PortaSCAN
The PortaSCAN® is Revo Group’s relative density timber inspection device. Our latest PortaSCAN® is the lightest, and most comprehensive device in the range designed with a focus on safety, simplicity, speed and portability for the testing of timber.
Video: PortaSCAN for Timber Pole Inspection
Most existing pole inspection techniques are still based on invasive testing methods that risk damaging the integrity and lifespan of the wood under investigation. We started from the basis of ensuring no harm is brought to the person or the structure.
This led us to source the expertise required to develop a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) tool that generates a detailed density loss output without the need for drilling. The PortaSCAN® measures variations in timber density by comparing the X-rays that are reflected from sound timber within the pole itself and comparing to the test locations.
Quick Inspection Times
With a scanning depth of up to 150mm, it is not only incredibly accurate but can provide a cross-section strength estimate in just 40 seconds.
Easy to Learn and Use
Made with repeatability, reproducibility and reliability in mind, the PortaSCAN® is easy to learn how to use.
Improve Defect Spotting
With the investigative part of the inspection, you can identify potential defects across the full height of the pole, not just where the drilling or sound testing occurs.
The PortaSCAN® measures variations in timber density by comparing the X-rays that are reflected from within the sound part of a pole and comparing to the test areas. A scan can be completed at multiple locations around the pole. The operator can also complete a cross-sectional “circumference” scan to understand the effect on loss of strength at that point and to quantify the area of most decay.
As the asset base ages, the risk of failure increases. That is why the need for fast and reliable wood pole inspections is more important than ever before. The demand placed on power poles is also greater than originally planned for due to more power, telecommunications and streetlighting needed by modern society. The cost of a pole failure is also higher than ever before. Not only does it become newsworthy, but many people may spend time without power, streetlighting is reduced and catastrophic failure can be a risk to human life and property. Inspections help prevent unnecessary or unexpected pole failures.
This is where the PortaSCAN® comes into its own. It identifies variations in wood density without having to drill boreholes into the asset. We use the scan results and other inputs about the pole to derive an estimate of remaining strength.
More Benefits and Features
Lightweight and portable
The lightweight design of the PortaSCAN® makes it a practical NDT device for inspectors to use. Conduct full pole inspections without becoming fatigued from heavy technology.
Whole timber structure can be scanned
Look underneath the surface of the timber you are examining in greater detail with higher accuracy that other tools in the market. Being lightweight, the PortaSCAN® can also inspect pole tops and crossarms from the ground.
No destructive drilling
While only a few boreholes in a pole has minimal effect on the structural integrity, it can add up when there are multiple holes within a 300-500mm length of pole. Not only that, but the serviceability of wooden utility poles can also be reduced when drilling through the treated barrieri, even when putting treatment chemicals in the holes. With the PortaSCAN® there’s no drilling and no detrimental effect to pole integrity.
Immediate results
The output is available immediately to the Asset Inspector and can be recorded for later retrieval. This means that when a defect is located, the operator can focus on that section to further quantify its size and effect on structurable stability.
Compliance
The PortaSCAN® meets State legislative safety requirements, including all Standards and Codes of Practice related to portable gauges. We help you through the entire application process and use templates to make it easier.
Adaptable to your needs
The PortaSCAN® has a range of configurable settings that means you can adjust business rules to alert at-risk poles depending upon your risk appetite.
Safe
The switch from Gamma rays to X-rays makes the latest model PortaSCAN® safer and simpler than previous models. By only emitting a collimated beam radiation when the unit is performing measurements, the PortaSCAN® emits no radiation otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a scan take to complete?
On average, scanning a pole takes about 3 minutes to complete. There are several factors that impact the time taken to scan a pole such as if the pole is sound and there are a few anomalies picked up, it can take around a minute.
However, if there are notable defects located, and you also perform a half-speed circumference scan, you may spend 3-4 minutes focusing in on the defect then about 40-60 seconds on the cross-section scan.
Does the PortaSCAN® replace borehole drilling?
Yes! Aside from being a hit and miss technique, drilling also damages the pole under inspection. If the pole is already weak, drilling can exacerbate the problem. With the PortaSCAN® you can take measurements that are effectively lots of drill holes. All with no residual effect on the pole.
How much does it cost?
The PortaSCAN® can be purchased or hired. To find out more, please contact Revo Group.
How much training is involved to use the device?
The training to operate the PortaSCAN® effectively and safely takes a few days to complete. We cover safety first, how the PortaSCAN® works, and most of the time is spent hands-on in the field. Separately, depending on the State/country there is also radiation safety training. While we also cover safety elements in our course, our goal is to ensure all operators really understand how the PortaSCAN® works and obtain the best results on each pole.
In this regard we revisit you a few months later for follow up and also provide an additional day’s refresher every year so that no bad habits creep in.
Get in touch with us today
Head Office
Unit A5, 2688 Ipswich Rd Darra QLD 4076
WA Office
U2 132-134 Bannister Rd Canning Vale WA 6155
Singapore Partner
CMT Global Technologies
3 Shan Road Singapore 328104
+65 6661 0682