A new scanner that aims to simplify longitudinal seam weld inspection, has been launched.

The scanner is designed to allow inspectors to easily set up and inspect long seam welds, enabling them to work more independently in the field.

Along with its OmniScan X3 flaw detector, Olympus’ new AxSEAM scanner is regarded as an integral part of the company's portable phased array ultrasonic testing inspection solutions targeting longitudinal weld inspection on pipes and pressure vessels.

In-service oil and gas pipes manufactured using an obsolete process called low-frequency electric resistance welding must periodically be inspected, as the long seam welds are prone to corrosion and hook cracks. Pressure vessel and wind tower manufacturers also need to validate the integrity of longitudinal bevelled welds. Scanners used for these applications are regarded as not being operator friendly, having complicated setups and cumbersome adjustments and the AxSEAM scanner is designed to address these problems. 

The scanner’s features, such as toolless probe holders and patented dome-shaped wheels, aim to help solve challenges associated with this application, enabling more self-sufficient inspection on the job site.

The new ScanDeck module aims to make controlling data integrity easier and features LED indicators that alert the operator to a lack of couplant and scanning speed that exceeds the maximum acquisition rate. A laser light guide also helps the operator maintain a straight scan line, which is important for data acquisition.

Buttons located on the ScanDeck module are linked directly to an OmniScan flaw detector, enabling the operator to remotely start the data acquisition as well as “zero” the encoder position.

The AxSEAM scanner is designed to switch easily between longitudinal and circumferential scanning on a wide range of pipe diameters. Its four probe holders accommodate phased array (PA) and time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) probes and, when used with an OmniScan X3 unit, the scanner enables fast PA/TOFD screening and targeted total focusing method inspection without switching probes.