[2A8] Bridging the expertise gap in phased array ultrasonic testing: a workflow-centric approach to democratising advanced NDT techniques
P Hillman
Eddyfi Technologies, Canada
This paper discusses how the increasing demand for advanced ultrasonic inspection in critical industries (for example nuclear, aerospace and energy) is colliding with a shrinking pool of qualified non-destructive testing (NDT) experts. It introduces a workflow-centric design methodology that simplifies advanced techniques such as the total focusing method (TFM) and plane wave imaging (PWI) without compromising performance. Using a new-generation portable phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) system as a reference architecture, we explore how intuitive interfaces, assisted set-up tools and integrated analysis features can lower the training barrier, improve consistency across inspectors and accelerate digital transformation in inspection workflows.