Microchip labels retain and manage cathodic protection system test data

Microchip labels retain and manage cathodic protection system test dataKeywords: Cathodic protection, Corrosion resistance, Data systems

BAC Corrosion Control has introduced a new identification system that can be incorporated into cathodic protection equipment and test facilities to retain and manage information and data. The heart of BAC's Smart Points is a tiny electrical microchip-based tag or label.

The chip itself is embedded in a corrosion-resistant metal disc that can be permanently attached to components and test equipment and is available in several sizes. The smallest is 3.5mm diameter and 0.8mm thick. Next comes a 5mm diameter version, 1.25mm thick and then there is a 7mm long M3 hexagon-headed screw type (see Plate 2). The largest is on the head of an 11.5mm long M5 hex screw. The two 3.5mm tags and the M3 screw version have memory capacities of two 58-character pages each. For the 5mm label and the M5 screw memory capacity increases to four 122-character pages. Labels will reportedly operate within the temperature range –25°C to +85°C, which means that they can be used on systems all over the world, from the Arctic Circle to the Tropics.

 Plate 2Heart of BAC's new Smart Point ® identification and CP test data management system is a tiny electrical microchip. Smallest is 3.5mm diameter (white area is 5mm square) and the largest is on the head of an M5 screw

Reading and writing Smart Point and labels are achieved with a hand-held computer, such as a Palm, or laptop computer via a read/write pen. The hand-held can also be provided with a bar-code reader to convert existing data to Smart Point and format. There are also connectivity and software options for laptop or desktop PCs.

As access to the Smart Point and label memory is said to be very secure, it can be used to save and manage data from test facilities and power supplies in cathodic protection systems. This enables the operator to compare data from previous surveys and confirm that data have been collected. Non-changing data can be retained on permanent pages of the label with changing data kept on other editable pages.

The Smart Point label can also hold information on the origin and conformity of a product and can be used to record serial numbers and ratings of transformer rectifiers, or similar equipment. It can retain basic data, typically service information such as model type and dates of manufacture, installation,calibration and commissioning.

The information is stated to be preserved throughout the entire life of the equipment and therefore is a useful aid to traceability. Owing to their small size, labels can be hidden within the equipment, thus permitting access by approved personnel only, if required. From the first time of use the Smart Point label is irreversibly dedicated to the customer's application.

Further details are available from: BAC Corrosion Control. Tel: +44 (0)1952 290321; Fax: +44 (0)1952 290325; E-mail: bac@bacgroup.com;Web site: www.bacgroup.com