Wireless UT Sensors - The "New Norm"
The concept for deployment of installed ultrasonic sensors to either replace or augment manual inspections is by no means a newfangled idea.
Nothing like a crisis to force people think and act differently. The concept for deployment of installed ultrasonic sensors to either replace or augment manual inspections is by no means a newfangled idea. The first versions of installed sensors, introduced over 20 years ago, were hard wired and extremely niche as they were expensive and limited in capability. As with all technology, as components get smaller, sensors can be more easily deployed/integrated and become more affordable. The same can be said about wireless UT sensors. This presentation will provide a technical overview of wireless UT sensors and how COVID19 had an immediate impact on deployment of the technology with case studies supporting real-world deployments.
Over the last decade, the wireless UT sensor concept has seen vast technological advancements. Then COVID19 arrived, and the world changed in a matter of weeks. Social distancing, working remotely, and drastic downsizing became immediately paramount. Refineries slashed personnel on site by upwards of 80% to allow only essential staff to remain. The sudden halt in travel caused an immediate drop in the price of crude oil and supply glut, which shocked the O&G world. CAPEX budgets were slashed, workers were laid off or furloughed, and the few who remained were forced to find ways to do more with less. Suddenly, the concept of wireless UT sensors not only started to make a lot of sense, but became a necessity.
CONTRIBUTORS
Steve Strachan
Steve is the VP of sales for Sensor Networks, Inc. (SNI) for North America. SNI is a technology company which manufactures remote monitoring equipment for critical assets in industrial sectors. SNI designs wireless UT sensors, remote visual cameras and retrieval equipment, and conventional and phased array transducers for a multitude of inspections and asset integrity solutions. Steve is a graduate from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining Sensor Networks, Inc., Steve worked for GE Inspection Technologies as a graduate of the Commercial Leadership Program and worked as a Sales Regional Manager and Product Manager for Ultrasound, Digital Radiography, and Handheld XRF (PMI). Steve is based in Sensor Networks’ Houston office.
