Testing of Wheel assemblies

Tested for operational performance on weld bead simulation test rig

To prove the operational performance of the wheel assembly (tyre/hub/bearings/stub shaft/seals/lubricants) with regard to load, distance and durability/bond integrity of the tyre material purpose built testing facilities have been developed by FTL, see Figs.7 and 8

The inner surface of a pipeline is normally in relatively good condition. However, there is one regular surface irregularity caused by the weld bead at the field joint.

The FTL test rig simulates the dynamic loads that a wheel would encounter inside a pipe line. When the test drum has rotated, the equivalent of 12 metre pipe spool, a PLC controlled weld bead can be introduced into the path of the loaded wheel assembly.

Wheel assembly loading is affected by calibrated compression springs which are set to simulate the mean load exerted on the wheels of the Varipig system when mounted on the vehicle for which the wheel assembly is intended. With the addition of a thermally insulated enclosure we are able to test the wheels at up to an ambient temperature of 45°C.