AUT Principle

AUT Inspection Principle
Introduction
MUT/PAUT + Tandem +TOFD + Creep Wave

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT
Zonal discrimination concept
Easy AUT set-up and configuration
Meet requirements of API 1104, DNV FS101, E1961 etc
Automated and/or manual data acquisition and evaluation
Built-in Reporting
May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

AUT Inspection is base on
- Weld Bevel Configuration

- Pulse Echo Technique
- Zone Concept
- Gate Setting
- Mapping
- TOFD

Zone Concept
- Wall thickness divided into depth zones

- Based on given specification
- Based on WPS
- Based on bevel orientation

Zone identification Discontinuity

2nd fill Solidification crack

6
and cap 1st and 2nd fill
5 1st fill Nonfusion 1st fill
4 Hot pass (upper)
3 Hot pass (lower)
2
Lack of cross
Land for cross penetration
penetration
1 Root
Root bead porosity

AUT
Zone Concept

Zone Discrimination Concept
The weld is divided into zones that can be defined by vertical intervals of
the through-wall dimension.
Using a multiple beam configuration from both sides of the weld allows for
the complete volume plus the heat-affected zone (HAZ) to be inspected in a

single pass.
This technique can actually meet the requirements of ASME pressure

vessel and piping weld inspection.

AUT Zone Discrimination Concept
Introduction
Weld is divided in to small zones (1-3mm)
Each zone has its own reflector

Reflector size based on applicable specification

Narrow Band
A single beam is generated to cover each zone
Tandem technique is to hit narrow bevel correctly
Sensitivity per zone based on per describe reflector size
Each zone has its own group of element instead of one probe for the full bevel
Each group of element /probe will focus on one particular zone
Strip chart for each beam is used for rapid detection and sizing

AUT Zone Concept Contd.....
Scanning Principle
Probe configuration in one frame for inspection of the weld in one

circumferential scan
Volumetric Coverage
Wall thickness of pipe divided into depth zone, related to the weld
configuration
Amplitude and transit distance recording with a time gate
Amplitude based upon the direct reflection with beam perpendicular

as possible to defect orientation
Select of probe angles related to weld bevel configuration

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT Zone Concept Contd.....

AUT Zone Concept Contd....
Distance / time base calibration MUT vs. AUT
 MUT - Distance calibration is critical, must be able to
measure accurately to locate defects. Distance changes as
probe is raster scanned
 Defect depth and amplitude changes with raster scanning
 AUT – Distance remains fixed, DAC less involved

 Gate is limited to a known depth (zone)
 Confirmed with TOFD, mapping and adjacent zones

AUT Zone Concept Contd....
Why are zones used?
 Allows fixed transit distance instead of vector scanning
(MUT vs. AUT)
 Allows zonal sizing
 Minimizes the effects of DAC

 Allows different angles for different zones
 Allows different criteria for different zones

Zone Concept – Bevel configuration
J
CRC
V
K
U
X

AUT Common Bevel configuration
Modified J Bevel
CRC Bevel

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT - Bevel configuration Contd....
V Bevel

J Bevel

Sub Arc (X) Bevel

AUT - Zone Concept Contd..
Zone depths and heights are

dependent on a variety of
factors:
 Material Thickness
 Welding Process
 Bevel Design
 Beam Profile
 Codes and Specifications
 Inspection Criticality

AUT - Zone Concept Contd...
How and when are zones determined:
 Zone dimensions and criteria are determined by authorized

personnel during the initial weld inspection plan setup
 Zone criteria are set out in the procedure, not to be altered

by field operators

What determines which angles are used in which zones:
 Similar considerations as in conventional MUT

 Weld bevel design is the primary consideration
 Type of defects being sought

 Inspection angles are set out in the procedure, not to be
altered by field operators
 Gates are set around each reflector for each zone

How do we calibrate for different zones?
 Each zone has it’s own reflector, FBH or Notch

 Each zone has matched reflectors on upstream and
downstream sides of the weld

 Each zone is inspected with dedicated channels, each
adjustable for gain, gates and displays
 Each zone can be operated like an individual UT instrument

Cap
Fill 3

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT - Zone Concept Contd...
Fill 2
Fill 1

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT - Zone Concept Contd...
Hot Pass
LCP

Root
Volumetric
TOFD

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT – Sample Scan Plan

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT – Sample Scan Plan
Each zone scan plan is defined with respect to relevant reflector

