needful calibration of ultrasonic PA pulser receiver and the correction settings corresponding to the designed scan plan are performed then with use of the appropriate calibration blocks
at last the sequence of focal laws providing the desired ultrasonic coverage of the material at the given placement of PA probe is formed; every focal law is characterized by the individually adjusted incidence angle, time base, gain, and DAC
the bulks of A-Scans representing every implemented focal law from the plurality defined by the scan plan are pushed into the focal law memory of the instrument and the image is composed in real time indicating the reflectors in their actual positions independently on the combination of beams providing their detection: the corresponding instrument file is available for download and playing with use of of the freely distributable ISONIC PA Office software package
The main advantage of the True To Geometry Coverage and Imaging vs regular sectorial / linear scan coverage is the extremely simple and quick interpretation of the results obtained by the ultrasonic PA flaw detector
The said advantage is illustrated by several videos below illustrating detection of several defects in the butt weld with asymmetrical bevel and in the fillet weld
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
EquPAS the Equalized Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Sensitivity
EquPAS the Equalized PAUT Sensitivity approach is applicable for the inspections implemented by all portable and automatic ultrasonic PA flaw detectors and systems of Sonotron NDTs
ISONIC series (ISONIC 3510, ISONIC 2010, ISONIC 2009 UPA Scope, ISONIC PA AUT)
covering the welds and parent material of all types and shapes, shafts and axles, raw materials (forging and casting), composites, etc tested with the use of linear, matrix and other types of PA probes
The EquPAS approach resolves the issue of inhomogeneous sensitivity over cross-section or volume of the material covered through implementing of the desired scan plan (either sectorial, linear, tandem, or 3D) by PA probe in
each position over the scanning trace. Prior to the inspection the instruments PA pulser receiver is calibrated in the same manner as the regular conventional ultrasonic flaw detector for one focal law selected from the plurality
to be implemented within the entire scan plan. Whilst implementing the sequence of pulsing receiving cycles following the scan plan each focal law is characterized by the individually settled focal point and time base; the sensitivity
is equalized within entire insonified section of the material through use of the independent mechanisms of Angle Gain Compensation (AGC, sectorial scan) or Gain per Shot Correction (GSC, linear, tandem, or 3D scan) and DAC/TCG acting
simultaneously thanks to the unique ability of ISONIC Series PA instruments: the DAC / TCG mechanism is used purely for compensating the dependency of echo amplitude on the material travel distance while the feature of
varying Gain per Focal Law voluntarily is utilized just for the forming of easy-reproducible AGC (or GSC) plan. Both the DAC / TCG and AGC (or GSC) plans are created with use of the same set of reference reflectors. The color
palette used for the imaging represents dB-to-DAC (TCG inactive) or the echo height (TCG active) value for each signal. As a result the same defect will be represented with the same color and evaluated accordingly independently
on its position in the insonified cross-section or volume of the material
The video below illustrates the examples of EquPAS approach applied to the shear wave S-Scan cross-sectional coverage with the use of most common reference reflectors (Flat Bottom Hole - FBH, EDM Notch, and Side Drilled Hole - SDH) for the
sensitivity calibration
The shorter videos illustrating working out the shear wave AGC for FBH, EDM Notch, and SDH followed by justifying the calibration are below:
At last two videos below illustrate the EquPAS approach applied to the compression wave S-Scan cross-sectional coverage with the use of FBH and SDH reference reflectors for the
sensitivity calibration
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
FMC/TFM: Full Matrix Capture / Total Focusing Method for the
Data Acquisition Processing and Imaging
Thanks to the fully parallel architecture the FMC/TFM protocols of data acquisition, processing and imaging are implementable in the ISONIC 3510 instrument as well as in other ISONIC Series portable PA instruments such as
ISONIC 2010, ISONIC 2009 UPA-Scope.The FMC/TFM protocol is the standard feature for all suitable modes of operation
It is important that ISONIC 3510 instrument is featured with 100% raw data storage for all inspections performed: for every focal law implemented with the use of some coverage
strategy, such as S-Scan, Linear Scan, etc or a combination of them the resulting A-Scan is formed as the outcome of superimposing with the corresponding phase shifts of
several of primary A-Scans produced by each element of the receiving aperture. As the primary A-Scans are stored as raw data the TFM image may be reconstructed
even for the files created using the S-Scan, Linear Scan coverage, etc or a combination of them in past
The exemplary videos below illustrate the reconstruction of TFM image from the pure S-Scan files, which were obtained with no angle gain compensation and DAC (or TCG) normalization,
and comparison of TFM images with the EquPAS S-Scan coverage results: the EquPAS approach (Equalized Phased Array Inspection Sensitivity) is based on
the simultaneous use of two independent mechanisms equalizing the inspection sensitivity over entire insonified part of the material, namely Angle Gain Compensation and DAC (TCG) normalization.
