TPT November 2008

T echnology U pdate

New phased array scarf monitoring system

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, USA, has introduced a weld profile visualization system using phased array technology. The new scarf monitoring system provides a real time, online, accurate picture of both the inside diameter (ID) and the outside diameter (OD) profiles of scarfed ERW pipes during the manufacturing process. Due to the capability of monitoring ID and OD, it is possible to affect real time control of the scarfing process by identifying events such as tool drift and edging as they occur. This can achieve significant reductions in scrap. Scarfing is a process used in pipeline manufacture that moves a smoothing tool along the weld as it is made. This tool follows the electric arc welding machine and smoothes the surface of the weld on both the ID and OD. The tool may get worn

or slip, resulting in roughness of the weld surface. These surface defects could affect the subsequent flow of any fluid in the pipe or could provide a point of weakness. The scarf monitoring system follows this tool and identifies any surface faults virtually immediately so that corrective action can be taken and minimal pipe length lost. The heart of the new system is the ultrasonic phased array transducer, which electronically simulates the scanning action required to provide the weld profile information. The resulting information is then fed into GE’s field-proven UTxx digital flaw detection platform. This incorporates standard or phased array flaw detection channels and all the associated processing electronics to give a complete scarf monitoring and flaw inspection package.

 Based on phased array technology, the weld profile visualization system is used for scarf monitoring In operation, the transducer test head assembly is mounted so that it is directly above the weld line. The mill coolant acts as the ultrasonic coupling medium. The transducer test head then uses its phased array elements to monitor the inside and outside diameter of the weld as it is being cut, at a scanning rate of up to 300 profiles/ sec. Transducers and shoes are available to monitor tubes from 50mm up to 500mm in diameter and typical coverage is ±25mm from the nominal weld centre line. Inspection data is displayed in a true- to-scale cross-sectional profile at one or multiple monitor screens. High and low limit alarms provide warning of weld profile deviation. Intelligent dynamic software averaging techniques minimize the possibility of false readings. The weld profile visualization system features all-electronic setup for ease of use and repeatability. It can be installed within feet of the weld station, depending on local temperature conditions. As a result, it operates both as a process control system as well as a quality control system. It can be combined with a flaw detection system and it allows inspection traceability through a built-in data logger, which records minimum and maximum thickness readings across the weld area and strip thickness. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies – USA Fax : +1 978 437 1031 Email : amanda.fontaine4@ge.com Website : www.geinspectiontechnologies.com

Tube measuring interface processer gets smaller Sikora, Germany, has launched the Ecocontrol 600 – its smallest available processor system that can be especially adapted to individual line conditions for highest productivity within hose and tube production. This processor follows on from the successful premium display and control systems Ecocontrol 1000 and 2000. Ecocontrol 600 offers one serial interface for the connection of a Sikora measuring devices such as Laser 2000 or LED 8025 XY. In addition, two digital contact measuring values are used to work with the Lump 2000 detector, reading neckdown and lump. The measuring values are displayed numerically and graphically on a clear 8.4"-TFT- monitor. In addition, there are graphical length-related trend diagrams for all values combined with a graph of the distribution of the single values (statistical distribution

curve). There is also a statistic with the minimum, maximum value, the mean, standard deviation, Cp and Cpk values. The operation is menu-driven via touch-screen. Hose and tube production requires perfection of all line components and does not permit any compromises of the measuring technology. Consequently, Sikora combines the Ecocontrol 600 with a Laser 2000 for the diameter measurement in two or three measuring planes, or the LED 8025 XY for the measurement of the diameter and eccentricity of transparent products.

 Ecocontrol 600: economic processor system with strong performance

Ecocontrol 600 is used in combination with Lump 2000 for the detection of neckdowns and lumps, and fulfils the highest requirements for quality control and helps to significantly reduce costs. Drive data is easily transferred to a line PC via an ethernet- interface or a USB flash. A printer provides a hard copy of the production quality. Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 48900-90 • Email : sales@sikora.net • Website : www.sikora.net

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N ovember 2008

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