Olympus introduces an advanced flaw detection system, the UltraWave LRT

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.

The UltraWave LRT uses guided wave technology and excites low-frequency ultrasonic waves that travel lengthwise over tens of meters along a pipe, detecting wall thickness variations
Photo by OLYMPUS Corporation

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 avoiding 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.

Acquisition Unit
Photo by OLYMPUS Corporation

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.

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.

Probe Collar
Photo by OLYMPUS Corporation

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.

Visit www.olympus-ims.com for further info.

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