What is a primary benefit of using reference reflectors in PAUT?

The primary benefit of using reference reflectors in Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is that they provide standards for verifying sensitivity. Reference reflectors are deliberately placed ultrasonic reflectors that have known dimensions and material characteristics. When testing, they serve as a benchmark to evaluate the system's ability to detect flaws of specified sizes and types. This comparison ensures that the PAUT system is properly calibrated and sensitive enough to detect actual defects during inspection.

By establishing a baseline with reference reflectors, inspectors can quantitatively assess the performance of the ultrasonic system, confirming its detection capabilities. This aspect is crucial in non-destructive testing as it assures the reliability and accuracy of the inspection results, helping to meet regulatory and quality assurance requirements.