The COBRA manual scanner is able to inspect standard pipes as small as 0.84 in. OD to 4.5 in. OD. This scanner uses the OmniScan® MX2 flaw detector with the 16:64 module, and the MXU software to inspect circumferential welds on small-diameter pipes.

With its very slim design, this manual scanner inspects pipes in limited access areas where minimal clearance is required. Adjacent obstructions such as piping, supports, and structures can be as close as 12 mm (0.5 in.). This spring-loaded scanner is designed to hold onto carbon steel and stainless steel pipes of different diameters. The COBRA scanner is characterized by its smooth-rolling encoded movement enabling precise data acquisition. The scanner can hold two phased array probes for a complete inspection of the weld in one pass. For pipe-to-component inspections, the scanner can be quickly configured to make one-sided inspections with only one probe.

This Olympus solution uses low-profile phased array probes with optimized elevation focusing, which improves the detection of small defects in thin-wall pipes. Specially designed low-profile wedges that fit each pipe diameter covered by the scanner, are also offered to complete the solution. The COBRA scanner ensures stable, constant, and strong pressure thus providing good UT signals and precise encoding around the full circumference of the pipe. This complete solution package is small and lightweight for easy transport. The scanner is also waterproof, rust-free, and CE compliant.

The typical configuration for the application uses: the COBRA scanner, two A15 low-profile phased array probes with SA15 wedges, the Y probe adaptor, and the OmniScan MX2 PA 16:64.

The solution uses low-profile phased array probes with optimized elevation focusing, which improves the detection of small defects in thin-wall pipes.

The COBRA scanner can also be configured for pipe-to-component weld inspections.

• Covers standard pipes from 0.84 in. to 4.5 in. OD (21 mm to 114 mm).
• Operates within 12 mm (0.5 in.) clearance (on all standard pipes) permitting inspections in limited access areas
• Can hold two phased array probes for complete weld coverage in one pass
• Can be configured to make one-sided inspections for pipe-to-component evaluations
• Design provides stable and constant pressure around the full circumference of the pipe.
• Urethane wheels provide smooth radial movement and limited axial drift
• Encoder resolution of 32 steps/mm
• Compact, lightweight, and portable
• Wedges and probes can be quickly and easily changed.
• Distance between probes can be adjusted from 0 mm to 55 mm
• Can be manipulated from one side of a pipe.
• Spring-loaded scanner can be used on ferromagnetic and nonferromagnetic pipes.
• Waterproof, rust-free, and CE compliant

1. What is the minimum wall thickness that can be inspected with the COBRA on the smallest diameter pipe size?

We can't give an exact number for the wall thickness. It is too closely related to the defects, material type, noise in the material, and the operator's ability. The customers need to make their own tests because we cannot guarantee the performance for their specific applications. Small diameters lose a lot of power on each skip and thin wall pipe required multiple steps to cover wide welds. This combination can become a problem with very small and thin pipes. Unfortunately, we cannot give a number that will work in every situation without being too conservative.

2. Is the COBRA scanner AUT code compliant?

A definite "yes "! Scanners and instruments are one part of an overall procedure or process, which has been written to comply with the various codes. They contain features such as scan speed, encoder capability, instrument linearity, software options, and data recording that make up the equipment portion of the overall process.

COBRA helps you achieve inspection compliance for:
- ASME CC 2235
- ASME B31.3 CC 181
- ASME B31.1 CC 179

3. Can the COBRA scanner inspect pipe-to-component welds?

Yes, if the straight portion on each side of the weld is long enough, it is possible to carry out the inspection using two probes. If not, the scanner can be dismantled to perform the inspection from one side of the weld.

4. What is the straight-pipe length needed on each side of the weld to perform an inspection with the Cobra?

50 mm of straight pipe is needed for each side. From the center of the weld, the dimension needed on each side is: 50 mm + half of the weld width.