Creaform

 ASME B31G compliant

Technological innovations featured in Creaform’s comprehensive and powerful NDT solutions enable pipeline engineers to combine the power of the HandySCAN 3D portable scanner with ultrasonic testing (UT) technologies. By including both the inner and the outer wall deterioration in the calculation of a pipe’s bust pressure, Pipecheck sets a new standard of reliability and efficiency. NDT inspectors using magnetic detectors, UT devices or in-line inspection tools can also benefit from the software’s rigorous analysis power even if they do not use 3D laser scanners, thanks to Pipecheck’s ability to import external data sets. This comprehensive solution provides the best alternative to traditional pit gauges—whether you need to perform true wall thickness assessments, ILI correlations or corrosion assessments on mechanical damage surfaces.

Key Functionalities

• Interaction rules between two features are automatically applied
• Burst pressure calculations (ASME B31G, B31G Modified and Effective Area methods)
• Worst-case-profile and customizable grid resolution for all features
• Feature dimensions (length and width) and maximum depth extracted for all features
• Easy Snipping Tool for additional reporting information
• Depths extracted from Creaform's virtual pit gauge tool
• UT and PAUT Data Import: Assessment performed on internal and external surface of the pipeline or on thetrue wall thickness

• 3D and 2D color mapping with river-bottom path overlay
• 2D profile section in both axial and circumferential direction
• Quick, on-the-fly depth analysis: simply hover the mouse over each point to obtain local material loss 
• Multi-Pipe Analysis - Analysis of multiple pipes in the same session

ASME B31.8 compliant

To help non-destructive testing service companies and operators make the safest decisions, Creaform has integrated a mechanical damage assessment software module into Pipecheck. Combined with the HandySCAN 3D portable scanners, Pipecheck is the only NDT software on the market to offer a one-click buttonsolution for strain-based assessments. Dents with stress risers can also be analyzed to separate the impact on pipeline integrity caused the dent from the ones caused by material loss. Some of the advanced functionalities featured in Pipecheck’s mechanical damage software module include corrosion in mechanical damage and ILI correlations. 

Key Functionalities

Depth-based assessment type

• Automatic maximum depth measurement using straight edge technique in both directions
• 3D and 2D depth color maps
• Automatic creation of 3D cross-sections
• Depths over diameter ratio
• Maximum diameter found at 90 degrees of the dent

Strain-based assessment type

• Automatic maximum strain detection
• 3D and 2D strain color map (all strain components)
• Results for decomposed values: circumferential bending, longitudinal bending, longitudinal extensional, effective strain on inside and outside surface of the pipe as well as maximum effective strain value

Wrinkle Analysis

• Crest-to-trough depth of deformations
• Wavelength
• Circumferential extent
• Diameter restriction

Benefit from Creaform’s expertise in structural analysis for your pipeline integrity management needs. Industry sectors, such as aerospace, oil and gas and power generation can benefit from structural analyses to reduce cost and ensure proper functioning of specialized equipment—when validation through physical testing is impossible or too costly to be carried out. Numerical simulations are used for Level 3 assessments to provide detailed evaluations that take into account corrosion, dents, buckles and localized surface deformations on pipes with complex geometry. Combined with 3D data acquisition, finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enable accurate and reliable estimation of the bust pressure, fatigue life and safe pipeline operation. NDT service companies and pipeline operators can count on Creaform’s expertise in non-destructive engineering to help them support maintenance decisions, understand and diagnose physical problems. Fitness for service (FFS) evaluation based on standards, such as API 579, can benefit the use of 3D data acquisition and numerical simulation to prevent pipeline failures, disruption of service or environmental contamination.

Creaform Engineering Services offer a wide range of numerical simulations. Our experienced engineers and material specialists can help you find the most efficient solution—from linear and non-linear stress analyses to fluid dynamics—using the most advanced software on the market, such as NASTRAN, NX, FEMAP, ANSYS, LS-DYNA and StarCCM+.

Type of Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

• Linear and non-linear static
• Buckling
• Normal modes, frequency response and response spectrum
• Random response
• Transient, dynamic, vibration and seismic response
• Impact (implicit and explicit solvers)
• Steady state and transient heat transfer
• Thermal stress
• Fatigue analyses (multi axial and vibration fatigue)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

• Steady state and transient CFD simulations of internal/external liquid and gas flows
• Analysis, design and optimization of immersed or surrounding components
• Optimal turbulence modeling approach: RANS, URANS, RSM, LES, DES
• Incompressible, transonic and compressible flows
• Rotating equipment and moving bodies
• Multiple reference frames, rotating and sliding interfaces, deformable meshes
• Fluid-structure interaction
• Heat transfer and thermal modeling
• Multiphase and free surface flows
• Flow mixing

To ensure the safety of passengers and proper maintenance of equipment, inspections of surface impact damage on aircraft parts and structure must be performed. Aircraft manufacturers and air carriers are continuously faced with the challenge of inspecting complex aerospace components, such as aircraft turbines, engine bays, nacelles and cockpits, which are all part of a very intricate assembly that cannot be taken out for inspection purposes.

