Read the passage below:
During structural pipeline inspections, internal micro-fissures in high-pressure welds can escape standard visual detection, posing severe failure risks. To resolve this vulnerability, technicians employ phased-array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) to emit multi-angle sound waves directly through the welded joint. As these high-frequency acoustic pulses travel through the steel, any internal flaw reflects a portion of the wave back to the transducer array. Sophisticated software processes these returned signals in real time to generate precise cross-sectional visualizations of the joint's internal geometry. Consequently, maintenance crews can accurately pinpoint sub-surface weld defects without having to cut or dismantle critical pipeline sections.
Based on the passage, arrange the following summary statements in the correct logical sequence to form a complete overview of the process.
- 1Hidden internal micro-fissures in high-pressure welds create severe structural failure risks that visual checks fail to detect.
- 2Phased-array ultrasonic transducers emit multi-angle acoustic waves that travel through the steel joint and reflect off internal flaws.
- 3Software translates the returned acoustic wave reflections into real-time cross-sectional visualizations of the joint's interior.
- 4Inspection crews locate internal flaws precisely and non-destructively without cutting or dismantling pipeline sections.