Streamlining Girth Weld Inspection in the Real World
Designed For Efficiency
WeldXprt supports the entire inspection sequence: from technique design, calibration, and inspection through to data analysis and reporting. The system is built for high productivity, with typical inspection sequences, including calibration checks, analysis and reporting, completed in well under 5 minutes per weld. This makes it well suited to the demands of high-throughput pipeline projects.
The system integrates the latest Serko scanner from Jireh Industries for Pipeline Girth Weld (PGW) inspection with flexible options for the EMERALD onboard or remote from the scanner allowing teams to match system deployment to their project needs. The seamless integration between hardware and software components supports reliable, repeatable operation with minimal reconfiguration.
Advanced Imaging out-of-the-box
One of the system’s strengths is its ability to acquire and process data from multiple ultrasonic inspection techniques; independently or simultaneously. These include:
- Zonal Discrimination Technique
- Phased Array UT (PAUT)
- Time-of-Flight Diffraction (ToFD)
- Full Matrix Capture (FMC) with Total Focusing Method (TFM) or Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI)
- Plane Wave Imaging (PWI) with TFM or PCI
This multi-mode capability gives great flexibility to tackle a wide range of inspection requirements and can improve defect characterization whilst reducing scan time. PWI, for example, offers faster acquisition than FMC based TFM – typically more than four times faster – while retaining high-resolution imaging and high signal-to-noise characteristics.
Integrated Software for Reliable Inspection and Analysis
The WeldXprt software environment is built on the UltraVision software core, featuring a dedicated user interface for PGW application and including advanced tools to support setup, calibration, analysis and reporting – all within a single ecosystem. Key software capabilities include:
- Calibration block designer: Create weld-specific calibration blocks and export mechanical drawings for fabrication.
- Auto Zonal Builder: Automatically generate zonal setups based on weld configuration and calibration block reflectors, including customization and beam simulation.
- Single-click calibration checks: Calibrate and verify reflector responses with automated tolerance checks and go/no-go results.
- Software Assisted Analysis: Define rules for indication detection by zone, including criteria for amplitude, size and position in gate. Indications are automatically identified, measured, and populated into the indication table.
- Software Assisted Code Evaluation: Apply code acceptance criteria directly to inspection results including interaction, accumulation and sentencing. Analysists can review and verify the automated evaluations as needed.
These tools are designed to reduce manual steps, improve repeatability, and support clear documentation for compliance and review.
Reporting and visualization
WeldXprt includes ability to instantaneously create standard and custom reports immediately following inspection so that the findings can be actioned as quickly as possible, streamlining documentation for production tracking or quality assurance checks.
Both 2D and 3D visualization tools are integrated that support comprehensive weld review and presentation to external quality teams. All data channels – Zonal, PAUT, TOFD and TFM – can be overlaid in a single interface, helping teams see flaws in context and produce reports tailored to project or regulatory requirements.
Want the full technical breakdown? Download the WeldXprt Pipeline Girth Weld Solution brochure for all the details.
Flexibility and Compatibility
The WeldXprt scanner is compatible with standard RMS and CRC-Evans profile weld bands and supports pipe diameters ranging from 4 to 72 inches (in). When there is a need to inspect with reduced cutback adjacent to the weld the same scanner can be adjusted to fit custom bands with a reduced width down to 3.15in [80 millimeters (mm)] to maintain the smallest possible scanning envelope.
The scanner motion is controlled directly by the WeldXprt software, for seamless and intuitive scanner control and sequences with option control via a connected joystick to the inspection station or scanner itself.
With integrated irrigation and supporting up to 10 probes, this highly flexible system enables use across a wide range of field conditions and project types.
Conclusion
WeldXprt offers a practical and efficient solution for Pipeline Girth Weld inspection, with capabilities that align well with industry demands for improved speed, reliability and traceable analysis. By integrating multi-mode inspection, advanced software, and flexible deployment options, it supports consistent inspection results and improved operational productivity without adding unnecessary complexity.
For teams seeking to streamline their AUT workflow and add advanced analysis capabilities while maintaining high standards, WeldXprt presents a well-tuned and highly capable system. Check out our free resource to learn more and stay Beyond Current.