Tritex NDT leading the way in drone thickness measurements
23/07/2021
Tritex NDT has for many years been manufacturing ultrasonic thickness gauges and is now established as one of the leading companies offering multiple-echo gauges. Multiple-echo technology means that thickness measurements can be taken through 6 mm-thick coatings, as only the metal substrate is measured. It does not matter whether the coating is paint, epoxy or bitumen; it is completely ignored. This has huge advantages over having to remove coatings, with savings in both time and money. It also has a big advantage when developing a drone thickness gauge.
There has always been a requirement to take thickness measurements at height and up until recently this has been carried out using scaffolding or rope access techniques. However, with the Tritex Multigauge 6000 dedicated drone thickness gauge, first developed over three years ago, this is now a lot safer and more cost-effective than before.Tritex NDT is leading the way in this application and claims to be the only company worldwide with a dedicated thickness gauge to mount onto drones. In excess of 100 systems have so far been sold, with repeat orders coming from major petrochemical companies and class societies. The gauge and technology have been improved over three years of development in response to customer feedback and requirements.
The Multigauge 6000 consists of three parts, including the gauge, a gel dispenser and a probe holder for correct alignment of the probe. The single-crystal probe ensures accurate measurements on curved surfaces, such as storage tanks and pipelines. Thickness readings are transmitted wirelessly up to 500 m, using its integrated radio-frequency (RF) transmitter, to dedicated software that allows the operator to record measurements, set up templates and remotely control the gel dispenser before touching the probe onto the surface.
The gauge can be mounted onto any ‘work class’ type drone, with the most popular being the DJI Matrice 210 or 300. Tritex NDT has also developed its own custom drone, the Multigauge 6500, specifically designed to provide a complete solution. The Multigauge 6500 ‘Flying Thickness Gauge’ has eight rotors to provide redundancy, as well as propellor guards so that it can be easily used inside tanks.
Tritex NDT is a leading manufacturer of thickness gauges and is at the forefront of using drones for high-level inspections. All gauges are designed and manufactured in the UK and supplied as complete kits, ready to use, with a three-year warranty and free annual calibration for the life of the gauge.
www.tritexndt.com
