Phased Array (PAUT)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
Cornerstone Inspection prides itself on innovation and solving industry problems. Our R&D has brought these innovations from concept to practical application. We are also recognized as industry leaders in the detection and evaluation of High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA). In most applications, PAUT is far more favorable than traditional RT on all metrics:
Discover the Benefits of PAUT:
Cost
PAUT utilizes less manpower and eliminates the need to shut down construction operations to perform an inspection.
Safety
We eliminate radiation from the worksite and remove the security risk of having a radioactive isotope at the facility.
Production
Pipe size and thickness have relatively little effect on production rates in comparison to radiography, allowing for an exponential increase in inspection production, also driving down cost. In regards to field welds, utilizing RT in “shoot windows” drastically increases the crews needed to accomplish the same scope a small team of PAUT techs. We also increase construction production by eliminating the construction downtime in waiting for an RT shoot window to continue construction operations.
Quality
RT has more difficulty picking up the “critical class” defects than any other indication, as planar defects produce a minimal void, which is necessary to constitute a density change on the RT film. These same indications send back the most acoustical energy of all classifications, rendering PAUT far superior to detecting cracks and incomplete fusion.
Why Choose Cornerstone?
As the demand for phased array ultrasonics in lieu of traditional X-ray increases, so does the need for qualified technicians. With a technology this advanced it is paramount to provide clients the confidence that they are receiving competent technicians and a compliant inspection of their equipment and materials. Cornerstone Inspection utilizes only industry certified technicians that have achieved the level of proficiency outlined by the American Petroleum Institute’s ICP program for ultrasonics and advanced ultrasonics. We believe offering our clients API certified QUTE (UT) and QUPA (PAUT) technicians, this sets us apart from inspection companies offering a “company grade” TC-1A certification.
