OmniScan MX2 Training Program

Phased Array
Amplitude Analysis

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Overview

The majority of both conventional and phased array weld inspections can be
considered Amplitude based inspections as opposed to time of flight
applications like TOFD, corrosion mapping, and composite inspections.
Using side drilled holes (SDH) or notches of different size at different depths a
reference sensitivity can be calibrated for comparison to detected flaws during
the inspection. Typically to 80%.
The smaller the notch or SDH, the more gain required resulting in a more
sensitive inspection and greater potential for a reject.
Amplitude analysis is dependent on the data having been acquired in
accordance with the calibration and inspection rules specified in the
referencing code or procedure.
The MX2 uses an 8 bit amplitude resolution (0-100%) for the digitized A-scan
and a 10 bit resolution (0-200%) for the C-scan gate data and gate readings.
Modifying the gate position in analysis mode will convert 10 bit data to 8 bit
data where only 0-100% amplitude is available. In other words, when you
change the gate position all data between 101-200% is converted to 100%
amplitude.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis A% Readings

The A% reading is the peak amplitude detected in gate A.

The A% reading is available for either the maximum peak (E as pictured
below) or first peak (D as below) detected in the gate as configured in
Gate\Alarm>Gates>Parameters>Mode>Peak Selection.
The % amplitude reading is available for both gate A (Red) or gate B (Green).

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis A% Readings cont.

In the example below readings have been selected for both gate A% and
gate B%.
The gate B reading is 33.7%.
The reading for gate A of 86.5% also indicates with a red background that
at least one focal law in the group is saturated.
Gate A in the A-scan display
is normally red, but when it
flashes red\white as pictured
it indicates that at least one
element in the current focal
law is saturated.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis AdBCurve Reading

The AdBCurve reading calculates the difference between the peak amplitude
signal in gate A and the sizing curve level. (UT>Advanced>Reference
Amplitude>Typically 80%)
This reading is available for both gate A (AdBCurve) and gate B (BdBCurve).
In the below example of inadequate penetration the reference sensitivity was
calibrated to 80% amplitude using a notch in a piping calibration block.
The AdBCurve reading indicates that the 99.8% amplitude signal in gate A is 1.9
dB over the reference sensitivity of 80%. A negative number would indicate below
the reference curve.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis AdBr Reading

The AdBr reading calculates the difference between the peak amplitude signal in
gate A and the reference. (UT>Advanced>Reference Amplitude>On)
This reading is available for both gate A (AdBr) and gate B (BdBr).
In the below example of inadequate penetration the reference sensitivity calibrated
for 80% at 18.8 dB.
The AdBr reading indicates that the 144% amplitude signal in gate A is 4.2 dB over
the reference sensitivity of 80%.
26 dB (AdBr) 18.8 dB (Ref sensitivity) 3.0 dB (Scan sensitivity) = 4.2 dB.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis AdBB Reading

The AdBA reading calculates the difference between the peak amplitude signal in
gate A and the gate threshold level. (Gate\Alarm>Gate>Position>Threshold>40%)
This reading is available for both gate A (AdBA) and gate B (BdBB).
In the below example slag is detected in gate A at 77.9% amplitude.
The AdBA reading indicates that the 77.9% amplitude signal in gate A is 17.8 dB
over the gate A threshold of 10%.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis %(U(r)) Reading

The %(U(r)) reading displays the amplitude of the signal at the position of the
reference cursor on the UT axis
This reading is available for both the red reference cursor %(U(r)) and the green
measure cursor %(U(m)) on the UT axis.
In the below example porosity is detected in gate A. The signal amplitude at the
position of the reference cursor on the UT axis is 71.4% amplitude.

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis A-scan Envelope

The green amplitude

envelope trace is useful for
optimizing and peaking
signals for both calibration
and sizing.
A short stroke of the
envelope function key will
clear the current envelope.
A long stroke of the
envelope function key will
enable or disable it on the
A-scan.
The envelope will refresh
automatically when the
current A-scan or focal law
is changed.

Envelope

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Amplitude C-scan

Focal laws 45-70

For the S-scan weld inspection, the

amplitude C-scan is defined by the vertical
focal law axis and the horizontal scan axis.
(Focal laws 45-70 vs. probe movement)
For each focal law, the pixel color is
determined by the peak amplitude signal in
gate A for that position on the scan axis. 1
pixel = 1 A-scan.
The primary function of the amplitude Cscan for weld inspection is data screening
and flaw length sizing.

Scan Axis (Probe movement)

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OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Amplitude C-scan cont.

In the amplitude C-scan below, the data point circled represents the maximum
signal detected in gate A by the 55.5 degree focal law at 269mm on the scan axis.

>80%

>80%

Is this a flaw or is it geometry?

Is this an embedded or ID\OD connected flaw?
Where in the weld volume does this flaw occur?
Where to excavate to repair the flaw?
Without visualizing the S-scan or relative 55.5 degree A-scan at 269mm it is not
possible to know the flaw type, volumetric location or depth of the flaw. Only
amplitude, and scan axis position are known in the uncorrected amplitude C-scan
data view.
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OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Amplitude C-scan cont.

In the S-scans below are two indications that will produce the exact same pixel
color in the C-scan. (55.5 degrees at 269mm on the scan axis) One is a geometric
reflector from the weld crown and one is rejectable side wall lack of fusion.
Because both signal 1 and 2 are detected in gate A, it is not possible to
differentiate between them without use of the S-scan or A-scan.

?
OD weld crown geometry (2)

Side wall lack of fusion (1)

1
2

?
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1
2

OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Amplitude C-scan cont.

By visualizing the S-scan and A-scan that generated the amplitude C-scan pixel at
269mm it is obvious that the indication is a geometric reflector from the far side
weld crown and need not be evaluated as a flaw.

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OmniScan MX2 Training Amplitude Analysis Amplitude C-scan cont.

By visualizing the S-scan and A-scan that generated the amplitude C-scan pixel at
173mm it is obvious that the indication is SWLF and must be evaluated as a flaw.
The primary indicator for flaw type characterization is the flaws volumetric location.

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