Identifying Bolt Defects - Phased Array Inspection

Phased array ultrasonics is a game-changer for bolt inspection, especially in the wind turbine industry. This cutting-edge technology allows for faster, more accurate, and more efficient inspection of bolts, making it an essential tool for integrity management in the wind energy sector.

Fastener defects are one of the biggest structural integrity risks in the wind industry, with most operators unaware they have defects within their fastener population until premature bolt failure occurs.

Phased array ultrasonics works by using multiple ultrasonic probes to send and receive sound waves, creating high-resolution images of the interior of the bolt. This non-destructive testing method can quickly detect cracks other imperfections that may affect the bolt's performance and safety in wind turbine structures.

By using phased array ultrasonics, we can save time and resources compared to traditional inspection methods such as radiography or visual inspections. This is especially important in the wind energy industry, where the maintenance and safety of wind turbines is crucial to ensure the continuous and efficient production of clean energy.

At EchoBolt we have worked alongside leading hardware specialists Sonatest to create an optimal phased array solution for wind turbine applications. Allowing us to deliver an efficient, comprehensive inspection service for strutural fasteners, identifing defects and removing problem bolts long before failure.