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Pipeline Scanning | Ultrasonic
Weld Testing | TOFD | Engineering
Critical Assessment | AUT
Weld Equipment
Pipeline scanning
Pipeline scanning system for AUT/NDT weld testing
The focus of UT Quality Inc. is to provide world-class Automated Ultrasonic Testing services to our global pipeline industry customers for all their onshore and offshore pipeline welding projects. Its product, UT Scan, is the premier AUT pipeline scanning system in the industry.
UT Scan's developers combined their expertise and skills to bring the pipeline industry cutting-edge automated welding quality analysis in addition to reporting and data management that is fully integrated with high-end IT platforms accessible anywhere in the world. They were instrumental in introducing AUT examination for girth welds of new construction cross-country pipelines.
AUT Technology replaces radiographic inspection techniques
AUT technology has now largely replaced radiographic inspection techniques for the examination of pipeline welds and has become the NDT industry-standard examination method for weld testing. This was due in part to dissatisfaction with radiography's defect sizing capabilities, and also due to the improvements in speed of inspection, safety, and cost-efficiency of pipeline scanning projects offered by the emerging AUT technology. In addition, AUT systems such as UT Scan are able to offer superior Quality Control and Data Management during projects.
The use of Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) in UT Scan and other AUT systems offers the client the ability to detect off-angle planar and volumetric flaws not detected with previous welding inspection technology.
Further advantages of AUT for Pipeline Scanning:
- Testing times no longer depend on the thickness of
piping
- Production rates are higher
- Flaw depth from the surface can be accurately detected
- Engineering Critical Assessment can be used with AUT
- AUT systems are computer-based, offering superior analysis
and records
- Vertical/through wall defects are better identified
and quantified
- Point of Detection (POD) is superior with AUT
UT Scan's Pipeline Scanning process
UT Scan automatically tests your pipeline welds and transmits the data to an operator who then verifies and approves the produced results. Mainline(s), repairs or tie-ins can be tested in a continuous cycle with no costly delays to you with our enhanced testing processes.
One scanning head inspects all wall thicknesses with the same weld preparation using the unique marking system on the probe frame. Transferring from one wall thickness setup to another is completed in less than 5 minutes. The scanner uses a guiding band which is positioned on an even surface.
UT Scan's scanner is a modified welding carriage. It runs on a guiding band and holds the electronics and probe frame in place. The scanner can be adjusted, like the probe frame, from pipe sizes of 14" to 56." The motor used in the carriage maintains a constant speed around the pipe. The set scanning speed is 100 mm per second but can be increased to 150 mm per second if required. A 15 or 50 meter umbilical cord connects the scanner with the equipment
One circumferential scan
The UT Scan system is designed to scan the entire weld in one circumferential scan. To do this, the wall thickness is divided into zones and a probe technique is selected to inspect each zone as a minimum. Pulse, echo & pitch, and catch techniques are used to target the weld preparation as perpendicularly as possible. UT Scan stores results and settings, including a GPS reading (outdoors only) for each scan.
Scan Results
Creates one or more defects, cutouts, re-inspections or
anomalies for each weld
Includes:
- Defect type
- Start and end locations
- Weld pass
- Weld side
- Depths and Vertical Heights
UT Scan’s data computers are paired with unique software called “PlusWeld” which automatically collects all AUT process parameters and weld testing results at the conclusion of the pipeline weld inspection.
The most recent components of the UT Scan system were selected from the best specifications available to endure the harsh conditions encountered on pipeline projects. The rugged construction of UT Scan's electronics casing ensure reliability and durability in the field.