GE Sensing Inspection Technologies’ portable CR 50P is the first computed radiography scanner to be qualified and validated for weld inspection of steel pipes up to 3.5- inch (89 mm) in diameter.

For the first time ever, computed radiography for weld inspection has been qualified and validated for inspection of steel pipes up to 3.5- inch (89 mm) in diameter. Petrobras, the largest oil company in Brazil and one of the world’s largest energy company’s, has qualified this technique using GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies’ CR 50P, a portable computed radiography scanner and patented phosphor imaging plates (IP).

GE Sensing Inspection says this qualification method will increase productivity by eliminating the time and cost associated with conventional X-ray techniques. The company develops advanced measurement, sensor-based, and inspection systems used in oil-and-gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation, healthcare, and other industries.

“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,” stated 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, rather than the 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 in diameter pipes using GE’s computed radiography system was qualified and validated in partnership with the Brazilian inspection company Qualitec.