Weld inspection using advanced TFM and PCI techniques
Tracks
NDT Methods
| Tuesday, October 22, 2024 |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
| 206 - Short Course & Technical Session |
Details
The Total Focusing Method (TFM) represents a significant advancement in the field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing. Its ability to provide high-resolution, detailed images makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring the quality and safety of welded structures. TFM is an inspection technique that involves a data acquisition process called Full Matrix Capture (FMC) followed by the reconstruction called TFM. There are several data acquisition schemes available such as elementary FMC for which all the elements are fired individually, Plane Wave Imaging (PWI), which consists in performing a sectorial scan and more. The intent is always to improve productivity and/or sensitivity. On the reconstruction side, TFM is an amplitude-based reconstruction method allowing compensation such as Time Corrected Gain but also decibel drop sizing methods. Other reconstruction techniques such as Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI) use the phase information, which tend to be more sensitive to diffraction echoes. Each technique brings different information, combining TFM/PCI images can significantly enhance the characterization of a weld by providing a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of its internal structure. We’ll present examples of TFM/PCI combinations using pulse/echo and pitch/catch acquisitions. This method leads to better defect detection, improved understanding of defect characteristics, and ultimately ensures higher quality and safety standards in welded structures.
Speaker
Frederic Reverdy
EKOSCAN
Weld inspection using advanced TFM and PCI techniques
Presentation Description
The Total Focusing Method (TFM) represents a significant advancement in the field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing. Its ability to provide high-resolution, detailed images makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring the quality and safety of welded structures. TFM is an inspection technique that involves a data acquisition process called Full Matrix Capture (FMC) followed by the reconstruction called TFM. There are several data acquisition schemes available such as elementary FMC for which all the elements are fired individually, Plane Wave Imaging (PWI), which consists in performing a sectorial scan and more. The intent is always to improve productivity and/or sensitivity. On the reconstruction side, TFM is an amplitude-based reconstruction method allowing compensation such as Time Corrected Gain but also decibel drop sizing methods. Other reconstruction techniques such as Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI) use the phase information, which tend to be more sensitive to diffraction echoes. Each technique brings different information, combining TFM/PCI images can significantly enhance the characterization of a weld by providing a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of its internal structure. We’ll present examples of TFM/PCI combinations using pulse/echo and pitch/catch acquisitions. This method leads to better defect detection, improved understanding of defect characteristics, and ultimately ensures higher quality and safety standards in welded structures.
Biography
Frederic Reverdy got his PhD at the University of Bordeaux in 2000 on the topic of Composite Inspection using Laser-Ultrasonics. He worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA), at the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in France, at M2M/Eddyfi developing NDT solutions for various industries. He joined Ekoscan this year. He is an expert in ultrasonic techniques (conventional, TOFD, phased-array, TFM, EMAT, Guided waves, laser ultrasonic).
