Olympus, a world leader in nondestructive testing technologies, is pleased to introduce the UltraWave™ LRT, an advanced flaw detection system that utilizes guided wave technology to perform long-range inspections on pipes and pipelines.
Guided wave technology is now a widely accepted nondestructive (NDT) technique for inspecting and localizing areas of potential degradation, such as corrosion and metal loss.
The technology is based on low-frequency ultrasonic waves that travel lengthwise along a pipe, collecting cross sectional data and detecting wall thickness variations. Since there is minimal loss in energy, these waves can be propagated over a long distance. It enables screening for defects from a single inspection position, covering 100% of the pipe’s circumference, over tens of meters in length. Prove-up inspection conducted at the specific indication position helps maximize the efficiency of a corrosion management program, without compromising data quality.
Offering the capacity to screen in-service pipes and pipelines, guided wave inspection is used for above-ground conventional structures, as well as advanced applications such as the detection of corrosion in buried, insulated, coated, and vertical pipes. It also detects corrosion at supports, clamps, and pipe racks.
Guided wave technology pinpoints locations that require further inspection and avoids unnecessary excavation, coating removal, or scaffolding when no flaw is detected. The use of this technology provides a significant reduction in operating costs and is considered as an inspection solution for unpiggable pipes.
The UltraWave LRT system features a complete package, including advanced software, portable battery-operated acquisition unit, robust touch screen laptop, and compact probes with bands and bladders for various pipe diameters. The low clearance of the inspection collar permits installation in limited access locations, as well as easy on-site transportation and shipping.
UltraWave™ LRT. Image credits: Olympus NDT.
The software is equipped with a unique F-scan color map that displays the entire frequency range acquired during the inspection. With this color map, selecting the most sensitive frequencies for further analysis is fast and intuitive for the operator. Dual active and synthetic focusing capabilities ascertain the circumferential position and extent of each indication, ensuring enhanced flaw evaluation and advanced data analysis. The user-friendly software offers a step-by-step wizard for entering all relevant inspection parameters and intuitive database management with a tree control structure. For ease of use, automated yet fully customizable report generation compiles all the inspection data into a single document.
Olympus NDT is confident that this new system is an efficient and cost-effective solution for improving the inspection productivity of pipe integrity management programs. With its worldwide technical support, training facilities, and global after-sales service centers, Olympus ensures continuous support to its global customers providing them with the latest and most innovative inspection solutions.
About Olympus
Olympus Corporation is an international company operating in industrial, medical, and consumer markets, specializing in optics, electronics, and precision engineering. For the industrial professional, Olympus is a world-leading manufacturer of innovative test and measurement solutions that are used in industrial and research applications ranging from aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, civil infrastructure, and automotive to consumer products. Leading-edge testing technologies include ultrasound, phased array, eddy current, remote visual, high-speed video, microscopy, optical metrology, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction. Its products include flaw detectors, thickness gages, videoscopes, microscopes, analytical analyzers, industrial scanners and probes, and various accessories.
Our goal is to supply reliable, economical systems globally that enhance safety, security, quality and productivity for customers and that contribute to society. We are committed to actively pursuing the development of new technologies, products, and services that offer the best solutions to customers' needs. Our commitment to designing quality products is directly linked to our customers' responsibility to comply with the highest industry standards and regulations in order to ensure public safety.