AlphaGage+ Corrosion
Overview
As a primary inspection tool for corrosion assessments, the Sonatest AlphaGage+ instrument uses dual element transducers in a Pitch & Catch configuration to measure accurately the remaining wall thickness of metal structures subject to corrosion. Dual element transducers have a transmitting element and separate receiving element located side by side, the use of Pitch & Catch reduces any measurement problems which may result from material surface issues.
This product is a key tool to inspect ageing assets and solve problems in many industries but especially, Oil & Gas or Petrochemicals.
Typical applications include:
- metal pipe works
- pressure vessels
- structural parts
- storage tanks
Features
AlphaGage+ Standard Features
- Echo-to-Echo functionalities
- Up to 27 Hour battery life (high-capacity re-chargeable battery pack via the USB port)
- Change colour and vibrate on alarm (ideal for inspections in loud environments)
- Wide thickness range
- Inches, mm or μSec
- Velocity mode
- Fast Min/Max mode to display actual thickness and minimum and maximum at the same time
- Gain, range, rectification, blank adjustments with live waveform
- Datalogger 2 Gb micro SD card standard expandable to 32 Gb
- Datalogger interfaces with Microsoft Excel
- Multiple languages
True Thickness (under coating)
When a metal surface is protected by anti-corrosion paint or coating, true wall thickness measurement using Echo-to-Echo function is a key feature and available on all AlphaGage+ models.
Field Upgradable Features
Upgradable in the field, the AlphaGage+ is a flexible solution as it can be fully loaded from the start or upgraded anytime later by easily activating software options when required.
Data Logger (B-Scan)
Thickness readings with ID location for corrosion mapping or profile assessment and send readings to Microsoft Excel™ for further asset maintenance evaluation.
Live Waveform (A-Scan)
Display live A-scan for echo verification and real time control of acoustic range, rectification, gain and blanks or combine the A-Scan with B-Scan view for even more detailed analysis.
Resources
Ultrasonic Inspection Methods for Composites in Motosports
Composites have become a dominant material in motorsport, accounting for up to 85% of the vehicles used today. This includes all levels of Formula racing including F1, as well as Rally car racing, Moto GP, Karting and many more.
Low Frequency GFRP Imaging with Variable Aperture TFM
Composite Inspection Benefits and Challenges Using Ultrasonic NDT Solutions
Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is widely used by engineers to inspect a range of composite materials including aluminium laminates and carbon fiber-based composites.
Advanced Composite Inspection
A complete picture of a large component can be produced by stitching C-scans together in the UTmap software.
Riser Bolt Inspection with Creo Bolt Scanner
Sonatest performed Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing on one Riser Bolt. A TFM scan was also implemented to increase resolution and flaw fidelity. The bolt can be tested from either end, without removing the bolt from production for testing.
TFMi™ Inspection for monitoring "Blind" Holes
Blind hole inspection is an excellent fit for TFMi™. It really enables a full comprehensive profile view of the internal geometry of a part.
Phased Array Technique for Inspection of Contact Point Corrosion
The PA-CAT™ phased array technique developed by Holloway NDT & Engineering Inc. is an attenuation-based modelling algorithm used to evaluate the minimum remaining wall thickness at pipe or vessel supports.
Wave Inspection of Nozzles and Nodes with non-uniform circumferential weld profiles
The inspection of nozzles and nodes requires a high level of skill and experience for both inspection and interpretation.
Phased Array Bolt Inspection, Encoded and Freehand
Bolts are used in every industry over multiple applications from holding storage vessels and structures to the ground to connecting high pressure pipework and holding wind turbine blades in place.
Wind Turbine Bolt Inspection Utilising Ultrasonic Phased Arrays
Bolts are vital for the long and safe running of wind turbines both on and offshore, they can be found in the Foundation, intersection flanges in the tower, holding the blades and in multiple areas within the Nacelle as well as ancillary structures.
Media
Accessories
Standard AlphaGage+ C kit includes:
- Echo-to-Echo functionalities
- 2 GB microSD card
- AC power adapter & USB cable
- Standard 3.7V Li-ion internally rechargeable battery
- Plastic carrying case
- One couplant bottle
- CD with manual
- Data XLS interface program to export saved readings to PC. (Microsoft Excel)
- NIST traceable calibration certificate
Software options and accessories included:
- Access to dual and single element probe database.
- One DKS-537 transducer
(5 MHz. .375" diameter transducer with potted cable.
Recommended Accessories
| 149103 | AlphaGage+ Plastic Carry Case |
| 149104 | AlphaGage+ Li-ion Battery Pack |
| 149105 | AlphaGage+ Rubber Boot & Neck Strap |
| 149106 | AlphaGage+ Alkaline Battery Pack |
| 149107 | AlphaGage+ Charger with USB |
| 149108 | AlphaGage+ Magnetic Ball Head |
| 149109 | AlphaGage+ Neck Strap |
| USB-09-6 | AlphaGage+ Mini USB cable 6 foot |
Feature Software options:
AlphaGage+ CDL with Data Logging software feature including:
- Datalogger functionalities
- B-Scan (time based)
- Temperature correction
AlphaGage+ CW with Waveform software feature including:
- Live A-Scan
- Positive/Negative/Full signal rectification
- Adjustable range
- Temperature correction
- Coating thickness
AlphaGage+ CDLW including:
- All of the above
- Rubber Boot with Neck Strap
Precision and Oxide Scale software functionalities can also be added to the AlphaGage+ Corrosion model, refer to AlphaGage+ Precision web page for more information.