TPT March 2011

112 / 259

110 March 2011 ›
Inspection, Testing & Q uality Control
BUILDINGon the recent launch of Sonatest’s
new phased array ultrasonic flaw detector,
the veo 16:64 has made inroads into many
of its key application markets, one of which
is pipe and pipeline weld inspection.
Ultrasonic phased array technology
is becoming an established method for
advanced NDT testing applications allowing
operators to have greater control over testing
parameters, enhancing defect detection,
using real-time results, while increasing the
speed of testing procedures and improving
site health and safety.
Weld inspection and crack detection
are key application areas for phased array
ultrasonic testing and are requirements
within the industries of tube and pipe
manufacture, pipeline construction and
maintenance. Within these sectors, phased
array is also used to test for remaining wall
thickness and pipe wall corrosion.
The Sonatest veo 16:64 phased array
flaw detector includes features such as 3D
Scanplan, TCG/ACG, fast A-Scan recording
and full data capture. Two separate
conventional channels provide the user
The benefits of phased array NDT
with simultaneous phased
array and TOFD scanning,
to speed inspection and
ensure improved defect
characterisation.
The veo enclosure has
been designed to withstand
the tough environments in
which NDT inspections are
carried out, achieving IP66
standard for water and
dust ingress and employing
internal shock mounts to
withstand impacts.
Further outstanding
results can be gained by
operators in pipe and pipeline inspection
by using phased array instrumentation
together with automated scanners. Working
alongside Phoenix Inspection Systems,
which designs bespoke NDT systems for
a global client base, the Sonatest veo can
be partnered with several of the scanners
from its comprehensive range, to provide
a complete solution for pipework phased
array inspections.
The Magman, from Phoenix ISL, is a
scanner in the application
of both longitudinal and
circumferential pipeline
inspection. This versatile
scanner is capable of
inspecting pipes down to
a 50mm outside diameter.
Using four independent
magnetic wheels and
capable of carrying up to
12 probes, the Magman
scanner enables rapid,
efficient and versatile scanning. Employing
this partnership of products yields a
reduction in inspection times and increased
operator safety.
Other scanners that partner well
with the veo16:64 for pipe inspection
include the Bracelet scanner – a low
profile, small bore scanner (see page
101), the MultiMag and the MagScan, for
scanning pipes and curved surfaces and
are suitable for phased array techniques,
TOFD and corrosion mapping.
Sonatest Ltd and Phoenix ISL are able to
provide consultation and advice for clients
on all testing and inspection application
challenges, and can provide bespoke
solutions within the field of phased array
and other NDT techniques.
Sonatest Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1908 321323
Email:
Website:
Sonatest veo 3D Scanplan
CONTRÔLE Mesure Systèmes, a
manufacturer of non-destructive testing
equipment using eddy current and
ultrasonic techniques for tube inspection,
has increased its production range with
the ‘ultrasonic rotating head’. The new
development will allow the detection of both
outside defects and internal defects.
Several transducers (up to 24) are
driven in rotation around the product.
Some transducers are set for longitudinal
defect detection, with others orientated for
transversal defect detection, or dedicated to
dimensional measurement.
The basic construction consists of two
to four channels for longitudinal flaws
Ultrasonic rotating system for defect detection
(depending of the productivity requested);
two to four channels for transversal flaws;
and two channels with reference for
thickness measurement.
The UT rotating heads are proposed in
different sizes for different tube diameters,
ranging from Size 1 for tube OD up to
25mm, to Size 6 for OD up to 200mm. The
rotation speed is dependent on the size,
and is between 2,000 and 8,000rpm. The
signal is transmitted contactlessly, and the
electronic UT scan allows the detection
of defects of a minimum 0.05 depth and
measure thickness, and OD-ID ovalisation
with ±2µm accuracy.
The equipment is particularly suited to
high quality tubes in materials such as
stainless steel or titanium, but can also
be used for other applications where high
quality is required.
The rotating ultrasonic head can be
combined with other CMS equipment,
such as a rotating eddy current head or
magnetising unit with coil, already installed
in a strong control bench including centring
devices.
Contrôle Mesure Systèmes –
France
Fax: +33 3 8594 1415
Email:
Website: