Laser Optical Weld Inspection System
LOWIS - Laser Optical Weld Inspection System for Internal Line Up Clamps
LOWIS is an internally mounted weld inspection system designed for use on internal line up clamps. The system performs internal weld inspection immediately after welding and provides full visual and dimensional verification of the weld root.
The system combines full HD imaging with dual laser based 3D scanning to deliver accurate, repeatable and objective weld inspection results. All inspections are recorded as permanent visual and measurable data sets that can be stored, reviewed and exported for quality documentation.
LOWIS supports pipeline construction workflows where visual testing is used as the first nondestructive examination method and aligns with accepted industry practices for remote visual inspection under controlled illumination conditions.
Key features of the LOWIS - Laser Optical Weld Inspection System
- The system captures 2D color and Black and White images for visual testing and uses dual laser lines for 3D geometry reconstruction. Research confirms laser triangulation is suitable for high precision weld geometry inspection and defect detection.
- The camera offers 1600 by 1200 pixel resolution and up to 485 frames per second for motion stable capture. It covers internal pipe diameters from one hundred twenty five millimeter to one thousand five hundred millimeter.
- The unit stores all visual data for replay and analysis with export to PDF or Excel. Documentation and traceability are required across welding quality systems to support acceptance, audits and qualification records.
- Automatic functions include calibration, focus control and scan initialization. Manual mode allows live viewing, axis movement and spot inspection.
- The brushless motor uses an absolute encoder which returns true position at startup and supports precise circumferential indexing.
- Lighting options include four sided white illumination and laser light for difficult areas. Adequate illumination is a foundational requirement in visual testing practice.
- The IP67 housing follows IEC protection rules for dust tight and temporary immersion requirements as defined by IEC 60529.
LOWIS - System Components
The on board module includes the feeding module, drive unit, encoder, autofocus camera with zoom, inclinometer and integrated illumination.
The portable control console contains an industrial PC with joystick control, a touchscreen interface and a digital recording system for image and data management.
All required connection cables and umbilicals are included as standard.
An optional slip ring is available to allow continuous rotation of the system, utilizing gold plated contacts to support high speed gigabit Ethernet data transmission.
Technical Overview
- Sensor resolution 1600 x 1200 hundred pixels
- Frame rate up to 485 frames per second
- Scanning modes include 2D color, 2D black and white and 3D
- Pipe size compatibility from 125 millimeter to 1500 internal diameter
- Hermetic IP67 enclosure
- Export formats include PDF and Excel
- Automatic and manual operation modes
- Full circumferential scanning with precise positional control
