Norcoast Marine Surveyors, Inc.
Jim 'Stef' Steffen SAMSŪ AMSŪ, IAMI CMI
EIN 38-3682798
Sitka, Alaska
Audiogauge, Corrosion and Moisture Content Testing.
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Audiogauge testing is an accurate and efficient method for providing thickness measurements on steel and aluminum hulls, particularly when interior access is limited or prevented altogether. Following testing, a comprehensive written report identifies amount of wastage encountered and areas in need of repair. At Norcoast, measurements are taken with a CYGNUS Model 3 multiple-echo ultrasonic tester, Serial #543, with a 2.25 MHz Lemo .5" Standard probe. The meter is annually calibrated to NIST #821125008292, to comply with standards specified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and systems compliance to Guide 25 of ISO 9000, MIL-STD 45662A, ANSI / ASQC-M1-1987 and OSHA 29CFR Part 1910.119, with an accuracy of +/- .002". This is a dual frequency meter, which eliminates the normal need for removal of surface coatings prior to testing, and therefore offers our clients a significant reduction in testing costs. The Norcoast surveyor is familiar with Federal guidelines for Coast Guard Marine Inspectors in the evaluation of steel hulls (NVIC 7-68), and Section 43 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels as well as the 2001 ABS Guide, Part 7, guidelines for measurement methods and allowable wastage. Corrosion testing is a means of determining the presence of atypical galvanic or stray current corrosion in metal boats. It has been found that although marine corrosion is generally the product of DC current, AC current can also cause corrosion when conditions allow rectification into a DC component. Norcoast employs a portable corrosion test meter from Yacht Corrosion Consultants in conjunction with a silver / silver chloride reference. Relative moisture content of a cored or uncored FRP hull, deck, or cabin laminate, is an indication of extent of damage or potential damage. Moisture content in wood can also be evaluated. Norcoast utilizes a SOVEREIGN dual-probe meter, which measures by non-invasive electronic capacitance or by conductivity, and a GRP 33 moisture detector, which measure moisture content using non-invasive electronic capacitance technology. |
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Copyright © 2002/2011 James Steffen, 1norcoast@gmail.com
(Installed December 28, 2002, Last Revised September 11, 2011) - Hosted and maintained by Don Robertson