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MFL floor Scanner with STARS Top & Bottom Defect Discrimination
FLOORMAP3Di
MFL Floor Scanner with STARS Top & Bottom Defect Discrimination
Section 1
Hardware, Setup and
Operation
Silverwing UK Ltd Clos Llyn Cwm, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA6 8QY Wales, UK
t: +44 (0) 1792 585533 f: +44 (0) 1792 586044 e: support@silverwingndt.com w: www.silverwingndt.com
MANUFACTURER:
Silverwing (UK) Ltd.
Clos Llyn Cwm,
Swansea Enterprise Park,
Swansea,
SA6 8QY
Wales, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 1792 585533
Fax: +44 (0) 1792 586044
Email: sales@silverwingndt.com
Web: www.silverwingndt.com
DISTRIBUTOR:
The text, figures and programs have been worked out with the utmost care. However, we cannot
accept either legal responsibility or any liability for any incorrect statements which may remain,
and their consequences. The following documentation is protected by copyright. All rights
reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purposed without the
express written permission of Silverwing (UK) Ltd. The rights of reproduction through lectures,
radio and television are also reserved. The software and hardware descriptions referred in this
manual are in many cases registered trademarks and as such are subject to legal requirements.
Silverwing (UK) Ltd reserves the right to continue developing the system and software without
documenting each individual case. Silverwing (UK) Ltd will be happy to determine whether this
manual is up-to-date. Silverwing (UK) Ltd holds no responsibility for any damage or destruction
caused when following instructions within this manual.
This manual is part of the original documentation supplied with the Floormap3Di system.
Floormap3Di Operating Manual combined version 1.0 Section 1 – Hardware, Setup and Operation
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1 General Description ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Features of the Floormap3Di ................................................................................................................. 3
1.2.1 Floormap3Di Scanner.................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2 Floormap3Di Data Acquisition Software ........................................................................................ 4
1.2.3 Floormap3Di Desktop Data Acquisition Software ......................................................................... 4
1.2.4 SIMS (Silverwing Inspection Mapping Software) .......................................................................... 4
1.3 Intended Use .......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Intended User ......................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Components of the Floormap3Di System ........................................................................................... 6
2.1 Sitemaster2 Computer ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Floormap3Di Handles ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Battery / Motor Compartment ................................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Drive Motor ............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.5 Roller and Drive Wheels ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Encoder .................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.7 Magnet Bridge and Location of Sensors ................................................................................................ 9
2.8 MFL Sensor Head ................................................................................................................................ 10
2.9 STARS Sensor Head ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.10 Gas Strut ............................................................................................................................................. 11
3 Battery Operation ................................................................................................................................ 11
3.1 Fitting a Battery .................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Battery Charging ................................................................................................................................... 13
4 The Sitemaster2 Computer ................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 General Description .............................................................................................................................. 14
4.2 Specifications of Sitemaster2 ............................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Connecting the Sitemaster2 to the Floormap3Di Scanner ................................................................... 14
4.4 Touch screen ........................................................................................................................................ 15
4.5 Touch Screen Calibration ..................................................................................................................... 16
5 Packing the Floormap3Di Scanner for Transit ................................................................................. 17
6 Method of Operation ........................................................................................................................... 20
6.1 In Office (Pre-inspection) ...................................................................................................................... 20
6.2 Out of Tank Checklist (Pre-inspection) ................................................................................................. 20
6.2.1 Calibration Checklist .................................................................................................................... 22
6.3 In Tank Checklist................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3.1 Scan Checklist ............................................................................................................................. 24
6.4 Out of Tank Checklist (Post-inspection)................................................................................................ 24
6.5 In Office Checklist (Post-inspection) ..................................................................................................... 24
6.6 Recommended Inspection Floormap3Di Processes ............................................................................. 25
7 Engaging the Floormap3Di with an Inspection Surface .................................................................. 26
8 Mechanical Set-up ............................................................................................................................... 27
8.1 Adjusting the MFL Sensor Head Height ............................................................................................... 27
8.2 Adjusting the STARS Sensor Head Height .......................................................................................... 29
8.3 Calibration............................................................................................................................................. 29
8.3.1 Calibration and Inspection Surface Thicknesses ........................................................................ 30
9 Tank Entry with the Floormap3Di Scanner ....................................................................................... 31
10 Normal Scanning Procedure .............................................................................................................. 31
10.1 Repositioning the Floormap3Di .......................................................................................................... 32
10.2 Scanning Modes ................................................................................................................................. 32
10.3 Scan Coverage ................................................................................................................................... 34
10.4 Transverse Scans............................................................................................................................... 34
10.5 Tank Datum ........................................................................................................................................ 35
10.6 Numbering Scheme ............................................................................................................................ 37
10.7 Plate Reference .................................................................................................................................. 37
10.7.1 Irregular Rectangular Plates ...................................................................................................... 38
1 Introduction
The Floormap3Di is the latest generation Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) system that is used mainly for the
inspection of above ground storage tanks (ASTs).
