Inspection Management – Weld inspection

RWE Power International can provide weld inspections of smaller plant components on-site at the manufacturer’s works or on the plant when in service to ensure the integrity of the components and prevent the potential breakdown of plant.

Many power station components are constructed from smaller parts; some are assembled as part of the manufacturing process at the manufacturer’s works, whereas other components, because of their size, are assembled on site.

Very often the components are assembled using the welding process, often using a similar material as an inter-component filler.

RWE Power International’s weld inspections provide state-of-the-art techniques and are broken into two areas:

Pre-service inspection

Semi automated inspection of boiler tube weld

Welds are often inspected by NDE at the manufacturing stage, this serves two purposes; it provides the evidence that, along with other considerations, determines a component is fit for service; and it provides an inspection benchmark for future inspections.

By developing a range of ultrasonic testing technologies, including computer imaging techniques such as phased array and TOFD, and investing in extensive training of staff we have a range of options giving us a complete inspection capability.

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In-service inspection

Typical configuration of high pressure main steam pipework

Once in service, many welds in critical components have to be periodically monitored by NDE, the results of which are compared to those obtained from previous inspections and assessed for continuous operation.

By undertaking a review of current inspection methodologies carried out on pressure system components, RWE Power International is able to systematically introduce computerised ultrasonic technology as appropriate to the material, geometry, access and flaws sought.

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