ADVANCED ULTRASONIC SERVICES
TOFD, PAUT, TFM and FMC provide different ways to acquire and interpret ultrasonic information. IAIS reviews the component and governing requirements before recommending a procedure and reporting scope.
Discuss your projectSERVICES AT A GLANCE
These techniques are related, but they are not interchangeable. TOFD focuses on diffracted signals; PAUT steers and focuses beams electronically; FMC records a full set of transmit-receive combinations; and TFM reconstructs an image from suitable FMC data. Coverage, sensitivity and acceptance criteria are established for each application.
TOFD uses a transmitting and receiving probe arrangement to record lateral, back-wall and diffracted signals. It is often used for weld examination and through-wall sizing of suitable indications.
Scope considerations: weld geometry, wall thickness, access on both sides, surface condition, reference blocks and the applicable procedure.
PAUT uses multiple probe elements and controlled delays to form, steer or focus ultrasonic beams. Sectorial and other scan views can support weld examination, mapping and indication evaluation where the technique is suitable.
Scope considerations: material, weld profile, probe and wedge selection, calibration, scan plan, encoding and coverage.
TFM reconstructs an ultrasonic image by applying focusing calculations across a defined region of interest. Its use depends on the acquisition setup, material properties, image quality and the project’s evaluation requirements.
Scope considerations: region of interest, probe setup, sound paths, material response, validation and reporting method.
FMC is a data acquisition process in which array elements transmit and receive in combinations. The captured data can be processed for imaging methods such as TFM. FMC describes the acquisition, rather than a stand-alone acceptance result.
Scope considerations: instrument capability, array configuration, data volume, acquisition time and subsequent processing.
PLANNING THE EXAMINATION
A useful proposal starts with an inspection objective, not just a method name. Combining methods may be appropriate when the approved procedure and technical requirements call for complementary coverage.
These explanations describe general method principles. The presence of a technique on this site does not imply suitability for every material or geometry. The project procedure, calibration, personnel and acceptance basis are agreed before execution.
REQUEST A PROPOSAL
Share drawings, applicable standards, worksite location and target dates. IAIS India or IAIS UAE can review the information and discuss the suitable method and execution arrangement.
