February 7, 2014. Upgrades of the ultrasonic flaw detection unit Atlant meant for testing pipe ends are now complete at Pervouralsk New Pipe Plant (PNTZ, a member enterprise of ChTPZ Group) Hot-Rolled Weldless Pipes Department, PNTZ press service reports.

As a result, the improvements now make it possible to test ultrasonically not only the body of their corrosion-resistant pumps but also the ends. The upgrades were two-fold. First, the operation algorithm of one of the main joints – the electroacoustic transducer tank – was adjusted. Then, a roller table was installed into the unit: now following the test of one of the pipe ends the roller table lifts this end and propels it forward, so that the second end can be tested. This means less time is spent on testing a standard ten-meter pipe (the time is down from 7 to 1.5 minutes).

'To upgrade the device, roller stands, sensors, converters, and other kinds of equipment were bought. This required 3m RUR worth of investments. Thanks to the jobs done, the time spent on testing pipe ends was reduced significantly and thus the department's productivity went up,' says PNTZ Managing Director Alexander Belenkov.