Short Course A: Effective Scan Plan Development for Phased Array Inspections

Course Overview

This course provides ultrasonic testing technicians, Level II and Level III inspectors, and NDT supervisors with a practical approach to building phased array scan plans that deliver full volumetric coverage. Rather than relying on instrument presets, participants learn how beam physics dictates aperture selection, focal depth, and angular coverage, and how those decisions shape detection capability at the weld root, fill, and cap.

Delivered in person as a hands-on, interactive workshop, the program covers active element calculation and optimal resolution, sectorial and composite weld scan plans, multigroup configurations for tube-to-accessory geometries, and zonal discrimination. Participants design and verify plans against code requirements, including ASME acceptance criteria, and leave with a repeatable workflow they can apply directly to their own inspection procedures and technique sheets.

Upon Completion, Learners Will Be Able To:

• Accurately calculate focal depth in phased array configurations
• Select the appropriate number of active elements for optimal resolution
• Generate multi-group configurations for pipe-accessory inspections
• Design sectorial weld scan plans with verified angular coverage across the full weld volume
• Build composite scan plans by combining apertures and controlling sector overlap
• Validate scan plan parameters against ASME code requirements and document the supporting calculations
• Apply zonal discrimination to divide the weld into inspection zones and compare regional responses

Meet the Instructor

Questions? Contact us at education@asnt.org