A range of new products from Elcometer

Citation

(2000), "A range of new products from Elcometer", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 47 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2000.12847bad.009

A range of new products from Elcometer

A range of new products from Elcometer

Keywords: Elcometer, Testing, Gauges

Elcometer Instruments announces that it has launched a new range of products. The first is a new range of ultrasonic thickness gauges to supplement their existing catalogue of products.

The Elcometer 205, 206 and 206DL Digital Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges all claim a wide selection of probe options so that the transducer can be matched to the form of the component to be measured. Housed in a robust, extruded aluminium case with a sealed membrane keypad for site work, all three versions have a maximum measurement range of 0.63-500mm (0.025-19.999") depending on the choice of transducer.

With a resolution of 0.01mm (0.001") and a measurement accuracy of + 0.01mm (0.001"), depending on the material to be measured and the operating conditions, the 205, 206 and 206DL offer the capability to measure a range of materials when only one side of the sample is available. For example: pipelines, ship hulls, storage tanks, bottle and container walls can all be measured to assess internal erosion or corrosion damage in service.

Elcometer informs us that three user calibration adjustment methods can be operated. One point calibration for measurements over a large thickness range, two point calibration to allow greater accuracy over small range of thickness and calibration to a known velocity (without using separately measure samples) to allow accurate measurement of a material whose velocity of sound is known. All three models have the High Speed Scan Mode, which identifies the minimum thickness whilst moving the transducer over a large area. The lowest reading is stored and displayed when the scan is finished.

All versions have a back light fitted for use in low ambient light conditions. The 206 and 206DL have data output capability for operating with printer or computer, will display the positive or negative difference between a pre-set nominal thickness (target) value and the actual reading, and have an audible and visual alarm when the reading falls below this value.

The 206DL also has a memory of up to 1,000 readings and will operate with the Elcometer Data Transfer System (EDTS), to upload the data via a cable to a PC. This is supplied free of charge.

These small, 63.5 x 120.6 x 31.75mm (2.2 x 4.75 x 1.25"), lightweight, 295g (10oz), battery powered gauges carry a five-year warranty on all non-consumable parts and are thought to provide another opportunity for Elcometer customers to choose the gauge that is most suitable for their applicator.

The company also reports that it has introduced many new features for the popular coating thickness gauge, the Elcometer 345 (Plate 1).

The 345 is a family of coating thickness gauges having options for integral and separate probes, ferrous, non-ferrous and dual ferrous/non-ferrous substrates with either simple four-key control or more powerful nine-key control pads. Many new features have been added to the three software versions, Basic, Standard (both four-key versions) and Top (nine-key version).

Plate 1 The Elcometer 345 Coating Thickness Gauge

In addition to the existing capabilities for two-point and special calibration adjustment and automatic switch off, the gauges are said to now have the following:

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  increased range on Fl and N1 scales to 1,500mm (60mil);

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  calibration Adjustment Keylock to prevent accidental change to calibration;

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  "Big Foot" on integral probe options for increased stability;

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  improved repeatability;

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  increased reading rate to >40 readings per minute;

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  louder bleep output, approximately double the original specification;

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  factory-set default calibration;

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  increased battery life - rechargeable battery compatibility;

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  "Raincoat" option for over-spray protection.

The four-key versions also have Statistical Summary with user-defined sequence (patent applied for). The user can display the number of readings, the mean, the standard deviation and the highest and lowest readings in any order to suit the application.

Basic versions have an Infrared Data Output so these statistical values can be transmitted, without cable, to a Miniprinter.

Standard versions have an operator switched back light for low light conditions, a reading indicator for high noise environments and data output, using an interface cable, for connection to either printer or computer.

Top (nine-key) versions have memory for 16,000 readings with Auto Batching. Readings and statistical values from all stored batches can be reviewed on the display, printed or uploaded to a computer for analysis. The Elcometer Data Collection Software (EDCS) is a Windows™-based software program to aid the user with transmission and analysis of data.

Also recently introduced is a new instrument for detecting flaws, holes and holidays in coatings applied to conductive substrates, the Elcometer 236 High Voltage Holiday Detector.

The detection of holidays and other flaws in coatings is particularly important for pipe and tank linings, water and sewage treatment facilities, flexible membranes on concrete bridge decks and vitreous enamel coatings in a variety of applications.

The Elcometer 236 is available in two, fully adjustable, test voltage ranges, 0-15kV and 0-30kV. The lightweight, portable, rugged and simple-to-use instrument is supplied complete with a brush probe and uses a fully enclosed rechargeable battery pack as its energy source. Charger units for any mains voltage, 230V UK standard plug, 230V European standard plug or 110V US standard plug are supplied according to the customer's choice.

To avoid the difficulty of field recharging, an optional external battery pack is available that can be charged separately and then plugged into the instrument to by-pass the internal battery and provide further testing time.

The convenient carry-case, also included in the instrument kit, has straps for carrying the probe when it is not in use and a simple twist-and-lock pouch location for the spare battery pack or the mains charger unit. The instrument, in its carry-case with the probe fitted, weighs 2.8kg and can be easily carried over the shoulder.

A full range of probe options is available including:

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  right-angle probes in either phosphor-bronze wire or conductive rubber for large test areas;

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  circular wire brushes with a range of diameters for internal pipe coatings;

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  rolling-spring probes for external pipe coatings;

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  extension-pieces where long reach is required.

Believed to be a new method for monitoring the adhesion of coatings, the Elcometer 109 Non-Destructive Pull-Off Adhesion Tester (Plate 2), is the last product in the company's new range.

The Elcometer 109 reportedly uses specially designed and manufactured tensile dollies that break at a predetermined force. Different breaking force tensile dollies are available so the user can select the value and test of this limit on a pass/fail basis. If the element breaks then the coating adhesion exceeds the limit defined by the choice of element and as the coating is undamaged the test has been non-destructive.

Plate 2The Elcometer 109 Non-Destructive Pull-Off Adhesion Tester

The elements are glued to the coating surface, using an adhesive that is suitable for the coating to be tested. In most cases the part of the element left on the surface, after it has broken, can be removed either with a sharp blow on its edge or by applying heat to soften the adhesive.

In the event that the coating fails before the tensile dolly breaks, then this signifies a coating failure. The surface of the element can be studied to determine the nature of the failure, i.e. coating to substrate, coating to coating or even adhesive failure.

Elcometer informs us that the new test method has been fully evaluated in Norwegian Oil and Gas production applications and can form the basis of a simple, daily quality check on coating applications without the need to interpret measurement values.

Details available from: Elcometer Instuments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 161 371 6000; Fax: +44 (0) 161 371 6010; e-mail: sales@elcometer.com; Web site: http://www.elcometer.com