PortaSCAN for Trees
What’s the Issue?
- Direct and indirect damage to tree limbs and timber structures.
- Being able to reach safely.
- Being able to confidently test for issues.
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Safety to the public is critical.
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Being able to assess quickly and while in the field.
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Being able to quantify deterioration.
Video: PortaSCAN Used on Trees
How Do We Ensure Safety?
- Portable and lightweight (ergonomics).
- Does not damage the timber in any way – no drilling.
- Can only operate when joined by Bluetooth + Tablet + Software.
- Designed for safe operation, using “pencil” beam radiation.
- Proximity sensor plus indicator LEDs and audio prompts.
- Approved for use in multiple countries and states.
- Requires user training (+annual refresher), licensing and Quality Assurance.
Quick Inspection Times
With a scanning depth of up to 150mm, it is not only 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 tree inspection, you can identify potential defects across the trunk and branches of the tree.
The PortaSCAN® measures variation in wood density by quantifying the amount of X-rays that are reflected from within the tree itself. Using an extension pole, you can test any height along the tree to locate and quantify the area of most decay.
Reference Density is the Key
- Density measurement already tells the operator something about the timber.
- Each species has an expected density range, e.g. it is about 950kg/m3 for untreated Jarrah.
- A density of 750kg/m3 immediately indicates an issue.
- All subsequent scans use the reference density as a baseline.
- This can lead to missing issues in the timber if incorrect.
- Can be misled by moisture.
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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 branch inspections without becoming completely exhausted from heavy tech.
Scan around critical areas of branches
Look on top, around, and 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.
Immediate results
The output is available immediately to the Arborist and can be recorded for later retrieval. This means that when deterioration is located, the operator can focus on that section to further quantify its size and effect on stability.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a scan take to complete?
On average, scanning a tree takes about 5 – 15 minutes to complete. There are several factors that impact the time taken to scan a tree such as if it is sound and there are 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 focussing in on the defect then about 40-60 seconds on the cross-section scan.
Does the PortaSCAN® replace drilling?
Yes! Aside from being a hit and miss technique, drilling also damages the tree and introduces pests. If the tree is already compromised, 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 tree.
How much does it cost?
The PortaSCAN® can be purchased or hired. To buy outright or to hire, please contact us.
We still have units working after 10 years of service, especially considering the hard life they lead in the back of a vehicle.
How much training is involved to use?
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 tree.
In this regard we revisit you a few months after the training for follow up. We also run 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