Storage tank floor inspection
07/12/2020
As a world leader in advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, Eddyfi Technologies has released the new Floormap®X, a multi-technology magnetic flux leakage (MFL) array tank bottom inspection solution aimed at increasing productivity.
The patented FloormapX is said to be the only MFL array tank floor scanner offering such unprecedented efficiency and the ability to address almost any tank out there. It is claimed that it offers an unmatched probability of detection, including in the critical zone, and can address thick plates and coatings. Due to the unique surface topology air gap reluctance sensors (STARS) technology, it provides top/bottom corrosion discrimination and allows inspectors to get a clear view of the floor underneath coatings to visualise corrosion and features such as patch plates and welds. It is a leading solution to perform ultra-fast screening, due to the new Freescan™ mode, or comprehensive floor mapping with full data recording in the most efficient manner. The tool finds smaller defects, allowing asset owners to take immediate action and extend inspection intervals.Tank floor inspection ensures the safety and integrity of storage tanks by preventing accidental leaks and avoiding costly decontamination, while providing critical data to make lifetime and repair predictions.
Stuart Kenny, Business Unit General Manager, said: “With this new product, we focused our research and development teams’ efforts on coming up with a complete solution that would significantly improve the way storage tanks are inspected now. We tackled dead zones and came up with a design and technology that maximises coverage, including the critical zone within 12 mm (0.5") of the shell wall. Doing so drastically reduces dead zones and allows inspections to deliver comprehensive and accurate reports to asset owners who in turn can take decisions confidently.”
The FloormapX also supports multiple scan modes, including the Freescan mode, which has the capacity to map annular plates and offers customisable reporting options to suit EEMUA 159 and API 653 recommendations.
The new FloormapX offers unique features such as precision active steering for fast and high-quality curved scans in the critical zone, an interactive laser guide to easily correlate the physical locations of tank floor defects with C-scan images, on-board powerful lighting and SmartMAGNET™ for optimised inspection performance depending on plate thickness. Furthermore, the powerful rare earth permanent magnets can be completely turned off. These new features are designed with a modular approach and manageable components for improved operational ergonomics, easier storage and shipping and overall safer handling.
The FloormapX is powered by the SIMS™ software, which is instrumental in increasing workflow efficiency and producing accurate and comprehensive tank inspection data. With a streamlined interface, operators can select pre-planned workflows or create their own for both mapping and Freescan modes. FloormapX also provides real-time live displays during acquisition, meaning the operator can simultaneously see live MFL array and STARS C-scan images. This combines seamlessly with an ability to temporarily pause the scan and use the laser-assisted defect location feature for rapid and precise flaw detection and identification, rendering prove-up times to mere seconds. Once proven, the operator can update the automated and editable indication list, resulting in a completely paperless reporting strategy.
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