Project code: SME-2008-2-243791
ES programme: Framework Programe 7 (FP7)
The objective of the project
Development and validation of automated non-destructive system for testing of welded joints in plastic pipes. The TestPEP project will develop phased array ultrasonic NDE procedures, techniques and equipment for the volumetric examination of welded joints in polyethylene (PE) and other plastics pipes of diameters up to 1m. In addition, the project will develop an automated inspection system that will be able to inspect pipe-to-pipe and pipe-to-fitting butt and socket joints in various plastic pipe materials and diameters between 90 and 1000mm. In parallel, the significance of flaw size and quantity will be established in relation to service requirements. This will be achieved by long-term mechanical testing of joints containing known flaws, and comparison with results for welds containing no flaws.
The technical problem
Being relatively new structural materials, NDE of plastics is challenging, due to high attenuation and low ultrasonic velocity of the material.
Ultrasound institute
Is investigating welds of selected geometry using modeling and experiments and has to determine the parameters of the phased arrays to be used. UI has to investigate and develop the technique for automatic defect detection.
Project partners
Asociación espaňola de ensayos no destructivos (Spain), British Energy (UK), Consorzio Catania Ricerche (Italy), E.ON – Ruhrgas AG (Germany), European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (Portugal), Hessel Ingenieurtechnik GmbH (Germany), I.SO.TEST Engineering srl (Italy), Ultrasound Institute Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), M2M (France), Plasflow Ltd (UK), SMART Group (UK), TWI Ltd (UK), Vermon (France), Associazione Italiana Prove Non Distruttive (Italy), Pipeline Industries Guild (UK).
