Inspection specialist Eddyfi Technologies has launched a new tank bottom inspection scanner, the FloormapX.
The FloormapX is a multi-technology magnetic flux leakage (MFL) array tank bottom inspection solution, which Eddyfi says is designed to increase productivity with unprecedented efficiency and is capable of addressing almost all tanks. It offers an ‘unmatched probability of detection’, and finds smaller defects, which allows asset owners to take immediate action and extend the interval between inspections.
Eddyfi’s STARS technology can discriminate between top and bottom corrosion. It allows inspectors to view the floor beneath the coating, and visualise corrosion and features such as patch plates and wells. The FloormapX can perform ultra-fast screening through its Freescan mode, which has the capacity to map annular plates or comprehensive floor mapping with full data recording. The customisable reporting options can suit EEMUA 159 and API 653 recommendations.
“With this new product, we focused our research and development teams’ efforts on coming up with a complete solution that would significantly improve the way storage tanks are inspected now. We tackled dead zones and came up with a design and technology that maximises coverage, including the critical zone within 12 mm, or 0.5”, of the shell wall. Doing so drastically reduces dead zones and allows inspections to deliver comprehensive and accurate reports to asset owners who in turn can take decisions confidently,’ says Stuart Kenny, business unit general manager.
The FloormapX also has precision active steering for fast and high-quality curved scans in the critical zone, an interactive laser guide to easily correlate the physical locations of tank floor defects with C-scan images, onboard lighting, and SmartMAGNET technology for optimised inspection performance depending on plate thickness. Its rare earth magnets can be turned off where necessary.
It is powered by SIMS software, and operators can select pre-planned workflows or create their own, whether in mapping or Freescan mode. The device can provide real-time live displays during inspections, so the operator can simultaneously see live MFL Array and STARS C-scan images. Operators can pause scans and use the laser-assisted defect location feature to precisely detect and identify flaws. Prove-up times are in seconds, and once proven, the operator can update the automated indication list for paperless reporting.
“A lot of effort was made to understand what the needs of the customers were and translate them into a reliable solution. We also believe that the timing of this new release couldn’t be better, with storage tanks throughout the world being at full capacity, and old tanks being recommissioned to store liquids. The health and overall safety of these assets is of the utmost importance and we are very proud to bring forward an innovative product that will play a critical role in the industry” adds Vincent Pasquer, senior VP, business units at Eddyfi Technologies.
