The SciAps Z-902 Carbon is carbon-specifically designed to be used in the pipeline application where only one complete analyzer is needed and is in agreement with PHMSA and general industry guidelines. It is a special NDT/PMI instrument that can measure the carbon content and a broad variety of alloys and alloy bases.
The new handheld LIBS system offered by SciAps gives measurements of carbon concentration, carbon equivalent data and other alloying elements like silicon, titanium, vanadium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, niobium and molybdenum among others. The integrated Pipeline App is designed to evaluate carbon and carbon equivalent, especially based on the American Petroleum Institute (API) Specification 5L.
Based on the design of the most recent XRF platform by SciAps, the new LIBS series will include a better ergonomic design, a decrease in weight to about 0.5 lbs. (to roughly 3.5 lbs. or 1.6 kg), improved heat management, and improved software and processing electronics.
The Z-902 Carbon is a sibling to the Z-901, being part of the Z-900 Series, with two spectrometers (an upgrade to the single spectrometer of the Z-901). This arrangement extends the spectral range to 190 nm at high resolution, providing accurate carbon measurement in steels, stainless steels and other alloys. The system can be calibrated at the factory with about 15-20 elements on seven most popular alloy bases, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, titanium and copper. The manufacturer or the user can add additional calibrations or alloy bases.
SciAps LIBS analyzer has become highly acceptable to large major pipeline operators and NDT service providers as an alternative to spark OES testing and lab based analysis. Many of these are in operation today to inspect pipelines. A recommended testing procedure is provided to each analyzer and it contains instructions on how to prepare samples and on the use of certified reference materials to ensure quality.
The important characteristics of the instrument are an internal camera that allows to target the points of analysis accurately, especially at the welds, and a macro camera that allows to capture images, read barcodes and scan QR codes. It also includes a patented sample sensor which can be operated with Class 1 (approved by Laser Safety Officer). It has an Android-based interface and app-based software with a high-resolution rear display to easily view the results.
It is constructed using a robust metallic casing to make it last longer and has a taper and narrow probe tip to reach welds and restricted areas to inspect. It also provides in-depth reporting and cloud data management. A high number of tests can be performed at a low cost per-test using user-replaceable argon.
SciAps is a fast growing business with an emphasis on handheld analytical technology. Its LIBS product family serves alloy analysis, environmental testing, mining and general material characterization analysis, especially of low-atomic-number elements not measurable with handheld XRF. To supplement these systems, the company has a XRF range, with one of them being the SciAps X-550, which is capable of providing high performance in a small and lightweight package.
The real-life application of LIBS can be observed in First Gas, the largest gas network operator in New Zealand. The company operates more than 2500 km of high pressure gas transmission pipeline and about 4800 km of distribution pipeline in the North Island. It has been using SciAps handheld LIBS analyzers since 2018 to enhance efficiency and cost reduction in repair operations, especially in PMI, carbon equivalent determination, and pipeline maintenance operations.
