APPLUS RTD, the global leader in the provision of integrity technology services, has unveiled the latest inspection technology in its revolutionary NDT range.

The Applus RTD Rayscan Tankscan is a real-time digital radiographic inspection system, which delivers the capability to complete a full inspection of LNG storage tank welds in a single scan movement, producing a high quality image of each weld.

The system is an advance on current radiography methods, since no chemical processing of film is required and a steady scanning system is used for dynamic examination.

The system is suitable for both horizontal and vertical welds and its rigid frame helps maintain alignment between the X-ray source and the digital line detector. This more efficient process can save operator budgets by reducing the amount of time consumed examining each weld, as well as the number of operators required. Rienk de Vries, Technology director at Applus RTD, said: “The Rayscan Tankscan improves the performance of radiography inspection at a speed that is more suited to the welding process. “With the current, static methods, much time is involved in the handling and positioning of the equipment, and often additional processing is required.

“This revolutionary technology allows for a steady scanning movement instead of static exposures gained through conventional radiographic methods. This has a positive impact on the overall inspection speed, meeting the image quality requirements set by the industry.”

 The product has been designed to avoid vibrations, with a rigid frame and support wheels. A safe working distance of only three meters from the frame is also achieved with a protective shield surrounding the X-ray source, beam and detector. Rienk added: “We are committed to a program of technological research and development aimed at delivering new techniques that maximize the effectiveness and value of our services.