Case Study: Measurement Of Internal Weld Profile On CRA Clad Pipe Using A Borescope
Nexxis was approached to assist in measuring the internal weld section of a subsea pipeline being fabricated in a workshop. The challenge involved measuring welds that were approximately 2-30 meters deep from the entry point or pipe end. To address this, Nexxis proposed using advanced video borescopes with optical measurement or laser scanning as a solution. .
The project involved welding a section of CRA (corrosion-resistant alloy) clad pipe. The end user required precise measurements of the internal weld height and detection of defects such as undercut. The tolerance for these measurements was set at 0.1mm depth and length with a critical requirement for subsea installation.
Method of measurement:
Considering the size of the pipe and the critical nature of the measurements, Nexxis used an advanced measurement borescope. Originally designed for internal inspections of jet engines in the aviation industry, this borescope proved to be well-suited for the task and capable of meeting the specified requirements.
The section of weld that is to be measured is shown below.
To measure the weld, the borescope captures images of the section to be inspected. The Stereo option of the borescope allows for measurements to be taken alongside the weld profile. By utilizing the ‘Depth’ option, a triangulation is created adjacent to the weld profile, enabling precise scanning of the desired inspection points.
Creating this triangulation near the weld profile helps minimize variations and ensures consistent results. Although some initial challenges were encountered, following basic protocols allowed for consistent values to be obtained at different points along the weld.
In addition to the Stereo option, measurements were also conducted using the 3D Phase Measurement option. The results obtained from this technique further validated the accuracy of the measurements.
Conclusion:
Nexxis successfully utilized advanced Borescopes to provide accurate measurements in a location where manual measurement was practically unfeasible. By implementing this technology, the inspection lead time was significantly reduced compared to manual inspection methods. The borescope’s ability to articulate the probe enabled the measurements to be performed in a single operation.
Jason De Silveira, founder and CEO of Nexxis Technology, has always had a sharp focus on robotics, education, and real-world solutions. Throughout his career, he’s stayed committed to pushing the boundaries of robotics and helping industries strengthen their approach to asset integrity and robotic inspection.
With a background in operations, commissioning, and start-ups of new facilities, Jason leads Nexxis with a hands-on understanding of what real projects demand. Under his leadership, Nexxis has become known for developing innovative robotic systems that deliver better data, boost safety, and take the risks out of confined space and working-at-height inspections.
What makes Jason stand out? A passion for innovation, a proven ability to bring people together, and a genuine drive to help clients get the right solution — not just an off-the-shelf fix. With a strong focus on customisation and future-ready technology, he’s helping to shape the next generation of robotics.
