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Phased Array in Practice: Exchange and New Impulses at the DGZfP Subcommittee Meeting

Andreas Mück, Business Unit Director at SONOTEC and Chairman of the Subcommittee of German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) on Phased Array, took part in the 28th meeting on March 20, 2025, hosted by Baker Hughes Digital Solutions GmbH in Hürth. An exciting exchange with important topics around Phased Array!

  • New members & farewell
    Ms. Lachtchouk and Mr. Kolkoori were warmly welcomed as new members of the subcommittee. At the same time, we remembered Roman Koch, who had accompanied us for many years.
     
  • Practical questions in focus
    When and how should Phased Array systems be optimally used? What kind of training is recommended? Which methods are qualified? Extensive comparisons were conducted at the DGZfP training center in Dortmund. Further case studies are now being collected and discussed.
     
  • Comparison of inspection methods
    How do Phased Array, TOFD, and radiographic testing compare directly? There is no universal answer — but with practical test specimens, boundaries and possibilities can be demonstrated effectively.
     
  • Phased Array Handbook
    The handbook has now been available for 5 years. The content is still up to date, and a new edition is not currently planned. Minor errors identified in the meantime will be compiled in a correction sheet.
     
  • RoHS & the future of piezo elements
    The exemption for the use of lead in piezoceramics is under revision. The current draft limits the exemption to PZT. This would ban other materials used in applications such as high-temperature measurements. Everyone is encouraged to actively participate in the process, either through the comment function or by discussing the topic with customers and suppliers. Only through active engagement can we hope for decisions that consider as many aspects and consequences as possible.
     
  • Standardization & leadership of international committees
    The chair of the international committees for ultrasonic testing of welds remains vacant. Germany sees itself as an innovation driver and could retain this important position – who is interested?

Next meeting: September 25, 2025, in Gladbeck at Müller & Medenbach – directly following the Leakage Testing Committee seminar.

A big thank you to the organizers Mr. Büchler, Mr. Falter, and Mr. Bruch for making this event a success!

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