NT-1338

System Details

The NT-1338 inspects new and used oilfield tubulars with diameters ranging from 4-1/2" to 13-3/8". The system will automatically drive each tube through the system while inspecting for longitudinal, transverse, and wall thickness anomalies.

Inspection Techniques

The longitudinal and transverse systems use "Electromagnetic Inspection" techniques to find possible defects. Powerful electromagnets saturate the tube with magnetic flux while sensor coils slide across the surface.

Anomalies in the tube body such as cracks, pits, laps, etc. will cause the flux to extend outside the tube wall where the sensor coils will detect the "flux leakage".

Three different types of wall thickness monitoring systems are available for the NT-1338: Gamma Radiation, Hall Sensor, and Ultrasonic (UT).

The Gamma system uses a gamma beam from a Cesium 137 source to measure wall thickness variations. The beam pierces the tube from one side and its intensity is measured on the opposite side to determine the amount of steel in the tube walls. This type of system has been in use for over 30 years and is one of the most common in use today. It is very economical to operate, but only inspects 12% or less of the tube. There are also many issues in regards to the radioactive source such as training, safety, licensing, and transporting.

The Hall Sensor System is the least

accurate of all the systems. It is economical to operate, but only detects localized anomalies such as pits and transverse ridges. It cannot be used to determine the actual wall thickness - it is only an indicator of localized wall changes. This type of system inspects 100% of the tube.

The UT system is the most accurate but is the most expensive to purchase and operate. It requires training and significant maintenance to operate properly. The percentage of the tube inspected by this type of system varies depending on the number of sensors, the tube diameter, and the speed of the inspection. Fewer sensors, larger diameter, and higher speeds results in less of the tube being inspected. The percentage of tube inspected can range from 15% to 100%.

Signal Processing

The signals from the inspection systems are processed with Digital Signal Processors (DSP) using complex mathematical algorithms. These signals are then sent to an Intel based computer for display, storage, and reporting.

The software on the Intel computer (Inspection Software) is written in Java and can function on Windows or Linux operating systems.

All graphs and data are stored and can be displayed at any time. The data can also be archived to optical disk for long term storage.

Reports include a list of indications found for each tube, the tube length, and any other information which might be helpful to qualify the condition of the tubes.

Page 2

Tube Handling

The tubes are driven through the inspection system by "clamp rollers". These devices clamp the pipe between rollers which are controlled by hydraulic motors.

The clamping mechanisms and the motors, as well as all other mechanical operations, are controlled by a "Programmable Logic Controller" (PLC). The operator uses a touch panel to interact with the PLC.

Construction

Most of the mechanical system is constructed of high strength, light weight aluminum. This provides an economical, rugged, system while maintaining a low weight profile.

Example of Rugged Construction

NT Corin's Open Source Policy

NT Corin realizes how important it is for customers to be able to maintain their equipment. This is especially true for our foreign customers.

Because of this, NT Corin makes ALL software source code and electrical schematics available to our customers free of charge. This allows the customers to maintain and modify each system to meet their specific needs.

No other company makes this incredible offer to any and all of their customers as a standard option.

Our commitment to customer support and satisfaction is unmatched in the inspection industry. We invite you to compare us to any competitor and we think you will find us to be your best option.

Page 3