The startup of a new automated inspection line marks a milestone for TuboCaribe, Tenaris’s production center in Cartagena, Colombia, reinforcing the competitiveness and sustainability of the operations through improvements in safety, quality and efficiency.
Hydrostatic testing of tubing and inspection activities are now supported by automated systems that optimize workflow and improve conditions for shop floor employees. The inspection area expanded from about 21,500 to 32,300 square feet, allowing greater mobility, organization and coordination.
Operations now take place in a controlled setting in which technology guides every stage of the process. Pipes are moved automatically, ultrasonic sensors detect potential defects, and direct physical contact with the pipes has been eliminated. This shift allows teams to focus fully on quality assurance and process control rather than performing manual tasks to move and position pipes.
“The project was born with a clear purpose: to modernize inspection processes and guarantee product traceability and quality, always prioritizing safety,” said Andrea Bassetti, Tenaris President for the Andean Region. “Automation and the integration of technology have transformed the tubing inspection process, creating a safer working environment. By reducing variability and increasing consistency at every stage, automation strengthens product quality and reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable solutions to our customers.”
For more information about Tenaris, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.