Simplified Longitudinal Seam Weld Inspection
Simple and efficient enough to be used by one operator, the AxSEAM semiautomated scanner for longitudinal seam weld inspection minimizes the number of adjustments required to change pipe diameters, probe separation, or scan orientation.
Posted: September 28, 2020
In-service oil and gas pipes that were manufactured using an obsolete process called low-frequency electric resistance welding (ERW) must be periodically inspected because the long seam welds are prone to corrosion and hook cracks. Also, pressure vessel and wind tower manufacturers must validate the integrity of their longitudinal beveled welds. Scanners typically used for these applications are not operator-friendly, but the AxSEAM from Olympus Corp. (Waltham, MA) is.
Simple and efficient enough to be used by one operator, the scanner’s toolless probe holders and patented dome-shaped wheels help solve typical challenges associated with jobsite inspections. It also switches easily between longitudinal and circumferential scanning on a wide range of pipe diameters.
Controlling data integrity is easier with the ScanDeck module featuring LED indicators that alert the operator to a lack of couplant and when scanning speed has exceeded the maximum acquisition rate. A laser light guide also helps the operator maintain a straight scan line, which is important for data acquisition.
Less manipulation of the acquisition instrument is required because buttons conveniently located on the ScanDeck are linked directly to an OmniScan flaw detector, enabling the operator to remotely start data acquisition as well as “zero” the encoder position.
Four probe holders accommodate phased array (PA) and time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) probes. When used with the company’s OmniScan X3 flaw detector, the AxSEAM enables fast PA/TOFD screening and targeted total focusing method (TFM) inspection without switching probes.
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