Operator-guided scanning path combined with motorised index axis control, positional encoding, and consistent probe management — delivering inspection quality that exceeds manual scanning while retaining the adaptability required for variable geometry, restricted access, and complex field environments where fully automated path programming is impractical.
Not every inspection challenge is
suited to fully automated scanning — and not every component geometry or field
environment permits it. Where surface condition variability, access
restrictions, component geometry transitions, or field setup constraints require
an operator to guide the primary scan direction, the inspection still benefits
substantially from the positional encoding, motorised index control, and
consistent probe management that semi-automated scanning systems provide over
free-hand manual scanning.
In semi-automated scanning, the
operator controls primary scan direction — navigating surface features,
geometric transitions, and access constraints that a fully automated programme
cannot anticipate. The system controls probe orientation, contact pressure,
index pitch, and data acquisition parameters — ensuring that every scan line
within the operator-navigated path is acquired at the defined parameters, with
each data point encoded to its precise position on the component surface.
Indication location and sizing are
determined from calibrated encoder position data — not from operator memory,
scan ruler position, or manual coordinate estimation. The positional accuracy
of semi-automated scanning matches that of automated scanning within the
operator-navigated path.
•
In-service vessel and
piping weld inspection — field deployment during operational periods
•
Complex weld geometry
scanning where full automated path programming is impractical
•
Shutdown inspection with
restricted setup time or limited floor space
•
Large-area plate and
structural scanning with variable surface condition
•
Inspection at elevation or
in access-restricted locations — elevated vessels, rack piping
•
Interim inspection between
fully automated programme intervals
•
Encoded scanning where
free-hand UT is insufficient for positional accuracy requirements
•
ASME Section V — Articles 4
and 5 — UT examination requirements — semi-automated scanning as supplemental
or alternative to manual UT
•
API 510 — Pressure Vessel
Inspection Code — in-service inspection UT requirements
•
API 570 — Piping Inspection
Code — UT examination requirements for in-service piping
•
EN ISO 17640 —
Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing techniques and assessment
•
EN ISO 23279 —
Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Characterisation of
indications
•
Client and
operator-specific in-service inspection procedures and positional accuracy
requirements