UNISCOPE

The universal NDT instrument outlined below, named «UNISCOPE», is the company’s state-of-the-art design, intended to satisfy the highest requirements of NDT experts. At present, on the basis of a single hardware platform the instrument incorporates the two-channel AE system with advanced features, the acoustic leak detector, the tensometer and the vibrometer. Furthermore, additional functions of «UNISCOPE» are under development, which in the long view will allow for using this device as an ultrasonic thickness meter, a generator of test electric and elastic impulses, an integrated thickness meter, a measuring instrument of electrochemical potentials and terrestrial currents, an eddy-current scanner and a magnetometer. Such universality is reached through using various external measuring units to be connected to the common computing device, provided with generic software with the modern friendly interface.

For information visualization, the device is equipped with a display protected with a transparent plate from mechanical and climatic impacts. Battery charging (p. 3, fig. 2) and electric supply state (p.4, fig. 2) LED indicators are located on the face side of the device. The electric supply switch (p. 3, fig. 1), two connectors for sources of analog systems (p.4a, 4b fig. 1), two connectors for external digital blocks (p. 6a, 6b fig. 1), as well as the section of interface connectors protected with a plug (p. 5, fig.1) are located on the side of the device containing, in particular, a connector for storage batteries charging.

Fig. 1. General view of the device (1 — keyboard, 2 — display, 3 — power button, 4а — analog channel 1 connector, 4b — analog channel 2 connector, 5 — cap of the connectors compartment, 6а, 6b — connectors for external matching units attachment, 7 — synchronization input connector, 8 — synchronization output connector)

Fig. 2 Face panel (1 — control keyboard part, 2 — navigation and input keyboard part, 3 — power supply indicator, 4 — battery charge indicator)

Distinctive peculiarities of «UNISCOPE»:

• small weight and optimal ergonomics for field operation;
• reliable protection from unfavourable external impacts;
• possible operation at negative temperatures;
• high modern level of hardware and software;
• two wide-band analog and two digital channels for connection of external measuring blocks;
• graphic image of results at the LCD display with light diode illumination;
• storage of big volumes of data at easily accessible information carriers;
• possible unification of two and more devices for multichannel measurements;
• prolonged operation from two built-in storage batteries.

Description of main operation modes

In the mode of AE measurements «UNISCOPE» is intended for nondestructive testing without decommission of industrial and technological pipelines, adapters and jumpers, gate valves and pressure regulators, vessels and cylinders, hoisting mechanisms and other industrial equipment along with possible linear localization and operative assessment of danger degree of AE sources.

Besides, in order to improve quality of useful signal separation at the background of various noises charge digital frequency filters and preliminary hardware filtration of input data by parameters of AE impulses are used. In parallel with AE registration by two analog channels parametric information can be recorded and by two digital channels in the single time scale for higher quality of the diagnostic information analysis.

In the leakage detection mode the «UNISCOPE» makes it possible to detect and quantitatively assess the values of gate valves leakages of various types and intention, working pressure and diameter for liquid and gaseous working environment. The leakage detection function is implemented on the basis of registration channels of AE impulses. The typical shape of leakage signals is identified by the system software. The value of medium consumption is evaluated on the basis of parameters of these signals. Depending on the type of the working medium, passage diameter and operating pressure of gate valves the average error of leakage may be equal from 0.1 to 20 l/min.

In the strain measurement mode the «UNISCOPE» is used for measuring the object nominal diameter in the real time scale. An important operation peculiarity in this mode is its possible use along with AE measurements for parametric testing accompaniment by means of observation of the changed value and loading character.

Unit «UNISCOPE» in Ex version and external matching unit «UNE-P» in Ex version have design implementing type of protection «n» (IEC 60079-15) and intrinsic safety «i» type for external circuits with level of protection «ia» (IEC 60079-11). Unit «UNISCOPE» in Ex version meets the requirements of IEC 60079-0. AE preamplifier «UNP» in Ex version is intrinsically safe (IEC 60079-11). Unit «UNISCOPE» in Ex version and connected devices can be located in hazardous areas according to their marking. Charger and interfaces connectors usage is forbidden in hazardous areas.

Explosion protection of AE preamplifier «UNP» in Ex version is provided by matching its intrinsically safe parameters with output intrinsically safe parameters of unit «UNISCOPE» in Ex version.

Accessories

	Charger
	AE preamplifier «UNP»
	AE sensor
	AE sensor magnetic holder
	Measuring amplifier for strain gage transducers «MC3»
	External matching unit «UNE-P»
	Digital channel cable
	Preamplifier cable
	Parametric cable «MC3»

Basic technical specifications

Shut-off valve leak detection method using «UNISCOPE» device

Purpose:

Among the main functions of «UNISCOPE» device there are revealing and quantitatively estimating the leakage rate in shut-off valves of various type and purpose, the operating pressure and diameter for liquid and gaseous operating fluid.

The basic operational characteristic of any shut-off valve is the tightness. Tightness regarding outdoor environment prevents discharge of explosive, flammable and toxic materials into the atmosphere. At the same time, the valve internal tightness guarantees the accurate compliance with the operating procedures and helps to avoid any product losses while being delivered to the consumer.

In the leak detection mode the «UNISCOPE» device with high precision detects any faults of tightness within shut-off valve assembly, locates leak points and estimates gas or liquid loss volume:

• in shut-off valves of different types: gate, wedge, ball and disk shutter;
• in shut-off valves of underground or ground-based installations;
• for different media: natural gas, petroleum, water, etc.;
• in a wide range of boom drift diameter of 15 to 1400 mm (0.5 to 55 in).

Leakage detection method:

The detection method is based upon that fact that the gas or liquid leakage is accompanied by acoustic waves being spread within the tested object and registered by sensors that are mounted on the valve body. With the help of special data processing, the peculiar leaking signals are singled out. Their presence point out the occurrence of any leakage and their parameters define the leakage rate.

For the estimation of gas or liquid loss volume the empirical dependence is used. It has been obtained during the examination and testing of large number of shut-off valves. The determined dependence lets to take into account not only the type of shut-off valve, its size and operating conditions, but also different types of media as well.

Application:

Shut-off valve leakage detection method using «UNISCOPE» device is completely automated and does not require any additional training for operators. On the color device screen the general view of valve body is shown. The points to be measured are marked with indicators. With successive sensors reinstallation, the operator measures the acoustic noise within the testing points, the number of which can vary from 1 to 8, depending on valve type, size and geometry. It takes you no more than 15 minutes to complete the procedure. Once the data are acquired, they are automatically processed. The result of data processing is the tightness confirmation or the ascertainment of shut-off valve leakage and loss volume estimation.

Advantages:

Acoustic determination method and loss volume estimation are easy to use. They do not require any expensive pneumatic and hydraulic tests. All measurements are performed directly on the valve body without contacting flammable and explosive materials. The application of this method serves for the high performance testing. Using this method you can test and measure dozens of valves during a working shift.