AGU 4 Demonstration

By Autonetics — In Factory Automation, Metrology — July 11, 2017

11

Jul
2017

Houston Texas – March 2017

An Autonetics automated thread gauging unit (AGU) for OCTG pipe thread inspections was featured at Hartwig’s Open House in Houston in March 2017. The automated thread gauge provides 100% API, Semi-Premium, and Premium pipe thread inspection capability complete with data analysis/tolerance adjustments/tracking without impeding production. Even though the oil & gas industry is experiencing uncertainty, OCTG pipe mills recognize this process improvement is worth allocating CapEx funds toward this innovative 100% pipe thread inspection solution.

The Autonetics AGU 4.0 thread inspection gauging unit on display at the open house measured 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 inch buttress pipe threads and 8-round pipe threads. During the demonstration, Autonetics showed how easily the tolerances for each API or semi-premium callout can be adjusted and tracked by authorized users.

The AGU can be integrated with a CNC lathe for offset adjustments based upon inspection results. The AGU on display was integrated with the Okuma THINC®-OSP CNC control system.

Each pipe thread inspection image can be expanded for a closer look.

During the Hartwig Open House, the Autonetics portable demonstration robotic cell was located beside an Okuma LU 45 II lathe already sold to a pipe mill for threading octg pipe.

The ABB robot arm positions the gauging system’s sensor head into position for an automated pipe thread inspection of API threadforms.

The robot arm’s 7th axis rotates the sensor head around the threaded pipe sample during the inspection process.