Ultrasonic testing
(UT / PAUT / UT-TM)
Radiation-free volumetric defect detection and wall thickness measurement without production downtime. Traditional ultrasonic testing (UT), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and thickness measurement (UT-TM) together cover everything from weld quality assurance to maintenance corrosion monitoring. Our reporting system delivers a completed report in under 24 hours.
- SFS-EN ISO 9712 certification
- Radiation-free detection of volumetric defects and measurement of wall thickness
- Completed report in even under 24 hours
Three ultrasound methods — one supplier
Ultrasonic testing covers three methods optimised for distinct purposes. The correct choice — or combination of them — depends on the object being inspected, the defect type and the documentation requirements.
Traditional ultrasound scan
Fault detection performed with a single probe. Particularly suitable for welds, plates, forgings and shafts. A rapid field method that does not require radiation protection interlocking.
Phased array ultrasonic testing
A multi-element probe forms a controllable and focusable phased array of sound beams. Generates recordable image data – better positioning accuracy, documentability and traceability.
Ultrasonic thickness measurement
Wall thickness measurement from one side of the component. A predictive maintenance tool for monitoring corrosion, erosion and wear. The result is a numerical thickness value in millimetres.
NDT Aura Oy implements all three ultrasonic methods certified in accordance with the SFS-EN ISO 9712 qualification requirements. If necessary, we consult on the selection of the most suitable method or combination based on the geometry, material and standard requirements of the object.
FASTEST REPORTING IN THE INDUSTRY
Our reporting system enables a completed inspection report in under 24 hours — even for urgent orders.
FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION
Inspections are carried out at night and at weekends if necessary. Even with twenty-four hours' notice on-site — without production downtime or radiation protection areas.
THREE METHODS – ONE PARTNER
UT, PAUT and UT-TM from the same supplier. We consult on the right combination of methods — no unnecessary inspection rounds or extra subcontractors.
UT, PAUT and UT-TM — when to use which?
All three are based on the physics of ultrasound, but serve different purposes. By understanding the differences, you can choose the most suitable solution for the situation — or ask us to consult.
Traditional ultrasound scan
- Single transducer, A-scan-based interpretation
- Quick troubleshooting of welds, sheet metal, forgings
- Field-ready — also for confined spaces
- No radiation hazard, no radiation protection area
- Interpretation requires an experienced inspector
- Standards: ISO 17640,EN ISO 11666
Phased array ultrasonic testing
- Multi-element probe, imaging sector data
- Better location accuracy and size estimation
- Data to be saved and subsequently analysed
- Particularly suitable for critical welds and applications requiring PAUT
- Faster coverage in large audits
- Standards: ISO 13588, EN ISO 19285
Ultrasonic thickness measurement
- Thickness value to the nearest mm from one side
- No defect classification — wall thickness monitoring
- Quantitative measurement of corrosion and wear
- Measurement grid or risk-based spot check
- Maintenance and life cycle assessment tool
- Standards: ISO 16809
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
01
UT / PAUT: Welds in piping and pressure equipment — pre-fabrication and initial inspections (PED 2014/68/EU)
02
PAUT: Critical crane structures, joints and demanding steel structures where recordable inspection data is required
03
UT / PAUT: Weld joints in shipyard and shipbuilding structures
04
UT-TM: Wall thickness measurements of process industry piping and vessels — corrosion mapping and wear monitoring
05
Detection of internal discontinuities in castings, forgings, shafts and gears
06
UT-TM: In-service maintenance: assessment of remaining wall thickness of in-service equipment
AUDIT PROCESS STEP BY STEP
The geometry, material, wall thickness and applicable standard of the object determine the correct method or combination.
To ensure good acoustic contact, the device is calibrated to the sound velocity of the component material. In PAUT testing, the wedge selections are set according to the inspection plan.
UT: systematic scanning in real time. PAUT: phased array scanning and full sector data are recorded. UT-TM: predefined measurement points.
A certified Level II or Level III inspector evaluates the findings in accordance with the acceptance criteria of applicable standards.
Our reporting system generates an audit-ready inspection report, ready to be attached to the QA/QC documentation.
