When designing the AxSEAM™ scanner, we put ourselves in the shoes of an inspector in the field. Our objective: to make pipeline scanning as easy as possible, solving the typical problems that slow down inspectors and complicate their jobs.

Pipeline Inspectors Asked, the AxSEAM Scanner Delivers

After consulting with pipeline inspectors, we compiled a list of grievances common to long seam and girth weld scanning using phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) techniques. The AxSEAM scanner’s features are a direct solution to these problems.

1. Tough, Tool-Free Probe Holders Prevent Liftoff and Probe Skewing

First our design team tackled and resolved the problem of unreliable and complicated probe holders. The AxSEAM scanner’s probe holders are completely redesigned to ease probe installation, adjusting the index offset, and acquiring reliable ultrasonic data.

Key improvements:

• A latch keeps the holders raised during probe and wedge manipulations.
• They’re spring-loaded and pivot to prevent unwanted probe liftoff and skewing during scanning, helping ensure constant coupling.

Only seeing it in action enables you to appreciate the ease of the adjustments. In this Olympus Around the World video, watch as Brandon Reitz, Senior Applications Engineer, gives a short demo:

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The probe holders are both flexible, yet stable and durable. PAUT inspectors who’ve used the scanner in the field have noted its robustness. It’s built to stand up to the rugged demands of pipeline inspection jobs.

2. Improve Scanning Efficiency and Prevent the Need to Rescan

Another innovation unique to the AxSEAM scanner is its ScanDeck™ module. Placed directly in the center like a dashboard, the module has excessive-scan-speed and lack-of-couplant warning lights to help ensure that the data acquired is reliable and no data is missed. Since inspectors can keep their eyes on the scanner and don’t have to look to the acquisition instrument for validation, the scanning job goes much smoother.

Speaking of smooth, the rubber molded magnetic wheels also help keep the scanner coupled to the pipe and rolling in a fluid motion, reducing the effort required from the operator.

This video offers an overview of the AxSEAM scanner’s practical features designed to ease the pipeline inspector’s job:

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3. Transition Easily between Long Seams, Girth Welds, and Different Pipe Diameters

The AxSEAM scanner may be the only scanner an inspector needs to bring into the field. Toolless adjustments mean it can quickly:

• • Adapt to different pipe diameters; and
  • Switch between longitudinal weld seam and circumferential girth weld scanning.

Inspectors can use the AxSEAM scanner to inspect a wide range of pipe diameters:

• • Longitudinal weld — pipes from 152.4 mm (6 in.) OD all the way to flat metal plates.
  • Circumferential welds — pipes as small as 114 mm (4.5 in.) OD with 2 probes and starting at 254 mm (10 in.) with 4 probes.

Four probe holders enable fast PAUT and TOFD screening as well as total focusing method (TFM) examination of regions of interest (ROI)—without needing to switch the probes.

When used with the OmniScan X3 phased array flaw detector, the AxSEAM scanner can perform PAUT, TOFD, and TFM inspections with the same probes.

This versatility also contributes to solving problem number 4.

4. Eliminate Cumbersome, Overly Complicated Equipment

As Brandon Reitz says in his video “Efficient Long Seam Weld Inspection,” the AxSEAM scanner features a “robust, ergonomic design that is lightweight and easy to handle.”

The AxSEAM scanner and accessories fit neatly into one compact case. This means the NDT inspector has what they need to reliably perform a PAUT pipeline scan without bulky equipment weighing them down—in the field or traveling between jobs.

To fully grasp the optimal portability, versatility, and simplicity of this scanner, experiencing it hands-on is the best way. If you are interested in a demo, contact your local Olympus representative today.