The Floormap3Di system incorporates the latest advances in MFL research together with the innovative
STARS technology that is used to distinguish top and bottom defects.
The Floormap3Di gatherers the inspection data in a quick and efficient manner and displays the MFL
findings visually on the Sitemaster2 computer via Silverwing’s proficiently designed Data Acquisition
software.
The captured MFL data is stored locally on the Sitemaster2 and can easily be exported to a laptop or
desktop computer for further analysis and report generation using Silverwing’s Inspection Mapping
Software (SIMS).
A unique feature of SIMS is the ability to combine results from other inspections carried out on the tank
floor. Results from visual, ultrasonic, Handscan, MFL and even weld inspections can be added to the SIMS
report to produce a complete ‘fingerprint’ of the tank floor condition.
This software provides features which greatly assists the maintenance and repair strategies for storage
tanks.
This manual describes the calibration, adjustments, maintenance and operating procedures for the
Floormap3Di system. The Floormap3Di is simple to use and maintain provided that the operating and
maintenance instructions contained in this manual and detailed on the training course are followed.
Failure to follow these instructions will invalidate the warranty.
IMPORTANT!
Whenever handling the Floormap3Di there is a very
powerful attractive force towards any ferromagnetic object.
Serious injury can result if limbs or tissue become trapped
between such objects and the magnetic poles. Always
clear the area of extraneous ferrous objects before
commencing any operation. The Floormap3Di should
always be lifted using the handles provided and never by
gripping other parts of the carriage.
The Floormap3Di system is intended to be operated by persons who have been trained:
By the equipment manufacturer to operate the Floormap3Di system.
In confined spaces and any other required safety training / documentation for inspection within storage
tanks.
To understand MFL and its limitations.
Front Carrying
Handle
Battery Tray
Drive Motor
Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels
Front Rollers
Magnetic Bridge
Rear Rollers
2.6 Encoder
An encoder is used to measure the distance travelled by the Floormap3Di. It is attached to the
front roller axle via a series of gears and is mounted on the top of the magnetic bridge.
The positional accuracy of the encoder is ±3mm over an 8 metre track length.
Encoder
The MFL sensor head is recommended to be positioned 2mm above the inspection surface. In
certain cases such as especially dirty inspection surfaces or inspection surfaces that may result in
excessive noise or sensor head impact, the MFL sensor head can be adjusted in height using spring
loaded thumb-screws (refer to the Adjusting the MFL sensor head height sub-section for a detailed guide).
Gas Strut
3 Battery Operation
A 12 volt 25 Amp-hour sealed lead acid gel battery drives the motor and powers the electronics and the
Sitemaster2 computer. Battery life is heavily dependent upon the inspection environment. A fully
charged battery can provide the Floormap3Di with up to 2 hours use.
The Floormap3Di system is supplied with four batteries and three chargers as standard to allow
continuous operation of the Floormap3Di.
When the Floormap3Di is idle (the computer and scanner are powered, but Floormap3Di is not scanning)
and the battery voltage drops below 11.5V, then the battery must be replaced and put on charge.
IMPORTANT!
Use of any other charger unit will invalidate the warranty and may result in
battery explosion due to overheating whilst on charge.
Battery Strap
Battery Connector
Terminal Covers
Figure 14 – Battery fitted and connected
To correctly charge the supplied Floormap3Di batteries please follow the steps below:
1. Ensure the battery charger power switch (located at the rear) is off and the charger is disconnected
from the mains supply.
2. Remove the terminal covers of the battery and connect the red charger cable to the positive battery
terminal and the black charger cable to the negative battery terminal (refer to Figure 15 if unsure).
3. Connect the charger to the mains and power on the battery charger via the switch at the rear.
4. The red LED should turn on and the bi-coloured LED should glow orange, which means the battery
is charging.
Note: If the bi-coloured LED lights up green when powering on a charger connected to a flat
battery then the fuse (6A 12V) is blown and requires replacing.
