How It's Used

The EPI Button and Reader can be used in combination for many different applications. The list below contains just a few examples. If you think you have an application which isn't listed below, contact us and we can discuss the amazing adaptability of the EPI Technology.

 

Corrosion Measurement Locator

Pre-programmed CMB’s can be located on or near the asset to be inspected, i.e. process equipment, tanks, vessels, pipelines, valves, flanges, PMI applications, etc. During site inspections, the inspector can, in any sequence, retrieve stored data to identify the CML (TML) and record current thickness readings by momentary contact with a handheld reader that is synchronized with the inspector’s UT meter.  The handheld reader is designed with built-in warnings to alert for out-of-spec parameters (growth, thinning, and Tmin measurements) allowing the inspector to make real-time comparisons with previous readings.  Current inspection data is automatically written to the CMB and stored in the handheld reader and linked to that CML. The newly acquired data is automatically downloaded from the handheld reader to the customer’s database for review or to generate reports, thus eliminating any possibility of human errors due to transposition and data entry. 

Data typically stored, but not limited to, on the CMB at the CML (TML)

1. CML (TML) Number
2. Equipment Circuit ID
3. Nominal Thickness
4. Location (Unit, Department, or Building)
5. Last Inspection Date
6. Current Thickness Readings
7. Previous Thickness Readings
8. Thickness Minimum
9. Material Grade
10. Time/Date
11. GPS Coordinates (Lat/Long)
12. Field Notes.

 

Data is mapped precisely to fields in customer’s database and written to CMB’s before installed in the field.    

Download TML brochure here

 

Fugitive Emissions Point Locator

The EPI fugitive emissions point locator will save you time and money by helping to eliminate excessive labor cost related to locating Fugitive Emission points. Using a revolutionary, battery free, read/write electronic data storage device, the Electronic Position Indicator (EPI) will give you not only GPS coordinates, but location details in written text.  This device will help eliminate excessive labor cost by pinpointing the location for new scaffolding installations. Training new manpower issues are reduced dramatically by using the reader with detailed route instructions. After integrating the GPS locations and positioning the EPI’s, you can get directions to any FE point location with ease.

Each EPI is currently designed to read and store the following:

• Current FE Meter Reading
• Previous FE Meter Reading
• GPS location
• Date and Time Stamp

This data and time is stored in the EPI Reader along with the meter reading for verification. When finished, just download the stored information from the EPI Reader to your database in one easy, secure and error free step.

The EPI offers the potential to improve productivity by eliminating and/or reducing the time and inconvenience associated with locating existing tag numbers/FE points. Data stored on each EPI is retrieved by momentary contact of the EPI Reader and can be viewed and updated ONSITE.
 

Download FE brochure here.                                                                                                             

Never compromise the integrity of the database

 

• The EPI Reader can be used as a directional finder to locate the EPI’s in the field providing labor efficiency for faster field work.
  
• Save time and money by being able to pinpoint the location of scaffolds and eliminate costly labor and equipment charges.

 

 

Positive Material Identification

Thermo Scientific NITON® XL3 Series Alloy Analyzers Now Available with EPI for Secure On-site PMI Data Collection and  Storage

EPI technology is as easy to use as it is efficient.  A measurement is taken at a specific location.  If the GPS option is included, the latitude and longitude of the location are stored in the NITON XL3t along with the data from the measurement – to any flange, valve, or inspection port.  GPS provides the button bearing with directions (N, E, S, W) as well as physical location details in written text.  The comment field on the reader completes inspection or location details for any component.

After completing the 5 to 10 second analyzer reading, the data is transferred to the EPI reader/writer, which then downloads it through a cable and touch sensor and stores it in an EPI button that has been securely affixed to the test location.  Readings may be taken in any sequence on the test sample and/or equipment at the same time.  The data reader can retrieve the data from the button with one touch whenever needed.  It also can be used to download stored information directly to your database in one, easy, secure, and error-free step.  With each touch of the reader, the EPI button can be interrogated anytime later with data stored for an additional 100 years.

About Thermo Scientific NITON Alloy Analyzers

Our XL3 800 Series alloy analyzers provide among the fastest alloy grade identification and laboratory-quality composition analysis of metal alloys ever performed with a handheld XRF analyzer. Typical time for routine positive grade identification is less than 2 seconds – four times faster and twice as precise as our previous generation of award-winning instruments, increasing sample throughput and user productivity.

The instruments incorporate 80 MHz real-time digital signal processing and dual state-of-the-art embedded processors for computation, data storage, communication and other functions.  The x-ray tube-excited XL3t 800 features a 50 kV, 2-watt miniaturized x-ray tube with multiple multi-layer primary filters – the most powerful x-ray tube ever placed in a commercially available handheld XRF analyzer – to provide optimized excitation for elements ranging from chlorine through the transuranic elements.  The XL3t can also be equipped with small-spot sample analysis, allowing users to switch between full area analysis for large samples and a 3mm small-spot to analyze small sample areas.  The NITON XL3 Series offers the only fully-integrated and environmentally-sealed VIP™ tilting color touch-screen display for easy viewing of sample results in any position and under all lighting conditions.  In addition, all of our analyzers use third-generation lithium-ion batteries providing the longest usage cycle of any handheld XRF analyzer.

The XL3 Series comes with the NITON Data Transfer (NDT©) Software, a suite of data management utilities that allows users to produce certificates and reports, monitor or operate the instrument remotely from a PC or PDA.  The NDT file format preserves and protects the data from each sample analysis, ensuring that this data is not unintentionally or intentionally compromised.  The NDT software suite helps users document test results and ensures the quality and integrity of the data produced by the NITON XL3 Series analyzer.

EPI and NITON XL3 800 Series Analyzers – For All Your PMI Needs
When you combine electronic position indicator technology with the powerful Thermo Scientific NITON XL3t 800 Series alloy analyzer, you not only get the accurate, secure on-site PMI data collection and storage you need, you also get the quality results you deserve. 

 

Other Uses

NEW APPLICATIONS: EPI ATTACHED TO FLANGE ON NEW APF ASSEMBLY	NON-INSULATED APPLICATIONS: EPI ATTACHED TO PIPING FOR CHECKPOINT APPLICATIONS	JACKETED APPLICATIONS: EPI ATTACHED TO JACKETING NEXT TO INSTALLED APF ASSEMBLY

 

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