All compared results were obtained with the same probe situated at the same position on the material:
As it is clear from the videos the TFM protocol and EquPAS S-Scan improve the coverage and sharpness of ultrasonic imaging significantly comparing to the pure S-Scan. The
detectability and imaging of the planar reflectors, whichs echo amplitudes strongly depend on the insonification direction have been improved very significantly as well
On the other hand comparing to FMC/TFM the EquPAS S-Scan allows using of smaller footprint probes; moreover the significantly less number of focal laws (pulsing/receiving cycles)
should be implemented in order to cover the same portion of the material so generally speaking the EquPAS S-Scan coverage allows scanning with the higher speed requiring the smaller area to be cleaned on the
surface of the material prior to the probe manipulation
The availability of both complimentary approaches, namely FMC/TFM and EquPAS in the same instrument allows the inspection organization to find the optimal solutions in their daily practice
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
MULTIGROUP
The examples below illustrate the ability of ISONIC 3510 to implement several scanning strategies simultaneously with use of the same PA probe. The limit of 5 scanning strategies per probe
is determined just by the physical screen size allowing clear observation of the images and not by the features of the instrument's electronics resolving PA modality functions
Example 1:Combining of the compression wave linear scan and gated sectorial scan Note: the corresponding instrument file is available for download and playing with use of the freely distributable ISONIC PA Office software package
Example 2:Combining of the true-to-geometry sectorial scan with true-to-geometry linear scan and regular sectorial scan while inspecting a butt weld Note: the corresponding instrument file is available for download and playing with use of the freely distributable ISONIC PA Office software package
Example 3:Sectorial scan 3-regions coverage inspection of the complex geometry shaft with the use of PA probe placed onto the side end surface Note: the corresponding instrument file is available for download and playing with use of the freely distributable ISONIC PA Office software package
ISONIC DUET Technology
ISONIC 3510 instruments allow implementing of the highly demanded DUET and DUET_M applications
related to the inspection of butt (planar and circumferential) and longitudinal welds from both sides simultaneously with use of a pair of PA probes carrying up to 16 elements each.
Use of 2 probes carrying more than 16 elements (up to 32 or 64) each is also possible provided the corresponding extension terminals are involved
There is no external splitter required for the connecting of 2 PA probes to ISONIC 3510
The welds inspected with use of the ISONIC DUET Technology may have either symmetrical or asymmetrical bevel
True to geometry coverage and imaging of the weld & HAZ volume is provided for each PA probe separately and in the overlap; each PA probe may implement a number of insonification schemes simultaneously (2 X MULTIGROUP mode)
For the first time ever the complimentary TOFD inspection with forming of up to 4 separate shots (depending on the material thickness) may be performed out of the same pair of PA probes:
This novel way of implementing TOFD shots extremely simplifies and lightens the structure of the scanning frame and it is already recognized by the international standard EN ISO 13588:2012 and a number of other national and industry codes;
alternatively the use of 1 or 2 additional pairs of regular TOFD probes connected to the conventional channels is possible
It is also provided the ability of simultaneous K-Pattern pitch-catch detection of the transversal cracks with use of conventional shear wave probes
Whilst scanning the weld from both sides along the fusion line the instrument performs:
100% raw data capturing
True-to-geometry cross-sectional imaging for each probe separately and in the overlap
Generating of the corresponding strip chart representing top view of the weld and HAZ
Coupling with the material is monitored for each PA probe separately and recorded into the corresponding strips
There is a number of scanners available for implementing of scanning with a pair of PA probes, such as, for example:
In order to prevent the quick damage of the cables of the PA probe carried by the scanner there are various extenders available,
which are connected to the instrument's PA probe terminals at one end and fitted into the scanner frame at the other so the PA probes cables are kept connected reliably
PA functionality extension to 64:64, 2 X 32:32, 2 X 64:64
Fully parallel 64:64 functionality of ISONIC 3510 may be provided with the use of one S 4922A064D032 active functionality extension adapter connected
to the "W" PA probe terminal. The use of two said adapters provides fully parallel 2 X 32:32 functionality
