Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment for Divers and ROVs from the Global UTG Specialist Cygnus

One of the first products that Cygnus brought to market in the 1980s was a handheld subsea ultrasonic thickness gauge (UTG). And it is testament to the outstanding original design that little changed in its fundamental form over more than three decades. Indeed, for many the name “Cygnus” became synonymous with a subsea inspection.

But as technology, working practises and training have all advanced, Cygnus has introduced new products to cope not only with the changing inspection landscape - but also with the varying conditions of the subsea environment itself.

Cygnus DIVE

In strong currents – or where two hands are needed for any other reason – a “hands-free” subsea solution is extremely desirable.

As well as a handheld device, Cygnus offers the commercial divers a hands- free choice – Cygnus DIVE, the only underwater thickness gauge in the world that is worn on the wrist.

On top of this ergonomic advantage, the DIVE has several more features that are useful to the commercial diver in 2020. First and foremost is the availability of “Single-Echo” (SE) and “Echo-Echo” (EE) measuring modes which are extremely useful on heavy corrosion. Even the most corroded piling measurements are now obtainable using SE mode.

An A-scan is now standard on all DIVE models too; a live A-scan display can be particularly useful when taking measurements in SE or EE modes on heavy corrosion – as it will enable the user to verify those measurements.

Data-logging of up to 5,000 readings – accompanied by their A-scan – is also available; measurements can be saved and referred back to at a later stage – and that information can then be quickly and easily dropped in to a PDF to form a client report.

The DIVE unit continues to have the Cygnus-pioneered “Multiple-Echo” (ME) technique which will “read- through” coatings up to 20mm thick and negate the need for coatings to be removed. This saves both time and money – as there is no need to damage and then replace expensive subsea protective coatings.

Hand-held or PC-based topside repeating functionality is also available for the team at the surface.

Cygnus ROV Range

As the use of ROVs becomes ever more prevalent in the subsea and offshore inspection sector, Cygnus also offers two ROV-mountable ultrasonic thickness gauges; a Mini-ROV solution (for observation class ROVs) and a 2,000m depth- rated UTG unit, that is designed for medium to work class ROVs. These two ROV thickness gauging units are extremely durable and simple to use.

Dedicated software displays the date, time and thickness readings on the surface which can be logged and stored for later reference and for inclusion in client reports. And a Topside Repeater (TSR) provides the ability to present the thickness measurements remotely and overlay them on to a video signal. This also permits the UTG measurements to be superimposed on the ROV camera’s monitor screen.

George Gair, Inspection Manager for Film Ocean (www.film-ocean.com) in Ellen, Scotland had the following to say on the Cygnus ROV range:

“I have used Cygnus UT systems for many years and to me they deliver what’s required for quick and reliable results. As we move even more towards ROV based operations, having a cost- effective wall thickness capability is a key component in our service offering- and Cygnus does just that!”