What is a Linear Phased Array Transducer?

What is a Linear Phased Array Transducer?

Linear array transducer

Can you think of anything better than a single transducer that has multiple elements in one?  by multiple we mean up to the thousands.  Measurements using a single element is okay, but using several elements in one is even better. Both for your work efficiency and the efficiency of the materials being tested.

Linear phased array transducers are revolutionary transducers, allowing quick measurement along planes such as pipes without having to move the probe from one point to the next.  How great is that?

keep reading to find out how a linear array transducer works and what makes it different and more reliable that other kinds of transducers.  you will also get to understand their different applications and advantages of using this instrument for quality monitoring.  

1. What is a linear phased array transducer?

A linear phased array transducer is a probe that comprises multiple crystal elements in one probe.  The elements are arranged in a straight line and produce ultrasonic waves in the same linear fashion from one element to another.  They are generally 2 or 3 centimeters long and mostly used on long products inspection.

During measurement, each of the crystals is controlled separately within the transducer.  These elements then combine to produce a beam.  The produced ultrasound beam moves in a pattern along the transducer, one element at a time to produce an image.

2. What’s the Application of a linear phased array transducer?

Linear phased array transducers are used in various fields such as medical, manufacturing industries, and automotive and rail sectors.  Owing to their length, (longer than normal transducers) they are  mainly for inspection along long products such as pipes.  Some of the examples of applications for linear phased array transducers are

Weld inspection.  Linear phased array transducers are especially important in checking the integrity of welded components in different industries such as pipeline and automotive industries.

Inspection of turbine blades.  A linear phased array transducer only needs to access one part of a material for testing and that is why it is mostly applied for checking turbine blade status.

Examination of wheels and axis for rails and trains.  It helps in monitoring material wear and tear, and corrosion which in the long run helps prevent expensive repairs or accidents.

Linear phased array transducers are used in various fields such as medical, manufacturing industries, and automotive and rail sectors.  Owing to their length, (longer than normal transducers) they are  mainly for inspection along long products such as pipes.  Some of the examples of applications for linear phased array transducers are

Weld inspection.  Linear phased array transducers are especially important in checking the integrity of welded components in different industries such as pipeline and automotive industries.

Inspection of turbine blades.  A linear phased array transducer only needs to access one part of a material for testing and that is why it is mostly applied for checking turbine blade status.

Examination of wheels and axis for rails and trains.  It helps in monitoring material wear and tear, and corrosion which in the long run helps prevent expensive repairs or accidents.

Inspection of leakages.  Wall thickness monitoring is especially important in the oil and pipeline industries to prevent wastages, losses or even fatal accidents. Inspection of leakages.  Wall thickness monitoring is especially important in the oil and pipeline industries to prevent wastages, losses or even fatal accidents.

3. What’s the Advantage of a linear phased array transducer?

The important features of linear phased array probes such as the usage of multiple crystals during testing and the ability to scan a large area without moving the probe has contributed to it having numerous advantages for the fields of use.

These advantages are;

  • High speed inspection for materials that are long such as pipes, tubes, bars and plates.

  • More accurate results because of the multi-element feature.

  • Real time results for quick decision making.

  • It can be used for screening areas that are hard to reach as there is no need for moving the prone while doing  tests.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, linear phased array transducers are instruments used for fast and accurate analysis of plane and long materials such as tubes and bars because of the multiple transducers present in a single probe. 

The difference between these transducers and other transducers apart from the many elements, is also the linear arrangement of the crystals that allow for scanning of a larger surface without moving the probe.

NDT-KITS has produced a series of linear array transducers with standard and customized probes to fit your every ultrasonic testing needs.  Our production equipment is high class and modern to ensure we keep up with the changing technology.

Linear phased array transducers can be customized according to clients request with up to 1024 elements.  The dedicated team of engineers work closely with the client for custom orders and our excellent support team keeps in touch after delivery in case of trouble shooting or training requirements.


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