Ultrasonic Rotary Owl

High-Resolution Wall Loss Inspection for Critical Pipeline Threats

Wall loss is the most common integrity threat facing pipeline operators. Corrosion, pitting, pinhole leaks, erosion, and localized metal loss can develop over years before becoming critical integrity concerns. 

The first generation of Dexon’s Ultrasonic Rotary (UT-R) Owl was developed in 2004 and has since proven itself a reliable and flexible workhorse, able to deliver high-resolution ultrasonic data under a range of constraints, from HDPE slurry pipelines that empty out into the ocean to complex, bidirectional jetty lines.

High-resolution inspection

For metallic & non-metallic materials

Bespoke builds

In-house design, fabrication, and testing

Rapid tool delivery

Integrated manufacturing – no outsource delays

First-run success

92% first-run success rate

On-time reporting

98% on-time delivery of final report

Technical Capabilities

Specification	Metric
Sampling resolution	≥ 1.7 × 3.3 mm
Depth POS	± 0.3 mm
Length POS	± 4.0 mm
Width POS	± 2.0 mm

Threats Addressed

Internal Corrosion

Gouging

Clustered pitting corrosion

Erosion

• Internal/external corrosion
• Pitting
• Complex corrosion
• Corrosion clusters 
• Narrow axial corrosion
• Erosion 
• Gouging
• Laminations 

Additional Pipeline Threats Addressed

Geometric Defects

XYZ Mapping

Material Inspection Capabilities

The large, rapidly rotating head of the UT-R Owl allows engineers to inspect materials typically off-limits for UT ILI tools due to the pipe’s thicker walls or high attenuation.

CRA Clad Pipes

HDPE

Glass-Reinforced Pipping

Operational Capabilities

Short Traps

1.5D Bends

• 3-inch and larger pipeline diameters
• Tight-radius bends 
• Multi-diameter pipelines
• Bi-directional pipelines 
• Small-bore piping
• Challenging launcher configurations

Full-Scale Testing & Validation

Engineers validate all UT-R Owl technologies at Dexon's 7-acre test facility using closed-loop push-through systems and representative defect samples. Artificial metal loss defects, pitting, other corrosion features, and representative pipeline geometries are installed to verify detection capability, sizing accuracy, and tool passage prior to mobilization. Custom defects and pipeline fabrication can also be installed upon request to verify both detection capability and tool passage. Clients are welcome to witness testing, technology demonstrations, and inspection validation activities at Dexon's X-Base research and testing facility.

Need a Wall Loss Inspection Partner?

Wall loss threats require more than simple detection. Operators need reliable sizing, accurate locations, and confidence in the integrity decisions that follow. Combining high-resolution ultrasonic technologies and bespoke engineering solutions, Dexon delivers the inspection data operators need to safely manage their assets. Talk to Dexon's engineering team today about your wall loss threat, pipeline configuration, and inspection requirements.