Emerson's New Advanced X-Ray System Improves Process Availability by Ensuring Integrity of Micro Motion® Coriolis Flowmeter Welds
Half-million dollar X-ray system and expert in-house radiographers ensure that every weld meets the highest standards
BOULDER, COLO (June 26, 2006) -- Emerson Process Management announces the arrival and deployment of a new GE® Titan 320 kV industrial X-ray system to inspect welds on Micro Motion® Coriolis flow meters. Representing an investment of over a half-million dollars, this state-of-the-art, higher-sensitivity, higher-definition X-ray device is the most recent, non-destructive testing equipment available. This upgrade is just one of many ways Emerson continues to demonstrate its leadership in quality-controlled manufacturing of Coriolis flowmeters.
When a customer or a device manufacturer wants to be absolutely certain that parts and assemblies are welded according to industry best practices or regulatory standards, it is common for the manufacturer to ship the welded device or component to a third-party inspector. While these inspectors follow regulated standards, interpretation of these standards can be subjective, resulting in unreliable quality control.
To remove this variability and ensure adherence to standards, Emerson X-rays and inspects its Micro Motion Coriolis meters in its Boulder, Colorado and Chihuahua, Mexico manufacturing facilities according to rigorous interpretation of the standards. Both locations have the same equipment and capabilities. Rock Tanner, director of quality and engineering services at Emerson's Micro Motion division, and an ACCP(1) Level III Nondestructive Testing Professional, leads a team of qualified radiographers in the standards assurance procedure. By virtue of these certifications, the Micro Motion Coriolis testing team is qualified to verify the integrity of any type of flowmeter weld.
"Customers occasionally order a flowmeter with weld inspection," Tanner states. "By performing this inspection in-house and under qualified supervision, we are able to provide precise data that the device meets domestic and international regulatory requirements. Further, weld inspections give customers peace of mind that a critical process will not fail due to the flowmeter weld."
In addition to customer-requested inspections, Emerson performs weld inspections for other purposes to make sure best practices are followed consistently. At least five percent of all Micro Motion flowmeters receive random X-ray weld inspections, ensuring that the expertise of each welder and the quality of all welding equipment is regularly monitored. These random inspections, coupled with those requested by customers, result in the work of each welder (human and machine) being inspected more than once per month.
Other duties for the new X-ray system include inspecting incoming welded parts, components, or raw materials if there is any question about the quality of vendor-provided components. The component can be examined closely for flaws or to ascertain component integrity. This commitment to complete product quality, with in-house investment and capability, helps ensure customers receive only the highest quality Micro Motion devices from Emerson, the leader in Coriolis flowmeters.
(1)American Society for Nondestructive Testing Central Certification Program
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. A division of Emerson, Micro Motion (www.micromotion.com) is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Since inventing the first practical Coriolis flowmeter in 1977, Micro Motion has been the world's leading Coriolis flowmeter supplier, ranking #1 in both technology and customer support. Micro Motion technology and expertise play a key role in Emerson's combining of superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Micro Motion®, Fisher®, Rosemount®, Mobrey®, Daniel®, Bristol®, DeltaV(TM), Ovation®, and AMS(TM) Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2005 were $17.3 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com.
PlantWeb, Micro Motion, MVD, ProLink, Fisher, DeltaV, Rosemount, Mobrey, Daniel, Bristol, Ovation, and AMS are marks of Emerson Process Management. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact:
Lee Rumbles, Emerson Process Management, Micro Motion Division
1 (303) 527-5301, lee.rumbles@emersonprocess.com
Peter Dossing, Emerson Process Management
1 (512) 832-3162, Pete.Dossing@EmersonProcess.com
