High-Temperature HSMT-Flex™ Scanner: Efficient NDT for Hot Surfaces
The Challenge of High-Temperature Inspections
Inspecting industrial assets that operate under extreme heat—such as process pipes, tanks, and pressure vessels—has always been a challenge. Traditionally, equipment must be shut down and cooled before nondestructive testing (NDT) can begin. This leads to longer outages, higher maintenance costs, and limited time to plan repairs.
The high-temperature HSMT-Flex scanner changes this process. Designed for ultrasonic weld inspections at elevated temperatures, the scanner allows reliable inspections on surfaces up to 350 °C (662 °F). By enabling in-service testing, it helps operators minimize downtime, improve efficiency, and maintain safety.
Reduce the Cost of High-Temperature Asset Inspections
Every hour of downtime in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, or chemical processing comes at a high cost. Conventional inspections performed after equipment has cooled often reveal defects too late—requiring additional unplanned downtime for repairs.
The high-temperature HSMT-Flex scanner addresses this issue by making inspections possible before a shutdown is complete. Defects can be identified earlier, allowing maintenance teams to prepare a repair strategy in advance. The result: shorter outages, reduced costs, and a more predictable maintenance schedule.
Minimize Downtime, Maximize Efficiency
By enabling inspections on hot surfaces, the HSMT-Flex scanner offers several operational benefits:
- Earlier defect detection—problems are found before the shutdown.
- Planned repair strategies—teams can allocate resources and schedule repairs more effectively.
- Reduced downtime—inspection delays no longer extend the outage window.
This proactive approach improves both efficiency and safety, making it easier to balance asset reliability with operational demands.
Reliable High-Temperature Scanning Performance
The HSMT-Flex scanner is specifically engineered for use in high-heat environments:
Continuous Scanning up to 350 °C (662 °F)
The base configuration supports scanning on extremely hot surfaces, enabling in-service inspections that would otherwise be delayed until cooldown.
Enhanced Performance with ScanDeck™ Module
When equipped with a ScanDeck module, the scanner can perform continuous scanning on surfaces up to 300 °C (572 °F).
Heat-Resistant Components
- Metal wheels withstand direct contact with hot surfaces.
- Radiation-resistant parts protect critical scanner components.
- Cables and cable sleeve tolerate short-term surface contact without damage.
This robust construction ensures consistent, safe inspections in challenging operating conditions.
Solving the Challenge of High-Temperature NDT
Without high-temperature scanning capability, inspections typically require:
- Shutting down equipment.
- Allowing assets to cool.
- Performing inspections.
- Planning and completing necessary repairs.
This process extends downtime significantly. The high-temperature HSMT-Flex scanner eliminates unnecessary waiting periods by allowing inspections on hot assets. Operators can identify issues earlier and resolve them more efficiently—ultimately enhancing both safety and reliability.
Safety and Efficiency in One Scanner
The updated high-temperature HSMT-Flex scanner offers a proven way to reduce the cost of maintaining high-temperature assets. With the ability to perform safer, more reliable NDT inspections at up to 350 °C (662 °F), it helps inspection teams minimize downtime, improve efficiency, and keep critical operations running smoothly.
For industries where safety and uptime are non-negotiable, the HSMT-Flex scanner delivers clear advantages in high-temperature nondestructive testing.