5. The battery is fully charged when the bi-coloured LED turns from orange to green. A flat battery
typically requires approximately 6 hours of charge time.
6. Switch off the battery charger power via the power switch at the rear and disconnect the charger
from the mains supply.
Doc Ref: OM-FM3Di-S1
Rev:1.0
Date of Release: 19/12/2014
1-13
Floormap3Di Operating Manual combined version 1.0 Section 1 – Hardware, Setup and Operation
7. Disconnect the red and black charger cables from the battery and store the charger safely.
Note: When the battery charger is active MAKE SURE the black and red battery charger cables DO
NOT touch each other as it can cause a short circuit and blow the fuse inside the battery charger.
IMPORTANT!
New batteries will not immediately achieve a full charge. It will take a
several charge / discharge cycles for the battery to achieve maximum
charge capacity. It is important that the battery is allowed to fully charge
between discharge cycles during this period.
The Sitemaster2 computer is fitted to the Floormap3Di scanner using the mounting brackets and
thumbscrews provided.
Note: Some of the ports located at the rear end of the Sitemaster2 are protected by plastic or rubber
covers, which can be removed using a sharp tool to gain access.
IMPORTANT!
Some software applications can interfere with the correct operation of the
Sitemaster2 computer when being used with the Floormap3Di system. Any
additional software applications running in the background may affect data capture
and should therefore be disabled. Examples of applications that should not be
installed on the Sitemaster2 include printer monitoring software, instant messaging
applications, screen savers etc.
The colour quality of the Sitemaster2 must be set to 32 bit for the Data
Acquisition software to correctly display defect colour values.
The Sitemaster2 computer is normally controlled using the touch screen. Pressing anywhere on the screen
has the same function as a single (left) mouse click. Pressing icons twice has the same function as a
double (left) mouse click.
Pressing and holding a finger or pointing device on the touch-screen has the same function as a (right)
mouse click.
A series of red points highlighted with arrows or crosses will appear on the screen. Touch each red
point in turn. Use a touch screen pen for more accuracy. Keep touching the red points as
accurately as possible until the calibration is complete.
Figure 18 – Photo of a transit case upright with 4xbatteries, 3xchargers and a battery / motor compartment
cover
4. Manoeuvre the Floormap3Di onto the centre of the keep plate. Apply the transit strap by hooking
onto the back axel of the rear rollers and the top of the gas strut. The transit strap keeps the gas
strut in its compressed position which helps ensure the front rollers are in contact with the keep
plate. The gas strut is compressed slightly by applying a steady downward weight to the handles.
Transit Strap
Figure 19 – Photo showing transit strap hooked onto rear axle and gas strut
5. Tilt the Floormap3Di scanner forwards so the handles locate into the handle notches and hold in
place. Securely attach handle brackets for both handles to secure the Floormap3Di scanner in
place, as shown in Figure 20 below.
Figure 20 – Photo showing Floormap3Di handle in notch with handle brackets attached
6. Side the magnet shield onto the Floormap3Di scanner and tighten the four top screws as shown in
Figure 21 below. Take care not to interfere with any exposed wiring.
8. Lower the transit case onto its back and place the top yellow strap as shown in Figure 22.
Figure 22 – Photo shows transit case on side with fixing strap visible
9. Pack the Sitemaster2 into the carrying case along with the computer assembly brackets and any
other accessories, as shown in Figure 23.
10. Place the packed Sitemaster2 computer onto the rear Floormap3Di scanner, secure all fasteners
(as shown in Figure 24) and replace the transit case lid.
Figure 24 – Photo shows correctly secured Sitemaster2 transit case within Floormap3Di transit case
6 Method of Operation
Before beginning a tank floor inspection with the Floormap3Di, the operator should ensure the following
information is available. Here we try to identify some of the main processes involved when performing an
inspection with the Floormap3Di system. This method of operation should be considered as a guide
only.
The checklist below expands upon some of the processes identified in the process diagram in sub-section
Recommended Inspection Processes Using Floormap3Di.
1. Ensure the Floormap3Di is using the latest version of Silverwing’s Data Acquisition software
(recommended to perform check and update before leaving the office). For further
information on updating to the latest Data Acquisition software version for the Floormap3Di,
please refer to Section 2 – Data acquisition.
2. Check all equipment and spares are ready for use and are in good condition. Ensure all
batteries are fully charged and the Floormap3Di and accessories are packaged properly for
transit.
