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New pipeline crack detector
Volume 32/Number 3/March 1996
Full Range Elemental Analysis in One Oxford Instruments (Abingdon, UK) have introduced a new X-ray spectrometer that can measure the concentrations of practically all elements in the periodic table. Conventional technology requires two instruments to cover the full range of elements. An energy-dispersive (ED) fluorescence device is used for those with atomic numbers greater than that of calcium; and a wavelength-dispersive (WD) fluorescence instrument covers lighter elements, except for the eight lighter than fluorine, which cannot be measured by X-rays. Oxford's spectrometer incorporates both methods. It has a semiconductor ED detector and a fixed-channel WD detector with up to 10 monochromator crystals. The key to the development is the software, dubbed XpertEase Windows XRF, for controlling the two detectors, which can operate separately or simultaneously. The instrument can measure concentrations of elements in solids or liquids, from the parts per million (ppm) level to 100%. In addition its price is comparable to that of instruments that do only WD X-ray fluorescence.
New Pipeline Crack Detector Pipetronix GmbH (Karlsruhe, Germany) have announced a new battery operated instrumentation package that checks for cracks in pipes as it is borne along by the fluid being transported. The device, known as the RibprBfmolch (crack-inspecting salamander) was developed jointly by Pipetronix,
Fraunhofer-Institut fiir zerstrunsfreie Priifverfahren (IzfP; Saarbr0chen), and the Fraunhofer-TechnologieEntwicklungs-Gruppe (Stuttgart). The Salamander uses 896 ultrasonic transducers, which emit ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 2-4 MHz. Echoes from cracks as small as about 0.5 mm are registered and stored in a computer. The unit fills most of a pipe's diameter and has plastic seal rings to maintain its position in the pipe. Up to 100 km can be covered per inspection before the unit's memory becomes full or the battery needs recharging. For a crude-oil pipeline, a typical speed is about 1 m sec -~.
Safer UV Water Sterilization UV Systems Ltd have introduced a new product, the AQS1000 lamp, designed to kill bacteria and viruses. AQS1000 lamps can be used in small tanks or in open channels, and is said to be effective at treating ten to 1000 cu m of water an hour. According to the company, equipment for UV germicidal treatment in fish farming has often proved too expensive for high-flow applications. However, by using submerged, high-efficiency, long-life UV lamps it is possible to achieve maximum impact for minimum capital and maintenance costs. It is also claimed that other products on the market have been wasteful and potentially dangerous because lamps are left above water without protective sleeves. AQS1000 lamps are always totally immersed and fully sleeved to provide absolute safety and correct operating temperatures. The company has developed an advanced modular system with integral lamp sleeve wipers to minimize maintenance downtime in dirty water, and an economy system built to customer specifications but without wipers. Further information from UV Systems Ltd, Constitution Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6QL, UK.
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Full Range Elemental Analysis in One Oxford Instruments (Abingdon, UK) have introduced a new X-ray spectrometer that can measure the concentrations of practically all elements in the periodic table. Conventional technology requires two instruments to cover the full range of elements. An energy-dispersive (ED) fluorescence device is used for those with atomic numbers greater than that of calcium; and a wavelength-dispersive (WD) fluorescence instrument covers lighter elements, except for the eight lighter than fluorine, which cannot be measured by X-rays. Oxford's spectrometer incorporates both methods. It has a semiconductor ED detector and a fixed-channel WD detector with up to 10 monochromator crystals. The key to the development is the software, dubbed XpertEase Windows XRF, for controlling the two detectors, which can operate separately or simultaneously. The instrument can measure concentrations of elements in solids or liquids, from the parts per million (ppm) level to 100%. In addition its price is comparable to that of instruments that do only WD X-ray fluorescence.
New Pipeline Crack Detector Pipetronix GmbH (Karlsruhe, Germany) have announced a new battery operated instrumentation package that checks for cracks in pipes as it is borne along by the fluid being transported. The device, known as the RibprBfmolch (crack-inspecting salamander) was developed jointly by Pipetronix,
Fraunhofer-Institut fiir zerstrunsfreie Priifverfahren (IzfP; Saarbr0chen), and the Fraunhofer-TechnologieEntwicklungs-Gruppe (Stuttgart). The Salamander uses 896 ultrasonic transducers, which emit ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 2-4 MHz. Echoes from cracks as small as about 0.5 mm are registered and stored in a computer. The unit fills most of a pipe's diameter and has plastic seal rings to maintain its position in the pipe. Up to 100 km can be covered per inspection before the unit's memory becomes full or the battery needs recharging. For a crude-oil pipeline, a typical speed is about 1 m sec -~.
Safer UV Water Sterilization UV Systems Ltd have introduced a new product, the AQS1000 lamp, designed to kill bacteria and viruses. AQS1000 lamps can be used in small tanks or in open channels, and is said to be effective at treating ten to 1000 cu m of water an hour. According to the company, equipment for UV germicidal treatment in fish farming has often proved too expensive for high-flow applications. However, by using submerged, high-efficiency, long-life UV lamps it is possible to achieve maximum impact for minimum capital and maintenance costs. It is also claimed that other products on the market have been wasteful and potentially dangerous because lamps are left above water without protective sleeves. AQS1000 lamps are always totally immersed and fully sleeved to provide absolute safety and correct operating temperatures. The company has developed an advanced modular system with integral lamp sleeve wipers to minimize maintenance downtime in dirty water, and an economy system built to customer specifications but without wipers. Further information from UV Systems Ltd, Constitution Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6QL, UK.
317