Phased array inspection and imaging (PA) is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing (UT) used in NDT inspections. Phased-array focal law simulation is used to predict the inspection results and optimize the probe and wedge configurations. Inspection of complex shape components using a 2D matrix can be challenging. In the absence of a better solution, the 3D model usually comes from a CAD file or a theoretical model construction. However, the real component’s shape often varies considerably from theoretical models and, therefore, affects the ultrasound scan quality and probability of detection.

For aerospace parts that often feature complex geometries, 3D modeling of a part combined with phased array inspection can be used to get a highly accurate representation of the damage. The 3D scan data acquired with Creaform’sNDT equipment provides aerospace maintenance teams the positioning and sizing information required by phased array ultrasonic testing. This data is essential in determining proper maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) plans.

The impact ofhail damage on the aerodynamics of an airplane is a complex factor to assess; however, it is vital—literally! to be able to perform the assessment very accurately. The shape and the size of the defects vary with the intensity of every hailstorm. Therefore, the most common way of analyzing the level of damage is through the geometric measurement (length, width and depth) of each dent found on a given service plane. There is also a need on the production line for geometry control. With their passengers’ safety as their main concern, air carriers need to find solutions that are accurate, efficient and auditable.

With the integrity assessment power offered by 3D scanning, aerospace engineering teams can acquire large amounts of high accuracy data to conduct in-depth assessment of hail damage. 3D scanning offers key benefits, such as high accuracy, repeatability, traceability, portability and ease of use. What's more, it enables users to detect and measure defects according to configurable criteria as well as export the data in Excel, PDF and other common formats. Creaform’s NDT solutions can contribute to reducing aircraft damage assessment times by 80% and decrease the risk of human errors.

Operating and maintaining safe and reliable pipeline circuits is fundamental in the pipeline industry. Non-destructive testing (NDT) service companies and pipeline operators undertake substantial efforts to provide the safe transportation of crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products and liquefied gas within their networks. Pipeline integrity management, inspection, corrosion prevention, monitoring, leak detection, and overall damage prevention are critical to preventing incidents from occurring.

Creaform offers innovative and highly effective alternatives to traditional NDT methods that are widely used in the oil and gas industry. Its solution for corrosion assessment provides reliability beyond current regulatory requirements, which follow ASME code B31G. Applications of pipeline corrosion assessment include:

• 3D and 2D material loss color map
• Automatically applied interaction rules
• Burst pressure calculation (B31G, B31G modified, effective area)

In addition to safety issues, corrosion and other damage prevention is critical for the long-term preservation of existing pipeline infrastructures.

For many years, requirements for mechanical damage inspection have resulted in large numbers of dents that were not categorized as critical. However, pipeline failures caused from dents have raised concerns towards these requirements and NDT inspection methods. Being able to accurately identify critical dents before they cause failure—all while avoiding costly operations—is paramount to any pipeline inspector. Considering these factors, pipeline engineers and NDT inspectors are looking for accuracy, reliabilityand traceability when choosing an inspection tool.

Creaform’s NDT solutions features a mechanical damage assessment module to analyze damage, such as dents, gouges in the metal and other surface deformations that can be harmful for the environment. Pipeline operators can rely on these innovative tools to generate instant and reliable on-site reports—a key factor in reducing maintenance costs for the safe operation of oil and natural gas transportation and storage infrastructure. The mechanical assessment module enables applications, such as strain-based assessments, in accordance with the ASME B31.8 standard.

The public’s concern of the environment puts a lot of pressure on oil companies to improve their environmental and health and safety practices. Storage tank inspection used to be a time-consuming process, but companies can now address public’s concerns using 3D scanning technology.

To reduce risk of human errors and ensure the reliability of the measurements, long range and short range 3D scanning can be performed as an alternative to traditional manual inspection methods. High-precision laser scanning technologies are used to acquire measurements in three dimensions in a variety of applications, including:

• 3D Direct Examination for MFL Tank floor inspection:  Corrosion inspection on Storage Tank Floor will often use MFL technologies to determine remaining floor wall thickness-RWT. Since MFL is categorized as a screening tool, direct examination, and validation of actual MFL technology need to be validate using manual pit gauge or 3D laser scanner (short range).  For this application, Creaform system can provide, highly accurate and repeatable measurements, regardless of the NDT technician skills.  All data can automatically be reported in to an Excel spread sheet for further analysis. 
• Tank settlements: Determine the proper orientation of reservoirs by evaluating the angle and the shape of the floor with respect to gravity. This can be achieved with the help of Creaform’s NDT inspection solutions to gather data, such as bottom profiles, vertical profiles and out-of-roundness profiles, to generate tank inspection reports.
• Strapping tables: These are used to estimate the volume of a reservoir or tank. The total volume of the tank is separated in layers from which it is possible to establish the height of the tank in relation to the entire volume with the strapping table.
• Containment dike volume calculations: These are used to ensure that the retention pond is wide enough to contain 80% of the total tank volume in case of leakage.

