AE m o n i t o r can be used in hazardous areas Continuous monitoring of acoustic emission associated with crack growth and corrosion in pipes, pressure vessels and structural steelwork in hazardous areas is now possible with new equipment developed by AVT Engineering Services Limited.

The equipment, based on the Vulcan acoustic emission monitor, has been certified as intrinsically safe; it is primarily designed for long term continuous monitoring of in-service plant by use of an on-line intelligent filter to separate background noise and other signals from genuine acoustic emissions. Vulcan will run unattended with data analysis at user-determined intervals.

Alternatively, the Vulcan system can be used for short term pres- sure cycle or hydrostatic test monitoring.

AVT Group, AVTECH House, Birdhall Lane, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire SK3 0XU, UK

Portable l ight source for e n d o s c o p e s

A portable light source for use with borescopes and fibrescopes has been launched by KMI (KeyMed Industrial). The KLS--101B fits into a carrying pouch together with a rechargeable battery. The 75 W output provides 20 rain of light without the need for a mains power line, car battery power or battery belt.

KMI, KeyMed House, Stock Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5QH, UK

KMI's portable light source

A statistical process control interface for the CL204 digital thickness meter has been intro- duced by Wells Krautkramer. Used in conjunction with a Mitutoyo SPC mini-processor, the system is capable of gene- rating hard copy records of thickness measurements pro- viding statistical analysis of a series of readings as well as producing histograms and frequency tables.

CL204 instruments can be supplied already fitted with the new interface at a price in the UK of around £2600. Alterna- tively, existing users can return their instruments to their local representative for modification. This will cost about £650 in the UK

Linked to a Mitutoyo DP-3 mini- processor, readings from the thickness meter can be recor-

ded at the press of a button. Programmed to accept up to 999 readings, the processor will automatically print statistics for those readings when the series is complete. Information printed consists of the number of read- ings, maximum and minimum readings, range, mean and stan- dard deviation. From these results X-R control charts can be prepared. Histograms and frequency tables can also be produced by the printer, in up to four colours, from a specified series of readings.

The CL204, which is powered by rechargeable batteries, reads in both metric and imperial units. Overall range is 0.25 to 99.99 mm.

Wells Krautkramer, Blackhorse Road, Letchworth, Herts SG6 1HF, UK

Tester detects excess surface hardness A method of detecting excess surface hardness in iron castings has been introduced by K.J. Law Engineers Inc. Using a portable Verimet M 1900 tester, workers can identify and separate parts with high surface carbide caused by chill prior to machining.

Materials can be tested for softness (machinability), alloy, heat treatment material mix or case depth. Depending on the application, either a spot probe or encircling coil is used. Parts are tested by positioning them close to the probe or placing them in the test coil. A three-digit display provides a clear readout of test signal responses. The only function

control is a test frequency selector offering test frequencies of 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz and 1 O0 kHz. The unit weighs 1.1 kg and measures 165 x 95 x 63 mm.

IEJ. Law Engineers Inc, 23660 Research Drive, Farmington Hills, M148024-1089, USA

The Verimet M1900 has a three-digit display

NDT INTERNATIONAL. OCTOBER 1986 353