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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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%.

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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.

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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.

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OmniScan MX2 Training – Amplitude Analysis – Amplitude C-scan
 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 C-
scan for weld inspection is data screening
and flaw length sizing.
Focal laws 45-70

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?

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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 1
1 2 1 2
?
2 2

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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
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 flaw’s volumetric location.

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 Questions or Comments?

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