Since 2005 we have introduced in Italy the automatic ultrasound technology control of pipeline welds and, since then, we are undisputed leaders in this industry. The passage was a real breakthrough compared to previous 50 years of application of radiographic method.

In 2005 comparative qualification processes, showed that ultrasonic Machines were not only able to encounter the same flaws that were highlighted by radiographs, but in some contexts were even better.

Since 2005, the optimization of this method has continued until today, with the use of phased-array technology that handles the investigation of the different areas of welding with a single pair of special probes.

From 2011 ORAT export its expertise abroad and opens three new offices starting from Colombia to get to Peru and to arrive in Mexico, where ORAT is the largest service provider in the industry.

In recent years we also operate in Tunisia, North Africa, and European market with the acquisition of part of the most important pipeline project of the last 10 years, the TAP, Trans Adriatic Pipeline; within the project Orat deals with 70% of the Greek tract.

In 2016, after a long and difficult path, we have won the prestigious qualification DNV (Det Norske Veritas) attestation of the quality level reached.

The Semi-auto ultrasonic technology, in use by 2013, responds to the need to extend the method of ultrasonic automated checks on pipes with small diameter and plant engineering contexts.

Unlike Ultrasonic Machines semiautomatic ultrasonic involve the manual handling scanner, have more complex implementation but have greater operational flexibility.

Before distribution throughout the country, technology has undergone a long process of validation.

Semi-automatic Ultrasonic represent substantial economic advantage for our customers, as they can be used in all kinds of pipe: from small diameters up to large pipeline, from standard thicknesses up to those devoted to high pressures.

Compared to the old method of radiographic, ultrasonic method in addition to being “green” is much faster because it is independent of the thickness crossed, instead of the old method radiographically, and because the outcome is immediate.

For these reasons the Semiautomatic ultrasonic technology is increasingly being requested by the manufacturers of pipeline both in Italy and abroad.

Besides being a control method in its own right, ultrasonic are not necessarily conducive to learning the most advanced phased-array technology. All technicians who currently lead automatic and semiautomatic ultrasonic devices are qualified with the manual method and, if necessary, can practice it .

Manuals Ultrasonic are a widely used control method for verifying the integrity of materials or welding, that is why we have a large number of technicians and equipment to satisfy the most varied demands.

Radiography is the technology of ORAT was born and has become known in the Oil & Gas industry.

Despite the supremacy of radiography has been supplanted by ultrasonic, there are areas and countries where enjoys excellent health and our 70 Radiologists are engaged continuously in Italy and abroad by allowing ORAT to stay in this sector.

We have over 100 x-ray devices (from 180 to 360 kV) and more than 30 Y-ray devices (Iridium and Selenium). For the inspection of pipeline welds we count on 30 pipe crawler systems from 8″ to 72″.

We have mobile development units with automatic processors and on-board film viewer to be immediate effective and timely anywhere outcomes are required after the execution of the control.

All technicians are qualified ISO 9712 ORAT for using Visual method which is the basis for the inspection of any material and any type of welding.

In the Oil & Gas industry we apply the Visual inspection before, during and at the end of the welding, and, in contexts not directly accessible, we support the visual analysis with the use of video-endoscopic equipment.

More than 60 of our technicians are qualified to carry out superficial checks. We have products and equipment to carry out tests in the laboratory and in the field on artifacts with temperatures up to 316° c.

Even if they do not represent the company’s core business, these technologies are often required to our customers for the completion of the works.

Analysis of hardness which is measured in different scales (Vichers – Rockwell and Brinell)

We, also, make chemical analysis of materials based on the principle of energy dispersive from x-ray fluorescence spectrometers, with PMI.