ERW Off-Line systems use phased array (PA) technology to inspect weld seams and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of electrical resistance welded (ERW) tubes used in the oil and gas industry for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe. Two PA probes, one positioned on each side of the weld, provide complete coverage of the weld and HAZ at a constant amplitude.
Strict Quality Control of the Weld and HAZ on the ERW Pipe Production Line
High-quality Olympus PA probes are integrated into our fully automated ERW Off-Line testing systems to meet the stringent requirements for weld inspection as well as international standards governing pipe manufacturing. The automated systems can be installed anywhere in the manufacturing process, and the flexible configuration options offer manufacturers solutions that are suited to their needs. The system inspects the internal and external surfaces of the weld seam in ERW pipes, ranging from 60.3 mm to 660.4 mm OD, in addition to the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The following typical defects are detected in the weld using the dedicated weld inspection system:
- Longitudinal cracks
- Through-drilled holes (TDHs)
- Lamination defects in the HAZ (up to 25 mm on each side of the weld)
Key Features of the ERW Off-Line Automated Turnkey Solution
- Complete coverage of the weld and HAZ provided by phased array probes scanning at a constant amplitude
- Automatic weld tracking and live probe positioning (for certain configurations)
- Automatic probe positioning centers with the weld line prior to inspection
- Dependence on operator skill is minimized
- Easy and fast changeover using preset probe holders and saved setup files
- Weld inspection can be combined with full body inspection to meet all needs with one system
