Whenever there are multiple transcriptions of measurement data, the potential for mistakes increases. In addition, handwritten readings need to be transcribed from the inspector’s notes to a more formal report or database to effectively store and keep track of the inspections. For example, an inspector could accidentally write down the wrong thickness reading and incorrectly report a thickness measurement that could lead to expensive, unnecessary maintenance, or even asset failure. Whenever data is handwritten, there is potential for human error. Formal and informal records were all stored in filing cabinets, and information management was limited to a single location, the file room” (Rios, 2018). “Inspection results were captured by hand, and all necessary calculations (corrosion rate, remaining life, inspection due date, etc.) were done by hand on paper. Ultrasonic thickness gages of this era could not store digital thickness readings, so inspection companies manually transcribed the results on paper to maintain a record. As time went on, the gages continued to get smaller and more powerful (Thickness Gage Tutorial History, n.d.). I also discuss how the emergence of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) is significantly improving workflows and explore how these solutions are shaping the future of inspection data management.īrief History of Ultrasonic Thickness Gagesĭuring the 1970s, compact, battery-powered thickness gages optimized for many applications became common. In this paper, I discuss the history of ultrasonic thickness gage inspection data management, how these management processes have changed, current issues and pain points, and why some companies may not be adopting available improvements.
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These processes evolved based on advancements in instrument and software technologies, yet some companies are not taking advantage of these improvements. In the inspection industry, a variety of data management processes are employed based on customer needs and equipment.
Because of the expense involved in shutting down a pipeline to make repairs or, even worse, having an asset fail, managing the thickness data is critical. Besides simply identifying problems, the thickness readings are used to plot wall loss over time to help predict when maintenance and future inspections will be required.
Asset owners use either internal inspection teams or, more commonly, contracted inspection service providers to carry out these inspections. A typical inspection is measuring the wall thickness of pipes and tanks with an ultrasonic thickness gage to monitor the mechanical integrity of the asset. Pipelines that carry critical materials in the oil & gas and chemical industries require regular inspection to monitor for corrosion. OEM Microscope Components for Integration.Semiconductor & Flat Panel Display Inspection Microscopes ▾.Automated Detection Technology Software.Aerospace/Wind Blade Inspection Scanners.Flaw Detectors / Phased Array Flaw Detectors ▾.Thickness and Flaw Inspection Solutions ▾.
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