10.14489/td.2026.06.pp.004-013

2026, 06 June

DOI: 10.14489/td.2026.06.pp.004-013

Bazulin A. E.
DATA QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ULTRASONIC NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
(pp. 4-13)

Abstract. This paper systematizes and examines in detail the quality criteria for raw data obtained during ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UT) using modern technologies such as phased arrays, the Time-of-Flight Diffraction technique, and the Total Focusing Method. The aim of this work is to create a comprehensive list of objective and automatically verifiable criteria applicable both to software developers and customers for auditing inspection results. The proposed criteria cover key aspects: data completeness and continuity, correctness of equipment settings, quality of acoustic coupling, signal-to-noise ratio, equipment serviceability, as well as metadata (calibration, georeferencing). Special attention is paid to the possibility of automating the verification of these parameters, exemplified by the software of the AUGUR series flaw detectors, which allows for the prompt identification of defects and minimizes financial losses associated with re-inspection. It is concluded that automatic data validation immediately after acquisition is technically feasible. Criteria related to the analysis of acoustic coupling and noise are identified as the most challenging to automate, setting directions for future research, including the application of machine learning methods. The implementation of the proposed criteria system will increase confidence in UT results and contribute to the development of industry standards in the field of non-destructive testing digitalization.

Keywords: ultrasonic testing (UT), automated ultrasonic testing (AUT), mechanized ultrasonic testing (MUT), data quality, Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD).

+ - About the Authors Click to collapse

A. E. Bazulin (LLC “Research and Production Center “ECHO+”, Moscow, Russia) E-mail: Данный адрес e-mail защищен от спам-ботов, Вам необходимо включить Javascript для его просмотра.

+ - References Click to collapse

1. Skrynnikov, S. V. (2025). Concept of a modern automatic non-destructive testing system for welded joints of main and field pipelines. Gazovaya promyshlennost', (1), 100–105. [in Russian language].
2. Wunderlich, C., Tschöpe, C., & Duckhorn, F. (2018). Advanced methods in NDE using machine learning approaches. In 44th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (Vol. 37, AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1949, pp. 20–22). AIP Publishing.
3. Galkin, D. I., & Efimov, A. G. (2024). On the issue of digital transformation of NDT. In Nerazrushayushchii kontrol' i tekhnicheskaya diagnostika v aviatsionnoi promyshlennosti: Materialy XVI Vserossiiskoi konferentsii po ispytaniyam i issledovaniyam svoistv materialov "TestMat" (pp. 18–22). [in Russian language].
4. English, L. P. (2009). Information quality applied: Best practices for improving business information, processes, and systems. John Wiley & Sons.
5. GOST ISO 10863-2022: Non-destructive testing of welded joints. Ultrasonic testing. Application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) method. (2020). Standartinform. [in Russian language].
6. GOST R ISO 13588-2022: Non-destructive testing of welded joints. Ultrasonic testing. Automated technology using phased arrays. (2022). Russian Institute of Standardization. [in Russian language].
7. ISO 23865-2021: Non-destructive testing. Ultrasonic testing. General use of full matrix capture/total focusing technique (FMC/TFM) and related technologies. (2021). International Organization for Standardization.
8. STO Gazprom 15-2.3-005-2023: Ultrasonic quality control of welded joints. (2023). [in Russian language].
9. Vopilkin, A. Kh., Bazulin, E. G., Bazulin, A. E., et al. (2025). Non-destructive testing. Ultrasonic methods. Digital coherent technologies. Defectometry (A. Kh. Vopilkin, Ed.). ID "Spektr". [in Russian language].
10. Bazulin, A. E., Bazulin, E. G., Vopilkin, A. Kh., & Tikhonov, D. S. (2018). Method for increasing the dynamic range of signals measured during ultrasonic testing (Russian Federation Patent No. RU 2 649 028 C1). [in Russian language].
11. Research and Production Center "Echo+". (n.d.). Calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio on a selected image area when improving quality. Rutube. Retrieved from https://rutube.ru/video/6001886e907963377723fb2a16a1ffb6/ [in Russian language].
12. Gilmour, A., Ulrichsen, A., Jacson, W., et al. (2023). Using phased array ultrasound to localize probes during the inspection of welds. IEEE Open Journal of Instrumentation and Measurement, 2, Article 75001, 10 pages. https://doi.org/10.1109/OJIM.2023.332748
13. Bazulin, E. G., Vopilkin, A. Kh., & Tikhonov, D. S. (2022). Method for calculating the error in determining the amplitude of a point reflector glare from an image reconstructed by the CFP method depending on the image grid step (Russian Federation Patent No. RU 2 785 223 C1). [in Russian language].
14. Badalyan, V. G., & Vopilkin, A. Kh. (2022). Application of neural networks in ultrasonic non-destructive testing: A review. Kontrol'. Diagnostika, 25(5), 12–25. [in Russian language]. https://doi.org/10.14489/td.2022.05.pp.012-025
15. Bakhteev, M. V. (2025). Falsification of radiographic testing results. Territoriya NDT, (1), 46–49. Retrieved from https://tndt.idspektr.ru/images/stories/archive/01_2025/tndt_2025_01_pp_046_049.pdf [in Russian language].
16. Sednev, D., Kataeva, O., Abramets, V., et al. (2016). Ultrasonic fingerprinting by phased array transducer. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 135(1), 12–39.
17. Ginzel, E. (2021). TOFD – Time-of-flight diffraction ultrasonic flaw detection. Basic principles and practical application guide. DPK Press. [in Russian language].

+ - Purchase digital version of a single article Click to collapse

This article is available in electronic format (PDF).

The cost of a single article is 700 rubles. (including VAT 20%). After you place an order within a few days, you will receive following documents to your specified e-mail: account on payment and receipt to pay in the bank.

After depositing your payment on our bank account we send you file of the article by e-mail.

To order articles please copy the article doi:

10.14489/td.2026.06.pp.004-013

and fill out the form