BUTTING has added another x-ray testing system into operation at the beginning of 2010. The new x-ray tunnel is part of the company’s production system for 12m pipes made from plate and makes an important contribution to optimising production-flow. From the forming of the 12m plates and further processing into open seam pipes through to the quality control of the welded pipes, the giant pipes BUTTING produces do not have to leave the production hall at any stage of the manufacturing process. Transport distances between the various stages in production are thus significantly shortened. The new x-ray system makes it possible to check pipes ranging from 3 to 12.5m in length and with an outer diameter between 168.3mm and 1260mm. BUTTING is also able to check pipe-wall thicknesses of up to 90mm. The system can perform testings via both x-ray film (radiography) and digital technology (radiology). Depending on a pipe’s dimensions and the specifications required by the customer, this allows the company to always select the optimum testing mode with maximum testing sensitivity. The second testing procedure performed by the system is that of the digital x-ray. Because it dispenses with the film-processing chain, it provides the advantage of achieving very quick results. It also provides the ability to check the depth extension of flaws. Additionally, the images are displayed, evaluated and archived via an image-processing and evaluating system.