What is the real problem with integrating ultrasound results into the inspection process?
Inspection processes with several analog interrupts.
The answer is simple: too many manual work steps. Yes, the inspection management system is digital and so is the ultrasonic device, but all the processes in between are analog, often paper-based and, above all, manual.
The inspector takes inspection orders, isometric data and inspection instructions in paper form into the plant, manually transfers the measured values from the ultrasonic device to his piece of paper and later types all the data into the Excel inspection report. “18% to 20% of our inspection reports are incorrect. Either the data is assigned to the wrong component or the measured values were transferred incorrectly to the test report,” is the consistent statement from our customers.
In plain language, this means that the leading management systems such as ERP, IDMS or APM are fed with inaccurate NDT data. It is therefore clear that the primary way to increase plant integrity and performance is through better or fully digital NDT inspection processes with standardized and reliable inspection data.
DIMATE UT Gateway App supports plant operators and NDT service providers
This app assigns wall thickness values from the gauge to the correct Test Measurement Location (TML) and digitally transfers them to the Plant Inspection Management System.
In addition to the already well-established workflow module for radiographic testing (RT), DIMATE has now launched a completely new app solution for the tens of thousands of ultrasonic wall thickness measurements on pipelines in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors every year.
DIMATE UT Gateway App is an extension for DIMATE PACS*1 that for the first time standardizes, structures and integrates all relevant inspection order data and wall thickness measurements into a continuous digital UT inspection workflow.
This eliminates human or manual input errors that could result in ultrasonic inspection results being assigned to the wrong component.
In addition, the app takes measured values directly from the ultrasonic device and transfers them to the measured value grid specified by the plant operator, e.g. for straight pipes, pipe bends, pipe reductions, T-pieces, boilers, tank inspections, etc.
Once the ultrasonic inspection is complete, the measured values and the device data from the app are transmitted to the inspection management system at TML (Test Measuring Location) level.
This is much faster and more accurate than before and forms the basis for better decisions in the operation of energy plants.
The future of ultrasonic testing in energy systems is already a reality at DIMATE:
- Integration of ultrasonic inspection devices into an digital end-to-end process with inspection management systems and NDT service providers.
- Enrichment of NDT data with order, equipment and historical measurement information in the DIMATE melting pot.
- Audit-proof, standardized and vendor-neutral data storage, 100% DICONDE*2 compliant.
- Preparation of UT data for “successful” projects based on artificial intelligence.
Better NDT data also means better plant availability
I'd be happy to show you the full integration of UT Inspection Procedures and look forward to hearing from you to find out how you can get started.
Peter Rosiepen, CEO: rosiepen@dimate.eu
*1 DIMATE PACS is a software system that enables a complete digital evaluation of NDT data and a digital workflow between inspection management systems, inspection devices and NDT service contractors.
Link to DIMATE PACS: https://www.dimate.de/en/what-is-pacs.html
*2 DICONDE stands for Digital Imaging and Communication in Non-Destructive Evaluation and is an IT standard controlled by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Links to DICONDE at the ASTM website: https://www.astm.org/e2339-21.html
DIMATE website: https://www.dimate.de/en/blog/tag/DICONDE.html