Our pipeline solutions group developed UltraScan™ Duo by leveraging technology from GE Healthcare and GE Transportation's inspection services unit - leaders in phased-array ultrasound technology for medical imaging and non-destructive inspection applications, respectively. GE's Global Research Centres also participated in the product's development.

The system's technology is similar in principle to that of high-capacity, phased-array radar units that can simultaneously track a large number of targets.

Advanced sensors can be automatically adjusted to measure multiple types of defects. Since metal loss and pitting require a perpendicular signal angle, while angular sound beams are used to measure cracks, UltraScan™ Duo is superior to conventional ultrasonic tools with fixed-angle sensors that can only measure one type of defect in a given inspection.

By contrast, UltraScan™ Duo features clusters of small sensors, with each sensor controlled by a powerful, on-board computer. The size, strength and angle of each cluster's signals are adjusted to measure external metal loss, mid-wall defects, plus internal and external cracking.

The large amount of data gathered by UltraScan™ Duo is processed on-board and stored for further analysis. Our analysts can later access both types of information in a single data stream, providing the customer with a faster and more precise pipeline "checkup" report. As a result, UltraScan™ Duo can reduce a given inspection project's costs, timeline and overall impact on the customer's operations.

"This new tool is yet another demonstration of how we can leverage our technological expertise from across our business groups to develop industry-leading solutions for our customers" said Claudi Santiago, president of GE's Oil & Gas operations.

He also praised the contributions of the company's two project partners. Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe of Germany, GE's pipeline solutions technology partner, jointly built the tool's on-board data compression unit. Enbridge Pipelines of Alberta, Canada, is GE's North American partner in developing the tool's operating specifications and helped field-test the tool.

With Duo's introduction to all markets worldwide earlier this year, the industry's traditional use of multiple inspection tools for metal loss and cracking is no longer necessary. The tool's strength in tandem data collection not only reduces costs, but can improve operators' decision-making accuracy and permit them to take vital steps toward ensuring the long-term integrity of their pipelines.

To download the UltraScan™ Duo fact sheet, click here.