What is the primary function of data storage in a PAUT system?

The primary function of data storage in a Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) system is to retain inspection results for analysis and reporting. This capability is essential as it allows technicians and engineers to access historical data, analyze trends, and generate comprehensive reports based on the inspection findings. The retention of data ensures that all relevant information regarding the inspection process can be revisited for verification, assessment, and quality control, enhancing decision-making in safety-critical environments such as weld inspections or integrity assessments of components.

While preventing data loss during testing and improving equipment cost-effectiveness are important considerations in any testing system, they do not specifically encapsulate the main role of data storage. Speeding up ultrasonic signals refers to the transmission of the signals rather than how the results are recorded and stored, which further clarifies why retention of inspection results stands as the key function of data storage in this context.