Before beginning a tank floor inspection using the Floormap3Di, we advise operators to at minimally follow
the list of recommended checks below to achieve optimal results using the Floormap3Di:
1. Check all the Floormap3Di cables are connected and secure before powering on either the
Floormap3Di scanner or the Sitemaster2 Computer.
2. The MFL and STARS sensor head cables are connected securely at the back of the housing
mainframe as shown in Figure 25.
3. The motor and battery cables are securely connected into the front of the battery tray as shown
in Figure 26.
4. The power and USB cables from the Sitemaster2 are connected securely into the front of the
housing mainframe, as shown in Figure 27.
Sitemaster2
USB Connector
Sitemaster2
Power Connector
5. Ensure all Floormap3Di batteries are fully charged before inspection begins.
6. Check the sensor head heights of the MFL and STARS sensors are adjusted and positioned
correctly before performing any calibration scans.
During this process also check that both sensor heads and the magnetic bridge are clean from
ferromagnetic debris.
For further information on adjusting the sensor head heights refer to Section 1 - Adjusting the MFL
sensor head height.
7. Power on the Floormap3Di Sitemaster2 and enter in the inspection details, refer to Section 2 –
Data Acquisition for a detailed step-by-step guide.
1. Measure the thickness of the inspection surface and coating using Ultrasonic testing (UT) or a
pit gauge.
2. Identify suitable reference plate to use for calibration. For further information on the calibration
process refer to Section 2 – Data Acquisition.
3. Thickness of floor coating / lining. Any coating in excess of 0.5mm thickness must be simulated
on the reference plate during calibration and entered into the Data Acquisition software
calibration routine, refer to Section 2 – Data Acquisition.
1. Erect suitable lighting within the storage tank. This can aid the Floormap3Di operator to identify
markings and hazards.
2. Investigate the tank environment and find details on the condition and history of the storage
tank to be inspected. Details such as:
2.1 The external conditioning (e.g. location of the tank, soil and altitude).
2.2 The age of the storage tank and its inspection history.
2.3 Identify the history of the product stored in the storage tank and the
condition of the plate coating (if any).
3. Check the cleanliness of the inspection surface. In poor conditions the MFL sensor head can
attract loose ferrous material, which can sometimes interfere with the accuracy of MFL
indications. It is recommended that the MFL sensor head is regularly cleaned at intervals
during inspection if this is the case.
4. Identify the Tank Datum. For further information on the Tank Datum refer to the sub-section
Tank Datum in Section 1.
When a Tank Datum is selected identify a suitable plate numbering system to be used. This
must be applied while using the Data Acquisition software, but this can be changed to an
alternative numbering system when generating the final report.
5. Verify the plate thickness and coating if applicable for each plate by performing at least
3 UT plate thickness readings. We advise the checks be performed by checking the
thickness of:
One corner of the plate.
6. Mark on plates any weldments, obstructions and any weld spatter that can potentially damage
the Floormap3Di MFL sensor head (over 2mm in height). We advise “grounding down” weld
spatters if possible. Alternatively the Handscan mini MFL scanner could inspect around these
areas.
7. Measure the width and length of each plate (required for Floormap3Di operator to enter into
Data Acquisition software). Also, mark out chosen track widths (up to 150mm) along the plate
as shown in Figure 28.
Marking out the plate tracks before or during inspection can increase inspection efficiency
when scanning tank floors.
Note: It is advised to mark out track width intervals at the beginning and end of a plate. If
the plate length is longer than 4 metres it is advised to mark the beginning, middle and end
of the plates to ensure the Floormap3Di does not deviate from its intended scanning path.
8. Select a plate reference for each plate for inspection (refer to Section 1 – Plate Reference).
It is important during an inspection for operators to analyse MFL findings and verify the
correct sizing and origin of defects using the specialised software features and other means
available to them.
In Tank
Erect Investigate Identify Verify Measure Select Mark out scan
Check tank Mark
suitable Tank Tank plate plate width plate tracks (note
cleanliness Weldments
lighting environment Datum thickness and length reference overlap)
IMPORTANT!
The following procedure should be used every time the
Floormap3Di scanner is placed in contact with an inspection
surface or calibration plate.
When lowering the Floormap3Di scanner inside a storage tank or calibration plate, be aware that as the
magnet bridge approaches the plate floor, the attractive force increases.
Ensure that no obstructions or body parts are between the magnet and the floor as the
Floormap3Di scanner comes into contact with an inspection surface.
The person holding the handles at the top of the Floormap3Di should slowly allow the front and rear rollers
to come into contact with the floor.
