TCR Arabia has now acquired the FloormapVS2i floor scanner. This is a computerized MFL tank bottom scanner designed to detect and size underfloor corrosion for above ground storage tanks.
TCR Arabia uses the latest version of MFL floor scanner to deliver significant improvements in terms of defect positioning, electronic data processing and software manipulation. The VS2i contains a new high-specification encoder system which is electronically calibrated to each individual scanner eliminating errors caused by component tolerances. The FloormapVS2i gives accuracy to within 3 mm on an 8-meter track length and providing it is calibrated on an annual basis will not be affected by normal wear and tear.
Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is an advanced magnetic method of nondestructive testing used for tank inspection. At areas where there is corrosion or missing metal, the magnetic field "leaks" from the steel.
In an MFL tool, a magnetic detector is placed between the poles of the magnet to detect the leakage field. Analysts interpret the chart recording of the leakage field to identify damaged areas and hopefully to estimate the depth of metal loss.
Tank Inspection Limitations
The sensitivity of the above systems varies with increasing floor thickness - please contact us for limits. Similarly, there are limitations to the maximum thickness of coating through which satisfactory inspection can be carried out as floor thickness increases. The FloormapVS2 system is only suitable for floors up to 12.5mm thick. However, above this thickness, the system can be used in Manual Mode.
As with all inspection methods the effectiveness of inspection is affected by the cleanliness and preparation of the floor. In particular, magnetic debris and weld spatter can lead to false indications.
Each of the tank floor inspection systems has a physical limit to the proximity to lap welds and shell to annular welds that can be achieved. There is also a square in each corner of a floor plate that cannot be inspected. These untested areas will be inspected using conventional Ultrasonics'.