The four-dimensional (realtime three-dimensional) phased array ultrasonic testing system has been developed. The system enables realtime ultrasonic inspections using three-dimensional (3D) images as opposed to two-dimensional images obtained by the conventional phased array methods. In the system, objects are scanned volumetrica lly with focused beams generated by a matrix array probe and the results are displayed as 3D images in realtime through the conversion from measured data into voxel data using par...
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Four-Dimensional (Realtime Three-Dimensional) Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

We have been developing ultrasonic testing techniques for acoustical anisotropic media. In this study, we have applied the phased array method using a matrix array transducer to directionally-solidified austenitic steels, i.e. homogeneous anisotropic media, as a first step. Behavior of ultrasonic wave propagation in anisotropic media was analyzed by means of point-source modeling and ray tracing. Insonification angle was optimized in consideration of beam divergence effect based on results of the point...
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Development of Ultrasonic Inspection Techniques using a Matrix Array Transducer for Acoustical Anisotropic Media

The three-dimensional phased-array (3D-PA) ultrasonic technique has been applied to a stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in base metal, and its results for sizing have been quantitatively evaluated. The 3D-PA allows operators to scan objects volumetrically and to display results as 3D images facilitating evaluation processes considerably. The scanning pattern used is called the moving rotational sectorial-scan (MRS-scan) and it is composed of many sectors of different azimuth angles as moving the probe li...
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Visualization and Quantitative Research of Stress Corrosion Cracking Using the Three-Dimensional Phased Array Ultrasonic Technique

Ultrasonic Integrity of anchor bolts of nuclear power plants is evaluated using test bolts with 1.6mm and 3.2 mm EDM notches. All notches are detected by the following three ultrasonic testing methods: longitudinal normal beam method, hased array (sectorial scanning) method and 3-dimensional phased array method. It is effective in detection of notches to use visual images obtained by ultrasonic phased array m ethods. Additionally, 3D phased array technique can provide fast und wide evaluation of integrity ...
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Ultrasonic integrity evaluation of Anchor Bolts of Nuclear Power Plants

For safety and early decommissioning of Fukushima, internal survey techniques have been expected to gain an understanding of the state of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station. Underwater operation and survey is considered to be necessary for vessels and buildings partially filled with retained water. As a complementary of optical instrumentation, ultrasonic underwater visualization techniques have been important for recognizing environment and obstacles for supporting remote operation. In this stud...
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Development of visualization techniques for underwater environment using ultrasonic array sensors: shape measurement

A pipe-wall thinning measurement is one of key inspections to ensure the integrity of the piping system in power plants. Since the pipes of the power plants are covered with insulation, the removal of the insulation, which is time-consuming process in general, is required for the pipe-wall thinning inspection. We have been developing an innovative measurement technology, which enable the pipe-wall thinning inspection without removing the insulation, based on the non-contact ultrasonic sensor proposed by ...
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Feasibility study of non-contact ultrasonic sensor for pipe-wall thinning inspection of power plants

Ultrasonic testing techniques by using the three-dimensional (3D) phased array was investigated. The 3D phased array allows a target region to be scanned volumetrically with focused beams transmitted from a matrix array probe. This leads to an increase in inspection speed and easy-to-u nderstand inspection results displayed as 3D rendered images. This paper focuses mainly on synthesizing techniques of 3D scanned data obtained a t multiple positions when moving the probe. The technique is effective to figu...
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Three-Dimensional Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

This study presents innovative 2D phased array inspection system “HITCHI 3D Focus-UT” for 3D volume inspection. This system employees (1) 3D ray-trace simulator to set-up the delay time for array elements and delay pattern for 3D volume scanning, (2) high sensitivity 256CH phased array equipment to drive a 2D matrix ar ray simultaneously and to obtain 3D volumetric data, and (3) high-speed 3D data processing software to convert 3D volumetric inspection data into 3D voxel data and display 3D inspection ima...
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Development of 3-Dimensional Ultrasonic Testing System “3D Focus-UT”