Seam tracking systems by iSAM back up ultrasonic testing devices inspecting the joints longitudinally welded onto large-diameter pipes. Investigations like these presuppose that the probes precisely follow the joint. Overfill represents a good orientation for this purpose. It is detected by a 2-dimensional laser-light-section sensor the sensitivity of which even allows the safe recognition of joints with a high degree of flatness. This sensor serves for transmitting the measured data to the server via TCP/IP. Using digital and analogous interfaces, this computer further transfers the required control commands to the PLC, if necessary, with additional analysis results. All this information makes the ultrasonic testing probe accurately follow the seam subject to inspection.

Seam tracking system:

The server is linked with the client via TCP/IP and internet/intranet. Here, the visualisation software generates a graphic view of the pipe´s surface profile exhibiting the weld seam. Additional functions, such as numerical display of the measurement results, temperature tracking of the laser-light-section sensor, trouble shooting, diagnosis and recording are also available. Optionally, it is possible to add further clients.

Application report

Laser Optical Seam Tracking System on a Ultrasonic Testing Equipment for Weld Seams of Large-diameter Pipes
for EUROPIPE GmbH, Germany
read this application report (406kB)