The in-line electrical resistance weld (ERW) tube inspection system is a turnkey solution that uses phased array technology integrated into a fully automated testing system to meet stringent inspection requirements. Key benefits include: Automatically tracks the heat-affected zone (HAZ) Visualize the profile of welds in real time Minimize your dependency on operator skill with automatic calibration Detect defects at production speed with calibration check Reduce the risk of equipment damage with a pipe window detector Designed to be an easy-to-use solution for helping ensure the quality of ERW tubes post welding, annealing, and sizing, the system includes: Dedicated project management Instruments, probes, and mechanical equipment Water management system Software Commissioning, training, and after-sales support

Profile and Track Welds while Detecting Flaws

A cylindrical phased array (PA) probe is located on each side of the tube’s weld to inspect in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. To track welds and create a weld profile, a cylindrical PA probe located on the weld fires at zero degrees. Scarfing is automatically monitored, and the weld is profiled to create a side view for fast analysis.

• Wide coverage of the heat-affected zone (HAZ)
• Continuously monitor the weld profile and HAZ to perform analysis without waiting for the pipe to be cut
• Constant amplitude detection within the entire inspection area, even with mechanical movement
• Novel water wedge enables many degrees of freedom to accommodate pipe movement and provide excellent coupling

Automatic Weld Tracking

Our unique algorithm, based on time-of-flight analysis, automatically detects the scarfing area and sends feedback to the PLC to automatically adjust the inspection for each water wedge.

Fast Inspections, High-Quality Results

Our high-speed inspection systems are designed to meet the productivity requirements of the metal manufacturing industry. The systems adhere to the highest international quality standards, without compromising quality.

• Fire more than one acoustic configuration within the same PA probe—pitch-catch or high-angle pulse echo modes can be programmed to perform mid-wall inspection
• Small, automated gantry positions the inspection head in-line or off-line for inspections, automatic calibrations, or maintenance
• Available calibration bench to perform automatic calibration and calibration check sequences at standard inspection speed

Automatic Calibration

To achieve a thorough inspection, each PA probe must be calibrated. During calibration, the apertures of each probe pass over a known defect, and the probe’s gain level is automatically adjusted. This feature enables users to easily perform and validate a precise calibration of each focal law, saving time without relying on the user’s skill.

• Calibration check performed under normal production conditions
• Each reference defect is validated to help ensure they’re detected above the alarm level
• Results are displayed in easy-to-interpret views