TPT July 2009

completeprofilesatmillimetre intervals around the inside diameter of the pipe. The camera takes overlapping pictures around the pipe for review and archival. Software provided by OMS enables the user to document and interpret these features, as well as measure the cross-sectional data. Scanning a typical 10-, 12- or 14-inch diameter pipe takes around 45 seconds in

Next Generation Orbital Welding Equipment

 Screenshot of OMS-provided software for weld scanning

total. Once the automated scanning of the root weld is complete, the OMS software enables the user to identify the features of the weld and measure them. Cross-sections around theweld, for example, can be chosen and the main features of the weld then measured. The software also acts as a traceability tool. Inspectors can choose cross-sections around the pipe at regular angles and log any defects as they are found. The software automatically records all measurements, as well as typed comments from the inspector. This information, including sample images and cross-sectional profile data, can then be archived. Logged data can be directly imported to Microsoft Excel as part of a weld inspection record. Optical Metrology Services – UK Fax : +44 8700 940014 Email : info@optical-metrology-services.com Website : www.optical-metrology-services.com

internal weld scanning tool at the Offshore Technology conference 2009 and the response from visitors was very positive. What engineers really like about the tool is that it gives them complete confidence that the best possible review of the root weld has been carried out quickly and efficiently. “It’s all about giving the experienced weld inspector better tools with which to carry out the job. Our tool helps the inspector to better understand the correlation between the various welding process parameters and the resulting physical weld.” The OMS internal weld scanning tool comprises two main systems: a high quality digital colour camera with sophisticated optics and lighting, as well as a high resolution laser scanner. The tool can be used to detect a wide range of weld features, including root penetration, root concavity, cracks, lack of penetration, discolouration, oxidisation, surface porosity and burn-through. To ensure that all these features are detected, the scanning system measures a 25mm wide cross-section, with

ORBIMAT 165 C A dvanced - Single dial operation - Graphical operator guidance - Auto programming BUP Control sectional control of inside purge pressure Flow Force reduces gas filling time of closed weld heads down to 10 sec Compatible with all ORBIMATIC weld heads:

Enclosed weld heads

Open Arc weld heads

School for fusion operators Ritmo has created the Ritmo Fusion Operator school, to contribute to the training of highly skilled operators. The course has a focus on emerging markets where there are few, or no, institutional bodies, and where the plastic welding technology is still unknown or underdeveloped. Courses are a combination of theoretical lessons and practical exercises, intended for novices and experienced operators who will have the opportunity to amplify and update their onsite knowledge. Topics covered include butt-welding, electrofusion, extrusion, use of tools, data interpretation, set up and welding methods. Lessons take place at the Ritmo facility, and the school will also host courses at distributors’ premises. A participation certificate is issued. Ritmo SpA – Italy Email : info@ritmo.it • Website : www.ritmo.it

Tube to tubesheet weld heads

ORBIMATIC Orbital Welding Systems GmbH Germany Phone: +49 6408 9026 0 orbimatic@t-online.de ORBIMATIC Ireland & UK Office Phone: +44 1733 555 285 info@orbimatic.co.uk www. o r b i ma t i c . c om

85

J uly 2009

www.read-tpt.com

›