On-Line Weld Inspection

SOFRATEST offers Ultrasonic inspection solutions for on-line weld  inspection of SAW pipes (directly on the production line).

Many types of defects are detected :

• Internal/External longitudinal and transverse defects in the weld (several configurations of probe arrangement are available : I, K, X)
• Lamination defects in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) of the weld and in the full body of the pipe
• Different kind of defects in the middle of the weld

In order to track the proper functioning of the system, coupling losses are also detected.

The SOFRATEST inspection heads design adapts perfectly to the different curves and diameters of the pipes.

One laser tracking system is available on the Ultrasonic head to track the weld and to allow the probes to adjust themselves their positions.

When necessary, the inspection head can slide to an off-line position to perform a calibration on a standard pipe.

Phased Array sensors can be integrated on the SOFRATEST system.

SOFRATEST can also provide probe holders, which can oscillate between two welding zones in order to inspect the pipe body.