FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for SoniTech’s Ultrasonic Localized Guided Wave (ULGW) Non-Destructive Testing Services:
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While ULGW is an advanced and highly technical version of ultrasound, the reports are written such that a layman can easily and quickly understand overall system condition as well as the location and severity of specific issues. We also encourage a post-inspection conference call to discuss our findings and answer any questions you may have. For those who want to dive into the nuts and bolts of the technical information, we include a full page of raw data collected at each scan location.
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Considering all variables involved, this is a difficult if not impossible question to answer without more detailed information. Factors such as fire codes, trigger events, known or suspected system condition, risk threshold, etc. all play a role in determining an appropriate schedule. Please Contact Us to discuss your specific needs, and we will help develop a customized program just for you.
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Fire codes are written and enforced to provide basic protection at a reasonable expense for the masses, regardless of facility risk thresholds or unique issues. Meeting minimum code-mandated preventative measures may make you legally compliant, but these “evaluations” offer only basic and often inadequate information. Only small portions of the system are represented and the data is incomplete, with the problem being compounded in larger systems. Furthermore, some components of the fire code still require deeper investigative evaluations in the presence of certain conditions.
While it may seem appealing to “bury your head in the sand” and remain in the dark on your true system condition while doing the bare minimum evaluations, the consequences could become very costly. Left unattended, corrosion issues do not improve with time so early detection and remediation are critical to extend system life, minimize costs, and ensure human safety.
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All traditional internal evaluation methods require system shutdown and some even require opening the system to gain access to the interior of the pipes. ULGW data is safely collected from the outside of the pipe using harmless ultrasonic sound energy, so the system is typically tested undisturbed and fully functional. As such, the ULGW testing method is no more risky than changing a lightbulb.
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Yes it is completely safe. A key component of the physics behind this technology relies upon the characteristic that ultrasonic sound waves do not travel well through the air. As such, the sound energy stays within the pipe walls, bearing no danger to nearby equipment. ULGW has even been used in Class 1 clean rooms and has been rated to operate with mere feet of some of the military’s most sensitive electronic equipment.
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No, the technology is perfectly safe. As a matter of fact, the principles of this technology are similar to that of sonograms that are used on expecting mothers.
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Typically the systems remain unaltered and 100% operational. As a matter of fact, we prefer to inspect the system in its natural state, as it is the best way to find issues and their respective causes. No cutting pipe, no draining the system, no need for a fire marshal for sprinkler systems, no manufacturing shut downs, no deployment of backup systems, no trouble at all.
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Typically no. Since most corrosion develops like a rash or cancer, common “scan densities” are 10’ to 20’ between data points. We will work with you to establish a scope that best suits your needs, depending on goals, risk threshold, and budgets.
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There are many factors that influence pricing, but SoniTech’s rates align slightly below that of other non-destructive testing companies. To generate a bid, we ask that you complete a simple 5 to 10 minute questionnaire and supply drawings, if available. Once we have the basic information, we will schedule a brief phone consultation to clarify the scope and we can then generate a quote.
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A system with trapped air or water, MIC, or a water chemistry issue is a corrosion friendly environment and issues can develop very quickly. Click Here for more information on corrosion. As we all know, a stitch in time saves nine, so identifying those areas and mitigating the issues early is the key to extending system service life and preventing costly repairs. Please Contact Us to discuss your specific needs, and develop an effective pipe maintenance program.
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Technically there is no “green certification” for our service, but it is important to understand that we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest levels of green business practices and environmental safety possible. ULGW:
Requires no harsh chemicals, no noise pollution, no waste.
Prevents unnecessary replacement of good pipe, resulting in less material dumped in landfills and less environmental impact from pipe manufacturing.
Helps prevent the pollution that would have been generated from system failure, including lost or wasted water, damaged equipment, fire damage, and toxins released into the atmosphere or water supply, etc.
We even file our reports electronically to save paper.
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SoniTech is a third party diagnostic tool working in conjunction with you and your other contractors to determine system piping integrity and provide the knowledge necessary to make effective fact-based mitigation decisions. There is no another diagnostic tool available that provides the comprehensiveness and value that is available with ULGW. Other vendors, including your current contractor(s), do not have the tools or ability to provide the level of information that SoniTech NDT provides.
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In most cases, we need about 2 days in the office for every day spent onsite – to compile the data, assess pipe condition, and generate and submit the final report.