Phased Array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing. Phased array ultrasonic method can reveal defects embedded in the material that cannot be easily resolved with conventional ultrasonic testing.
A required angle of the ultrasonic beam can be obtained by varying the pulsing timing of each element commonly called as electronic beam steering.
The ultrasonic beam is swept like a search-light through the object being examined, and the data from multiple beams are put together to make a visual image showing a slice through the object.
The use of multiple probe elements produce a steerable, focused, high-resolution beam.
Compared to conventional ultrasonic testing, Phased Array ultrasonic testing instruments and probes are complex and expensive and require highly trained, skilled and experienced technicians.
It offers definitive advantages over conventional ultrasonic by providing imaging that can often produce more accurate results, and like most imaging techniques, provides a higher level of reproducible results while minimizing human error.  Phased Array also allows for enhanced coverage of a given component or weld from fixed and multiple positions including achieving beam coverage on complex geometries where conventional ultrasonic techniques were inadequate.

The Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing is highly recommended for critical discontinuities detection, sizing and monitoring in aerospace industry, power general industry, nuclear industry and petrochemical industry.