Automated Ultrasonic Testing System for Large-Diameter Pipes Shipped
General description
An automated ultrasonic testing system for pipes 426–1420 mm in diameter has been shipped to the customer. The system is designed for 100% ultrasonic inspection of the weld, the base metal of the near-weld zone and the pipe ends.
Inspection tasks
- detection of longitudinal and transverse defects: lack of penetration, cracks, porosity, slag inclusions;
- detection of laminations in the base metal of the near-weld zone;
- detection of laminations in the base metal of the pipe ends;
- wall thickness measurement.
Inspected areas
- weld seam;
- near-weld zone;
- pipe end sections.
The system can inspect both single-seam and double-seam pipes.
The configuration, systems, number and parameters of the ultrasonic transducers, scanning parameters, sensitivity and inspection criteria were selected to fully meet the requirements of Transneft PJSC standards (OTT-23.040.00-KTN-135), API 5L, GOST 31447, GOST 14782, ISO 3183, GOST R 54382 and Gazprom STO 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 |
