GE Announces Weldstar Girth Weld Pipeline Inspection System

Billerica, MA - GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, a business unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, announces the release of Weldstar, a complete, automated ultrasonic girth weld inspection system for transmission pipelines. Weldstar provides considerable gains in productivity and probability of detection, without the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, when compared with traditional film based radiographic non-destructive testing.

Weldstar incorporates automated tools to set up, conduct and report a weld inspection. With Weldstar's ability to accurately size and locate a weld defect, pipeline contractors can implement engineering methods to assess the strength of a weld, saving potential rework costs that could ultimately affect the weld's integrity.

"A truly capable weld inspection system, Weldstar provides users with the tools to ensure the safety and integrity of the finished pipeline, while increasing productivity," said Jeff Stetson, Global Product Manager for GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies.

Weldstar's productivity gains deliver cost and time savings for the end user. The product uses ultrasonic technology, as opposed to radiography, making inspection possible immediately following the welding process. This provides the operator with near real-time process control.

SOURCE: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies