Testing of weld patches in D"y800 pipelines with ultrasonic antenna arrays using the triple scanning method

A method for obtaining flaw images in weld patches of D"y800 pipelines using antenna arrays operating in a triple-scanning mode is proposed. The triple-scanning method involves the mechanical motion of an antenna array operated in a double-scanning mode over the surface of an object to be tested. A complex partial image of flaws is reconstructed for each position of the antenna array using the combined SAFT (C-SAFT) method. The final image is obtained immediately after coherent imaging of all partial images. Images of flaw models in the form of side-drilled holes 2 mm in diameter in patches of D"y800 pipelines that were reconstructed from echo signals obtained in the triple scanning mode using longitudinal waves are demonstrated. As compared to traditional images obtained in the mode of phased antenna arrays, the front resolution doubles and the level of the reverberation noise and the noise formed by false images due to a large step between the antenna array elements increases by more than 12 dB.