It is widely accepted that there is no single correct or standard way to manage data on thickness gauges. For example, inspectors across industries may opt to wirelessly transfer thickness readings from the gauge to a tablet-based asset management program, manually export A-scans via a USB connection, or simply note results by hand.
This article looks at the benefits of wireless connectivity and its applications in transferring thickness gauge measurements, highlighting examples using the new 39DL PLUS™ (39DLP) ultrasonic thickness gauge from Evident.
Benefits of Wireless Connectivity for Thickness Gauges
The 39DLP ultrasonic thickness gauge from Evident includes several new options in terms of connecting the instrument while continuing to support and improve upon the tried-and-tested methods outlined above.
New built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® capabilities* add functionality and workflow options to the instrument, such as allowing remote monitoring or facilitating the transfer of waveform data to a tablet.
There are many benefits to implementing a thickness gauge with wireless connectivity into a measurement workflow, including:
Reduces Human Error
There is always the risk that users manually creating reports could introduce errors or typos, particularly when information is manually copied from one device or program to another.
Human factor tools, such as three-way communication or the phonetic alphabet, can help to limit the risk of these errors, but these techniques and safeguards are not always consistently applied. Wireless communication mitigates this risk.
Saves Time
Reducing the need for manual data entry decreases the risk of errors and can also save time. This is particularly relevant for users employing a report generator.
Fewer Cables
Any device using fewer cables will be easier and potentially less frustrating. With wireless communication, there is no need to search for or connect cables to transmit thickness readings.
Improves Recordkeeping
Data stored in a single location can be accidentally deleted or corrupted; pushing this information to an external source provides a valuable backup beyond the device itself.
*Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® are pending certification in some regions. Contact your local Evident representative for details on their availability.
Connecting Wirelessly to the 39DLP Gauge
Wireless capabilities offer a useful way to reduce errors, save time, maintain better-quality records, and streamline workflows.
The 39DLP ultrasonic thickness gauge provides several wireless capabilities designed to make thickness inspections more efficient.
Built-in Wi-Fi Capabilities
Added Wi-Fi connectivity gives 39DLP users an array of advanced functionality, including:
- Communication with third-party software and applications
- Improved efficiency with single send of thickness data and waveforms
- Stream a live waveform (up to 30 Hz) to another device, such as a PC
Wi-Fi streaming of a waveform on a PC.
The 39DLP gauge also significantly extends the capabilities to remotely operate the instrument by offering the ability to integrate into third-party APIs.
As part of this, the single send feature lets users send the waveform data packet to a program and use that information according to their requirements. Users can also perform live waveform streaming up to 30 Hz, enabling the continuous monitoring or recording of live data.
This live-streamed information can be used in a range of applications, including integration with inspection software, asset management programs, drones, or tablet-based apps.
For example, a facility could attach a 39DLP gauge to a wall-crawling drone and monitor a tank that is inaccessible to or unsafe for workers. This data can be live streamed to a PC, and built-in alarm thresholds can be configured to alert the operator if the wall thickness is found to be below a predefined tolerance.
Using the 39DLP gauge for remote monitoring via a remote-controlled drone enables users to assess difficult-to-reach areas both safely and more rapidly due to reduced staging time.
Built-in Bluetooth® Capabilities
The 39DLP ultrasonic thickness gauge’s Bluetooth® capabilities provide notable advantages in a wide range of applications, including:
- Seamless communication with the iOS Link Plus app
- Ability to directly input thickness values to isometric pipe drawings using the Inspection Project Manager (IPM) app
- Option to interface with the Link-Wedge software to send thickness readings directly to the majority of Windows-based programs
Link-Wedge software on iOS.
A range of helpful functionality is available to improve workflows, whether this is simply sending a reading to a tablet with a single button press on the 39DLP gauge or interfacing with Evident Connect applications such as the Inspection Project Manager (IPM).
The Link Plus app, available for iOS devices, lets users collect data and then export or attach it to an email or text message in various file types: TXT, CSV, or FTP. The IPM app offers a useful way to examine inspection points on an isometric drawing and generate detailed reports.
View inspection points on an isometric drawing in the IPM App (iOS).
Wired Data Transfer Capabilities
Wireless functionality offers a wide range of benefits when transferring files from a 39DLP gauge, but some applications require wired transfer for several reasons. For example:
- Due to security concerns, industries such as government, military, or nuclear often have strict Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® rules
- Some inspection areas (e.g., rope-access areas only) require two people, meaning that one person is available to transcribe the results
- Some countries have strict regulations regarding the wireless use of devices
- Company policy may require wired connections in some cases
Users who prefer wired data transfer or are required to adhere to a specific methodology or set of procedures can choose the manual connection options available on the 39DLP ultrasonic thickness gauge. These include:
Data Transfer via a microSD Memory Card
- Export data to a removable microSD card in CSV format
- Export data for transfer to the GageView™ PC software as a survey file
Wired Transfer to a PC via USB or RS-232 Ports
- Directly export data to a PC as a CSV file
- Directly export a survey file to GageView software
- Take advantage of 4 to 5 times faster data transfer versus the previous model, the 38DL PLUS™ (38DLP™) gauge
Works with GageView PC Software
- Use the USB connection to enable two-way transfer of thickness readings
- Attach custom note files to survey files
- Create or print color-coded grid reports with accompanying statistics
- View A-scans and readings
Screenshot of GageView software, a Windows-based application that collects, creates, prints, and manages data from the 39DLP gauge.
Summary
The 39DLP ultrasonic thickness gauge is a popular instrument choice for inspectors in various industries and areas.
The latest built-in wireless capabilities present inspectors with useful opportunities to make their workflows more efficient. They can even leverage the 39DLP instrument for tasks that could not previously be performed using a thickness gauge.
Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by Tim Nelson, Product Specialist II, Portable NDT Solutions, Evident.
This information, including images, has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Evident—NDT. For more information on this source, please visit EvidentScientific.com.
39DL PLUS, 39DLP, 38DL PLUS, 38DLP, and GageView are trademarks of Evident Corporation or its subsidiaries.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Evident Corporation is under license.