Crawler Tech Tips: UT Probe Allows MicroMag to Measure Steel Thickness
The latest option for the Versatrax 100 MicroMag allows for both non-destructive thickness measurement as well as visual inspection. The mobile robotic inspection vehicle, designed and built by Inuktun Services Ltd. (ISL), can now be customized to include a Cygnus ultrasonic transducer. The UT probe can measure the thickness of steel in pipes, on tank walls and on ship hulls in up to 100ft of water.
Jeff Christopherson, who specializes in technical sales at ISL, says the new MicroMag makes two sets of observations, “one being visual and the other being electronic — the thickness of the steel.”
He outlines the application, “You first identify a suspicious area with the camera, clean the area with the integrated wire brush and then measure the steel using the ultrasonic probe.” The probe algorithm allows for accurate measurement of the metal thickness even if the steel is painted or lined.
“Very often companies coat the inside of a pipe to prevent corrosion of the steel,” he explains. “The Cygnus probe is smart enough to analyze the multiple echoes from a piece of lined steel and factor out the lining thickness.”
The UT system can be used to quantify problems with steel structures resulting from wear, corrosion or other environmental factors.
Christopherson describes the MicroMag as being “solid and built like a tank, yet capable of operating on vertical surfaces or even upside-down. It’s an excellent deployment vehicle for this sensor.”
Jason De Silveira, founder and CEO of Nexxis Technology, has always had a sharp focus on robotics, education, and real-world solutions. Throughout his career, he’s stayed committed to pushing the boundaries of robotics and helping industries strengthen their approach to asset integrity and robotic inspection.
With a background in operations, commissioning, and start-ups of new facilities, Jason leads Nexxis with a hands-on understanding of what real projects demand. Under his leadership, Nexxis has become known for developing innovative robotic systems that deliver better data, boost safety, and take the risks out of confined space and working-at-height inspections.
What makes Jason stand out? A passion for innovation, a proven ability to bring people together, and a genuine drive to help clients get the right solution — not just an off-the-shelf fix. With a strong focus on customisation and future-ready technology, he’s helping to shape the next generation of robotics.
