GE’s new thickness gauge offers high performance and flexibility

Citation

(2011), "GE’s new thickness gauge offers high performance and flexibility", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 58 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2011.12858bad.003

GE’s new thickness gauge offers high performance and flexibility

Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 58, Issue 2

The new DMS Go from GE’s Inspection Technologies business (Figure 1) is a high-end thickness gauge which combines ease of use with an ability to provide accurate and comprehensive thickness inspection data in a range of selectable formats. It incorporates innovative joystick control, a high all-round visibility and a high resolution, colour display. With its robust, dust- and water-proof construction, its light weight, its ability to be used with a wide range of thickness probes and its measurement stability at temperatures up to 600°F because of a built-in temperature compensation algorithm, it is ideally suited for applications such as measuring for corrosion in the oil and gas sector and in power generation.

Figure 1 DMS Go: GE’s new thickness gauge

AS Francois de Fromont, Product Manager at GE, explains, “The DMS Go represents a significant advance in thickness measurement instrumentation, as it offers all the advanced features of our DMS2 thickness gauge but with more powerful data management capability and significant new ergonomical, performance and operational benefits. It employs zero crossing waveform measurement to ensure high measurement stability and reliability and its automatic gain control provides excellent probability of detection. The new instrument uses the same operating platform as our USM Go portable flaw detector, which is already finding wide application and acceptance. In fact, an important benefit of this design philosophy is that the thickness gauge can also be used as a portable flaw detector by means of a simple software up-grade.”

Data recording and data management in the DMS Go is normally through the universally accepted UltraMATE documentation program, although the instrument can also be interfaced with other third party software programs using the GE software development kit. The powerful, on-board data recorder has a capacity of 150,000 readings and permits the storage of A-scan, B-scan and MicroGRID attachments to thickness reading and supports six different file formats to allow easy integration with user data management and quality-control systems. Data transfer is via a high capacity, removable SD card and a USB port is included to allow PC connectivity. Optional software includes TopCOAT technology and A-V measurement modes to allow measurement of coating, as well as metal thickness and to enable thickness to be measured on components with unknown sound velocities without the need for a reference block.

The software upgradability of the new thickness gauge to allow its additional use as a portable flaw detector brings important user benefits. NDT personnel now need carry only one instrument, and customers need buy only one instrument, to perform accurate and dependable thickness measurement and flaw detection. This versatility also extends to USM Go flaw detectors, as existing users can just as easily upgrade their equipment to add high-quality thickness measurement to already extensive capabilities. The required operating mode of upgraded instruments can be selected at start-up and an additional benefit of this design philosophy is a significant reduction in operator training times.

Measurement & Control Solutions is a leading innovator in advanced, sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing and inspection and condition monitoring, delivering accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers.

For further information, visit: www.gesensinginspection.com