Introduction To Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) For Weld Inspection

The document discusses time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) for weld inspection. It provides an overview of TOFD theory and techniques, benefits of TOFD, and typical equipment used. Popular TOFD techniques are described and illustrations show TOFD defect detection and sizing.

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Introduction To Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) For Weld Inspection

Uploaded by

Alanka Prasad

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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Industrial Solutions

Olympus Industrial Resources

Application Notes

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Introduction to Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) for

Weld Inspection

Overview
Although time-of-flight diffraction
(TOFD) can be used for a variety of
applications, its primary use is rapid
weld testing of circumferential and
axial weld seams, also known as
perpendicular TOFD scanning. Since
the introduction of TOFD in the
1970s, the use of this reputed
reliable nondestructive testing
technique has steadily increased.
Manual execution is possible with
TOFD, however, it is most commonly
performed in combination with a recording device, that is, an encoder or industrial scanner. To achieve code compliance
in North America, TOFD is often coupled with pulse-echo or phased array techniques in order to cover the root and cap
regions of the weld.

Popular TOFD Weld Inspection Techniques

TOFD can be used indepentently or in conjuntion with other ultrasonic techniques. Some of the most common
techniques are:

Single group TOFD

Multiple TOFD
TOFD with pulse echo/creeping waves
TOFD with phased array
TOFD Basic Theory
TOFD is usually performed using longitudinal waves as the primary detection method. Ultrasonic sensors are placed on
each side of the weld. One sensor sends the ultrasonic beam into the material and the other sensor receives reflected
and diffracted ultrasound from anomalies and geometric reflectors. TOFD provides a wide area of coverage with a single
beam by exploiting ultrasonic beam spread theory inside the wedge and the inspected material. When the beam comes
in contact with the tip of a flaw, or crack, diffracted energy is cast in all directions. Measuring the time of flight of the
diffracted beams enables accurate and reliable flaw detection and sizing, even if the crack is off-oriented to the intial
beam direction. During typical TOFD inspections, A-scans are collected and used to create B-scan (side view) images of
the weld. Analysis is done on the acquisition unit or in post-analysis software, positioning cursors to measure the length
and through-wall height of flaws.

Reflected and diffracted sound illustration

Single TOFD group acquired by manual one-line scanner

Example of TOFD cursor sizing of defect height

Main Bene ts of TOFD for Weld Inspection

Based on diffraction, so relatively indifferent to weld bevel angles and flaw orientation
Uses time of arrival of signals received from crack tips for accurate defect positioning and sizing
Precise sizing capability makes it an ideal flaw monitoring method
Quick to set up and perform an inspection, as a single beam offers a large area of coverage
Rapid scanning with imaging and full data recording
Can also be used for corrosion inspections
Required equipment is more economical than phased array, due to conventional nature (single pulser and
reciever) and use of conventional probes
Highly sensitive to all weld flaw types

Typical TOFD Equipment

OmniScan SX UT or other OmniScan MX/MX2/SX module, depending on technique

TOFD scanner – HST-Lite or other
Highly dampened TOFD probes- CentraScan or other
TOFD wedges- Rexolite or Stainless Steel
Optional- Post-analysis and technique development software- NDT Setup Builder and OmniPC
Water (couplant) delivery system- WTR-SPRAYER-8L or similiar

Conclusion
TOFD offers rapid weld inspection with excellent flaw detection and sizing capacities. The diffraction technique provides
critical sizing capability with relative indifference to bevel angle or flaw orientation. TOFD can be utilized on its own or in
conjunction with other NDT techniques.

Products used for this application

OmniScan X3 TOFD Transducers & Wedges

The OmniScan X3 flaw detector is a complete phased Time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) transducers and wedges
array toolbox. Innovative TFM delivers outstanding generate refracted longitudinal waves in steel and are
images that help inspectors identify flaws with confidence commonly used to size cracks. The transducers are
while powerful software features and simple workflows highly damped, offering excellent resolution in
help you get to work fast. challenging applications. They have a sensitive
composite element and are available in frequencies from
2.25 MHz to 15 MHz and in sizes from 3 mm (0.25 in.) to
12 mm (0.5 in.).

TOFD Solution OmniScan SX

The OmniScan MX2 2-channel conventional ultrasound The single group, lightweight OmniScan SX features an
module (UT2) can be used for TOFD (Time-of-Flight easy-to-read 8.4 inch (21.3 cm) touch screen and
Diffraction) inspections. It features higher pulser voltages provides cost-effective solutions. The OmniScan SX
(340 V), increased PRF capabilities, and dramatically comes in two models: the SX PA and SX UT. The SX PA
improved signal-to-noise ratio. is a 16:64PR unit, which, like the UT-only SX UT, is
equipped with a conventional UT channel for P/E, P-C or
TOFD inspections.
OmniScan MX2
The OmniScan MX2 now features a new phased array
module (PA2) with a UT channel, and a new two-channel
conventional ultrasound module (UT2) that can be used
for TOFD (Time-of-Flight Diffraction), as well as new
software programs that expand the capabilities of the
successful OmniScan MX2 platform.

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