Buckleys launches new generation testing kit
Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 56, Issue 1
The latest generation of an award-winning testing kit that detects faults in insulating anti corrosive coatings is being launched by market leading British company Buckleys (UVRAL) Ltd For decades, Buckleys’ portable testing kits have been a familiar sight on construction and building sites across the UK and around the world, on land and at sea.
The independently-owned firm makes a range of equipment used for locating pinholes, faults and other defects (or “holidays”) in non-conductive coatings and linings, spark testers, pipeline inspection trolleys plus a range of products for monitoring corrosion in underwater structures like oil rigs,harbours and piers. Buckleys’ kits are used in sectors like construction,roofing, pipelines, marine, oil production, pharmaceutical and medical.
The Kent-based company has spent two years researching and developing the latest generation of its pinhole holiday detector testing equipment and is now launching the all-new Buckleys PD130 (Figure 1). Designed to be the firm’s lightest and most versatile holiday detector, it has already proved itself in trials.
Buckleys’ Managing Director Paul Hoveman said that the company had consulted customers on the design. “Thousands of our kits are already in use around the world and have earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy and durability. We are confident that the new PD130 will build on that and prove to be very popular with clients,” he said.
The PD130 weighs just 1.6 kg and is carried in a shoulder bag. It tests coating thicknesses of 16 μm to 14.4 mm and has a long operating time(around 10 h). Other key features include:
Volume control for quiet environments.
Audible and visible alarms when a fault is detected.
Selection of additional electrodes, either straight or curved, and extension rods (all interchangeable with existing PHD kit).
Adjustable output voltages from 1 to 30 kV.
Displays electrode DC current and has adjustable DC alarm sensitivity.
Paul says the PD130 is packed with user-friendly features. It is easy to set the sensitivity level and the two-line LCD not only displays the test voltage but also the electrode current, allowing the operator to set accurate alarm sensitivity thresholds. An integrated test voltage calculator means no need for look-up tables. It automatically calculates the test voltage once the operator enters the coating thickness in metric and imperial formats.
The PD130 is supplied with high capacity D cell rechargeable batteries and the external charger allows charging from the mains or a car cigarette lighter socket (ideal for use while on site). A curly low-tension electrode cable ensures no more shocks from damaged cables as no voltage is generated in the base unit, only in the probe tip.
Paul said: The PD130 is micro-processor controlled and the test voltage can be set in kV or by using the NACE formula which has been pre-programmed. It has been independently tested for safety and is CE compliant. The basic PD130 test kit is competitively priced. Additional extension rods and electrodes, plus a toughened transit case, are also available.
All Buckleys products are backed up with a fast repair and re-calibration service to enable customers to fully maintain their testing equipment, ensuring years of reliable service and great value for money.
For more information visit www.buckleys.co.uk
