TPT September 2021

I NDUS T RY

Echomac Ultrasonic systems for ERW tube testing from Magnetic Analysis Corp

MAGNETIC ANALYSIS CORP is now offering a selection of Echomac ® Ultrasonic NDT systems for producers of ERW tube, ranging from the latest cost-effective robotic and cantilevered phased array designs, to conventional Cantilever UT systems. An Echomac ® PA TW Robot system, installed recently at a Midwest US tube mill, is able to measure the tube profile and monitor the scarfing trim tool operation in the heat affected zone, often within 40ft of the welder, at temperatures up to 252°F (122°C). This upstream location in the weld line gives the operator instant feedback if the scarfing tool is bad or broken, allowing immediate adjustment of the welding operation, and saving many feet of would-be tube scrap. Real-time B and C-scan views of the quality of the weld and seam- trim tool alert the operator to issues such as undercuts and other failures with the scarfing process. High PRF can be used based on thickness to get a detailed weld profile with high resolution and no averaging or AGC is used for processing the data. A key feature of the system is the minimal operator intervention during operation. The wide coverage of the test head can handle typical shifts in the weld location, and the electronically controlled transducers can vary the pulse timing of

the individual elements to inspect with multiple angles, if needed, all without any manual intervention. Installation can also be in a lower temperature area below 140°F (60°C) for ID/OD longitudinal flaw detection and profile monitoring, after the forming and shaping operation. Customised pre-programmed functions position the robot and its test head in the home, weld testing, calibration, or quick retract for safety positions. Robot controls are activated using a hand-held pendant or through the control screen. The robot’s small footprint allows the customer to select the exact part of the weld line on which to install the test system in order to ensure the highest possible production yield of tube and pipes. At another mill, MAC’s Echomac ® Phased Array Ultrasonic system is testing OCTG oil and gas line pipe, ranging from 50mm to 190mm diameter with 12 different wall thicknesses, in an ERW mill in Greece. The test head is supported by a cantilevered beam. The Echomac ® is installed in the welding hot zone where it inspects for weld profile variances that can alert the operator to weld-line scarfing problems before the tube enters the forming rolls. In conjunction with the Echomac ® ,

a second test consisting of a 190mm Rotoflux ® longitudinal flux leakage unit is operating in the cooler zone after the forming rolls to inspect for flaws. A custom floating system allows the unit to follow the movement of the pipe, ensuring precise centering of the tube in the test head. A Minimac ® 50 eddy current tester detects strip joints and open welds and signals the Rotoflux ® and PA system to move the test probes out of the way to avoid damage. An Echomac ® Weld Zone Test ultrasonic system installed in India is inspecting large diameter tubes for hydraulic cylinders, destined for critical applications. This system, supported by a cantilevered beam, features a con- ventional Ultrasonic Test Head installed right after the welding operation. Designed to test 63.5mm to 190mm diameter tubewithwall thickness ranging from 4mm to 12.7mm at speeds up to 45m per minute, the system is detecting OD and ID longitudinal defects, typically found in ERW processing. Magnetic Analysis will be located at stand D46362 during the FABTECH, Chicago event from 13-16 September 2021.

Magnetic Analysis Corp www.mac-ndt.com

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SEPTEMBER 2021