Dexon TechnologyIn July, Dexon Technology Plc deployed their proprietary ultrasonic crack detection tool, the UT-CD Hawk, to inspect a challenging pipeline for circumferential cracks. Operated by one of Brazil’s major oil and gas producers, a section of the pipeline had been dragged away from the site during servicing. Dexon was brought in to assess the line and ensure its integrity.
The inspection of this pipeline had two particularly challenging elements:
A short launcher measuring only 1.5m.
High operating temperatures, typically reaching 85°C.
The UT-CD Hawk was the ideal tool for the job. It features:
The ability to detect cracks within 1.0mm .
The ability to detect tilted and skewed cracks.
Extremely high-resolution scans.
A highly customizable design.
The engineering team, however, could not take the tool as is. They had to adjust the UT-CD Hawk so that it could withstand the harsh conditions and deliver the data the client needed. Through a concentrated effort, the design teams:
Increased the maximum operating temperature to 75°C by modifying electronic boards, integrating heat sinks, and incorporating cold water into the operation.
Reduced the length of the UT-CD Hawk from its standard design of 5m to 1.4m without compromising battery life or accuracy.
Adjusted the device to allow it to detect circumferential cracks.
Before heading to the field, the team rigorously tested the modified device to ensure it would operate under the demanding conditions. Dexon’s research and design team used their on-site test yard, which includes both pipes and a heat oven, to simulate the exact conditions the UT-CD Hawk would encounter in Brazil. Through iterative improvements, they refined the design until they were fully confident in the tool's performance.
Despite the limitations, the inspection was a success, and the client acquired the data they needed. Thanks to a top-tier engineering team, state-of-the-art technology, and on-site testing facilities, Dexon could customize the inspection tools needed for this demanding job and deliver.