Hidden Costs Of Corrosion In Industrial Systems
Corrosion in industrial systems can have a significant impact on your business. Beyond the damage to the equipment which can cause unplanned downtime and maintenance expenses, corrosion can also cause operational inefficiency.
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 of your industrial systems.
Understanding Thickness Gauge Testing: A Key Tool In Corrosion Management
Traditional methods of thickness measurement often involve the removal of protective coatings, exposing materials to further corrosion and complicating the inspection process. In contrast, thickness gauge testing is a non-destructive method of measuring the thickness of materials.
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.
The Importance Of Regular Corrosion Inspection In Industries
Corrosion is a natural process, but it can pose a significant problem for a diverse array of sectors. Common industries effected are oil and gas, marine, and manufacturing.
In these 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.
How Thickness Gauge Testing Prevents Costly Failures
Thickness gauge testing is essential for helping prevent corrosion related failures. By using an ultrasonic thickness gauge you are able to detect the thinning of material in industrial systems before it can progress into an issue.
By identifying early signs of wear and corrosion, you can extend the lifespan of critical industrial assets and reduces the risk of unexpected equipment breakdowns. In so doing you can prevent costly operational shutdowns and improve reliability. Thereby saving you money in the long-term.
Our Solution To Thickness Gauge Testing For Industrial Corrosion Inspection
The Portagauge® 6 is a multiple echo ultrasonic thickness gauge for non-invasively measuring thicknesses of various metals and hard plastics. It can also ignore any coating up to 20mm in thickness. This enables you to determine the level of corrosion or erosion without the risk of causing further corrosion damage.
The Portagauge® 6 meets BS EN 15317:2013 which is the standard for ultrasonic testing, characterisation and verification, of ultrasonic thickness measuring equipment. Some of the features of the Portagauge® 6 include:
- Built in database of 14+ different materials containing speed of sound data and an option to enter custom materials
- Measurement units available in both metric (millimetres) and imperial (inches)
- A-scan and oscilloscope trace functionality is included to assist your measurements
- Datalogging – Save readings directly with a press of a button
- For marine applications – meets Classification Society requirements and has an LCD backlight to allow working in dark, poor visibility spaces
- Battery life up to 12 hours continuous use on a standard 9V PP3 battery for easy replacement, with battery saving mode – turns off after 30 seconds of inactivity
- USB Power Connection – when plugged into a power source via the USB port, the Portagauge® 6 will run on USB power, preserving battery life, and allowing continuous use if connected to mains power
Cost-Saving Benefits Of A Proactive Approach To Corrosion Inspection
Regular thickness gauge testing and proactive corrosion inspection is crucial for mitigating the risk of critical failures. This then reduces the risk of costly equipment failure and unexpected downtime.
By investing in advanced corrosion monitoring systems, such as our ultrasonic thickness gauge, industries can safeguard their operations. Allowing them to optimise maintenance schedules and achieve long-term cost savings.
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