New high temperature capable ultrasonic thickness transducer

The key issues facing operators include:

• Value loss: loss of productivity due to unplanned shutdown.
• Reliability: the drive for continuous, more consistent and accurate asset data to support integrity management decisions on high value assets.
• Safety: the necessity to minimise operator exposure and continuously minimise asset risk.

One solution to this problem is permanently installed ultrasonic wall-thickness monitoring equipment, which can remotely provide information on the rate of metal loss, even in the most severe environments operating up to extreme temperatures.

Ionix has developed a core high-temperature capable transducer, as part of its HotSense^TM device range, that can be readily integrated into permanently installed thickness monitoring systems. This device component enables system integrators, service providers and end user operators to achieve:

• High integrity data, across a wide temperature range, in extreme environments.
• Continuous monitoring of asset condition, minimising the risk of unplanned outages.
• Reduced entry cost to continuous monitoring.

Applications include the following:

• Wide temperature range thickness gauging in steel from -20°C to +350°C continuously and -40°C to +380°C intermittently.
• Accurate and precise thickness measurements with resolution from 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.
• Single element pulse-echo operation.
• High temperature piezoelectric element and transducer components designed for permanent installation in extreme environments.
• Ideal for corrosion/erosion condition monitoring and designed for installation under insulation.
• Stable and secure fixation methods available via clamping or bonding to a structure for permanent installation even at extreme temperatures.
• Compact integrated delay line footprint allows area coverage with high resolution.

Advantages include the following:

• Continuous operation at 350°C allows online monitoring of high temperature assets – minimises operational risk for plant managers with enhanced asset integrity data.
• Permanently or semi-permanently installed directly on to assets - minimises unplanned shutdowns and allows for better preparation before planned shutdowns.
• Intrinsically safe and certified for installation and operation in ATEX Zone 0 and other hazardous environments including radiation and pressure – installed sensors reduce exposure of staff and contractors to hazardous environments.
• Transducer can be permanently installed under insulation, without the need for cooling – maintain asset insulation and weatherproofing to prevent external corrosion.
• Compatible with standard ultrasonic instrumentation – low entry level as transducer can be used with current ultrasonic flaw detectors and software.
• Easily accessible data - integrated with wireless systems or manned inspection routines.
• Low cost and simple expansion – expand coverage with additional transducers and upgrade to automated data loggers and wireless networks.
• Excellent high temperature stability and signal to noise – determine corrosion rates at critical CMLs/TMLs and monitor areas of concern.
• Integrated delay line provides near surface resolution and simple calibration at any temperature – accurate and precise measurements can be made even as asset temperatures vary.

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Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/14032017/new-high-temperature-capable-ultrasonic-thickness-transducer/