ULTRASONIC METHODS ALONGSIDE OTHER NDT METHODS
The following comparison helps to select the most suitable method or combination of methods for the situation:
| Feature | UT | PAUT | UT-TM | dRT | MT / PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal volumetric defects | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Not suitable | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Not suitable |
| Pintaviat | Limited | Limited | ✗ Not suitable | Limited | ✓ Excellent |
| wall thickness measurement | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Optimised | ✗ Not suitable | ✗ Not suitable |
| Imaging data | A-scan | Sector/B-picture | Numerical | Digital image | ✗ No image |
| Data to be saved | Limited | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Non-ferromagnetic materials | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable | not suitable |
| Radiation protection is required | ✓ Not needed | ✓ Not needed | ✓ Not needed | ✗ Required | ✓ Not needed |
| Speed / efficiency | ✓ Fast | ✓ Fast | ✓ Fast | ✓ Fast | ✓ Fast |
UT — Ultrasonic Testing
PAUT — Phased Array UT
UT-TM — Thickness Measurement
DR — Digital radiography
MT / PT — Magnetic Particle / Penetrant Testing
Note: The combination of UT or PAUT and MT or PT is a common solution for critical welded structures where comprehensive inspection is required for both internal volumetric defects and
Customer benefits
NON-RADIOACTIVE
No ionising radiation, no radiation protection zones. Inspection often possible alongside production without personnel relocation.
Compliance
Reporting fulfils ISO 17640, ISO 13588, SFS-EN ISO 9712 and project-specific requirements.
SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY
The reporting system delivers an audit-ready report in even less than 24 hours. An auditor can be on-site with as little as 24 hours' notice.
LIFE CYCLE DATA
UT-TM enables quantitative monitoring of corrosion and wear throughout the lifecycle.
THREE METHODS
UT, PAUT and UT-TM from the same supplier — no extra subcontractors, no unnecessary inspection rounds.
ACCURACY AND DOCUMENTATION
PAUT produces recordable sector and B-scan data for post-analysis. The location, depth and size of indications are precisely documented.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION
NDT Aura Oy's inspectors operate in accordance with the standards listed below — a technically competent and legally acceptable inspection result.
NDT programme
BASIC COURSE IN THE COMPREHENSIVE NDT PROGRAMME
Ultrasonic methods excellently cover volumetric flaws and thickness measurements, but comprehensive quality assurance often requires a combination of methods. NDT Aura Oy consults on the creation of the most suitable inspection programme based on the object's risk level and standard requirements:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ULTRASOUND INSPECTIONS (FAQ)
Traditional UT is well suited for rapid flaw detection in simpler geometries and for situations where the inspection can be carried out as a manual scan based on experience. PAUT is a better choice when recordable and repeatable inspection data, more accurate flaw sizing, or strict documentation requirements are demanded.
UT testing is primarily defect detection: the objective is to detect cracks, bonding defects and inclusions. UT-TM measures the remaining wall thickness of the material as a numerical value in millimetres. UT-TM does not search for defects but quantifies the progression of wear, corrosion or erosion. The methods can be carried out during the same visit.
Ultrasonic testing is widely applicable to various metals — carbon steel, stainless steel (both austenitic and ferritic), aluminium, copper and other alloys. Unlike magnetic particle testing, UT does not rely on the magnetic properties of the material.
Not necessarily. Ultrasonic testing does not require a radiation controlled area, so in many cases it can be carried out alongside production without relocating personnel. Inspections can be carried out at night or at weekends — and an inspector can even be on site with 24 hours' notice.
Our reporting system enables a completed inspection report in even under 24 hours from the inspection. In urgent situations, we can often operate within the same day or by the following morning.
NDT aura will deliver an order form to the client, which provides a description of the object: material, wall thickness, welding method, volume of welds or surface area to be inspected, applicable standard, and desired schedule. Drawings will expedite the preparation of the quotation. For UT-TM measurements, a description of the object, material, and measurement point grid is sufficient.
Request for quotation
Request a quote for an ultrasound scan
(UT, PAUT, UT-TM) — fast response, flexible implementation, reporting even in under 24 hours
Tell us about the inspection object, material, applicable standard and schedule — we will respond to your request for quote quickly. Send the drawings or a short project description, and we will help you choose the technically correct NDT method or combination of methods.