CorDEX Instruments Launches Next Generation Intrinsically Safe Thickness Gauge at OTC to Tackle Corrosion Monitoring

HOUSTON, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Device saves time in the field and gives detailed corrosion analysis 

CorDEX Instruments today launched its next generation corrosion monitoring device which streamlines readings gathered in the field and enables users to monitor integrity levels at specific points on an asset or pipeline.

The latest UT5000 Intrinsically Safe Thickness Gauge was unveiled at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston (stand 6814). The hand-held device, which can be used for non-destructive testing to establish the extent of corrosion, boasts several updates including intelligent measuring technology which can record multiple readings at specific locations.

A total of nine multi-point readings can now be saved against each Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on the asset or pipeline which greatly reduces time spent in the field and increases the effectiveness and efficiency of corrosion monitoring.

The device, which provides accurate thickness readings to the nearest thousandth of an inch, now also uses the latest Echo-Echo technology which has the ability to read metal thickness levels, even through a painted surface.

The UT5000, which is ATEX and IECEx certified for Ex ib IIC T4 Gb and Ex ibD IIIB T200°C Db hazardous areas, has also achieved its dust certification and can be used in dust environments which have been assessed as having an explosion risk.

Chief Executive of CorDEX Instruments, Tony Holliday, said: "Integrity and corrosion testing is becoming increasingly important for the energy industry as a significant number of assets are approaching the end of their designed life-spans. Failures on ageing assets and pipelines are often attributed to corrosion and defective welds, so effective inspection and maintenance is increasingly vital.

"The latest updates to the UT5000 have been made in direct response to feedback received from industry and makes the monitoring process more efficient and saves valuable time in the field. The device is pushing the boundaries in this area and can transform the way assets and pipelines are inspected, maintained and repaired."

To effectively manage and assess the information gathered by the UT5000, CorDEX offers CorDEX CONNECT™ - a software program which can be downloaded to any PC. The software uses RFID to tag every thickness measurement with a specific location, date and time, enabling trend analysis of the asset or pipeline. Engineers can use the data to easily identify trouble spots and create predictive maintenance programs.

CorDEX has established a strong reputation since it was launched in 2009 as a leading manufacturer of hand-held intrinsically safe and non-destructive testing tools for the global energy industry.

US Sales Manager Scott Lang was appointed recently as the company sees huge potential for its technologies in North America. Based in North Carolina, Mr Lang, who previously worked with Lockheed-Martin as a systems engineer on NASA's Space shuttle at Kennedy Space Center, is focused on growing business in the US and promoting CorDEX Instruments' full range of hand-held devices.

The UK-headquartered company has a network of distributers across North America, South America, Africa, Australasia, Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East.

CorDEX Instruments is exhibiting at stand 6814 at the Offshore Technology Conference. http://www.cordexinstruments.com

Notes to editors

About CorDEX Instruments

CorDEX equipment improves efficiency, accuracy and safety in challenging environments in energy and related industries. Its high-quality equipment is specifically certified for use in hazardous/explosive areas. CorDEX is ISO 9001:2008 certified, and all CorDEX products are designed and manufactured for maximum reliability in the company's BS EN13980 registered manufacturing system.

About the UT5000

• The UT5000 is certified for Ex ib IIC T4 Gb and Ex ibD IIIB T200°C Db hazardous areas, so no hot work permit is required.
• Designed for rugged environments, an over-moulded body protects a 3.1" RGB TFT color screen with backlight.
• The dual-element, 4MHz transducer is adjustable up to 10Hz with accuracy of +/- 0.05mm delivering unprecedented accuracy and flexibility to classified area NDT inspectors.
• The tester features both single point and corrosion modes, allowing the user to identify specific points of thinning in a pipe wall.
• Large, well-spaced buttons allow users ease of operation, even when wearing gloves.

About CorDEX Connect

• CorDEX CONNECT is the first system to integrate RFID technology, reporting software and a handheld intrinsically safe thickness gauge to enable predictive maintenance for assets and fixed equipment in hazardous areas. 
• The UT5000 Ultrasonic thickness gauge with CorDEX CONNECT uses RFID to tag every thickness measurement with a specific location, date and time. A proprietary software program then collects and organizes the data, giving engineers a comprehensive view of the pipeline at any specific location.
• With CorDEX CONNECT, those responsible for monitoring pipeline safety can use data collected by anyone in the field to create predictive maintenance programs. Using CorDEX CONNECT trend analysis capabilities, trouble spots can be identified from measurements taken over multiple visits.
• Users can easily create printable charts and graphs, such as "thickness over time." Data also can be exported to Microsoft Excel or into a .csv file.   
• CorDEX CONNECT senses when the thickness gauge tester may be out of calibration, alerting the user to suspect readings. When the tool is sent for calibration, real-time tracking allows the user to track its transport and calibration status.

SOURCE CorDEX Instruments