OmniScan MX2 Training Program

Introduction to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2

Part 2
Please send questions and comments to: PhasedArraySupport@olympusndt.com

Introduction to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Overview

Supporting documentation for the training program comes primarily from the MX2
software manuals and the Olympus reference manuals below.
Modern phased array systems like the MX2 do not require an advanced knowledge
of mathematics or acoustic theory and the training program focuses on practical
explanations and real world application examples for the working inspector.
Supporting theory, mathematical formulas, and more advanced PA concepts can be
found in the books below available from the ONDT web site.
These manuals can be downloaded at http://www.olympus-ims.com

Introduction to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Review

Phased array calculators differ in functionality and complexity as a result of

supporting different types of probes, wedges, and applications.
The most simple or complex phased array calculators can generally be divided into 4
specific sets of parameters:
Probe parameters.
Wedge parameters.
Material parameters. (Velocity)
Focal law beam formation.
3 parts hardware and 1 part software to generate the focal laws.
For proper formation of the focal laws, all hardware parameters must be configured
correctly, and the beam formation requested must be within the limits of physics, the
hardware, and the instrumentation.

Introduction to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Probes Review

1D Linear array probes are the most widely used for industrial inspection and the
only type that is supported directly in the OmniScan MX2 software wizards.
Phased array probes other than 1D linear must use focal laws generated from an
external calculator for import into MX2.

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 System Software
Current MX2 software and updates can be downloaded directly from the
Olympus website at www.olympus-ims.com.
Software update notification will be emailed directly to you when available
after enrollment in the notification program on the web site.

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Hardware Modules

The OmniScan MX2 is compatible with all new and previous generation
phased array modules from 16:64M to 32:128PR. The open architecture is
designed to also support the next generation of advanced phased array
modules and software.

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Power Supply

The OmniScan MX2 like all sophisticated electronics

requires a clean grounded power supply.
Although the OmniScan MX2 comes with a power
supply designed to be used in industrial environments,
verification of the wall outlet power is highly
recommended both for electronic protection, battery
health, and elimination of electrical interference or
Noise in the UT data as pictured below.
Electrical noise on C-scan and S-scan due to ungrounded external power source.

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Touch Screen
The OmniScan MX2 touch
screen eliminates the need for
external peripheral mouse,
keyboard, keypad to allow fast
navigation and software
configuration directly on the
display.
Functions of the touch screen
include:
All menu and sub menu
navigation.
Zoom and pan features.
All gate and cursor functions.
All text and number input fields.
All parameter selection.
Toggle between readings list 1
and 2 on the main display.
8

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Help Key

Selecting the help key will display the section of

the online manual relative to where you are at in
the software menu.
The scroll knob allows navigation in the on line
help manual.
Selecting the help key a second time will return
the display to normal operation.

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Touch Screen Modes
The icon in the upper corner indicates the active data window and touch screen
mode.
The MX2 touch screen has 3 modes of operation:
1. Zoom Mode. Default display mode and enabled with the Zoom function key. Allows touch screen zoom
and pan on data window.
2. Gate Mode. Enabled from the gate function key. Allows touch screen manipulation of all gate functions
on A-scan and S-scan data windows.
3. Cursor Mode. Enabled from the cursor function key. Allows touch screen manipulation of all cursors.

The data cursor on the S-scan and C-scan is always active regardless of touch
screen mode.
Zoom mode

Gate mode

10

Cursor mode

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Zoom Mode
By default the MX2 is in zoom mode until gate or cursor mode is selected.
In the active data window, forming a box with one finger and releasing will zoom the
defined area. Touch and drag vertical or horizontal will allow zoom in one axis.
Tap on the zoom icon to enable pan mode. This function allows a zoomed window to
be repositioned with one finger.
The pan feature is useful for centering zoomed data or for panning through a long
inspection on the scan axis in short windows of a predetermined length typical of PA
weld and TOFD one line scan inspections.
While in zoom mode, gates and cursors are disabled on the touch screen.

11

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 MX2 User Interface

The MX2 user interface and display is divided into the following sections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Main menus.
Sub menus.
Parameter input.
Data view windows.
Header and readings area.
Indication status area.

1
4

3
12

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Part and Weld Wizard
Each step in the wizard process is completed prior to selecting next. Below is
the entire wizard sequence.

13

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Material Thickness
The material thickness is not
directly related to the focal law
formation but is necessary for the
skip lines on the A-scan and Sscan, and the trigonometry
readings such as DA (Depth of
signal in gate A).
Material and material thickness are
entered during the part wizard
process and can also be modified
in Group\Probe\Part>Part
submenu.
Material Thickness can be
changed at anytime without
affecting the beam or calibration.

