Phased Array Ultrasound Versus Radiography for Testing Pipe Joints
Open Access DepositedPhased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and film-based radiographic testing (RT) are widely used to inspect welded joints in critical maritime and industrial applications to ensure structural integrity. However, RT’s use of ionizing radiation introduces safety risks that require exclusion zones and restrict concurrent work, negatively impacting construction schedules and increasing labor costs. PAUT offers an opportunity for concurrent work, supports improved scheduling, and enhances non-destructive testing (NDT) through advanced imaging capabilities that characterize and locate flaws for expedited repair and maintenance. Despite these advantages, its adoption in place of RT requires validation. This study evaluated the feasibility of replacing RT with PAUT for piping welds in Inconel, a superalloy designed to withstand corrosion and pressure, using CIVA, EXTENDE’s NDT simulation software, to model various defect types and sizes. A probability of detection (POD) curve was developed to compare the performance of PAUT to that of RT. Additionally, a Monte Carlo simulation was employed to assess three inspection scenarios: (a) RT only, (b) PAUT for low-pressure pipes 2” and greater, and (c) PAUT for all pipes 2” and greater. The analysis included labor hours, inspection duration, reinspection rates, and total costs. The findings demonstrated that PAUT can achieve equivalent flaw detection in Inconel welds while significantly reducing labor hours and improving the schedule. These results provide justification for PAUT adoption for NDT of piping welds 2” and greater.
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