Solution for detecting small diameter pipe welds

Our company has launched a new self-developed phased array ultrasonic testing instrument, a specialized phased array probe for small diameter pipe testing, and a specialized chain scanner for small diameter pipes, providing a one-stop solution for small diameter pipe weld inspection.

 

 

As an important material for the development of modern society, the welding quality of small diameter thin-walled pipes directly affects the quality of equipment. It is particularly important to optimize and control the welding quality. Small diameter thin-walled pipes have thin walls and large curvature, leading to significant acoustic defocusing. Using a high-performance phased array ultrasonic detector, combined with a self-developed self focusing probe (to solve defocusing problems) and a circular chain small diameter pipe scanner, efficient detection of welds in small diameter thin-walled pipes (wall thickness ≥ 3.2mm) can be achieved.

 

There are generally defects such as porosity, slag inclusion, incomplete fusion, incomplete penetration, and root cracks inside the weld seam of thin-walled pipes.

 

We take the inspection of test blocks for pipe to pipe butt welds as an example. The test block for the butt weld between pipes is made of material 20 #, with a wall thickness of 3.2mm. There are two natural defects distributed in the circumferential weld, namely root incomplete penetration and weld toe cracks.

 

                           

Side view of small diameter thin-walled pipe and diagram of defect distribution

 

Using a phased array ultrasonic detector, combined with a semi-automatic circular chain scanner (equipped with a self focusing array probe), rotate along the circumference of the small diameter thin-walled pipe on both sides of the weld seam for one revolution, achieving semi-automatic full volume scanning of the weld seam.

 

the C-scan continuous scanning image of the small diameter thin-walled pipe weld seam

 

In the C-scan continuous scanning image of the small diameter thin-walled pipe weld seam, two natural defects are intuitively and clearly displayed . Combining online data analysis, the size and position of the defects were measured, which were basically consistent with the results of radiographic testing. This fully verifies that the use of phased array detection technology combined with high-frequency self focusing detection probes can effectively detect the 3.2mm thickness of thin-walled pipe butt welds.

 

Our company has launched a new self-developed phased array ultrasonic testing instrument, a specialized phased array probe for small diameter pipe testing, and a specialized chain scanner for small diameter pipes, providing a one-stop solution for small diameter pipe weld inspection :

1.The visual display of the detection results can form an A+S+C display, facilitating the identification, qualitative analysis, and measurement of defects;

2.Specially designed curved chip self focusing phased array probes and serialized designs that meet the requirements of curved wedge blocks of various pipe diameters, with higher signal-to-noise ratio and resolution;

3. A specially designed chain scanner that is easy to install and debug, and can be extended for different pipe diameters.