Testing
Line pipes and thus induction-bent pipes are frequently exposed to extreme conditions both during pipe-laying and pipeline operation. Despite this, they have to maintain their functional integrity in continuous operation over decades. To ensure uniform high quality of our bends, we carry out a range of nondestructive and destructive tests. The results are entered in detailed test reports as part of our documentation. Our customers and partners can of course also witness the tests at our plant.
Nondestructive testing
The following nondestructive tests are carried out as standard by duly qualified operators directly at our pipe bending plant:
- manual ultrasonic testing of the weld and pipe bend body for longitudinal and transverse defects
- testing of the pipe bend ends for laminations
- magnetic particle or dye penetrant inspection for surface defects in the back of the pipe bend (extrados) and the welding edges
- radiographic weld inspection in the area of the pipe bend ends, if required
- surface hardness check (Microdur process)
Destructive testing
For destructive testing, specimens taken from qualification bends or selected pipe bend ends are sent to the near-by testing center of Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech, which is accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ranks among the most efficient testing centers worldwide.
The mechanical-technological tests carried out there include:
- chemical analysis
- tensile tests
- notched-bar impact bending tests (Charpy-V specimen)
- hardness tests on metallographic specimens
- crack top opening displacement (CTOD) tests
- microstructural examinations
Special destructive tests are carried out in direct cooperation with the Salzgitter Mannesmann Research Institute in Duisburg:
- corrosion tests on line pipe steels for sour service (HIC and SSC specimens)
- corrosion tests on high-alloy materials (pitting and intercrystalline attack)
- component tests (e.g. burst tests)
- weldability tests
- defect examinations under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microprobe
