Because working in potentially explosive atmospheres has a lot of strict and complex rules, regulations and procedures — especially when it comes to inspections using “Hot Tools” that can cause ignition — Cygnus Instruments, a manufacturer of digital multiple echo technology, has developed its new Cygnus 1 Ex gage.

Unlike ultrasonic testing (UT) equipment currently on the market, according to Cygnus Instruments, the Cygnus 1 Ex gage reportedly uses the Intrinsically Safe (IS) protection to ensure that under both normal uses and with applied fault conditions, no arc or spark can be generated, and no component can heat up enough to cause an explosion during hazardous area inspection.

Source: Cygnus Instruments

As such, the 1 Ex can be safely used in “Zone 0” hazardous areas such as oil and gas refineries, mines and fuel depots.

Another benefit of IS design of the 1 Ex is that it can perform live testing safely within hazardous areas without a Hot Work Permit or plant shutdown, making it ideal for anyone working around open flames and heat application services. Cygnus suggests that its Cygnus 1 Ex gage saves time and money while allowing wall measurement surveys to be conducted at any time, making inspection quick and simple despite challenging environments.

Further, the display offers four screen views: Measurement, A-Scan, Data-logging and B-Scan, installation which can be easily rotated using the left and right navigation keys. Meanwhile, four function keys are integrated to match screens, maximizing ease and speed of control, the company explained. Users can also quickly switch the screen between a light or dark background to adapt to indoor and outdoor lighting while the gage’s Manual Measurement Mode allows gates and gain to be configured to suit specific applications. For post-inspection analysis, users can transfer data and generate reports using CygLink, easily connected via Bluetooth™ or a data port.

Importantly, the device also uses Cygnus’ multiple-echo technique, which ignores protective coatings — thereby negating the need and time for removing coatings or epoxy that safeguard against external or internal corrosion.

Cygnus’ Deep-Coat feature allows the gage to make the leap from measuring substrates through the standard 0.12 inch coatings, up to 0.8 inch thick coatings.

Visit the Cygnus 1 Ex product page for more information.