Performance gains – improving measurement and fit-up in a challenging environment
In energy production, the safety and integrity of large structures such as pipelines can rest entirely on the strength, or lack thereof, of a few welded pipe joints. Since the consequences of structural failure are so catastrophic, energy operators in both traditional fossil fuels and renewables have invested significantly in ensuring their assets are as robust as possible. One of the most effective ways of delivering asset integrity is to measure components at the pre-installation stage and verify that they fit together in the optimum way. This increases asset lifetime, flow efficiency and safety by improving weld quality, which leads to lower failure risk.
Market-leading insights
As the market leader in laser pipe-end dimensioning, OMS has been measuring pipe ends for more than 20 years. Our experience is that although pipe ends are never completely round, they can certainly be rotated and sequenced to fit together in the best possible way to ensure optimum fit-up. We offer a combination of laser pipe-end measurement and sophisticated SmartFit fit-up software that allows our customers to rotate, group and sequence their pipes, allowing for a selection of ‘golden’ pipe for critical sections such as stalk tie-ins. Even pipe considered out-of-specification can usually be brought safely into service.
Continuous technology improvement for better performance
During the last 20 years, we have worked continuously on improving our measurement systems, leading to technology upgrades, new software iterations and even entirely revamped tools. Our highly qualified R&D team will continue working to innovate our technology because we know that even small improvements can mean a huge difference in performance.
Combining pipe end, HiLo and bevel measurements for better results
OMS offers a range of tools and services to cover all aspects of pre-installation pipe-end measurement and fit-up. We have provided one or more of these solutions for many major global oil and gas project over the last twenty years. In our experience, measuring as many aspects as possible – pipe-end dimensions, ovality/out-of-roundness, height mismatch (HiLo) and bevel profile – leads to the best possible fit-up and therefore the strongest welds. It also means that expensive installation stages can proceed more efficiently with reduced need for cut-outs and halts to production.
HiLo measurement
OMS HiLo tools measure the height mismatch between two pipes lined up for either closed gap or open gap welding. Accurate to within +/- 0.05mm, our HiLo tools reduce internal and external HiLo, improve weld quality and help clients achieve project criteria. They are cost-effective, reliable, portable and easy-to-use tools used successfully for many years in challenging energy production environments.
Pipe-end measurement
The OMS AutoTool is the industry standard laser pipe-end measurement tool. It is a highly reliable, robust and accurate tool which measures internal diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), wall thickness (WT) and out-of-roundness (OoR). It collects 2,048 measurements per rotation, providing both raw and smoothed data for client use.
Laser bevel measurement
The Bevel 360 provides a complete bevel profile in approximately 20 seconds, eliminating any doubt doubt about bevel compliance and helping clients achieve better quality welds. OMS has recently released an adaptation, the PFM Scanner, which attaches directly to the pipe-facing machine and measures the pipe bevel immediately after machining, saving time and money by removing the requirement for pipes to be moved.
Further improvements to fit-up with data analysis
Alongside thorough measurement, we also advise comprehensive data analysis using software such as OMS SmartFit, an award-winning program which combines with our full suite of measurement tools to offer sophisticated insights that help clients achieve optimum fit-up.
Challenging measurement or fit-up project? We can help
OMS has worked on some of the most challenging energy projects across the world. We are known for being able to assist in situations where other suppliers have run into difficulties and for our rapid, agile deployment. If you have a measurement or fit-up project you would like help with, please contact us on info@omsmeasure.com or +44 1279 656038.
Published 10.03.25
(5 minute read)
By Marcus Smiles, Global Manager