TPT May 2009

I nspection, M easuring, T esting & M arking

New phased array scarf monitoring system

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies has introduced an ultrasonic weld profile visualisation system that uses phased array technology. This new scarf monitoring system provides an accurate picture of both the ID and the OD profiles of scarfed ERW pipes. The online system operates in real-time to monitor scarfing as it takes place during the manufacturing process. As a result, it is possible to effect real- time control of the scarfing process by identifying events such as tool drift and edging as they occur. This can achieve significant reductions in scrap. The heart of the new system is the ultrasonic phased array transducer, which electronically simulates the scanning action required to provide the weld profile information. The resultant signal is then fed into the field-proven UTxx digital flaw detection and thickness measurement system. This process incorporates standard or phased array flaw detection channels and all the associated processing electronics. It ensures a complete scarf monitoring and flaw inspection package. In operation, the transducer test head assembly is mounted in such a way that it is directly above the weld line. The mill coolant acts as the ultrasonic coupling medium.

The transducer test head then uses its phased array elements to monitor the inside and outside diameter of the weld as it is being cut, at a scanning rate of up to 300 profiles/sec. Transducers and shoes are available to monitor tubes from 50mm up to 500mm in diameter. Typical coverage is ±25mm from the nominal weld centre line. Inspection data is dis- played in a true-to-scale cross-sectional profile at one or multiple monitor screens. High and low limit alarms provide warn- ing of weld profile devia- tion. Intelligent dynamic software averaging tech- niques minimize the pos- sibility of false readings. The weld profile visualization system

 The ultrasonic weld profile visualisation system uses phased array technology

traceability through a built-in data logger, which records minimum and maximum thickness readings across the weld area and strip thickness. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies – UK Fax : +44 1727 795400 Email : david.jervis@ge.com Website : www.geinspectiontechnologies.com

features all- electronic setup for simplicity and repeatability. It can be installed within feet of the weld station, depending on local temperature and geometrical conditions. It thus operates as a process control system and a quality control system. The system can be combined with flaw detection and it allows inspection

State-of-the-art ultrasonic data acquisition equipment

AGR Field Operations, USA, specialises in the design and manufacture of state-of-the-art ultrasonic data acquisition equipment. AGR combines phased array, ToFD and pulse/echo into a convenient and powerful range of instruments designed to suit the widest range of applications. AGR’s product range includes the 8-channel miniature TD Pocket- Scan and 16-channel TD-Scan with motion control. This device offers ToFD and pulse/echo in various forms. The company’s range also includes the TD Handy-Scan and TD Focus-Scan with 8 and 16 conventional channels respectively for ToFD and pulse echo, together with 64/32 and 128/64 phased array respectively. The TD Focus-Scan also boasts built in motion control. The company’s latest advanced ultrasonic system is the TD Handy-Scan, a fully portable multifunction instrument

with both phased array and conventional channels. It provides a compact, versatile instrument ideal for field use in petrochemical plants, offshore installations, and power station workshops. The TD Handy-Scan is supported by AGR’s latest tried and tested version of the TD-Scan software incorporating TD Super-View. The latest TD-Scan software has been enhanced to provide the operator with superior one-handed control of the handheld instrument and ASME code compliant features. AGR Field Operations – Norway Fax : +47 56 31 60 01

Email : utsales@agr.com Website : www.agr.com

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M ay 2009

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