MFL 2000
MFL Corrosion Detection Floor Scanner
The new generation tank floor scanner
The MFL 2000 corrosion detection floor scanner from Silverwing is a combination of new magnetic technology and customer led ergonomic mechanical design. The system is designed specifically with the operator in mind, the motorised scanner takes all the strain giving you more consistent results and less operator dependancy. The availability of a new consistent high quality, magnetic material in 1999 has allowed a complete re-design of the MFL 2000 magnet design. In addition the mechanical design has overcome some of the more difficult and time consuming set-up procedures and also eliminated vulnerable cabling reducing maintenance costs.
The latest generation sintered neodymium iron boron magnetic material is used in the MFL2000 inspection system. After extensive mathematical modelling Silverwing have designed a magnet that not only gives an increased flux density within the plate but also reduces attractive force. This not only means it is easier for the operator to handle the unit, reducing physical stress and hopefully increasing productivity, but reduces wear and tear on the unit itself. The stronger more uniform field achieved across the magnet width, coupled with cut out carriage design allows inspection closer to the edge of the plate than before, allowing detection of corrosion at the edge of the heat affected zone. A further benefit from the mathematical modelling and the revised magnet construction is that we have been able to design the transit case so that the unit can be considered non hazardous (non-magnetic) for air transport. |
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In direct response to customers' requests cables have been eliminated wherever possible. Those that are necessary have been made heavy duty; use military specification bayonet connectors, and are easily accessible and in full view of the operator. The magnet height has been fixed and the sensor head adjustment simplified. To set the height two plastic strips, supplied with the unit, are placed under the sensor head and the thumbscrews adjusted until the sensor just rests on the strips.
MFL Control Panel
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MFL 2000 rear showing gas damper |
Underside of MFL
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Large diameter rollers are used on the magnetic carriage, use of these, in conjunction with the gas strut damper mechanism, have eliminated variations in the magnet height due to poor surface conditions, which may have given erroneous indications. All controls have been situated in a recess at the top of the handles, allowing easy viewing and adjustment by the operator while being protected against accidental adjustment. One of the two 'steering' handles is detachable to assist with tank entry through narrow man ways.
The system is currently in operation in a variety of countries ranging from Australia on one side of the world to Hawaii on the other and most points in-between. Due to the geographical spread of the equipment, it has been exposed to a wide variety of climatic conditions and performed well in all of them. It is also expected to operate in widely varying levels of cleanliness, ranging from shot blasted and primed, to simply drained with no cleaning. The feedback from our wide geographical customer base has allowed us to design the MFL 2000 to meet the technical expectations of most operators whilst still being able to cope with variable operating conditions.
Technical and Performance Specification
Principle of operation |
Magnetic Flux Leakage |
Detection |
36 off Hall Effect sensors |
Scan width |
300mm |
Method of propulsion |
DC motor |
Speed |
0.5m/sec |
Thickness range |
Maximum 20mm |
Test through coatings |
Yes if non magnetic |
Maximum coating thickness |
6mm |
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10% underfloor on un-coated 6mm plate
20% underfloor on coated 6mm plate |
Autostop |
Yes |
Power requirements |
12v battery operation
1 X 28 Ah battery supplied and 1 intelligent charger allowing 10 hour continuous working |
Transit case |
Meets IATA requirements for transporting magnetizable material |
Operating weight |
47Kg |
Patent No 5,619,136
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