Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMTogether with BRUGG Pipes, we have developed a globally innovative testing technology for flexible, insulated pipe systems. The aim was to ensure high-precision quality assurance because of new legal requirements such as the EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 and the amended German Drinking Water Ordinance. Our solution: the use of non-contact, non-destructive terahertz radiation.
Detail Rohr Messanlage
Inside the pipe: BRUGG Pipes is working with us to develop a new measurement method for flexible, insulated pipe systems – using terahertz radiation.
© BRUGG Rohrsystem AG
Terahertz in Pipe Manufacturing: Efficient Quality Assurance for Industry
Best Practice with Brugg Pipes: Non-Contact, Non-Destructive Testing Technology for Flexible, Insulated Pipe Systems in Accordance with New Drinking Water Standards
Until now, pipe systems have been inspected inline using X-ray testing. However, the new regulations require an oxygen diffusion-tight aluminum layer in the inner pipe, which is permeable to X-rays but severely impairs the imaging of the plastic inside. »With the new aluminum layer, the previous method was no longer usable – so we had to find an alternative solution,« explains Dr. Jürgen Kress, Global Head of Product Development at BRUGG Pipes.
Challenge in Production: Terahertz Measurement Technology as a Solution
As an alternative, we worked with BRUGG Pipes to develop a measuring system that uses terahertz radiation – which is harmless to health and non-contact. The newly developed measuring device consists of a rotating sensor that scans the pipe 50 times per second. It generates high-resolution real-time data on the centricity of the inner pipe and the even distribution of the insulation material – even in complex multi-conductor systems.
»Our terahertz technology is contactless and can therefore be used for quality control immediately after the extruder. It is also easy to integrate into the production line, as no coupling agent or radiation protection is required,« says Dr. Joachim Jonuscheit, deputy head of the »Materials Characterization and Testing« department at Fraunhofer ITWM.
The new testing technology is already in use on a production line at BRUGG Pipes' plant. Further lines will follow. The process has been jointly patented. »This development shows that modern high technology also has a firm place in classic infrastructure products such as pipe systems,« emphasizes Dr. Kress.
Dr. Jürgen Kress, Global Head of Product Development bei BRUGG Pipes erklärt an Messanlage.
Dr. Jürgen Kress: »Quality assurance at this level is the basis for long-term operational reliability and trust in our products.«
Wide Application – From Pipe Production to Vehicle Production
Terahertz measurement technology has long been used in other industries, such as aviation security and automotive production, where it helps to precisely measure coating thicknesses in paint shops, for example. This allows material usage to be optimized at an early stage, energy consumption to be reduced, and the release of solvents to be minimized.