TPT March 2011

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112 March 2011 ›
Inspection, Testing & Q uality Control
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Renovation of drinking water pipes
of the pipe.
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,
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:
GE’s ultrasonic testing machine