OmniScan MX2 Training Program

Phased Array Analysis

Flaw Length Sizing
OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing Overview
 In a typical weld inspection, flaw length sizing is performed on the weld line
represented by the scan axis. (Pictured in blue below).
 In a typical weld inspection as pictured below (Skew 90\270), the scan axis for
length sizing is visible on both the C-scan and B-scan.
 The three cursors used for flaw length sizing in a skew 90\270 inspection are:
– Data cursor. Use to visualize the A-scan and S-scan at a given position on the scan axis.
– Scan axis reference cursor. S(r)
– Scan axis measure cursor S(m)

Reference cursor

Measure cursor
2 Data cursor
Scan axis
OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing Cursors
 The primary readings associated with flaw length sizing are:
– S(r) Position of the reference cursor on the scan axis.
– S(m) Position of the measurement cursor on the scan axis.
– S(m-r) The delta between the scan axis reference and measurement cursor.
 In the lack of root fusion example below, the data cursor is positioned on the data
point of maximum amplitude of the flaw. (Scan = 284mm, Angle = 65.5 degrees)
 The reference and measure cursors are positioned on the scan axis where the flaw
amplitude drops -6dB from maximum. (Sr = 280.5mm, Sm = 288.0mm, Flaw length
or Sm-r = 7.5mm)

7.5mm
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OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing Example
 In the example of intermittent side wall lack of fusion (SWLF) below, the flaw
length is visualized on the C-scan and the cursors are positioned at the
extremities.
 In this example the -6 dB drop would not result in an accurate flaw length because
it is intermittent.

34.5mm

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OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing Resolution
 The length sizing accuracy is directly related to the inspection resolution on the scan
axis that was entered in >Scan>Area>Scan Resolution.
 In the example below, the inspection was performed with a scan resolution of .5mm.
(Every focal law and group is recorded at intervals of .5mm on the scan axis)
 This equates to a length sizing accuracy of +\- 1mm.

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OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing Resolution cont.
 The smallest number that can be used on the scan axis is a limitation of the encoder
step resolution.
 In the example below, the Olympus Mini-wheel quadrature encoder has a resolution
of 12 steps per mm. This equates to a minimum resolution of .08 mm per step.
 If using the smallest scan axis resolution, the theoretical length sizing accuracy
would be +\- .16mm on any flaw. (.08mm on each side)

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OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – ASME Flaw Length Sizing
 The expected flaw length sizing accuracy is typically specified as the inspection
resolution in the referencing code or procedure. ASME Sec V Art 4 (2010 Edition)
requires a 1mm inspection resolution for materials under 3 inches and 2mm
resolution for materials over 3 inches.
 This would result in flaw length sizing accuracies of +\- 2mm and +\- 4mm.

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OmniScan MX2 Training –Flaw Length Sizing w/ Curved Arrays
 Length sizing accuracy is greatly improved by the use of internally focused curved
arrays, especially on small diameter piping where the reflected signal is skipping
off a small curved spot on the pipe’s inner diameter surface.
 Both the Olympus Cobra small diameter piping system and Pipe Wizard pipeline
girth weld system utilize 1D internally focused curved arrays for improved length
sizing accuracy.
C-scan length sizing with flat probe. S(m-r) = 4.2mm

C-scan length sizing with internal radius focused probe. S(m-r) = 2.4mm

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OmniScan MX2 Training – Analysis – Flaw Length Sizing - TOFD
 Phased array inspection techniques are often complimented with TOFD.
 TOFD is particularly beneficial for increased length and depth sizing accuracy to
compliment amplitude based pulse-echo inspections.
 TOFD is covered in detail in a later section.

OmniScan MX2 data displayed in Tomoview 2.9 for offline analysis. Volume merge C-scan and TOFD B-scan.

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