FAQ – GUL Screening

GUL Screening uses guided wave technology as a solution to the rapid detection of corrosion, erosion and other damages in steel pipes and rail. This is an advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) method used for pipe and rail inspection.

It is used to rapidly, accurately and reliably:
(1) Detect and locate the axial location of defects.
(2) Locate circumferential positions of defects.
(3) Estimate defect severity by cross-sectional area change

Originally designed for detection of corrosion under insulation (CUI), GUL Screening’s application has expanded into many other areas including detection and location of corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS), pitting corrosion and many more; please see the Case Studies section.

The Wavemaker® is the brand name of the guided wave system that GUL Screening utilises. The system comprises of 3 primary components, namely the transducer ring, Wavemaker®  instrument and laptop computer.

Long range ultrasonic testing (LRUT) was a term coined in the early 1990s to describe guided wave testing of pipes. However, the term “long-range” in LRUT is misleading because the inspection range can vary from 2 m to 150 m (6 to 492 feet ) per sensor direction depending on pipe conditions. GUL Screening is the latest term used to describe guided wave testing because it emphasises the “Screening” or detection component of this NDT method.

GUL Screening offer solutions to pipe with diameters from 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) and above. The applicable pipe wall thicknesses range from 3 mm to 40 mm (1/8 to 1.57 inch). We have a range of transducer ring types and sizes to meet your inspection requirements. Please contact us separately for custom sizes.

GUL Screening can be applied on both Seamless and Seamed (spiral or longitudinal welded) pipes, made from:

• Carbon steel
• Galvanized steel
• Copper
• Stainless steel
• Cast Iron
• Ductile Iron
• Duriron
• Other metals (platinum, titanium)

Here is a non-exhaustive list of pipes that GUL Screening is applicable to:

• ANSI / API 5L: X42 – X120 pipes for pipelines
• ASTM A53 / ASME SA53 carbon steel pipe
• ASTM A106 / ASME SA106 carbon steel pipe
• ASTM A135/ ASME SA-135 Electric-Resistance-Welded (ERW) Steel Pipe
• ASTM A312 Stainless Steel Pipe (e.g. 304/304L and 316/316L)
• ASTM A790 Duplex and Super Duplex Pipe (e.g. UNS S32205/31803 and UNS S32750/32760)
• ASTM A335 Alloy Pipe (e.g. P11, P22 and P91)

GUL Screening is currently not possible for pipes made from:

• Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
• CPVC
• Polypropylene
• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
• PEX (polyethylene cross-linked)
• Borosilicate glass
• Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)

QSR is the abbreviation of Quantitative Short Range, which is a patented GUL Guided Wave Scanning technology that with limited access can quantitatively size remaining wall thickness of a relatively short section of pipe.

The QSR1^® can be used to evaluate simple resting pipe supports, providing there are no features that hinder the movement of the scanner along the pipe section.

The QSR1^® is designed to work exclusively on Carbon Steel pipes.

Other materials, such as aluminium, or composite materials cannot be inspected with this equipment.

The QSR1^® can scan pipes with coating or paint that is up to 1 mm thick.

Following the completion of one of our Qualification courses and successful qualification examination, you are required to provide validation evidence in the form of 40 hours industrial experience obtained within 12 months. The evidence is reviewed by GULT examiners, and once approved, the qualification certification is issued along with a GULT inspector card.

Please compile your documents as follows.
For GUL Screening Qualifications (links below open in new tab):

• Level 1:Pipe: 2 screening test files, filled TF147 form, visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months and a profile photo.
• Level 2:XB or SP: 4 screening test files within the qualifying sector, filled TF148 form, visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months and a profile photo.

For GUL Monitoring Qualifications:

• Level 2:PM: refer to and fill TF150 form, visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months and a profile photo.

For GUL Scanning Qualifications:

• Level 1:Q: 10 scan files, filled TF191 form, visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months and a profile photo.
• Level 2:QT: 25 scan files, filled TF192 form, visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months and a profile photo.

Submit all paperwork and forms on our Validation/Renewal Form, and submit test files via the GUL Trunk®.

Late validation may incur fees and resitting the qualification examination again.

Please refer to the GULT Qualification and Certification Scheme.

GULT qualification certifications are valid for 3 years from day of issuing. Following this qualifying period, the certification must be renewed to remain valid.

Payment in advance is required for renewals, you can pay via our online shop using a credit card.

Certification renewal requires the certificate holder to provide of evidence of continued satisfactory work activity. The evidence is reviewed by GULT examiners, and once approved, the new qualification certification is issued along with a new GULT inspector card.

Please compile your documents as follows:

• Provide a minimum of one test file per each qualifying year. The files must be collected by GUL equipment and fully analyzed according to GUL Procedures.
• Fill and sign TF149 form; make sure your line-manager signs at the dedicated place on the form.
• Provide visual acuity test result from within the last 12 months.
• Provide a profile photo.

Submit all paperwork and forms on our Validation/Renewal Form, and submit test files via the GUL Trunk^®.

It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to renew their certificate before expiry. We recommend providing all required evidence well in advance to avoid delays and certification lapse. Late renewal within 12 months following expiry will incur a late renewal fee. Certificate expiry of over 12 months will require a re-certification process and associated fees.

Please refer to the GULT Qualification and Certification Scheme for further details.

You can check:

• Your Certificate
• Your GUL inspector card

Attach your iButton to a Wavemaker or QSR instrument and read the information displayed on the screen.

The software is frequently updated.

You will find updates for the Wavepro software on the software updates webpage.

You can also look for updates from the WavePro/WaveProQSR software. Go to ‘Help’ and select ‘Check for WavePro Update’. Once the installation file has been downloaded and extracted, you will require the Wavemaker or QSR instruments to activate the software update.

Make sure:

• You have downloaded and installed the iButton reader drivers. Visit the software updates
• You have a valid iButton

Connect your GUL iButton to a USB iButton reader and connect the reader to your computer and launch WavePro.

GULT open courses are organised regularly throughout the year.

Our list of Upcoming courses is regularly updated. Register your interest in taking a course with us on GULT Course Registration Form.

Please note a minimum number of candidates is required for a course to be held.

Places on GULT courses are only secured by providing a purchase order and payment in advance. Places on courses can be purchased via our online shop or via bank transfer.

Email training@guided-ultrasonics.com for further information and to receive a quotation and Proforma invoice.

Please refer to the GULT Qualification and Certification Scheme.

Please fill the GULT Course Registration Form

We are always delighted to receive any feedback. Your feedback is valuable to our operation and continuous improvement.

Please fill the GULT Course and Examination Feedback Form or send us an email at: training@guided-ultrasonics.com