# Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT)

> Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) moves ultrasonic probes mechanically along a weld with position encoding, so the inspection is repeatable, fully recorded and evaluated against zonal or imaging criteria.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/automated-ultrasonic-testing/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: NDT, ultrasonic testing, advanced NDT, pipelines

## Key facts

- Standard on pipeline construction girth welds, where it replaces radiography and keeps pace with welding
- Zonal discrimination divides the weld bevel into zones, each covered by a dedicated probe or focal law
- Governed by API 1104 Annex A/E, DNV-ST-F101 and ISO 13588 depending on the project
- Produces a permanent data file that can be re-evaluated by a Level 3

Also known as: AUT, mechanised UT, encoded UT.

## How it works

A scanner carrying conventional or phased array probes travels around the pipe on a band; an encoder records position so every reading is tied to a location on the weld. Systems used on pipelines evaluate each weld zone against calibration reflectors machined into a project-specific block, and the operator sees a strip chart or image immediately after the scan.

## Why it matters commercially

AUT keeps up with mainline welding rates, gives results within minutes and avoids radiography exclusion zones. Its calibration blocks, procedures and operator qualifications are project-specific, so records management is a large part of the job.

## AUT in AMPS

Project calibration blocks, scanner calibration certificates and operator qualifications are tracked on the AMPS equipment and personnel pages with expiry flags. Documents saved through AMPS live in your own OneDrive, SharePoint or Google Drive, not on AMPS servers, so an existing QA folder structure keeps working unchanged and everything stays yours if you ever stop using AMPS.

## Related pages

- [Phased array UT (PAUT)](https://amps.global/glossary/phased-array-ultrasonic-testing/)
- [API 1104](https://amps.global/glossary/api-1104/)
- [Certification and calibration tracking](https://amps.global/solutions/certification-and-calibration-tracking/)

## Sources

- [Ultrasonic testing on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrasonic_testing)
- [API - American Petroleum Institute standards](https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards)