TPT March 2011

I nspection , T esting & Q uality C ontrol

Video inspection and internal weld scanning from a single source

OPTICAL Metrology Services Ltd (OMS) specialises in measuring equipment and consulting services for use within the pipe manufacturing and pipeline construction sectors, both onshore and offshore. A key focus for OMS is in the dimensional measurement of oil and gas pipes or other structures such as military gun barrels, processing industry tubes or manufactured cylindrical objects, where dimensions are critical. Hugh Davies, head of sales at OMS, discusses how video inspection and internal weld scanning tools are being used to check weld quality on pipes and other deepsea subsea oil and gas structures. When inspecting the inside of pipelines and other subsea structures such as valve manifolds, video inspection can provide close-up views of features that are otherwise very difficult to access. Video inspection enables inspectors to assess a wide variety of features relating to welds, internal corrosion, internal structure, coatings and so on. Whether onshore or offshore, inspectors need the best possible lighting and video technology, as well as a variety of methods of deploying the video tools inside different

types of structures. Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd has a wide range of advanced video inspection equipment. This includes the latest pan-and-tilt camera technology, auto-focus zoom lenses, tractor systems and motorised cable reels. Forspecialistweldinspectionapplications, OMS designs and manufactures unique digital imaging solutions, which can be deployed inside hot pipes during production welding. OMS also offers tool operators and qualified weld inspectors, who provide a full turnkey solution. Bespoke designed and manufactured systems can be delivered to solve the most challenging client inspection requirements. For ‘reeling trials’, OMS offers video inspection services that can be combined with laser scanning of pipes to provide a combination of imaging and dimensional mapping of pipes or features in 3D. OMS inspection reports provide comprehensive independent inspection records, which can include still images, video records, interpretation and analysis. OMS clients can access the best technology and skilled, experienced operators to deliver the best possible

video inspection in challenging pipeline engineering applications, whether in QC, standards compliance, or in special projects. In oil and gas pipes, the quality of the root pass of a weld is critical to the structural integrity of the girth weld. Oil and gas companies therefore have stringent inspection requirements for checking welds. However, few if any tools currently exist on the market that can perform this kind of work. Welding of clad pipe is especially challenging and requires accurate measurement of the weld area in order to ensure zero defects and to avoid the delay and cost of a weld cut out later in the welding process. Using its groundbreaking internal weld inspection system, in combination with video-based inspection systems, OMS offers customers comprehensive inspection services for checking the internal size and shape of girth welds on pipes that are destined for use in deepsea subsea oil and gas applications. Optical Metrology Services Limited – UK Email: info@omsmeasure.com Website: www.omsmeasure.com

Pipe inspection services from OMS

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