TPT March 2011

I nspection , T esting & Q uality C ontrol

GE helps Europipe maintain technology leadership and testing, and the group operates a policy of continual investment in the latest technology to ensure that its rigorous quality standards continue to be met. Non- destructive testing is an area of particular investment and the concept of the new testing machine was developed and designed in close cooperation between Europipe, as an experienced user, and GE’s Inspection Technologies business, as a qualified manufacturer of ultrasonic testing machines to meet all demands regarding accuracy, reliability and speed in the existing infrastructure of the mill. In operation, the corresponding probe holders are moved along the pipe under inspection in a carriage, which provides precise positional control, using GE’s field-proven electronics platform both for driving the ultrasonics and acquiring and displaying the inspection data. Twenty inspection channels are available to provide comprehensive coverage for the inspection of longitudinal and transverse flaws in the seam weld and for lamination type flaws in the heat-affected zone. The inspection extends up to the pipe extremities.

AN ultrasonic testing machine from GE’s Inspection Technologies business is helping Europipe to maintain both its competitive advantage and its technology leadership in the manufacture of large diameter, welded steel pipe. The automated inspection system was installed at Europipe’s Muelheim plant (UOE-line) two years ago and has been used to ensure that Europipe consistently matches customers’ specifications and manufactures high quality pipe, fit for service in the most exacting of operating conditions. Europipe GmbH was founded in 1991 by combining the experience and competences in the field of plate rolling and large-diameter pipe production of two of the pioneers of the steel industry, AG der Dillinger Hüttenwerke and Mannesmannröhren-Werke AG. The Europipe group manufactures longitudinally and helically welded large diameter pipes in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses, in lengths of up to 18.3m (SAWL) or 24m (SAWH). More than half of the steps in Europipe’s manufacturing chain relate to quality control

GE’s Inspection Technologies business offers a comprehensive range of tube and pipe ultrasonic inspection solutions. This includes systems for full body testing of seamless tubes up to 660mm diameter, using pulse-echo, multiple channels, phased array and paint brush techniques, and helical tube transport, and rotary test systems for high precision inspection, used extensively in the inspection of heat exchanger tubes and nuclear fuel elements. GE Energy, Measurement & Control Solutions is a leading innovator in advanced, sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing and inspection and condition monitoring, delivering accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers. GE Measurement & Control Solutions – UK Fax: +44 1925 604096 Website: www.gesensinginspection.com and the system is patented, tested and approved in most European countries. Before installing, the pipe is cleaned to remove any deposits, either with a steel scraper or a Polly Pig – a cylindrical plug that is pressed through the pipe several times by means of water or air. Tube-In is then pulled through the old pipe. When water pressure is restored the Tube-In will expand and take the shape of the host pipe. MultiLining Products ApS – Denmark Fax: +45 46 32 12 09 Email: multiliner@multiliner.dk

The ultrasonic testing machine represents the latest technology for inspecting submerged arc welded (SAW) pipes. It features several ultrasonic probe configurations to meet most international standards and NDT specifications by applying suitable testing technologies, such as pulse-echo, through transmission and tandem technology, as well as testing on bead and beside the weld. As an additional feature, phased array technology can be used for trials and special testing tasks.

GE ’ s ultrasonic testing machine

Renovation of drinking water pipes of the pipe.

THE shortage of clean drinking water is a worldwide problem. More than 55% of drinking water never reaches kitchens and bathrooms due to leaking and run-down supply pipes. A system from MultiLining Products ApS is designed to resolve this situation, without digging and without huge investment in costly equipment. Tube-In is a complete system for the rehabilitation of potable water pipes and pressure pipes. By pulling an armoured polyethylene hose through the leaking water pipe, it regains the condition of a new pipe. The system is efficient and extends the life

Tube-In has a wall thickness of 2-3mm and is constructed of a polyethylene inside layer, a strong armour layer and an outside layer of polyethylene. This construction gives a very strong pipe with a clean and smooth inner surface. Tube-In fits most pipe dimensions and may be installed in lengths up to 500m (1,640ft). The system, which is usable in pipes with a pressure up to 20 bar (280 psi), accurately follows the shape of the old pipe, even through bends. It is installed by means of very simple and inexpensive equipment,

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M arch 2011

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