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What is Visual Plus?
Visual Plus is a non-destructive testing (NDT) device which utilizes eddy currents to detect neck and shoulder cracks, folds or other similar imperfections in aluminum gas vessels. such as scuba. SCBA (all metal, hoop-wrap or full wrap), beverage, medical, industrial gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, etc.
How does Visual Plus work?
The unit uses the eddy current method of testing to locate and size imperfections (cracks, folds or pits) in aluminum pressure vessels. An electromagnetic wave is introduced into the metal of the vessels near the area which is desirable to inspect for imperfections (the threaded area). The wave causes currents to flow in a circular manner in the metal. They are called eddy currents because the flow is circular. An imperfection can increase the path that the currents have to flow and so make the material appear higher in resistance in that region where the imperfection is present.
Why do you need Visual Plus?
Visual Plus will detect the smallest of imperfections. Field trials revealed that even the best trained and most experienced visual inspectors can miss or wrongly diagnose a phenomenon, such as a hairline crack, fold or tooling smear.
Hydrostatic testing does not reveal cracking in the neck/shoulder area of cylinders. The testing will only detect neck/shoulder cracks when a leak occurs.
The closer a cylinder gets to leaking the greater the chance of a catastrophic failure (explosion). Suspect cylinders need to be removed from service long before a leak is detected.
Reduces time spent performing a diligent visual inspection. The Visual Plus shows you exactly where to find the imperfection. The 'electronic eye' of the Visual Plus unit will detect imperfections that the human eye will easily miss.
Eliminates questionable diagnosis. You no longer have to call upon several sets of eyes to determine if you have a condemned cylinder.
It can sometimes take five minutes or more to diligently inspect the threaded area of cylinders. With Visual Plus an inspection can be performed in less than two minutes.
When an imperfection is found who determines whether the imperfection found would condemn the cylinder? Leave the decision to the Visual Plus unit.
Does the imperfection have depth?... Is it a tooling smear or is it a crack? The Visual Plus unit will alert the inspector if the imperfection has depth. You could be condemning a cylinder that is perfectly sound.
What does a crack look like? The Visual Plus unit will show you exactly where to look to find the imperfection. Some inspectors may not know the difference between a tooling smear, a fold or a crack.
Bring consistency to your visual inspections:
How many different sets of eyes do you have visually inspecting cylinders? Visual Plus is absolute and Its 'electronic eye' sees the same each and every time.
Who's eyes make the final decision? Visual Plus will make your decisions easy.
Why take a chance when you can be certain? If an imperfection is found but you cannot be certain if it has depth, what do you do? Do you return it to service or do you return it to the manufacturer? Who pays the shipping if the imperfection turns out to be tooling marks?
Give the best possible service to your customers. Your customers will appreciate the efforts of your inspections and probably recommend your facility to others.
Eliminate human error.
Why should you buy a Visual Plus
unit?
The safety of you, your employees, and your customers is paramount. Do not compromise safety.
What do I receive in my Visual Plus pack?
Your Visual Plus pack includes:
1 Visual Plus unit,
1 Scuba Probe,
1 Test Standard,
1 Probe Connecting Cable,
1 Transformer,
1 Computer Cable,
Visual Plus Software (software to help store data of visual inspections),
1 Wall Poster and Window Sticker (to advertise your electronic inspections
to your customers),
500 VIsual Plus Tank Stickers (to inform the refill stations that
the cylinder has been electronically inspected),
500 Promotional Brochures (to inform the cylinder owner that you are using
state-of-the-art inspection equipment), and
1 How-To video.
Contact Information
Corporate Headquarters
Advanced Inspection Technology
Phone: (909) 369-0945
Fax: (909) 369-7313
E-mail: visualplus@aol.com
Call for a demonstration or a free Introduction/How-to Video.
Note: In the interest of promoting scuba tank safety, this page was formatted as a courtesy to the Advanced Inspection Technology company and was based largely on one of their brochures. I (Chris's Uncle) am not affiliated with this company in any way, however, this complany is owned by Luxfer. Their Visual Plus product has been recommended to me by several people as being a breakthrough in scuba tank safety. Some cracks can be so small that they are essentially invisible to the naked eye. The Visual Plus device uses electronics to catch hidden defects that are difficult, if not impossible, to find otherwise.
Aluminum scuba tanks made from alloy 6351-T6 that are over 10 years old are highly susceptible to SLC (Sustained Load Cracking) which is what caused the tank in Chris's case to explode. If, for whatever reason, you cannot discard or refuse to fill these tanks, consider requiring the tank to be electronically inspected with an eddy current device at least twice a year before you fill them. Isn't your safety and the safety of your employees and customers worth something?
Back to Chris's Scuba Tank Safety Page