From tank settlement to tank strapping to containment dike volume calculation, Creaform’s NDT testing solutions and comprehensive metrology services can help you carry out any 3D scanning projects. They provide accuracy and efficiency when and where you need it!

Power generation components and structures must be inspected to assess the level of degradation and remaining service life. Power generation organizations are facing mounting challenges of inspecting complex components that are part of a very intricate assembly and cannot be taken out for inspection purposes. To solve this issue, the industry usually has recourse to the phased-array inspection method.

Phased-array inspection and imaging (PA) is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing (UT) and are used in NDT inspections. Phased-array focal law simulation is used to predict the inspection results and optimize the probe and wedge configurations. Inspection of complex shape components using a 2D matrix can be challenging. In the absence of a better solution, the 3D model usually comes from a CAD file or a theoretical model construction. However, the real component’s shape often varies considerably from theoretical models and, therefore, affects the ultrasound scan quality and probability of detection.

Creaform’snon-destructive solutions support the power generation and energy industry by combining the data acquisition power of 3D scanning with phased array inspection to provide operators and inspection engineers the information needed to make well-informed maintenance decisions.

As the standard for portable metrology-grade 3D scanners, theHandySCAN 3D functionalities HandySCAN 3D delivers accurate and repeatable results in all work conditions, whether under direct sunlight or in harsh environments. Not only can service companies fully trust HandySCAN 3D’s reliable data but they can also count on its speed to take measurements, deliver results, and complete inspection quickly and efficiently. The HandySCAN 3D is your go-to NDT solution for pipeline inspections.

The Go!SCAN 3D scanner offers the fastest and easiest 3D experience for NDT technicians who perform pipeline inspections for different types of damage, particularly corrosion. The Go!SCAN 3D’s different positioning modes speed up setup times and accelerates field deployment. Thanks to this NDT 3D scanner, the time spent in the ditch is shortened, making it an ideal solution for service companies that want to gain a competitive advantage.

Fast, accurate, and versatile, the MetraSCAN 3D optical CMM scanner line-up is designed for manufacturing and metrology professionals who want to deliver approved quality parts quickly and efficiently.

Insensitive to shop floor vibrations, part movement, and environmental instability, the MetraSCAN 3D significantly increases the efficiency, reliability, and versatility of measurement processes. Engineered to work both in the metrology lab and on the production floor, the MetraSCAN 3D is optimized to perform metrology-grade measurements and 3D surface inspections on a large variety of parts regardless of size, material, finish, or complexity. Simply put, the MetraSCAN 3D is the ideal metrology tool for quality control and quality assurance applications.

Pipecheck 6.1 software is a significant upgrade to the already advanced pipeline integrity assessment software. Always on the cutting-edge of technology in NDT solutions for the oil and gas industry, this latest version offers unique possibilities that will open new doors to various business opportunities.

Pipecheck 6.1 provides a complete 3D visualization of internal and external surfaces, ensuring pipeline integrity and public safety. Used in conjunction with either the HandySCAN 3D or the Go!SCAN 3D 3D scanner product lines,Pipecheck 6.1 is to this day the most trusted by NDT service companies.

KEY FEATURES

• Increased capacity : This new version will allow for much larger diameter measurements for objects like storage tanks, pressure vessels, rail cars, etc., ultimately opening new market opportunities in the transport and refinery industries.
• Time and cost saving : You no longer need additional pictures to complete the assessment reports. When used with the Go!SCAN 3D, you get the full 3D picture with geometry, colors, textures, and even writings.
• User independence : The new feature weld selection and the well-known virtual pit gauge are removing many manual operations that would normally require expertise and experience.
• Flexibility and versatility : Pipecheck 6.1 provides assessment capabilities for different types of pipeline damage (corrosion, mechanical damage, radius, wrinkle, ovality, etc.), in-line inspection (ILI) correlation, and ultrasonic testing (UT) data import for a mixed analysis.
• Rapid field deployment : It is efficient across all work conditions, whether under direct sunlight or in harsh environments. Additionally, since it requires less of a target to measure corrosion, it saves time and provides a major competitive advantage.
• Accuracy and speed : With up to 1,500,000 measurements per second and up to 0.025 mm (0.0009 in) accuracy, it delivers accurate and repeatable results you can trust.