For the given pitch size the use of the adapter S 4922A064D032 / S 4922A064D016 with the delay line corresponding linear array probes doubles / quadruples the width coverage in the material for the straight beam compression wave applications, such as flaw detection, corrosion mapping,
inspection of composite panels for laminations, etc
For the wedged linear array probes the extension adapters S 4922A064D032 / S 4922A064D016 allow doubling / quadrupling the size of the active aperture providing the sharp focusing and imaging while inspecting heavy thickness materials
In case of using wedged linear array probes the extender allows doubling the size of the active aperture providing the sharp focusing and imaging while inspecting heavy thickness materials:
The video below illustrates the scanning over the metallic calibration block with the use of 64-elements linear array probe connected to the 32:32 instrument through the extender providing 64:64 functionality
The video below shows utilizing full aperture of 64-elements of the wedged linear array probe connected to the 32:32 instrument through the extender providing 64:64 functionality allowing achieving of the highest resolution
whilst performing S-Scan coverage of the heavy thickness (200 mm) material
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the link below
C-Scan & 3D Imaging
For all types of the cross-sectional coverage ISONIC 3510 provides 3D Data Presentation - Top (C-Scan), Side, and End Projection Views through the line scanning either encoded or time-based with use of the linear array probes at rectangle to the elements count direction
There is a large number of various encoders and scanners available for the True-to-Location recording along the scanning line whilst scanning a wide variety of parts and materials - planar and circumferential butt welds, longitudinal seams, composites, raw materials, and the like. Some encoders and scanners for the line-scanning with use of one phased array probe are presented below. For scanning with a pair of phased array probe click on the DUET tab
This simple encoder is suitable for the quick manual scanning of the short sections (up to 1 meter) of the plates, planar butt welds, longitudinal welds, large OD circumefrential welds, and the like
The video below illustrates PA inspection of the parts made of CRFP composite material - scanning, 100% raw data capturing, C-Scan and 3D imaging with the use of encoder SK 2001108 PA
The video below illustrates PA inspection of the planar butt weld scanned along the fusion line when the probe position was determined with the use of the encoder SK 2001108 PA
The video below illustrates inspection of the planar butt weld scanned from both sides in several shots when the probe position was determined with the use of the encoder SK 2001108 PA
The robust encoder provides stable direction scanning with reliable positioning data. Phased array probe
is fitted into the corresponding probe holder connected to the the encoder. Each probe holder is quipped with the irrigation channel allowing reliable copling along the whole scanning trace
The enccoder 2001116 PA is suitable for the scanning above flat surfaces and pipes with OD of 50 mm and above
The videos below show the use of the encoder 2001116 PA for scanning along the fusion line of the planar and circumferential butt weld with PA probe
Bar encoder SK 2001112 PA
The use of the bar encoder SK 2001112 PA is very efficient for the inspection of long planar and quazi-planar welds, large plates, etc. The encoding element slides along the bar,
which should be placed along the desired scanning line as it is illustrated by the video below
The robust edncoder provides stable direction scanning with reliable positioning data. Phased array probe is fitted into the corresponding probe holder connected to the the encoder. Each probe holder is equipped with the irrigation channel allowing reliable copling along the whole scanning trace
During the line scanning every cross sectional view is recorded along with the complete sequence of raw data A-Scans it is composed of. C-Scan image is switchable between distance (thickness or defects depth) and amplitude map
Very powerful off-line data analysis toolkit includes:
Playing back cross sectional views and A-Scans
Gain manipulation in ±6dB range for all recorded A-Scans followed by corresponding update of the cross-sectional, Top-, Side-, End- views
All-standards-compliant gate-based evaluation of the echoes
Geometry and amplitude filtering
Automatic marking of the defects and creating of the defect list
Automatic and manual determining projection dimensions and area size of defects
Image slicing and profiling
3D-viewing
etc
Click on the pictures below to see the exemplary illustrations of the results obtained through the line scanning of various parts and materials
Example # 1: 0-deg compression wave inspection with linear array probe
Example # 2: Inspection of butt welds
Example # 3: Inspection of longitudinal welds
Example # 4: Compression wave inspection of the radius area in the composite stringers
