The airline in the Faroe Island, successfully utilised the Portagauge® 5, multiple echo thickness gauge for testing aluminium sheets on aircrafts.
The Case Study
Issue: Most airplanes today are made of aluminium, a strong, yet lightweight metal. In the Faroe Island, the airline required the capability to measuring the thickness of an aircraft skin which is aluminium alloy, to test for corrosion and degradation, with a specific need to measure thickness in smaller pipes and aluminium sheets ranging from 1.5mm to 50mm.
Solution: Coltraco Ultrasonics supplied the Portagauge® 5 with a 6mm diameter probe to support the customer’s needs. The Portagauge® 5 was chosen because it includes A-scan and oscilloscope trace functionality to assist measurements, observe material condition and help verify correct return backwall echo to give confidence in the measuring of correct wall thickness.
Customer Feedback: The Engineering Team at the airline is happy with the Portagauge® 5 and the 6mm diameter probe. The customer wrote “Your product is doing the job and we´re really satisfied with it.”
Key Features of Portagauge® 5:
- Non-Destructive Testing: Portagauge® 5 uses ultrasonic technology to measure pipe wall thickness without invasive techniques, preserving structural integrity.
- User-Friendly Interface: The device has a digital display for easy reading and quick decision-making based on instant feedback.
- High Accuracy: Portagauge® 5 provides precise measurements, helping identify areas of concern like corrosion or erosion.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for various pipe materials and industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water distribution systems.
- Portable and Lightweight: The handheld design ensures portability and ease of use in different locations and environments.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a natural process, but it can pose a significant problem for a diverse array of sectors. Undetected corrosion can weaken critical components, leading to structural failures, leaks, and costly operational downtime. In turn, this can present a safety risk and reduce efficiency. All of which makes provocative corrosion monitoring a cost-effective solution to the issue of corrosion.
When unnoticed corrosion can present a safety hazard. Over time, corrosion can weaken the system, causing leaks, failures, and breakdowns. In sever cases this increases the risk of a workplace accident and can lead to regulatory fines or legal liabilities.
Proactive corrosion inspection can help prevent critical failures. Potential weak points and issues can be identified and addressed before they can become critical failures. This prevents costly repairs and downtime. Moreover, the early detection of corrosion allows you to implement preventive measures and extend the lifespan.
Traditional methods of thickness measurement often involve the removal of protective coatings, exposing materials to further corrosion and complicating the inspection process. Ultrasonic technology has emerged as a game-changer in the battle against corrosion. By utilising high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound enables non-destructive testing and inspection of a variety of materials, thereby allowing you to detect corrosion and other structural abnormalities without the need for invasive techniques.
Ultrasonic thickness gauges measure the vibrations caused by sound passing through a material. Using this vibration, we can then calculate the thickness of materials “good” metal remaining on your structure. By comparing the measured wall thickness with the original wall thickness, operators can determine the level of corrosion in a system.
If your structure is corroded, this thickness is usually thinner than the original specification of your structure as corrosion and rust oxidises the surface. Whilst the overall thickness of the structure looks thicker by the naked eye, in reality, the portion of “good” metal remaining is much thinner which can be dangerous.
Advantages of ultrasonic instrumentation to detect corrosion
Early Detection: Ultrasound allows for early detection of corrosion, even before it becomes visible on the pipe surface. By identifying corrosion at its initial stages, preventive measures can be implemented promptly. In so doing, extending the lifespan of the pipes and reducing repair costs.
Quantification: Ultrasound can provide quantitative measurements of corrosion depth. Thus, allowing engineers to assess the severity of the corrosion and make informed decisions about maintenance and repair strategies.
Real-time Monitoring: Continuous ultrasound monitoring can detect changes in pipe conditions over time. This real-time monitoring enables proactive maintenance, preventing catastrophic failures and ensuring optimal pipe performance.
Versatility: Ultrasound is a versatile tool that can be used for various pipe materials, including metal, plastic, and composite pipes. Its adaptability makes it a valuable asset across industries.
