Pipe Straightness Measurement

Achieve pipe straightness specifications

Pipes are never absolutely straight. Bends can be caused during manufacturing, delivery, welding or during the straightening process after spooling. In pipeline construction – spoolbase, welding, drilling risers and drilling – tolerances are critical and determining pipe straightness vital. We noticed that our customers were measuring pipe straightness using visual estimation, fishing lines or rulers and decided to develop a much more accurate measurement method using a laser and target. We created the OMS Pipe Straightness Measurement Tool, which allows an operator to determine pipe straightness quickly and accurately. Our tool measures any surface or structure, such as a floor or a jig, not only pipes, so has multiple uses across the oil and gas industry.

Safe laser for use in daylight

The tool uses a laser that produces a straight beam with minimum expansion. We chose to use a green laser, which uses a safe amount of laser energy but appears brighter to our eyes and can be used outdoors and in daylight. The operator uses the target to measure out-of-straightness directly from a digital scale readout.

Accuracy to within 1 mm

The OMS system uses a laser beam as a straight line in space. By ensuring this straight line is the same distance away from the pipe at two locations – the beginning and the end of the pipe – the straightness can be measured at any other point in between. This method also allows direct measurement of pipe end hooking. Where conditions allow, we can measure straightness with a resolution of 1 mm.