The operator must ensure that the front rollers make contact with the inspection surface before the
drive wheels. If the Floormap3Di is continually incorrectly engaged with the inspection surface and the
drive wheels repeatedly impact the inspection surface, the motor / gearbox assembly can crack. This
damage is not covered under the warranty terms.
Figure 29 – Photos showing correct and incorrect Floormap3Di placement on an inspection surface
8 Mechanical Set-up
The only mechanical adjustments required to be made by Floormap3Di operators are the setting of the
sensor head heights. The Floormap3Di is designed to operate at a fixed sensor height of 2mm.
However, there may exist a time where the sensor head needs to be raised or lowered.
The sensor head height can be raised if the inspection surface is likely to result in sensor head impact. It
must be understood that raising the sensor head further from the inspection surface will reduce sensitivity
and therefore detection. If sensor head impact is expected then Silverwing recommend that the sensor
head height is maintained at 2mm and the inspection surface is addressed i.e. it is cleaned to a higher
standard and all sensor head impacting objects are removed (e.g. Weldments are ground down etc.)
Locking Thumbscrew
Adjusting Thumbscrew
Figure 30 – Photo shows locking and adjusting thumbscrews for MFL sensor head
Supplied with the scanner are four yellow plastic shims each 0.5 mm (0.020”) thick.
To set the sensor height, place the Floormap3Di on a flat plate and follow the steps below:
1. Loosen the upper ‘locking’ thumbscrews by turning them anti-clockwise.
2. Tighten the lower ‘adjusting’ thumbscrews by turning them clockwise to lift the sensor head away
from the plate. Lift the sensor head until the yellow shims can be easily passed between the sensor
head and the plate.
3. Slide the required number (for 2mm use 4 shims) of plastic shims under the sensor head.
4. Loosen the lower ‘adjustment’ thumbscrews by turning them anti-clockwise until they are clear of
the top of the magnet bridge. At this point the sensor head is sitting on the shims and the sensor
head spring will be pushing the sensor head down and trapping the shims between the sensor
head and the plate.
5. Next, with a gentle touch. Slowly tighten the lower ‘adjustment’ thumb screws until they just begin
to make contact with the top of the magnet bridge. You should feel a slight change in resistance
when the thumbscrew reaches the correct point and it will no longer be possible to turn the
thumbscrew with a gentle touch. You will note a change of resistance when turning the
thumbscrews when the sensor reaches the correct height.
6. Finally, hold the lower ‘adjustment’ thumbscrews in place, and tighten the upper ‘locking’
thumbscrews to prevent accidental adjustment of the sensor head height.
7. Check the sensor head adjustment by sliding the yellow shims underneath the sensor head. It
should be possible to move the shims, but you should feel some resistance as they pass between
the bottom of the sensor head and the surface of the plate. Re-adjust if necessary.
IMPORTANT!
It is recommended that the sensor head height is regularly checked
throughout an inspection. If at any point the sensor head permanently moves,
then the sensor head should be reset and a recalibration is required.
After the sensor head height has been set ensure that the height has not altered
after locking. Also check that the sensor can move freely if it were to be impacted
i.e. check that the springs are as expected.
8.3 Calibration
The calibration procedure outlined in Section 2 – Data Acquisition describes how to correctly calibrate the
Floormap3Di for particular plate thickness / coating thickness, however please note the following important
points:
The leakage field from non-calibration defects will vary dependent upon diameter, shape and
volume as well as depth. It is essential that a range of defects detected are cross checked with
ultrasonic testing or pit depth measurement to ensure that the calibration is suitable for the type of
corrosion present in the inspection surface.
All calibration procedures should be carried out on a MFL reference plate manufactured in
accordance with the appropriate Silverwing drawing, of the same thickness as the floor plates to be
tested. The standard Floormap3Di MFL reference plates are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm thick.
It is also important to note that once calibrated, the Floormap3Di is only calibrated for that
configuration. Therefore, if on any single track there exists any variation in the inspection surface,
plate or coating thickness then this must be taken into account before the calibration is performed.
Note: In some cases, the thickness of the tank floor plates to be inspected will not be the same
thickness as the standard MFL reference plates.
The same thickness as the reference plate used in calibration, then optimal results can be
achieved (ideal case).
Thicker than the reference plate used in calibration, then the Floormap3Di system will be under
sensitive, meaning detection capabilities are reduced and defects would likely be undersized
(worst case).
