Automated Ultrasonic Testing System for Large-Diameter Pipes Shipped
General Description
An automated ultrasonic testing system for pipes with a diameter range of 426–1420 mm has been shipped to the Customer. The system is designed for 100% (full-body) ultrasonic quality inspection of welded joints, the base metal of the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and pipe ends.
Testing Tasks:
- detection of longitudinally and transversely oriented defects (lack of penetration, cracks, pores, slag inclusions);
- detection of laminations in the base metal of the heat-affected zone (HAZ);
- detection of laminations in the base metal of the pipe ends;
- wall thickness measurement.
Inspection Objects:
- weld seam;
- heat-affected zone (HAZ);
- pipe end sections.
The equipment is capable of inspecting both single-seam and double-seam pipes.
The configuration, systems, quantity, and parameters of the applied ultrasonic transducers, as well as scanning parameters, sensitivity, and evaluation criteria, have been selected to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the following standards: PJSC Transneft (OTT-23.040.00-KTN-135), API 5L, GOST 31447, GOST R ISO 17640 (formerly GOST 14782), ISO 3183, GOST R 54382, and STO Gazprom 2-4.1-713-2013.
Main specifications of inspected pipes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Inspected areas | weld, base metal of the heat-affected zone (HAZ), base metal of near-weld zones up to 50 mm wide and base metal of pipe ends up to 250 mm wide in electric-welded longitudinal single-seam and double-seam steel pipes |
| Pipe outer diameter | 426–1,420 mm |
| Wall thickness | 7–25 mm |
| Pipe length | 6–13 m |
| Steel grade (strength class) | low-alloy and carbon steel, austenitic steels |
| Weight of one pipe | 2–25 t |
| Weld type | longitudinal submerged arc weld (SAW); one or two seams |
