TPT March 2017

AR T I C L E

VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions GmbH

Step

Film 6* 48cm

Digital Radiography: Off-line Digital Radiography: In-line

Move pipe in Close Gate Placing the film

60 sec 25 sec 120 sec

60 sec 25 sec

60 sec 25 sec

-

-

X-ray On

3 sec

3 sec

3 sec

Total exposure time Move to Position

900 sec (30 shots, 30 sec) 90 sec (30 shots, 3 sec)

208 sec (52 shots, 4 sec) 104 sec (52 shots, 2 sec)

208 sec (52 shots, 4 sec) 104 sec (52 shots, 2 sec)

X-ray Off

3 sec

3 sec

3 sec

Open Gate

25 sec 60 sec

25 sec 60 sec 60 sec

25 sec 60 sec

Move pipe Out

Move pipe to Wait position 60

-

Cycle time Throughput

22 min

9 min

8 min

2.5 pipes / hour 20 pipes / shift

6 pipes / hour 48 pipes / shift

7-8 pipes / hour 60 pipes / shift

Costs for consumables Costs for labour

(1,200/40) x 20 x 5 = €3,000 2 x 8h x €50 = €800

€0 1 x 8h x €50 = €400

€0 1 x 8h x €50 = €400

€3800

€400

€400

Costs per shift

Costs per year (single shift) €1,140,000 / year

€120,000 / year

€120,000 / year

€190

€8.33

€6.66

Raw costs per pipe Investment costs Return of Investment

€0

€1,500,000 1.5 years

€2,000,000

-

2 years (more throughput!)

Commercial view The change from film to digital technique is mainly driven by the aim to reduce the cycle time and labour costs, while eliminating the film consumables and chemicals. The sum of higher throughput, less labour costs and less consumables is a significant cost factor. The above table provides a sample calculation of three different setups. Assumption: 12m LSAW pipe with 15mm wall thickness. The gate is open and the bunker is empty. Quality standards require a 100 per cent test of the weld. 300 working days per year. €50 per hour labour costs and €5 per 48cm film including development. Conclusion The simplified example calculation shows clearly the benefit of moving from film to a digital solution. A brand-new pipe inspection system including bunker and doors poses an investment of around €1,500,000. Compared to the costs for the film and the necessary manpower the user can estimate a return on investment (ROI) in less than two years of operation. Beside the cost savings, the manufacturer gets many other benefits: • Higher inspection quality • Faster feedback of identified defect inside the weld • Protection of the environment • Better reputation on the market because of better results • Access to “high-end demanding” customers, because of improved inspection quality • Increased process safety and inspection coverage

• Easier archiving and delivery of inspection results • Scalable and automated setup • Reduction of required manpower • Easy certification of inspection process • Higher prices for sold products

VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions GmbH – Germany Tel: +49 451 290 286 0 Fax: +49 451 290 286 22 Email: info@visiconsult.de Website: www.visiconsult.com

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MARCH 2017