The Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS is a fully ABS Type-Approved, and RINA-Accepted watertight integrity tester that sets the benchmark in the industry. The Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS ensures exceptional accuracy and ease of use for inspecting watertight and weathertight seals on ships, warships, marine structures, and offshore oil & gas platforms.
Embrace the Future of Watertight Integrity Testing: Addressing the Limitations of Outdated Technology
Coltraco has a distinguished history of pioneering ultrasonic technologies. Since the introduction of the first Portascanner® Watertight in 1993, our commitment to innovation has remained steadfast. The original Hedgehog generator design, which won the Safety at Sea Award in 1994, has undergone numerous technological evolutions to become the superior Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS of today. Our devices are trusted by esteemed naval forces, including the Royal Navy and Indian Navy, underscoring their reliability and effectiveness.
The evolution of Coltraco’s generator technology highlights our dedication to continual improvement. The initial “hedgehog design” Supplementary Bulk Generator, while groundbreaking at the time, was inefficient as stated above through the addressing of limitations.
Despite significant advancements in technology, many companies persist in utilising outdated, cumbersome generators for watertight testing:
- Inefficient Ultrasound Transmission: Conventional generators emit ultrasound randomly, leading to suboptimal hatch cover testing. The lack of directionality in ultrasound waves reduces the accuracy of detecting small leaks.
- Limited Battery Life: Heavy batteries with brief lifespans complicate and prolong testing operations. Frequent recharging or battery replacement interrupts the testing process, reducing overall efficiency.
- Non-Magnetic Mounting: Generators lacking magnetic mounts require placement on the cargo floor, consuming valuable time and increasing operational inefficiency.
Distinguishing Features of the Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS
The Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS generator fills the entire cargo hold with ultrasound. The receiver detects the smallest of ultrasonic signals so that leaks as tiny as 0.06mm can be located. The specific power output of the generator is chosen to fill the space and works in tandem with the receiver without being overpowered to saturate the receiver. This ensures that Open Hatch Values remain a meaningfully quantitative measurement through which to assess watertightness /weathertightness effectively. “Overpowered” receivers cut off the reading at an arbitrary maximum which would make the Open Hatch Values meaningless.
It is important to avoid a maximum reading for the OHV because a maximum reading could, actually, be anything above the maximum and is therefore useless in comparing to the closed hatch value, when the measurement is taken.
Moreover, there is a misconception that ultrasound travels in only one direction, it actually reflects off surfaces, giving you full coverage of the cargo hold. Having 5 transducers is as powerful as heavy and bulky older style generators, which are still used on most basic models in the market.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS represents a substantial advancement in watertight integrity testing, integrating state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly design. The following features distinguish it from its predecessors and competitors:
Advanced Generator:
- Direct Output for High Detection Efficiency: The newly designed generator facilitates precise detection within the target area, ensuring superior efficiency and accuracy in leak detection.
- Magnetic Mounting: The generator can be easily mounted on the hatch coaming, eliminating the need for cargo floor placement and significantly reducing setup time.
- High Sensitivity Detection: Directed sound waves reflect within the cargo hold, providing comprehensive coverage and detecting leaks as small as 0.06mm, with an accuracy margin of +/- 0.02mm.
Enhanced Functionality:
- Three Testing Modes: Including an Open-Hatch mode specifically for hatch covers, affording greater control when testing various watertight structures. This flexibility ensures that the device can be used effectively across a wide range of applications.
- Ergonomic and Rugged Design: The smart, ergonomic enclosure guarantees ease of use in challenging marine environments, combining durability with user comfort.
Superior Performance:
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighing a mere 400g, the unit is easily portable, making it ideal for use in various operational settings without causing operator fatigue.
- Extended Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of battery life, with the battery of 10% of that required by bulky models. It offers unparalleled endurance compared to older, bulkier models. This extended operational time enhances productivity by reducing downtime for battery changes.
Conclusion
While many companies continue to rely on outdated, inefficient generators, the Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS offers a clear and superior alternative. Its advanced features and robust performance make it the ideal choice for ensuring the watertight integrity of modern marine vessels. Do not compromise on the safety and efficiency of your operations—opt for the Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS and embrace the future of watertight integrity testing.
For more information, visit our website or contact us directly to discover how the Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS can enhance your maritime safety protocols.
