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Electronic Position Indicator (EPI) / Computer Monitoring Button
What is a Computer Monitoring Button (CMB)?
The CMB is a battery-free read/write memory device that is used to store
and retrieve inspection-related data and can be linked to any windows-based software.
How is it used?
Pre-programmed CMBs can be located on or near the asset to be inspected, i.e. process equipment, tanks, vessels, pipelines, valves, flanges, PMI applications, etc. During site inspections, the inspector can, in any sequence, retrieve stored data to identify the CML (TML) and record current thickness readings by momentary contact with a handheld reader that is synchronized with the inspector's UT meter.
The handheld reader is designed with built-in warnings to alert for out-of-spec parameters (growth, thinning, and Tmin measurements) allowing the inspector to make real-time comparisons with previous readings.
Current inspection data is automatically written to the CMB and stored in the handheld reader and linked to that CML. The newly acquired data is automatically downloaded from the handheld reader to the customer's database for review or to generate reports, thus eliminating any possibility of human errors due to transposition and data entry.
Data typically stored, but not limited to, on the CMB at the CML (TML)
• CML (TML) Number
• Equipment Circuit ID
• Nominal Thickness
• Location (Unit, Department, or Building)
• Last Inspection Date
• Current Thickness Readings
• Previous Thickness Readings
• Thickness Minimum
• Material Grade
• Time/Date
• GPS Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)
• Field Notes |
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Data is mapped precisely to fields in customer's database. This data is then written to CMBs in the office or written to the reader and later loaded to the button in the field.
The EPI offers the potential to improve productivity by eliminating and/or reducing the time and inconvenience associated with first having to access a central database. Data stored on each EPI is retrieved by momentary contact of the EPI Reader and can be viewed and updated ONSITE.
Never compromise the integrity of your database.
- Each EPI can also be updated to include a date and time stamp of the last inspection.
- No more downloading files to a D-Meter, and then having the TML location misinterpreted,
thus risking the integrity of the data due to human error.
- When combined with the GPS option, the location of each EPI can be recorded separately.
The EPI Reader can then be used as a directional finder to locate the EPI in the field providing
labor efficiency for faster field work or pre-turnaround operations.
- The EPI and EPI Reader are fully compatible with your Panametrics and Krautkramer Ultrasonic
Thickness Meters. Our Programmers can link your software as we have with Ultra Pipe and
PCMS for easy, hands-free data transfer to your PC. We are also in the process of integrating
the CMB technology with Meridium.
- All EPI Locator and Readers come with a series of unique code numbers specific to your facility
for security measures. TML data consists of Nominal Thickness, TML #, Location, Circuit ID, and
Material Type which allows inspectors to verify information onsite.
- Allows you to turn your button into a mini hard drive and drag and drop data directly
from your laptop. Your Excel, Word, PDFs, or any software format can be stored and retrieved.
- Let PetroChem show you how easy it is to setup and install into your existing system.
What is the life expectancy of the CMB?
The CMB is non-emitting and has unlimited read/write modifications with unlimited reads and more than a million write cycles. Data retention is extended 100 years every time it is read. Made of Incoly 825, the CMB is designed to last the life of the asset to which it is attached.
What are the proven benefits?
Automation of data collection; Accuracy for data integrity; Verification of inspection work performed with time/date audit trail; Elimination of human errors resulting in less repetitive work.
For more information, contact
us.
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