DBI Incorporated

Phased array is the latest advanced ultrasonic technology that operates by a computer-controlled excitation of individual elements in a multi-element transducer. In short, phased array generates multiple ultrasonic signals that produce controllable angles, focus depths and/or wide coverage from one inspection point. It has many advantages, including excellent repeatability, increased inspection speeds, more accurate results and the ability to inspect complex geometries. The versatility of the system allows for simultaneous views of different presentations such as sectoral views, A-scan, B-scan and C-scan representations. The technology also produces multiple measurements that are synchronized and cursor/ gate associated, making the detection, location and characterization of defects much more reliable and exact than the results obtained with conventional shear wave inspection.

Phased array applications include:

• Angle beam inspection primarily used for weld inspection
• Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) for detection and sizing of defects
• Ability to inspect complex geometries more readily

For weld inspection, phased array increases the probability of detection by offering the inspector additional tools to visualize the reflectors and their position within the weld. The ability to record the weld scans also allows us to utilize phased array for many projects that are constructed to ASME Code requirements.

Primarily used for internal corrosion mapping, ultrasonic scanning systems apply to automated data acquisition and imaging. Generally, AUT systems incorporate an ultrasonic instrumentation, a scanning bridge and computer controls. The time of flight of the signal and/or the signal strength is measured and recorded for every point in the scan plan. Using a colormap, the data value is plotted, which creates detailed images of the surface or internal defects such as material defects, pitting or corrosion. Usually, AUT systems are able to display simultaneously the data in A-, B- and C-scan modes.

• A-Scan Presentation: is the amount of received ultrasonic energy as a function of time is displayed. The relative amount of received energy is plotted along the vertical axis and the elapsed time, which may be related to the sound energy travel time within the material, is displayed along the horizontal axis. In an A-scan presentation, it’s possible to estimate relative discontinuity size by comparing the signal amplitude taken from an unknown reflector to that from a known reflector.
• B-Scan Presentation: is a cross-sectional profile view of the test specimen.
• C-Scan Presentation: is a top, plan-type view of the location and size of test specimen features.

Magnetic flux leakage is a magnetic method of advanced non destructive testing that detects corrosion and pitting in steel structures, most commonly in pipelines and storage tanks. The basic principle behind this advanced NDT is that a powerful magnet is used to magnetize the steel. At areas where there is corrosion or missing metal, the magnetic field “leaks” from the steel.

In an MFL tool, a magnetic detector is placed between the poles of the magnet to detect the leakage field. Analysts interpret the chart recording of the leakage field to identify damaged areas and to estimate the depth of metal loss.

• Nearly everything that is done with conventional film-based radiography testing can be completed faster and more accurately using an advanced computed radiography system. CRT produces digital images on reusable phosphorous plates with lower exposure requirements. This process translates to smaller exclusionary zones and decreased exposure times in your facilities. The original archived image cannot be altered, thus maintaining the integrity of the raw data. Without altering the archived image, the electronic image-viewing software can be sharpened, filtered, and zoomed for analysis by the technician or customer to enhance evaluation.

Digital images can be e-mailed or posted on the web, allowing others to aid in analysis or report results. Viewing software also allows for digital annotation and measurement using a mouse and/or keyboard instead of overlays. CRT uses the same radiation producing devices as conventional radiography. CRT requires no film, which means there is no need to buy or dispose of chemicals.

Film digitizing offers a cost effective and space saving solution to film storage. There is virtually no variation in image quality and an excellent grayscale reproduction of every image. Digital images can be e-mailed or posted on the web, allowing others to aid in analysis or report results. Digitizing solutions meet ISO and ASME Section V standards.

DBI, Inc. provides advanced NDT Level III services that include:

• NDT personnel qualification services
• NDT procedure development and review
• Third party quality auditing

Personnel qualification services include documentation review, training and qualification examinations. Written general and specific examinations meeting your code, specification or client requirements for each NDT method can be developed and administered in accordance with:

• ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A
• ANSI/ASNT CP-189-2006
• ACCP
• MIL-STD-410E
• NAS 410
• NDT Procedure Development and Review: our Level III’s can assist in your NDT procedure development and procedural reviews

Third Party Quality Auditing: our Level III staff can perform on-site quality audits to assist your company with customer quality requirements.