By 2021, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Total Focusing Method (TFM) became the gold standards for pipeline and pressure vessel inspections. Unlike standard UT, TFM provides a much higher resolution image of the weld’s internal structure, allowing for precise sizing of defects. 2. Digital Radiography (DR)
This was the standout trend of 2020–2021. The sheer volume of data generated by digital PAUT and radiography overwhelmed human reviewers, necessitating AI intervention. welding inspection technology 2020 pdf 2021