Mini-PAUT. Fast, compact phased array ultrasonic testing system

自2003年以来，MEV与Belltech合作开发了小范围的传统超声波无损检测系统，这些系统是世界上最精确和紧凑的系统之一。我们通过应用定制逻辑设计，嵌入式软件，模拟和数字电子方面的最新技术和专业知识来实现这一目标。我们的目标是从一个小的专业供应商成长为一个主要的国际供应商。超声波无损检测系统已经存在了超过25年。他们使用超声波信号来检查由金属和其他材料制成的物体的内部结构。这可以在服务缺陷引起问题之前发现缺陷，并在安装之前识别故障部件。我们提供大量适合水下工作的系统，例如在核设施中，以及检查海底输油管道和通信电缆。在这种应用中，系统通常被封装在远程操作船（ROV）中。小尺寸（以减少ROV的尺寸、复杂性和成本）至关重要。快速处理（以减少专业ROV操作所需的时间）对于保持无损检测的成本效益也至关重要。相控阵超声无损检测系统已经存在了大约十年。他们使用来自多个探测器的更多信号，依次发射以实时生成图像。使用多个探头可以在不移动探头组件的情况下控制系统的视野。随着复合材料应用的不断增加，对pat系统的测试性能提出了更高的要求。拟议项目的目的是开发一个在系统上优于现有系统的PAUT系统。我们将采用新的技术和组件来简化信号链。这将提高精度，缩小尺寸（两倍的改进）和加快操作（八倍的改进）。

Since 2003 MEV, in collaboration with Belltech have developed a small range ofconventional Ultrasonic NDT systems that are among the most accurate and compact systemsin the world. We achieved this by applying the latest technology and expertise in custom logicdesign, embedded software, analogue and digital electronics. We aim to grow from being aniche, specialist supplier to a major international supplier.Ultrasonic NDT systems have been in existence for over twenty-five years. They useultrasound signals to inspect the interior structure of objects made of Metal and othermaterials. This can detect defects in service before they cause problems and identify faultyparts before installation. We supply a vast number of systems that are adapted to workunderwater, for instance in nuclear installations and to inspect subsea oil pipelines andcommunication cables. In this application, the system is generally enclosed in a remotelyoperated vessel (ROV). Small size (to reduce size, complexity and cost of ROV) is critical.Fast processing (to reduce time needed for specialist ROV operation) is also essential to keepNDT inspections cost-effective.Phased Array Ultrasonic NDT (PAUT) systems have been in existence approximately adecade. They use more signals from multiple probes, ‘fired’ sequentially to produce images inreal time. The use of multiple probes allows the field of view of the system to be steeredwithout moving the probe assembly. The increasing use of composite materials needs thehigher testing performance of PAUT systems.The aim of the proposed project is to develop a PAUT system that is systematically superiorto existing systems. We will employ new techniques and components to simplify the signalchain. This will improve accuracy, reduce size (two fold improvement) and speed upoperation (eight fold improvement).