Example # 5: Compression wave inspection of the shafts, bolts, spinled, and the like through the scanning around the flat end surface
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the link below
Crack Sizing
Internal Cracks
ISONIC 3510 allows detection and high precision sizing of the internal cracks inside the material based on the analysis of the shear and / or longitudinal wave tip diffraction signals
Shear Wave Diffraction Based Sizing of the Vertical Cracks
Longitudinal Wave Diffraction Based Sizing of the Vertical Cracks
Narrowing the region of interest shortens the time base for the A-Scans forming the cross-sectional coverage view allowing to distinguish between the upper and lower tip of the crack through 180-deg phase shift of the first half wave. This makes it possible applying of the TOFD technique principles whilst scanning with one probe only:
It is important that both the shear and the longitudinal wave cross-sectional coverage either S-Scan or B-Scan or a combination of them may be implemented simultaneously out of the same wedged linear array probe through running of the ISONIC PA MULTIGROUP utility. At last performing of the shear wave and longitudinal wave inspection with crack sizing in a single pass with one PA probe only became possible
Surface Breaking Cracks
Sizing of the surface-breaking cracks is implemented with use of 64-elements linear array probe. Separated emitting and receiving aperture with matching focal points produce and receive longitudinal wave signals in a sequence containing several pulsing-receiving cycles (focal laws).
The matching focal points of the emitting and receiving aperture are manipulated over the vertical line between the bottom and near surface of the material synchronously.
For each focal law the time base of the A-Scan is re-arranged automatically to provide appearance of every possible tip diffraction echo at 50% horizontal position. Recorded signal heights are represented on the Tip Diffraction B-Scan.
Placing mouse cursor over the desired cell of the Tip Diffraction B-Scan reproduces the corresponding A-Scan and the ray trace. For the detected tip diffraction signal the crack depth and the remaining material thickness are determined with high precision (~0.1 mm) through the triangulation routine
Example of the Tip Diffraction B-Scan obtained with the linear array probe placed above the material without (1) and with (2) a surface breaking crack: 3 - lateral wave (LW) signal mark; 4 - back wall (BW) echo mark; 5 - BW echo representation on the A-Scan; 6 - tip diffraction signal mark; 7 - tip diffraction signal appearance on the A-Scan; 8, 9 - precisely defined crack depth and remaining material thickness
Defects Pattern Analysis
The pattern analysis for the weld imperfections found by pulse-echo technology may be performed by ISONIC 3510 instrument with the use of well-known Delta Technique.
Comparing to the quite bulky traditional embodiment for the Delta-Technique requiring the use of angle beam shear wave and zero-degree compression wave conventional probes and two different instrument readings to be taken through implementation of
two different calibration sets the phased array technology based solution requires one wedged linear array probe only
In order to distinguish between the low risk volumetric and the critical sharp edge defects there are just two pulsing-receiving cycles (focal laws) focal laws implemented in sequence:
the first focal law provides emitting of the shear wave towards the discontinuity and receiving of the direct shear wave echo (marked as 1)
the second focal law provides emitting of the shear wave towards the discontinuity and receiving of the diffracted longitudinal wave echo (marked as 2)
The instrument evaluates the above signals automatically and provides the digital readout (marked as 3) for so called KLS value, based on which the defect pattern is recognized
The instrument screen video illustrating the above described defect process of the defect pattern analysis through the comparing of the shear and longitudinal wave echoes is shown below:
The same process may be activated whilst peforming sectorial scan coverage of the material - the instrument screen video is below:
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the links below
Use of the 2D Array Probes
Two-rows 2D Array probes (also known as DLA - Dual Linear Array probes) organized as up 2 X 16 may be connected to ISONIC 3510 directly;
the probes containing more than 32 elements and organized as 2 X N whereas N < 33 should be connected through the extension terminal (extender) part # S 4922A064D032
The wedged dual linear array probes provide significant improving of the signal-to-noise ratio for some applications related to the compression wave inspection of coarse grain materials, for example stainless steel, CRA, and similar welds
For some inspection applications such as defects detection in the tube-to-tubesheet welds of the heat exchangers, corrosion detection, etc the dual linear array probes with the integrated delay lines may improve the near to surface resolution significantly.