Thinner than the reference plate used in calibration, then the Floormap3Di system will be over
sensitive, meaning the chance of spurious defects are increased and defects would likely be
oversized.
For more information on calibrating a Floormap3Di for an inspection surface that is not of the same
thickness as 6, 8, 10 or 12.5mm reference plates refer to Section 2 – Data Acquisition Software.
The calibration plate must not be in contact with any other ferromagnetic material while the
calibration is being carried out.
If there is coating in excess of 0.5mm on the tank floor, this must be simulated during the calibration
procedure by placing a piece of non-magnetic material, which maintains the same thickness as the coating
on the floor, between the scanner and the calibration plate.
For accurate sizing it is important that the reference plate matches the inspection surface as
closely as possible in terms of material composition, thickness and coating.
For a detailed guide on the calibration process refer to Section 2 – Data Acquisition.
Before tank entry ensure the correct safety measures have been taken and it is safe to enter the tank to
begin the inspection. It is strongly recommended that the Sitemaster2, its cables and the battery are
all removed from the Floormap3Di scanner during entry and exit of the tank.
It requires two people to carry the Floormap3Di scanner into the tank. The first, inside the tank,
leans out of the manway and lifts the scanner by the handles at top of the chassis / handle
assembly.
The second person lifts the front of the scanner by the handles in front of the drive wheels. Note if
the manway is very narrow, the detachable handle can be unscrewed to assist with access.
The Floormap3Di scanner is passed through the manway in the horizontal position and the rear
rollers should be positioned to rest on the bottom of the manway.
The rear rollers should then be carefully placed on the tank floor, as described in the sub-section
Engaging the Floomap3Di with an inspection surface.
Before the inspection can begin, ensure the Sitemaster2 computer is properly re-connected and recheck
the height of the MFL sensor head (this must be the same height as set during the calibration
process).
IMPORTANT!
It is important that if the magnets of the scanner get stuck on tank floor
obstructions, such as welds of overlapping plates, then break the magnetic
carriage off the obstruction. NEVER attempt to activate the scanners motor in
order to drive the scanner off the obstruction as this can cause major
damage to the system electronics that will render the scanner inoperable.
i) Parallel scanning
This involves starting each scan from the same side of the plate, and is normally used to scan non-
rectangular plates such as 2/1 or 2/2 shown in Figure 33.
It is also is the preferred scanning method if obstacles exist on a plate. Each scan is performed in the same
direction and the Floormap3Di is returned to the plate reference edge of the plate.
Figure 34 – Areas of a plate that require transverse scans highlighting dead zones
Due to the physical limitations of the Floormap3Di system, there are always un-scanned areas of a plate as
shown in Figure 35. These un-scanned areas must be inspected using other equipment such as the MFL
Handscan.
Vertical
Horizontal
Identifying a tank datum is important as the plate numbering system, the plate reference and the plate
orientation are all referenced to the tank datum. The tank datum position is established within a tank by:
Looking at the tank floor from above.
Establishing the plate rows that run parallel (Figure 37).
Orientating to look perpendicular to the plate rows (Figure 38).
Positioning the tank datum point in the bottom-left hand corner (Figure 39).
2/1 2/2
4/1 4/2
The numbering scheme used in the Floormap3Di Data Acquisition software numbers rows vertically
downwards and plates horizontally across from left to right.
Row 1, plate 1 is always positioned in the top left hand corner of the tank relative to the Tank Datum.
When annular plates are present (in Figure 39) they may obscure some plate numbers so normal practice
is to show plate numbering and annular numbering systems separately in the final report.
Figure 41 – Plate Numbering System with Suitable Plate References and Orientations
During inspection of storage tanks it is common to find non-rectangular sketch plates that require scanning.
Choosing a plate reference for these types of plates involve the Floormap3Di operator to identify and select
a corner, which is at a 90⁰ angle to two sides of a plate.
For example, the plate 2/1 in Figure 41 can be given a plate reference either in the bottom right or top right
of the plate. It is more efficient to scan plate 2/1 horizontally rather than vertically and Figure 42 shows the
recommended scan pattern to follow in order to scan plate 2/1 efficiently using the Floormap3Di.
Note: It is not recommended to use raster type scans when scanning irregular rectangular plates.
Parallel type scans are more efficient when scanning irregular rectangular plates.
To maintain an efficient inspection it is advised to scan the longest length whenever possible.
Figure 42 – Parallel Method Scans on Irregular Rectangular Plate with Bottom Right Plate Reference
Notes: