Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting a weld bead deposited in a plurality of passes in a chamfer formed between two parts by performing the following steps: positioning at least one emission electromagnetic acoustic sensor on one side of the chamfer and at least one reception electromagnetic acoustic sensor on an opposite side of the chamfer, the ultrasound wave emission sensor being configured to emit Rayleigh surface waves; while depositing a pass, automatically moving the sensors to follow the movement of welding electrodes along the chamfer; activating the sensors while they are moving to enable the emission sensor to generate and emit Rayleigh waves towards the pass of the weld bead that is being deposited, the reception sensor receiving the ultrasound signals transmitted and/or reflected in said pass; and reiterating the operation for the entire pass of the weld bead.

Abstract: A process for lining a steel pipe for the subsea transport of fluids comprises machining of an annular cavity in an inner wall of the pipe to be lined. The cavity is set back longitudinally relative to an end of the pipe. The deposition by welding of a first resurfacing layer includes a corrosion-resistant metal alloy on the inside of the cavity. Surface machining of the first resurfacing layer is done to the internal diameter of the pipe. A liner made of corrosion-resistant steel alloy is introduced into the pipe. Deposition by welding includes at least one second resurfacing layer made of corrosion-resistant metal alloy on the inner wall of the pipe between the end of the liner in contact with the first machined resurfacing layer and the corresponding end of the pipe. Surface machining of the second resurfacing layer is done to the internal diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: A process for lining a steel pipe for the subsea transport of fluids comprises machining of an annular cavity in an inner wall of the pipe to be lined. The cavity is set back longitudinally relative to an end of the pipe. The deposition by welding of a first resurfacing layer includes a corrosion-resistant metal alloy on the inside of the cavity. Surface machining of the first resurfacing layer is done to the internal diameter of the pipe. A liner made of corrosion-resistant steel alloy is introduced into the pipe. Deposition by welding includes at least one second resurfacing layer made of corrosion-resistant metal alloy on the inner wall of the pipe between the end of the liner in contact with the first machined resurfacing layer and the corresponding end of the pipe. Surface machining of the second resurfacing layer is done to the internal diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting a weld bead deposited in a plurality of passes in a chamfer formed between two parts by performing the following steps: positioning at least one emission electromagnetic acoustic sensor on one side of the chamfer and at least one reception electromagnetic acoustic sensor an opposite side of the chamfer, the ultrasound wave emission sensor being configured to emit Rayleigh surface waves; while depositing a pass, automatically moving the sensors to follow the movement of welding electrodes along the chamfer; activating the sensors while they are moving to enable the emission sensor to generate and emit Rayleigh waves towards the pass of the weld bead that is being deposited, the reception sensor receiving the ultrasound signals transmitted and/or reflected in said pass; and reiterating the operation for the entire pass of the weld bead.

Abstract: An internal line-up clamp (20), for aligning two pipes to be welded together, includes a hi-lo measurement system, for example includes a laser source (24) and camera system (22), mounted on the internal line-up clamp (20) and arranged to make a hi-lo measurement (d), indicative of the degree of alignment of the pipes (10a, 10b). The measurement may be made when two pipes are clamped together by means the internal line-up clamp (20). The pipes may then be welded together, whilst the pipes remain clamped together in the same position, and whilst the hi-lo measurement system remains inside the pipes.

Abstract: An internal line-up clamp (20), for aligning two pipes to be welded together, includes a hi-lo measurement system, for example includes a laser source (24) and camera system (22), mounted on the internal line-up clamp (20) and arranged to make a hi-lo measurement (d), indicative of the degree of alignment of the pipes (10a, 10b). The measurement may be made when two pipes are clamped together by means the internal line-up clamp (20). The pipes may then be welded together, whilst the pipes remain clamped together in the same position, and whilst the hi-lo measurement system remains inside the pipes.

Abstract: A peening device suitable for peening annular weld zones inside undersea pipes, the device comprising at least one peening tool, with at least one hammer actuated to perform radial reciprocating movement in translation for peening against the inside surface of the pipe and/or said weld, wherein: said peening tool has a single hammer; and said hammer is pivotally mounted so as to be capable of varying its angle of inclination relative to the surface for peening; and said device includes a carriage suitable for moving in axial longitudinal translation XX inside a pipe and for supporting means for moving said peening tool in longitudinal and radial translation, and in rotation relative to said carriage; and said hammer co-operates with means for actuating radial reciprocating movements in translation by peening by making use of electromagnetic energy and reciprocating motion inside a solenoid coil, preferably also in co-operation with a spring.

Abstract: A method of making undersea steel pipes, by assembling unit pipe elements together end-to-end by welding, the steel or metal alloy weld beads of said welds being disposed on the outside of the pipe, wherein localized peening is performed on the inside of the pipe to increase the compression of the steel or metal in the vicinity of the welds and over the adjacent peripheral inside surface of the pipe on either side of the weld so as to create a swath of surface that has been peened over a limited distance L in the axial longitudinal direction of said pipe. The peening is preferably performed using a wheeled carriage fitted with a peening tool.