14

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Material Velocity
The material selection is relative to velocity and associates both the shear and
longitudinal velocity for use later in the focal law section of the wizard.
Use of materials that are not in the database must be entered directly in UT
Settings>General>Velocity.
The velocity of the material and wedge are essential parameters for the focal law
calculator and beam forming. Angle 1 degree angle accuracy and proper beam
formation the material velocity must be within +\- 50 meters per second of the real
velocity.
25-70 degrees shear has < 12 meter/sec velocity deviation

15

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 CSC Mode

CSC (Circumferential scanning mode) is relative to the trigonometry readings such

as depth (DA) and surface distance (PA).
The COD inspection for the OmniScan MX2 requires that the focal laws be built with
an external focal law calculator and imported into the OmniScan MX2 for use.
Only plate is supported directly in the MX2 software.
A pipe to pipe girth weld in skew 90\270 inspection is considered plate because the
ID and OD surfaces on parallel.

16

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Group Setup Wizard
Each step in the wizard process is completed prior to selecting next. Each task is
explained in the next series of slides. Below is the entire group setup wizard
progression.

17

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Group Overview
The MX2 is capable of eight groups that can be any combination of phased array,
conventional PE, or conventional PC (Pitch-catch) including TOFD.
The total of all A-scans or focal laws on all groups cannot exceed 256.
For two-probe two-sided inspections the Copy group function can be used to
create a mirror group identical to the first where only the skew and offset need be
changed.
There are three possibilities for group creation that are related to what type of probe
and connector is used, and what type of module is available:
1. Phased array group using the PA connector.
2. Conventional UT using the PA connector through an adaptor. (See conventional UT section)
3. Conventional UT using the BNC connectors of a compatible module. (First generation modules do not
allow simultaneous use with PA. See conventional UT section)

18

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Probe Selection

Probe selection is available in the setup

wizard and the Menu>Group Probe
\Part>Probe submenu.
The MX2 will read the following
information from the chip in the connector
of Olympus probes when the probe auto
detect is on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Probe Model.
Probe Frequency.
Probe Element Quantity.
Probe Element Pitch.
Reference Point.
Serial Number (Not displayed).

This allows rapid population of the group

wizard (Focal law calculator) and ease of
use.
With auto detect off, custom and probes
from manufacturers other than Olympus
can be entered and saved in the MX2
database.
19

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Wedge Selection

Wedge selection is available in the setup

wizard and the Menu>Group Probe
\Part>Wedge submenu.
Wedges are selected from a database.
New or custom wedges can be created
and saved.
This allows rapid population of the group
wizard (Focal law calculator) and ease of
use.
Care must be taken for wedge selection
as one wedge may have many entries
based on probe model and probe position
for the same housing type.

20

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Probe Position
For manual inspection where the probe position is controlled by the user and
not a scanner, these variables are not required or relevant and the default
values should be accepted.

21

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Focal Law Wizard
Each step in the wizard process is completed prior to selecting next. Each task is
explained in the next series of slides. Below is the focal law wizard progression.

22

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Steering Limits
Beam steering is limited by the probe element size and aperture, the wavelength,
physics of UT (Snells law) and most importantly, the ability to calibrate each A-scan
in the group to the satisfaction of the application or procedure.
The calibration process, like conventional UT, includes maintaining the velocity at a
known angle (Does not mode convert) and ability to correct the wedge delay,
sensitivity, and build a TCG (If required) for every A-scan in the group.

23

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 1st Element Position
The position of the beam set within the probe is defined by the first
element position.
For probes with a large element quantity (64, 128) the aperture can be
programmed at any position.
It is a common inspection strategy to use two sector scan groups from the
same probe for coverage. One from the front of the probe for 1st leg
coverage of the ID (First element position 49), and one from the back of
the probe for 2nd leg coverage of the OD (First element position 1).

Element 49

Element 1

24

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Probe 1st Element
Question:
For manual inspection is it better to program the sector scan at the front or back of
the probe\wedge?
Answer:
The front of the wedge. In the example below using a start element position of 49
allows the 16 element aperture beam to exit the wedge as close to the weld as
possible.
Element 49 is the last element on the probe that will still allow a 16 element
aperture. Total probe elements (64) aperture (16) + 1 element = maximum first
element position (49).

