Image of Industry Leading Phased Array UT Machine

Ultrasonic Testing

Our comprehensive and precise weld and HAZ inspection process assures the performance quality required for steel pipe with conformity to API 5L. Dura-Bond utilizes an industry-leading GE Inspection Technologies system with complex phased array engineering for weld inspection setup.  Our Steelton facility was the first North American pipe manufacturing plant to employ this state-of-the-art ultrasonic technology, and is the continued leader for this enhanced (UT) long seam weld inspection method.  This innovative application brings a new dimension of quality assurance to pipe weld inspection.

Dura-Bond’s advanced technology allows test procedures with far higher Probability of Detection (POD) rates than conventional flaw detectors.  Arrays and time-delay electronics steer numerous ultrasonic beams exactly to pre-selected regions within the weld zone. The system uses interchangeable hardened wear shoes between the probes and the pipe, allowing a single probe array to accommodate a wide range of pipe sizes. The system provides an integrated sectorial scan that makes it easier to determine optimum testing angles during initial setup.  A full-color, real-time mapping display offers instant and accurate flaw evaluation.

Precise pipe weld inspections require scans from multiple angles to comply with tough industry standards. Our phased array software sweeps a weld profile within a pre-determined range to determine which angle is optimum to detect references such as a 1/16” thru hole(s) and N5 notches. Once the optimum angles are determined, a scan plan is formulated to ensure 100% coverage of the weld and adjacent parent material in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The best angle for each testing cycle is then fixed during regular testing mode.

Having determined the optimum setting, arrays perform an exacting scan of the weld zone area to provide an accurate test despite minimal weld drift.  Ultrasonic inspection also detects transverse indications with a multi directional on-bead probe. Additionally, a phased array wheel probe checks for laminar and shear wave defects for 5” on the pipe ends. Straight beam conventional UT utilizes a 1/4” flat bottom hole reference to check for laminar defects for 1-5/8” on either side of the weld. If a defect is discovered, a paint marking system deploys different colors for the indication type and marks the location for manual prove up.