Wavemaker^® G5

Wavemaker® G5

The next generation of Guided Wave Technology.
Achieve precision testing effortlessly.

This instrument is the latest generation of renowned GUL Wavemaker^® Pipe Screening System, developed specifically for advanced guided wave testing (GWT) of pipelines. Built on over two decades of field experience, the G5 introduces key enhancements in hardware performance, user interaction, and inspection workflow.

As asset owners seek faster, more efficient methods that minimise operational disruption, the G5 delivers improvements in data quality while reducing operator workload. The system combines a compact, ruggedised design with a powerful onboard computer and streamlined software environment—supporting efficient inspections whether in the hands of experienced users or newer technicians.

Wavemaker^® G5 Product Page

A Platform Designed for the Field

Every aspect of the Wavemaker^® G5 has been purposefully reimagined to meet the rigorous demands of field‑based inspections. It’s compact enclosure, designed to IP54, and glove-compatible, ultra-bright toughened touchscreen ensure dependable operation across a range of challenging environments—including offshore, upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, as well as buried and insulated pipelines. Dual hot-swappable batteries further support uninterrupted operation, enabling extended use without the need to pause for charging.

At the core of the system lies an integrated computing platform that streamlines the entire data acquisition‑to‑reporting workflow. The embedded WaveProX^™ software enables direct instrument control, while compatibility with WaveProV^™ on an external laptop offers added flexibility. Procedure-driven collection routines, combined with intelligent feature recognition tools, reduce inspection variability and support fast, confident decision‑making in the field.

Empowering the Front Line

The Wavemaker^® G5 is designed with the inspector in mind—supporting confidence at every level of experience. For newer technicians, procedure‑based collection minimises the risk of user error and guides consistent, compliant operation from the outset. Built‑in prompts and software-assisted interpretation help standardise inspections, allowing users to focus on collecting quality data rather than managing system complexity.

For experienced inspectors and Level 2s, the G5 enhances oversight and control. Progress and performance can be monitored in real time via optional remote access, ensuring team members remain aligned with established procedures. The streamlined workflow also reduces cognitive load, enabling senior personnel to focus on decision‑making, supervision, and troubleshooting when it matters most.

Sensor Cable designed to ensure the Wavemaker® G5 is compatible with all existing GUL Sensor Rings.

Compatible. Intelligent. Efficient.

The G5 is designed to integrate effortlessly into existing workflows, supporting all GUL Screening Rings and non‑ATEX gPIMS^® Monitoring Sensors for full backward compatibility. Whether upgrading from a previous generation or expanding your current setup, it offers future‑ready capabilities without compromising proven infrastructure.

A newly developed instrument‑to‑sensor cable ensures compatibility with existing rings, allowing users to benefit from the latest platform improvements in performance, reliability, and ease of use.

Ring configuration, size, and serial number are detected automatically, reducing setup time and eliminating manual entry. For Compact^™, HD, and HT rings, the system also detects orientation and reads pressure and temperature sensors—enabling intelligent communication between hardware and software.

A particular efficiency is the ability to simultaneously collect standard and high‑frequency screening data when using Compact^™ rings populated with TRIO modules. This not only saves time in the field but also streamlines analysis and reporting by consolidating results within a single data file.

Why Choose the G5?

Smarter Technology, Better Results

Configuration that extends range in buried pipe
Optimised collections for better defect detection

Software‑assisted feature recognition automation
Unmatched reliability in challenging environments

Maximise Your Team’s Potential

Procedure‑based collection empowers L1 inspectors
Simplified analysis workflows for accuracy

Streamlined reporting for efficiency
Remote assistance for instant troubleshooting

Always Ready – Work Without Delays

On‑board touchscreen computer for direct control
Option to connect to external laptop for flexibility

Hot‑swappable batteries for uninterrupted operation
Remote calibration to stay operational

Trusted by Professionals, Backed by Experts

Industry‑leading training & qualification by experts
Unrivalled support – expertise that sets us apart

GUL patented technology that redefines standards
Subscription‑free software – no hidden costs

Contact our Sales Team to find out more…

Guided Waves

Guided waves are ultrasonic waves that propagate along a structure while being ‘guided’ by the geometry of the material rather than travel through the wall. This occurs at relatively low frequencies (around 25 kHz), when the wavelength of the signal is much larger than the wall thickness of the structure, allowing waves to propagate over long distances along pipes and other elongated structures.

For example, guided wave signals at 25 kHz have a wavelength of about 130 mm (≈5.118 in), while pipe wall thickness typically ranges from 3 mm to 40 mm (⅛–1.575 in). Because the wavelength is much larger than the wall thickness, the waves remain confined within the structure and travel efficiently along it.

In contrast, bulk waves propagate independently of the structure boundaries and travel through the material rather than along it.

Wave Modes

Because guided waves are dependent on the geometry of the structure (such as pipes, plates, and rails), multiple propagation patterns, known as wave modes, can exist.

For pipeline screening, the two most commonly used modes are the Torsional T(0,1) and Longitudinal L(0,2) modes. These fundamental modes are analogous to the Shear and Compressional waves in conventional ultrasonic thickness testing.

Torsional T(0,1) mode

T01 Mode

Longitudinal L(0,2) mode

T01 Mode

Shear‑Horizontal (SH) guided waves propagate with particle motion parallel to the surface of the structure. These waves are especially sensitive to wall thickness variation and form the basis of guided wave scanning used for quantitative wall thickness measurement.

Shear‑Horizontal mode

SH0 Mode

SH wave animation adapted from a simulation by J. Noguera, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Source here.

Dispersion

Guided Waves propagate along the pipe at velocities that depend on both the wave mode and the signal frequency. This behaviour is described by dispersion curves, which show how wave velocity varies with frequency for different guided wave mode.

The example shown is a set of dispersion curves for a 6″ Schedule 40 steel pipe, generated using the specialised DISPERSE modelling software. In this plot, the horizontal axis represents signal frequency (kHz) and the vertical axis represents the group velocity (km/s). Each curve corresponds to a different guided wave mode.

The longitudinal L(0,1), torsional T(0,1) and flexural F(1,2), F(1,3) and F(2,3) wave modes are fundamental for pipeline guided wave screening using GUL equipment.

In practice, inspectors do not need to interpret these curves directly. The physics behind guided wave propagation and dispersion, together with the extensive expertise developed by GUL, is incorporated into our software WavePro^®, allowing inspectors to focus on evaluating the integrity of the structure.