ISONIC 3510 allows performing of both S-Scan and B-Scan coverage with use of dual linear array probes
C-Scan and B-Scan images for the 3 mm wall thickness tube with several small imperfections
Use of the Dual Matrix Array Probes (DMA)
ISONIC 3510 provides the ability of working the wedged DMA probes carrying a pair of matrix arrays comprising M x N elements each. DMA probes allow performing of the beam steering in the cross-sectional plane along with the
swiveling. This increases the flexibility of ultrasonic pulsing receiving thanks to the ability of controlling the depth of the common focal point for the emitting and receiving arrays electronically for the same wedge: in such manner the
signal-to-noise ratio may be optimized very efficiently. The control of the ultrasonic beams is illustrated by the short instrument screen video below:
The wedged DMA probes allow high performance inspection of the coarse grain welds made of CRA (Corrosion Resistant Alloys), Stainless Steel (Duplex, Super Duplex), and the like through running of
the EXPERT DMA or EXPERT_A DMA Inspection Software Applications:
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the video above is linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the link below
PA UT (PAUT) Applications
Thanks to it's unique smart, flexible, and "teachable" architecture combined with the outstanding ultrasonic performance ISONIC 3510 has been an ideal platform for the practically unlimited number
of standard and customized inspection software applications, the number of which is increasing permanently. Each application is dedicated to the resolving of the inspection tasks related to the certain class of parts and materials to be tested (the similar shape parts varying by the overall dimensions and the dimensions of particular segments).
Since the part to be inspected is outlined the scan plan is created just in few moments providing the True-to-Geometry Volume Corrected Coverage and imaging. This makes it possible to inspect complex geometry parts easily while the non Sonotron NDT made phased array instruments are practically not applicable
More details about PA AUT applications:
XY (Raster) Scanning
ISONIC 3510 supports the encoded XY-scanning and recording with PA probe for the variety of the inspection tasks
The typical inspection tasks such as corrosion mapping, detection of the impact damages in in the composite panels, flaw detection in various materials, and the like are resolved through to the compression wave inspection with use of linear- or 2D-array probes with / without detachable delay lines, etc.