First element 49

25

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Probe Element Quantity

Below we see two examples that demonstrate the benefit of more elements of a
smaller pitch with the same size aperture. (16:XXX vs. 32:XXX)
The signal in the red gate A is a crack tip of a 20% through wall ID connected crack
in a 25mm thick carbon steel weld. The gain is increased so that the crack tip signal
is at 80% amplitude.
The 32:XXX acquisition module example shows a clear improvement in sizing
accuracy by producing a clearer image of the crack tip and improved signal to noise
ratio than that of a 16:XXX acquisition module.
Using more elements of a smaller pitch required a probe with more elements and a
compatible acquisition module for the MX2 with more pulsers.

27 elements .6 mm pitch probe = 16 mm aperture (32:XXX)

26

16 elements 1 mm pitch probe = 16 mm aperture (16:XXX)

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Min and Max Angle
Beam steering is limited by the probe element size and aperture, the
wavelength, physics of UT (Snells law) and most importantly, the ability to
calibrate each A-scan in the group to the satisfaction of the application or
procedure.
The phased array calibration process, like conventional UT, includes
maintaining the velocity at fixed angles (Does not mode convert) and ability
to correct the wedge delay, sensitivity, and build a TCG (If required) for
every A-scan in the group.

27

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Angle Step Resolution
Below the affect of beam angle resolution for a typical 45-70 degree S-scan on a
30mm V weld is displayed.
Beam angle resolution is directly related to sizing accuracy and ability to characterize
flaws.
The ability to distinguish between a crack and root non-fusion, or porosity and lack of
fusion is greatly enhanced by a higher A-scan density within the S-scan.
For inspections where flaw characterization and sizing is not a consideration the
scan speed and file size can be optimized by reducing the angle resolution to 1 or 2
degrees creating fewer A-scans within the S-scan.
45-70 degree S-scan at 1 degree resolution

45-70 degree S-scan at 1/2 degree resolution

28

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Angle Step Resolution
In this example there are 4 groups of phased array data and 4 groups of TOFD data
to provide 1mm detection and sizing for a 100mm thick ASME vessel inspection.
The two phased array groups covering the ID are at a 1 degree resolution.
The two phased array groups skipping off the ID for OD coverage are at a degree
resolution.
Because the OD coverage groups have a longer sound path, the groups are
programmed at degree resolution (2X as many A-scans) to maintain the same
sizing ability as the ID groups.

29

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Angle Step Res.
The image to the right is a
crack tip detected at the
same scan sensitivity for a
1 degree resolution and a .
25 degree resolution sector
scan group.
The ability to size and
characterize flaws is
improved with the
increased A-scan density
within the sector scan.
The .25 degree resolution
group will more clearly
locate and size the crack tip
data due to more A-scans
within the same angle
range (45-65 degrees).

30

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Inspection Focus
The OmniScan MX2 focal law calculator only supports depth focusing and
un focused group.

Sound path, projection, and focal plane focusing can be imported into the
OmniScan MX2 from an external focal law calculator using the memory
card.

31

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Inspection Focus
The majority of OmniScan MX2 applications including weld inspection are
well suited for depth focusing and do not benefit significantly from other
focus strategies.
An example of an application that would benefit from a specific focal plane
other than depth is the dissimilar metal weld inspection in inconel using a
low frequency longitudinal angle beam sector scan for maximum penetration
and focus on the far side weld bevel.

32

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Focus
In phased array inspection, the beam size, angle, and focal plane are capable of
being manipulated within the limits of physics, the software, and the hardware.
The OmniScan MX2 only supports depth focusing.
Focusing of any other type can be achieved by importing the focal laws from an
external calculator.
The maximum distance that the beam can be focused is defined by the near field
calculation below.
Any number entered into the focus depth field that is greater than the near field will
result in an unfocused beam.

33

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Beam Angle and Exit
Beam steering angle (Refracted angle) is verified in phased array inspections exactly
like conventional UT.
The beam steering limits of a particular probe\wedge\aperture is reached when the
highest and lowest angle of the group are not able to be verified within 1 degrees.
The real exit point of the beam is verified with an IIW block and compared with the
calculated value in the software. Once the exit point is validated the angle can be
verified on the other side of the IIW block.
This process is explained in detail a later section. Repeat.exactly like UT.
Exit point of beam
Index offset calculated
by software and
verified on IIW block

40 degree A-scan

34

Verified exit point is used to

measure real angle in
material (40 degrees)

40 degree A-scan

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Verification of Beam
In addition to standard IIW and similar calibration blocks, there are industrial
standards such as ASTM E2491 that specify techniques and calibration
block designs for verification of the phased array beam profile.
Beam profile, beam steering limits, beam focusing, element activity, etc can
be verified similarly to the requirements of conventional UT with specialized
reference standards.

