Pipe Checker

SERVICE: OMS Counterboring Analysis

Client Requirement
Benefits to the client
In carrying out high-specification pipeline welds, the internal fit-up is normally subject to
stringent specifications. Misalignment must be controlled to avoid stress concentrations Complete planning of the
and to avoid root defects. However, seamless linepipe can be subject to significant shape counterboring process.
and wall thickness variations, while longitudinally welded pipe is normally subject to Out- Best use of material
of-Roundness and other shape defects such as peaking in the long seam weld area.
Deal with problems before they
Counterboring is a method of matching the pipes to improve fit-up and welding occur
productivity, with an additional benefit that reduced wall thickness variation can improve
Plan ahead for AUT calibration
AUT logistics. There can be difficulties in implementing a counterboring solution, where
block sizes
insufficient wall thickness is available, or where internal size/concentricity variations mean
that there are big variations in amounts of material to be removed. Removing large Detect problem pipes early
amounts of material can also increase stress concentrations. Reactive changes to Minimise rejected pipes
counterboring size can impact production logistics.
Minimise machining errors
Using two dimensional laser profile measurements, OMS can simulate, analyse, and
Minimise partial counterboring
optimise counterboring operations, in order to determine the best counterboring strategy
ahead of time. This allows you to plan ahead, manage risk and control production costs
and schedules using advance knowledge of the best counterboring parameters to get the
job done.
Planning Ahead
When wall thickness margins are tight, or when pipe geometry is poor then risks and
difficulties can begin to occur. In these situations, measuring pipes ahead of
counterboring operations enables the full benefits of counterboring be gained while
avoiding risks and pitfalls.

Optical Metrology Services Limited Optical Metrology Services USA LLC

11 Twyford Business Centre, London Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3YT 17421 Village Green Drive, Houston, TX 77040
Telephone: +44 (0) 1279 656038 Facsimile: +44 (0) 8700 940014 Telephone: +1 832 230 0152/0153 Facsimile: +1 832 230 0154

Optical Metrology Services Ltd. 2010

Pipe Checker
SERVICE: OMS Counterboring Analysis

OMS uses laser measurement tools to profile all pipe ends. These measured profiles are fed
into a software optimisation process. Two dimensional profiles allow a simulation engine to
compute the amount of material removed and the wall thickness remaining, under any
counterbore diameter setting. This allows the counterbore diameter to be optimised for the
best possible result across all pipes. In cases where it is not possible to counterbore all pipes at
a single diameter, the software automatically analyses ranges of counterbore diameters to
optimise the fewest possible counterboring size groups, outputting a tally list of pipe identities
and diameter groups.
Practical machining tolerances such as counterbore centralisation, diameter tolerance and wall
thickness margins can be taken into account within the simulation as the optimiser seeks the
best way to utilise all pipes. Hi-Lo limits control the step size between counterboring group
sizes so as to avoid any sequencing logistics.
Problem pipes are automatically identified. All pipes are compared to specifications, and any
out of specification pipes can be listed.
Project managers can use this advance knowledge to plan ahead, deciding a strategy based
on full knowledge of the factors involved in the solution. Listings of pipes and counterbore sizes
can be provided on-site so that production staff can implement the solution.
Profile Measurement is the Key
Only two-dimensional laser profile measurements can drive the simulation and optimisation of
counterboring. Calliper measurements cannot be used as these do not have a common datum
and therefore cannot represent the crucial shape information that simulation is based upon.
External shape variations are key to analysing the minimum wall thickness that will remain
after counterboring. The counterboring tool will centre on the outside of the pipe, and material
will be removed, based on this centralisation. The minimum material removed will be defined
by the point where the external shape is closest to the counterbored internal wall. Laser profile
measurements can determine whether this will cause the minimum WT to be breached.
If the counterboring size or tool alignment is not correct then there can be missing segments
which are not fully cleaned up to the parent material of the pipe. This results in a partial
counterbore. Partial counterbores can be predicted based on the alignment of the
counterboring tool on the outside shape, the counterbore diameter selected, and the internal
shape measurements.
Tolerances can be analysed using shape information. Variation of the counterbore diameter
from the intended size can be simulated based on experience of the performance of
counterboring tools. The effects of this can be allowed for within the simulation. There can be
an offset between the desired centralisation of the counterboring tool and what is actually
achieved. The margins available before counterboring becomes unsuccessful can be analysed
and difficult pipes can be highlighted in advance for extra care.
Putting it All Together
Measurement and simulation can be used to optimize a counterboring strategy ahead of time.
Results can be predicted, problem pipes can be identified, and production challenges can be
foreseen and managed. Listings can be prepared identifying target counterboring parameters
for pipes, together with margins available. Pipes with little margin available can be identified.
This allows project managers to foresee and manage production issues in the optimal way.
OMS has an extensive track record with many solutions delivered to clients and implemented,
often resulting in vital streamlining of production. Many times solutions have been delivered
where grave challenges to production had to be overcome. Either way, by using OMS to deliver
counterboring analysis, clients have avoided setbacks and have successfully delivered the
most challenging pipeline projects. Dont leave it to chance, let OMS help you in your
counterboring planning.

Pipe Checker is a trademark of Optical Metrology Services Ltd. Website: www.omsmeasure.com Email: info@omsmeasure.com