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT Scanning sequences

AUT - Symmetry of the strip chart presentation
US DS

INTERNATIONL ACADEMY OF NDT AUT - Displays Layout

AUT - Displays Contd...
Three basic types of display in

AUT System
• A-scan shows the
amplitude in %FS and TD
(gate start to signal)

• Mapping shows amplitude
in colour and TD of
multiple signals within the
gate
• TOFD or RF display
• AUT System can switch
between views

Mapping
• Displays amplitude and
TD to the signals in the
gate
• Amplitudes are shown as
colour
• TDs are displayed
relative to the gate and
can be read with the
cursor

TOFD
• Displays none rectified
signal display
• Positive amplitudes
displayed in shades of gray
to white
• Negative amplitudes
displayed in shades of gray
to black
• Displays all signal in the
gate
• Must be linearized
• Depth can be read only after
display is linearized

General
• Each of these pictures
represents one “slice”
through the weld

• Each weld scan is
made up of thousands
of these
• One “slice” is taken
every millimeter of
scanner travel

AUT
Coupling

Coupling Monitoring
The purpose of coupling monitoring is several fold
 Check that the transducers are in contact with the pipe

surface
 Check that transducers, cables are working

Coupling Monitoring Contd...
How does it work?
 We set the system gates to monitor indications
 Loss of these indications shows as red in the display
 AUT system can tell us where the problem occurred

 AUT system can tell us which channel it occurred in

How does it work?
 Use the PA controls to create

the angles needed
 Usually create two 0⁰ for each

PA transducer
 Create one Tx to Rx angle

beam

Controls
 Go to the Sequence tab
 Select “Show Coupling” box
 Right click “Coupling” area and add sequences as needed
 Use the PA controls to create the angles needed

 Use gating to monitor selected indications

It is unlikely that you will get if

right the first attempt
 Set the gain and gates on

the cal block

 Run a cal and see how it
works
 Put the scanner at the
bottom of the pipe and
check again
 Run a dry scan to see if
you have too much gain
Calibration scan coupling
display showing common
area in cal block

Information from coupling data
• Mechanical problems and Cable problems
• Surface problems and Geometry
• Lamination and Weld defects

Outline Internal Job Process
Work preparation based on WPS
Design of inspection zone based on weld bevel

Design of calibration block and fix the reflectors for each zone
Pre-Selection of probes and focal law for each zone
Beam Spread Calculation
Define transit distance / Probe location from weld centerline

AUT Principle

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AUT Inspection Principle

MUT/PAUT + Tandem +TOFD + Creep Wave

Zonal discrimination concept

Easy AUT set-up and configuration

Meet requirements of API 1104, DNV FS101, E1961 etc

Automated and/or manual data acquisition and evaluation

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

AUT Inspection is base on

- Weld Bevel Configuration

- Pulse Echo Technique

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

- Wall thickness divided into depth zones

- Based on given specification

- Based on bevel orientation

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

Zone identification Discontinuity

2nd fill Solidification crack

5 1st fill Nonfusion 1st fill

4 Hot pass (upper)

3 Hot pass (lower)

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

the complete volume plus the heat-affected zone (HAZ) to be inspected in a

This technique can actually meet the requirements of ASME pressure

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

Weld is divided in to small zones (1-3mm)

Each zone has its own reflector

Reflector size based on applicable specification

Tandem technique is to hit narrow bevel correctly

Sensitivity per zone based on per describe reflector size

Each group of element /probe will focus on one particular zone

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

Probe configuration in one frame for inspection of the weld in one

Amplitude and transit distance recording with a time gate

Amplitude based upon the direct reflection with beam perpendicular

Select of probe angles related to weld bevel configuration

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

 Defect depth and amplitude changes with raster scanning

 AUT – Distance remains fixed, DAC less involved

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

 Minimizes the effects of DAC

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

Sub Arc (X) Bevel

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

Zone depths and heights are

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

How and when are zones determined:

 Zone dimensions and criteria are determined by authorized

 Zone criteria are set out in the procedure, not to be altered

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

 Similar considerations as in conventional MUT

 Type of defects being sought

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

How do we calibrate for different zones?

 Each zone has it’s own reflector, FBH or Notch

downstream sides of the weld

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087

May 2018 No.5, Thirupughal Street, Kamakshi Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087