35

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - UT Configuration

After completion of the part\weld and group setup wizards, the focal laws are created
and the UT parameters can be configured.
Parameters of the UT menu are relative to the acquisition modules which are
available in different configurations. For different acquisition module specifications
refer to the user manual.
The UT menu and submenus are similar to any modern conventional UT instrument
with the exception we will be managing many focal laws or A-scans within the group
and not just one. All of the same basic principles apply for PRF, point quantity, etc.

36

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Gain Function Key
The gain function key is circled in red below and can be accessed in the UT>General
sub menu.
A short stroke of the gain function key enables the gain parameter to be modified in
the upper left display.
A long stroke of the gain function key opens the UT>General sub menu.

37

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - UT Range

Within the group, the start and distance
of the UT range is entered in one place
for all focal laws. (UT>Start and
UT>Range)
The UT range is set depending on the
UT mode selected in Display>UT
Mode>TD, SP, or Uncorrected. The
MX2 default and most common mode is
true depth.
When setting the UT range, the useful
part of the digitized A-scan is optimized
by adjusting the range over the area of
interest of the inspection.
Adjusting the range efficiently allows
proper gate position for trigonometry
readings and C-scan creation.
Poor range selection is a common
mistake that results in missed data, poor
A-scan resolution, and low PRF.
38

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - UT Range Function Keys
There are two function keys associated with the UT range:
1. Start key. Sets the start position of the digitized A-scan.
2. Range key. Sets the range distance from the start position of the digitized A-scan.

A short stroke of either function key enables the parameter in the upper left display.
A long stroke of either function key opens the UT>General sub menu.

39

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - UT Pulser

The pulser sub menu is similar to a digital conventional flaw
detector and is used to set the A-scan waveform view by
adjusting the following parameters:
Pulser (Uneditable for PA and UT pulse\echo inspection or when
auto program is on).
TX\RX mode (PE, PC, TT, TOFD).
Probe frequency (Only enabled when unknown probe is used).
Energy Voltage.
Pulse width.
PRF (Pulse repetition frequency).

40

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Digital Filters
The MX2 has a series of preset digital filters that include low
pass, band pass, high pass, and none.
Like in conventional UT, the receiver filters are used to
improve signal to noise ratio by cropping off portions of the
probes bandwidth.
Filters will decrease amplitude significantly but increase the
signal to noise ratio and should be selected prior to
calibration.

Low pass

High pass

Band pass

41

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Video Filter
The video filter enables digital smoothing based on the probe frequency and is only
available in FW, HW+, and HW- rectification mode. (Not RF mode)
The video filter is not available on the 32:128PR module when in PC mode.

42

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - UT Beam Parameters

Index Offset

Refracted Angle

43

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Point Quantity
The higher the point quantity the better the resolution on the A-scan.
The point quantity is a compromise between file size and A-scan resolution.
320-640 points is sufficient for the most common inspections and ensures precision
readings.

44

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 S-scan Overview

The true depth S-scan display is the primary display used in phased array inspection
for flaw characterization, volumetric location, depth and height sizing.
The S-scan allows all focal laws (A-scans) for the group to be viewed in one display
corrected for true depth or uncorrected, and superimposed over a weld overlay.

45

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Current Law vs. All Laws
When the S-scan UT mode is set to true depth, the interaction with the UT range
can be set to the following two options under depth:
1. Current focal law (Pictured left).
2. All focal laws (Pictured right).

When the depth mode is set to

current focal law, the range is
set for the current law (A-scan)
and extrapolated in sound
path to the rest of the laws.
When the depth mode is set to
all focal laws, the range is set
so that all laws terminate at
the selected depth entered.
Each mode has advantages
for optimum use of window for
data and how gates can be
positioned.
46

Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 - Data Selector Function Key
In addition to dragging the data cursor on the touch screen or with a USB mouse,
the next easiest way to manipulate it is with the data selector function key and scroll
knob. This is the preferred method.
A short stroke of the data selector function key displays and enables the angle
window in the upper left hand corner of the MX2 display.
Expert use of the MX2 requires familiarity and fast interaction with the function keys
and scroll knob.

Use of the function keys

and scroll knob is the
fastest easiest way to
perform many functions
and can be done at any
time without changing the
current menu. Practice
with the function keys is
highly recommended.

47

Intro to Phased Array Using the OmniScan MX2 Part 2 Data Source All Laws
When data source is set to all laws, the S-scan data cursor will
dynamically track the highest amplitude signal in gate A, and the A-scan
will display the sum of all focal laws in the group.

Normal (One law)

48

All laws

Thank You!

Please send questions and comments to: PhasedArraySupport@olympusndt.com

www.olympus-ims.com