Textual note taken from Eddyfi Technologies on April 21, 2025
The integrity of pipeline girth welds is critical to the safe and efficient operation of oil and gas infrastructure. At the point of installation, these welds must be inspected with speed, precision, and reliability. While automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) has been the preferred method for two decades, advancements in software and imaging technology are now transforming how inspections are performed and interpreted.
From Conventional to Cutting-Edge
Historically, AUT systems used conventional ultrasonic probes dedicated to specific weld zones. These setups were large, complex, and demanded highly trained operators. The introduction of phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) improved versatility, enabling the generation of multiple beams from a single probe. With sophisticated software, focal laws were applied to direct each beam precisely to a weld zone, a practice now standard in zonal discrimination analysis.
The evolution didn’t stop there. Today, total focusing method (TFM) imaging—supported by significant increases in computational power—is delivering higher-resolution views of welds. These advanced imaging techniques simulate responses from all probe elements and calculate multiple beam paths to achieve complete, highly focused images, all at speeds compatible with field demands.
WeldXprt™: A New Standard for AUT Software
Eddyfi Technologies‘ WeldXprt™ platform is leading this transformation. Designed specifically for pipeline girth weld inspection, WeldXprt integrates conventional, PAUT, TOFD, and advanced TFM techniques into one streamlined solution. This turnkey system manages the full inspection workflow—from technique design and validation to data acquisition, calibration, and final analysis—maximizing productivity and reducing operator burden.
One standout feature is the ability to design calibration blocks within the software. These blocks, embedded with representative reflectors, ensure that flaw detection is reliable and reproducible. Automated calibration checks give real-time go/no-go feedback, ensuring traceability and compliance throughout inspection campaigns.
Accelerated Imaging with Plane Wave Technology
While full matrix capture (FMC) laid the foundation for TFM imaging, it suffered from slow scanning speeds. Plane wave imaging (PWI), now available within WeldXprt, solves this challenge by emitting waves from multiple probe elements simultaneously. This reduces acquisition time significantly—up to four times faster than FMC—without compromising image quality.
Smarter Analysis Through Software Assistance
Data analysis is traditionally time-consuming and dependent on skilled human interpretation. WeldXprt enhances this step by enabling rule-based, software-assisted analysis. The platform can be configured to automatically flag and measure indications that match pre-set criteria, based on inspection codes and weld zone parameters. This not only streamlines analysis but ensures consistency across large datasets, freeing up analysts to focus on decision-making.
Furthermore, the software supports automated application of complex code cases, including assessment of indication proximity and accumulation. This dramatically reduces the time required to determine whether a weld passes or requires rework.
Conclusion
The combination of advanced imaging, rule-based analytics, and end-to-end automation marks a turning point in pipeline weld inspection. By integrating all essential elements into one intuitive system, Eddyfi Technologies’ WeldXprt elevates AUT from a technical procedure to a fully digital, intelligent workflow. As the industry continues to push for efficiency and traceability, such platforms are not just beneficial—they’re essential.
To learn more about how WeldXprt can enhance your pipeline inspection operations, explore the full solution here.
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Source and photo: Eddyfi Technologies