Bespoke MFL probes manufactured in the UK by OF Bell

Supporting the routine monitoring of upstream assets, MFL probes manufactured by OF Bell at our Bishop Auckland facility protect and preserve the safe movement of essential utilities worldwide.

Upstream external inspection of pipelines using accurate and reliable MFL probes maximises operational uptime, reduces risk and helps to extend the lifespan of upstream assets, monitoring and identifying corrosion or weaknesses in the tensile wires of each riser to prevent leaks into the environment.

Backed by years of experience in developing MFL sensors, probes and intelligent pigging components for the utilities sector, OF Bell benefits from exceptional understanding of fault detection technologies, applications and testing that helps our clients and operators to gather crucial, comprehensive data for informed asset management and maintenance. 

Manufacture of MFL probes in the UK for pipeline integrity inspection

OF Bell manufactures MFL probes entirely in-house to bespoke client specifications and unique product designs, implementing confidential manufacturing advice, recommendations and processes that protect clients' intellectual property and commercial interests. 

Generally led by the diameter of the pipe or asset with which the probe is to be used, MFL probes manufactured by OF Bell's UK-based team are produced in a range of sizes by moulded plastics and potting, electronics, testing and CNC machining specialists under one roof for complete, end-to-end component manufacturing. 

In-house prototyping & tooling for scalable MFL probe manufacture 

Delivered under one roof at our County Durham facility, prototyping and tooling by OF Bell is efficient, cost-saving and gets MFL probes into production without unnecessary delays. 

OF Bell has invested in leading 3D printing and CAD technology, used by our toolroom to create accurate prototypes quickly. 3D printing enables us to react to product changes or challenges that may be a barrier to cost-effective, large-scale manufacture, adapting tooling and processes to suit.

CNC machining of tooling  is undertaken in-house, using our specialist, sophisticated FANUC Robodrill that operates to an exceptional degree of accuracy when working with complex miniature components such as MFL probes and sensors. In-house machining supports collaborative working between OF Bell and our clients, developing tooling in partnership to move MFL probe products into scalable production efficiently.    

Throughout this phase, OF Bell's plastics and electronics experts advise on plastic compounds and MFL probe assembly to create components that will withstand harsh pipeline environments.

Miniature coil winding for sector-leading MFL probe manufacture in the UK

Wound coil components by OF Bell are highly sensitive, operating accurately in fault detection technologies, including MFL probes, even in the toughest, most demanding subsea and pipeline asset management environments. 

Quality-assured and fully-tested, coil winding of wires down to just 0.0125mm by OF Bell creates robust, precision wound coil components, solenoid assemblies and micro wound coils, before MFL probe components are assembled and finished through vacuum potting processes. 

Electronic assembly, cable harness assembly & vacuum potting of MFL probes & components 

OF Bell's specialist electronics team expertly assembles MFL probe components in-house at our UK facility. Electronic assemblies including miniature wound coils are created by dedicated technicians with years of experience in working with complex, highly sensitive components, ensuring consistency in every MFL probe unit. 

Cable harness assembly creates neat and compact units, protecting electronics for MFL probes through assemblies that are robust, hardwearing and capable of withstanding upstream pipeline integrity and external inspection applications in the harshest of conditions. Probe sensors, coils and cabling are organised and assembled according to client specification before vacuum potting to complete the unit.  

Forming a tight, protective seal, vacuum potting encases each MFL probe electronic component to fully insulate and guard sensitive electronics against water ingress or other damage. OF Bell benefits from unbeatable knowledge of vacuum potting resins and plastic compounds, recommending suitable materials to clients throughout manufacture that remove excess air pockets, prevent damage to the electronics, and form a tough casing for every component.     

In situ testing scenarios for quality reassurance through to dispatch of MFL probe components

Testing scenarios are created in collaboration with clients to replicate conditions in the field, ensuring durability, suitability and performance for each component. Computer-linked ATEs test components in in-situ scenarios, and completed batch test ATE data is supplied to clients on dispatch for complete reliability reassurance in every MFL probe component. 

OF Bell manufactures MFL probe components in line with ISO-certified processes, quality-assuring and monitoring manufacture from start to finish, including quality checks to injection moulds, vacuum potting seals, and in-situ testing of completed components, to deliver MFL probes that are consistent, reliable and perform with exceptional accuracy.     

Confidential manufacture of MFL probes by one team, under one roof 

One of the most valuable assets our clients possess is the intellectual property in their product designs, backed by years of research and expertise that sets technology innovator organisations apart. 

OF Bell's manufacturing processes recognise the need to protect confidentiality and commercial interests in our clients' MFL probe and other products, and we've designed our workflow, team and skills around the need to keep designs under one roof, delivering the entire component in-house to minimise risk. From materials consultancy and tooling design, to electronics assembly, cable harness assembly and testing, MFL probes are manufactured end-to-end by a UK-based team, prior to dispatch. 

And the benefits of onshore manufacture in the UK? Collaborative working practices that develop scalable, high-performance MFL probes, fast and reactive prototyping, low minimum order quantities and fast delivery to keep your supply chains stocked and production lines moving! No lengthy shipping lead times or unpredictable costs, no bulk order quantities or expensive storage, just reliable supply of quality-assured MFL probe components from an experienced team.      

Complex MFL probes proudly Made in Britain by OF Bell

Since 1973, OF Bell has worked alongside clients in countless sectors, from oil, gas and utilities to medical, construction, consumer goods and household products, as a trusted manufacturing partner based wholly in the UK to deliver fully-assembled, tested and quality-assured complex electronic components, assemblies and moulded plastics, including MFL probes and MFL sensors, that form a vital part of supply chains across the UK and worldwide.

ISO-certified, Bishop Auckland-based in County Durham, UK, and with over 50 years' experience, from confidential in-house product design and development to injection moulding, assembly and testing of precision electronic, electrical and plastic parts, miniature and complex components, including wound coil components, by OF Bell enable client businesses to achieve their full potential through reliable, confidential and complete complex component engineering.

Find out more about OF Bell's MFL probe manufacturing in the UK

OF Bell's expert MFL probe and electronic component engineering team in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, delivers reliable, consistent and highly-accurate MFL probes for upstream pipeline integrity monitoring and asset management. Get in touch to find out more about our manufacturing processes and book a meeting with our team.