A compact and high productive shearography system for inspection of composite coatings applied on metal pipes

Authors

  • Gabriel Vieira de Oliveira Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
  • Daniel Pedro Willemann
  • Armando Albertazzi G. Jr.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v15i2.2251

Keywords:

shearography, composite materials, non-destructive testing, product design

Abstract

This paper presents a novel system for non-destructive testing (NDT) aimed at improving the inspection of composite-coated metallic pipelines in the oil and gas industry. The proposed system utilizes shearography combined with induction thermal loading to enhance defect detection efficiency, achieving significant improvements in inspection speed and adaptability for field applications. The developed system features a compact, lightweight structure, produced using 3D printing, with an effective clamping mechanism that allows operation by a single person. An integrated induction coil applies controlled thermal loading, enabling active shearography inspection without interrupting plant operations. The methodology involves a dynamic inspection process where adjacent regions are sequentially analyzed: while one region undergoes shearography inspection during its cooling phase, the next region is heated by induction, optimizing the workflow. Initial results demonstrate a significant increase in inspection productivity, reducing the average inspection time by approximately 60 % compared to conventional shearography techniques, while maintaining the defect detection quality. This innovative solution is particularly suited for restricted spaces and remote locations, addressing key challenges in field inspections. The system can be adapted for various industrial applications requiring efficient defect detection in composite materials.

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Published

2026-06-24

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriel Vieira de Oliveira, Daniel Pedro Willemann, Armando Albertazzi G. Jr.

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