XRHPipe ET: Industrial X-ray pipe inspection system for weld End-Test

Описание: XRHPipe – The operation principle

To prove the product quality, pipeline manufacturers have to perform an X-ray inspection in compliance to ISO
17636-2 or API 5L. Every weld has to be inspected and the result has to be archived. This time-consuming task can bind a lot of manpower and cause a bottleneck in the production output. The XRHPipe combines the sophisticated Xplus image enhancement system with automated part handling even for heavy and big pipes. The result is a universal system, that offers the highest degree of automation, simple handling and excellent image quality. The XRHPipe can inspect longitudinal, circumferential and even spiral welds. Proven through reference installations globally, every system can be customized to specific products, inspection processes or space availability.

During the inspection, the pipe moves stepwise by tracking the welding line. The operator can perform image enhancement filters or add comments in every step. The system will follow each circumferential and longitudinal weld as defined in the inspection sequence. That means the operator just has to do the actual decision supported by comprehensive assistance tools. Every other step is automated. To increase the throughput even more the inspection can also be decoupled from the image acquisition.

Xplus – Discover the invisible

The core of the system is our in-house developed image enhancement system Xplus, that sets new industry standards. Constant development and 25 years of experience combined with a maximum flexibility towards special process requirements help our customers to be a step ahead! Advanced features like overlay tools, macro generators, filter builders, live image enhancement, report toolkits, DICONDE integration, measurement tools and many more make the Xplus the most sophisticated software on the market.

The software fulfills all related industry standars like API 5L, EN 17636-2, ASTM etc. The handling software uses high-end technology for collision protection and pipe handling.

Off-line inspection system

The complete inspection system is housed inside an X-ray protection room to ensure highest safety. The system itself consists of a boom, on which the detector is moving, a boom-lift and a tube lift. The lifts allow the system to adapt to different diameters depending on the pipe type.

In the past, these systems have been built out of steel, which resulted in slow movements and restrictions for thin pipes. VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions GmbH developed a completely new setup incorporating new high-tech materials. Instead of using a massive steel boom, a carbon fibre tube is used. The weight of this tube is less than 100 kg. This allows to inspect tubes with an inner diameter down to 190mm, which is a huge improvement.

In-line inspection system

The in-line system is also installed inside an X-ray bunker, but this time with two doors, so it can be integrated directly into the production line to optimize the material flow. Nowadays, nearly all manufacturing steps are already more or less designed in a single line. Only the X-ray testing is designed as an off-line station. This results in a significant loss of cycle time and waste of space. With the new carbon boom design, VisiConsult is able to build a conveying-thru system.

A special boom lift strategy allows gripping and holding the boom from both sides, so that the system can be fed from one side and the pipe is dispatched to the other side. This concept reduces the transport time by a significant amount.