The XY-Scan software application is required for the said inspections; use of various XY-scanners from the simplest Draw-Wire to the high precision is supported
There is 100%-raw data capturing performed while scanning so the inspection results may be presented in the form of the Amplitude- or Depth C-Scan (switchable), 3D image, various slices either longitudinal, transversal or horizontal, and the like; every cross-sectional view corresponding to the desired probe position and every A-Scan may be played back and evaluated. The data noted above may be reproduced at the various Gain and Gate settings:
The movie below illustrates the simplest embodiment for the encoded XY-scanning, imaging, and recording with use of PA probe
The movie below illustrates some features related to the postprocessing of the XY-Scan data
Note: In order to accelerate the data stream the videos above are linked to the Youtube. In case the YouTube may not be accessed from your location please use the link below
ISONIC Roverscan
The ISONIC RoverScan technique allows inspecting of the complex geometry parts such as turbine blades, pipe-to-pipe welds, and the like through XY-scanning
In such parts the cross-sectional shape varies along the scanning trace so
the true-to-position material-shape-accommodation of the cross-sectional coverage focal laws is performed by ISONIC 3510 in real time whilst manipulating PA probe over them; in other
words: for every point of the probe trace the focal laws are accommodated dynamically in order to provide the complete true-to-geometry cross sectional coverage
To follow the ISONIC Roverscan technique the 3D-model (CAD, Parasolid, etc) of the part to be tested is used by the instrument in the following way:
At the pre-inspection stage the 3D-model of the part is implanted into the instrument's memory as a template
At the scanning stage the coordinates of the PA probe manipulated over the part are taken by the instrument through the appropriate encoding means and the accommodation of the focal laws is performed automatically in real time at every point of the probe trace:
the corresponding true-to-location cross-sectional scan plan (ray tracing) is generated and implemented so the cross-section of the part under the probe is filled with the ultrasonic beams accordingly providing the needful coverage
the true-to-geometry imaging of the cross-section is provided so on receiving an echo from an obstacle either geometry or internal discontinuity (imperfection) the reflector is imaged in its real position through settling of the appropriate mark on the image
all cross-sectional views obtained during the scanning are pushed into the 3D-template in the instruments memory and stored along with the corresponding raw data (A-Scans) sets
On completion of the scanning the 3D-image of the part with the imperfections found is generated
Conventional UT and TOFD Modalities
For the single conventional channel operation ISONIC 3510 provides:
Fully featured A-Scan inspection
Line scanning recording and imaging of the following types:
Thickness B-Scan;
True-to-Geometry flaw detection B-Scan for angle beam and straight beam probes;
Flaw detection CB-Scan for the guided, surface, and shear wave probes inspections;
High resolution flaw detection B-Scan;
Fully featured TOFD inspection
Comprehensive postprocessing toolkit
This fully corresponds to the scope of functionality provided by the very popular Sonotron NDT's portable ultrasonic flaw detector and recorder ISONIC 2005 / ISONIC STAR / ISONIC 2020
ISONIC 3510 also provides dual-channel strip chart recording being capable to form the strips of all known types:
B-Scan (Map);
PE (Amplitude + Time of Flight);
TOFD;
Coupling
The comprehensive off-line analysis and data reporting toolkit for all kinds of data captured using conventional UT and TOFD modalities is built-in
This fully corresponds to the scope of functionality provided by the very well known Sonotron NDT's portable multi-channel ultrasonic flaw detector and recorder ISONIC 2008 in dual-channel configuration
In the ISONIC 3510 the conventional and phased array channels may be used simultaneously. For example Sonotron NDT's DUET_M technology supposes the use of a pair of wedged linear array probes for the multi-group inspection of welds from both sides and, at parallel, the use of:
up to 2 additional pairs of regular TOFD probes;
OR
up to 2 pairs of conventional angle beam shear wave probes for the K-Pattern pitch-catch detection of the transversal cracks
OR
combining of the above
UT over IP - Remote Control and Data Acquisition
Thanks to the Client Server software architecture ISONIC 3510 may be controlled remotely from a regular PC running under WinXP, 7, 8, 10. There is no need in the special software for that purpose, just download and install in the PC the same software as used in the instrument
The software installed in the PC should be of the same release as the software running in the ISONIC 3510 and correspond to the instrument model
Installing the Instrument Software in the PC
Upon started the installation routine generates the dialogue as below on the PC screen:
It is necessary to check Install client only and uncheck Run on windows startup option then to click on Install button. Further actions are taken by the installation routine automatically
Controlling the Instrument from the PC
The instrument and the PC should be connected to the same LAN or to the router distributing IP automatically. The instrument should be switched on: it will generate the initial Startup menu. During the whole remote control session the instrument should remain with the same Startup menu on the screen.
In the PC the same software should be launched but on appearing of the Startup menu it is necessary to selected from the list of the Idle equipment:
Since the connection is established ISONIC 3510 unit enters into the slave mode being connected to the probes and encoder and running the just the server routine while the control PC performs full control of the instrument, data acquisition, processing, and storage on the local drives through running of the client software in the same manner as the instrument does when operating autonomously
For all types of the cross-sectional coverage ISONIC 3510 provides 3D Data Presentation - Top (C-Scan), Side, and End Projection Views through the line scanning either encoded or time-based with use of the linear array probes at rectangle to the elements count direction
