Special Phased Array Applications for Pipeline Girth Weld Inspections

Ultrasonic phased arrays present major improvements over conventional multiprobe ultrasonics for inspecting pipeline girth welds, both for onshore and for offshore use. Probe pans are lighter and smaller, permitting less cutback; scans are quicker due to the smaller probe pan; phased arrays are considerably more flexible for changes in pipe dimensions or weld profiles, and for different scan patterns. More important, some of the potential advantages of phased arrays are now becoming commercially available. These include: • Compensating for variations in seamless pipe wall thickness. • Wedge temperature compensation. • Improved focusing for thick and thin wall inspections. • Premium inspections for risers, tendons and other components. • Small diameter pipes. • Multiple displays. • Clad pipe. The paper describes the latest phased array UT results for special applications.