PAUT is an advanced NDE technique which uses ultrasonic waves set in an array to inspect materials for internal flaws, such as cracks in pressure vessels and piping.
PAUT can be conducted in lieu of RT as NDE on pressure vessels and steam piping to fulfil the relevant requirements during test and examination of pressure vessels, repairs or modifications of pressure vessels, or those stipulated in the Guidelines for Registration of Pressure Vessels in Workplaces and the Requirements for Installation of Steam Piping in Singapore.
The use of PAUT in lieu of RT is subjected to the following conditions:
- That the applicable construction code allows UT as an alternative NDE to RT, and the weld specifications satisfy the relevant code conditions for implementing UT in lieu of RT
- PAUT shall be conducted by SAC-SINGLAS accredited testing laboratories using appropriate equipment
- Personnel conducting PAUT shall be accredited to the appropriate level under the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) SGNDT Scheme
- PAUT procedures shall be qualified and validated in accordance with accepted standards
- PAUT results shall provide equivalent or superior defect detection capabilities compared to RT