Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing (UT) widely used for non-destructive testing (NDT) in various industrial sectors, including construction, pipelines, and power generation. This technique detects discontinuities such as cracks or flaws, allowing for the assessment of component quality12. Here are some key features of PAUT:

Real-time Imaging: PAUT provides real-time imaging through advanced software optimization and parallelization of the Total Focusing Method (TFM) algorithm. It allows for weld geometry inspection with B-scan, C-scan, and D-scan displays.

Anisotropic CFRP Material Inspection: PAUT compensates for velocity variations, making it suitable for inspecting anisotropic Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials.

Calibration of Inspection Sensitivity: PAUT ensures a uniform amplitude response throughout the region of interest, allowing for accurate sensitivity calibration.

Hybrid Phased Array/TFM Technique: This technique combines phased array and TFM for rapid inspection (100+ frames per second) using large arrays, especially for thick-section components.

Micro Phased Array: The micro phased array scanner holds two probes to inspect pipes with outer diameters ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. Its slim design allows inspection in limited access areas where minimal clearance is required. Adjacent obstructions can be as close as 18 mm. This type of phased array can be used instead of radiography in tight-scheduled projects

Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) is a widely used non-destructive testing (NDT) method for detecting flaws in welds.

Principle of TOFD:

• Unlike traditional ultrasonic testing (UT) methods that rely on the reflectivity of flaws, TOFD uses the diffracted sound waves originating from the flaw tips.
• This means that TOFD can detect flaws irrespective of their type or orientation.
• In a TOFD system, a pair of probes sits on opposite sides of a weld, allowing accurate flaw detection and sizing

Computerized Radiography (CR):

• CR is an advanced radiographic testing method used to inspect materials for defects. Instead of using traditional film, CR employs digital detectors to capture and store test images.
• These digital detectors, in combination with specialized software, allow for efficient defect detection in welds, parent materials, and critical equipment.
• CR is particularly useful for assessing potentially dangerous structures, pipelines, and industrial equipment.
• DEKRA’s ART specialists utilize various types of digital detectors and x-ray tubes to perform CR effectively

DEKRA, a specialized provider of industrial testing services, performs Advanced Eddy Current Testing on various materials, including surface and tubing inspections. Here are some key points about Eddy Current Testing:

1. Applications:
   • Surface Inspections: Eddy Current Testing is used to detect defects in the surface of materials. It can identify tight cracks and other flaws, making it highly sensitive.
   • Tubing Inspections: This method is also applied to inspect tubing, including both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials. It can detect internal and external defects in tubes.
   • Sorting Materials: Eddy Current Testing helps sort materials based on their alloy and hardness.

IRIS Certification® (ISO/TS 22163):

• The IRIS Certification® scheme is designed for the railway industry and comprises the ISO/TS 22163:2017 standard along with the IRIS Certification® Conformity assessment:2020.
• ISO/TS 22163 adopts the structure of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard and extends it to include requirements specifically for the railway industry.
• Companies in the rail vehicle industry, including infrastructure technology suppliers, can benefit from this certification.
• The focus is on processes rather than procedures, emphasizing risk-based thinking and continuous improvement.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) are monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure process and organizational enhancement.

• Infrared thermography involves obtaining an image of the heat distribution over the surface of a test object.
• It works by capturing thermal energy emitted from the object and converting it to apparent temperature.
• The result is displayed as an infrared image.
• Importantly, infrared thermography allows you to capture these thermal images without making direct contact with the equipment

• CUPS refers to Corrosion Under Pipe Supports. It occurs when corrosion develops at the interface between a pipe and its support structure.
• The two most common types of pipe supports associated with CUPS are saddle clamps and beam supports.
• These supports create conditions conducive to corrosion due to:
  • Crevice formation: Small gaps or crevices between the pipe and support.
  • Water trapping: Water gets trapped in these crevices, leading to prolonged contact with the pipe surface.
  • Restricted access: Maintenance and inspection become challenging due to limited access at the support locations

• EMAT induces ultrasonic waves into the test object using two interacting magnetic fields.
• Unlike conventional ultrasonic testing, which relies on direct contact between the transducer and the material, EMAT generates sound waves without physical coupling.
• The interaction of magnetic fields creates mechanical vibrations in the material, producing ultrasonic waves that propagate through it.