Diagnostic robot
Thickness testing of multi-layer, hard-to-reach installations using a robot and a multi-channel flaw detector
In a consortium with the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research Polish Academy of Sciences, IASE and AGH University, as part of the Intelligent Development operational project (project no. POIR.04.01.04-00-0009/17 entitled “Comprehensive, automated NDT system for diagnosing of technical condition of the transport systems to erosion material“), work was carried out on a diagnostic robot that would allow for technical diagnostics of installations transporting erosive materials. The system is designed to move along hard-to-reach pipelines and automatically measure thickness. The robot, on which a multi-channel, wireless ultrasonic flaw detector and ultrasonic probes are placed, is responsible for their movement, pressing and feeding of the coupling medium in the form of a gel. The design of the device allows it to overcome knees, flanges and suspensions. Robot movement, and therefore measurement, is possible on pipes with diameters in the range of DN100 ÷ DN500. After replacing the ultrasonic probes, the robot can be used for any other research task.
Thickness measurements of multilayer pipes are difficult due to their construction – steel pipes are lined inside with abrasion-resistant materials, such as rubber (elastomer), chemical ceramics (Densit), composites based on silicon carbide (Resic), basalt or silicate. These are materials that strongly dampen the ultrasonic wave, therefore it is necessary to use low-frequency probes. Multiple reflections from the steel layer and low energy of the ultrasonic wave passing to the second material (due to the large difference in acoustic impedance) greatly limit the possibility of distinguishing echoes indicating the thickness of individual layers. In order to enable thickness measurement and separation of an indication determining the thickness of the tested element, second set high-frequency probes and signal analysis are also used.
Diagnostic robot
ZBM ULTRA Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością is implementing a project co-financed from European Funds entitled “Comprehensive, automated NDT system for diagnosing of technical condition of the transport systems to erosion material”.