Inductosense and National Physical Laboratory determine the predicted lifetime of the WAND thickness monitoring sensors
UK based ultrasonic sensor solution experts, Inductosense, concluded a recent InnovateUK study to assess the “Lifetime testing of passive, wireless sensors for demanding environments”. Inductosense and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) received funding from the Analysis for Innovator (A4I) programme, to undertake rigorous testing of Inductosense’s patented WAND wall thickness monitoring sensors. The study concluded that the WAND sensors have a lifetime of at least 10 years.
Inductosense designs and manufactures corrosion monitoring products to suit a range of applications and to support customers at all stages of their digital transition journey. The battery-free WAND technology is based on zero maintenance ultrasonic sensors that can be permanently embedded under coatings or insulation, providing accurate and repeatable thickness measurements at a fraction of the cost of alternative monitoring solutions. As a small developer with a global presence, the InnovateUK project has supported the business in demonstrating the WAND system robustness, repeatability, reliability, and ease-of-use.
The project used analysis techniques and accelerated test procedures to determine the lifetime of the WAND sensors, when installed onto metallic substrates. Over the course of a year, more than 8000 thickness measurements were taken from over 100 test coupons. The data concluded a lifetime prediction of at least 10 years when the sensors were installed using Inductosense’s coating solution and installation procedure. The environmental testing utilised industry standards and best practices when exposing the WAND sensors to high humidity, high temperature, and submerged conditions.
“This independent validation of the WAND system robustness and lifetime prediction, by experts at the National Physical Laboratory, gives us additional confidence that our sensors can be used over long periods to accurately monitor internal corrosion. We will continue our testing to establish how much longer than 10 years is possible using our coating and adhesive solutions.”, Matt Butcher, CEO
NPL, as the UK’s National Measurement Institute, develops and maintains the national primary measurement standards. This collaboration provided access to state-of-the-art equipment, analysis techniques and technical expertise. Furthermore, the NPL team brought a wealth of expertise in environmental conditioning, failure analysis and lifetime prediction modelling to the project, to ultimately determine the WAND sensor lifetime prediction.