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Applus RTD launches new advanced NDT systems at Offshore Europe

GLOBAL non-destructive testing leader Applus RTD has unveiled two new pieces of technology designed to locate microscopic to major flaws in pipelines, oil and gas platforms and other crucial pieces of infrastructure.

The RTD RAYSCAN device is a highly advanced digital radiography system primarily designed for pipeline inspection work, suitable for the inspection of girth welds on- and offshore, particularly in new construction projects.

Applus RTD's research and development specialists have also developed the IWEX 3D (Inverse Wave field Extrapolation) technique, which the team behind its development believe will change the future of Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

RTD RAYSCAN represents a step-change in digital radiography. It is designed for fast production and is suitable for the inspection of girth welds on lay barges and onshore new construction pipework.

The X-ray source and detector rotate around the exterior of the weld, producing a real-time digital radiographic Double Wall Single Image (DWSI) picture.

Direct image processing, allied to dedicated software, makes it possible for direct interpretation of the weld, including changes to the appearance of the image allowing easier identification and recording of defects and their size.

It uses a small, collimated X-ray beam, short exposure and lower energy levels compared to conventional techniques, with full lead shielding greatly reducing radiation hazards. The RTD RAYSCAN system is currently ready for use on pipes with a diameter range from 2” to 12”.

IWEX 3D represents the future of automated ultrasonic testing (UT), says Dennis Zaal manager of Applus RTD’s Application Centre Europe and Middle East.

“Existing UT techniques present the measured signals in an abstract format, showing the interaction of the ultrasound beams with the object instead of only the object itself,” says Zaal.

“IWEX provides a reconstructed image of the inspected object, providing vital clearer data compared to traditional techniques, resulting in increased accuracy in both sizing and positioning of the defect.

“Additionally, increased probability of detection is expected. Images made with IWEX can be seen as a reconstructed cross-section of the object only, much like a CT-scan or an MRI scan in the medical field, meaning what you see is what you get.”

The theory behind IWEX 3D is relatively new and uses complex algorithms which require a high level of computer processing power to perform the image reconstruction, adds Zaal.

“Until now the application was limited due to the large amounts of measured data that had to be communicated to the computer for processing. Our new IWEX 3D hardware includes a sophisticated electronic design with a processor for each individual ultrasonic signal.

“Algorithm processing takes place directly after digitisation of the measurement signals and produces a sub-image or pixel value of the volume under examination which is communicated to the computer.”

The design features 32 parallel processors (for 32 ultrasonic signals) on one printed circuit board. These boards can be simply stacked to support up to 1024 parallel processors in a single system, without influencing performance.

The result of IWEX 3D is a reconstructed 2D cross-section of the object shown in real time. Additionally the cross sections can be combined to create a 3D image of the object and all detected potential defects.

Applus RTD is exhibiting at Offshore Europe 2011 on stand 5C50.

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