GE’s Computed Radiography System Makes Weld Inspection History at Petrobras

(GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies: Groby, England) -- For the first time in the world, computed radiography for weld inspection has been qualified and validated for inspection of steel pipes that are up to 3.5 inches (89 mm) in diameter. Brazilian oil and gas company Petrobras has qualified this technique using the CR 50P, a portable computed radiography scanner and patented phosphor imaging plates (IP) from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. This qualification will increase productivity by eliminating the time and cost associated with conventional X-ray techniques.

“The speed and efficiency of the CR 50P were two critical factors that helped Petrobras complete the computed radiography qualification process for weld inspection of such small diameter pipes,” says Eugenio Soldá, Latin American region leader for GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. “Working closely with Petrobras allowed GE the opportunity to fully understand its specific needs and provide a cutting edge solution.”

Computed radiography eliminates the need for industrial X-ray films, and the materials and darkrooms needed for film processing, while increasing productivity and safety. Digital images are available for analysis within minutes, compared with hours it may take using conventional techniques. Productivity gains are also realized from the reduced exposure and cycle times of computed radiography. In addition, energy and space are saved, as traditional images must be stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms for up to 10 years.

GE’s CR 50P is designed for applications where speed, portability, and efficiency are critical.  It weighs only 48.5 lb (22 kg) and offers excellent image quality through its optimized optics. Multiple imaging plates can be fed simultaneously on a continuous basis, which eliminates wait time between scanning, elevating productivity.

Petrobras has been studying computed radiography and its inspection methods since 2001 through its certification, qualification, and inspection department and research center. The inspection of 3.5-inch diameter pipes using GE’s computed radiography system was qualified and validated in partnership with the Brazilian inspection company, Qualitec.

To learn more, visit us at www.gesensinginspection.com.

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GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is part of GE Measurement & Control Solutions, a division of GE Energy, and an innovator in sensor-based measurement, inspection, asset condition monitoring, controls, and radiation measurement solutions for customers in oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation, and health care industries. GE Energy, supplies power-generation and energy-delivery technologies, and provides integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry. GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources.