Table of Contents
Choosing a corrosion mapping scanner starts with the job your inspection team needs to complete. Component geometry, surface conditions, access, and reporting requirements all belong in the equipment discussion.
Before scheduling a demonstration, use this checklist to document your application and prepare questions for the supplier. It provides a consistent framework for comparing equipment and identifying what your team will need in the field.
Evaluate the complete scanning system, including the equipment needed for control, data acquisition, and reporting.
1. Define the component and inspection area
Start with the physical details of the inspection. A supplier needs more than the name of the asset to recommend a configuration.
Document:
Component type, such as pipe, tank shell, or pressure vessel.
Material, nominal wall thickness, and expected thickness range.
Outside or inside diameter and surface curvature.
Dimensions of the area to be mapped.
Welds, attachments, and other restrictions near the scan area.
Ask during the demo: Can the proposed scanner cover our inspection area with the clearance available?
Bring photographs and a dimensioned sketch. Mark any areas that cannot be reached or that require repositioning.
2. Describe the surface conditions
Include the conditions technicians will encounter on the actual job.
Confirm whether the surface is bare, coated, rough, or affected by loose scale. Record the expected surface temperature, permitted preparation methods, and available couplant supply.
Ask during the demo: What surface preparation, temperature limits, and coupling arrangements apply to this scanner and probe configuration?
If possible, provide a representative sample so the demonstration can address your application directly.
3. Confirm access, orientation, and handling
Plan how your team will position, operate, and retrieve the system.
Consider:
Horizontal, vertical, or overhead operation.
Available clearance around the component.
Access for placing and removing the scanner.
Cable and hose routing.
Required equipment retention and retrieval arrangements.
Space for the operator, controller, and supporting equipment.
Ask during the demo: Can you demonstrate the proposed configuration in the orientation and working space our technicians will have?
When comparing ultrasonic inspection scanners, review the complete operating arrangement alongside the scanner’s dimensions.
Compare the proposed scanner configuration with your component geometry, inspection boundaries, and available clearance.
4. Define the acquisition requirements
Agree on the required data before comparing equipment performance.
Use the approved inspection procedure and customer requirements to identify:
Scan and index spacing.
Ultrasonic instrument and probe configuration.
Position information to be recorded.
Data to retain for analysis and review.
How incomplete coverage or unusable readings will be identified.
Required calibration and verification checks.
Ask during the demo: Can we review a dataset collected with the proposed configuration and settings?
Record the settings used during the demonstration so the results can be evaluated in context.
5. Compare the complete inspection workflow
Make the demonstration a practical evaluation of the work your team will perform.
Record the time and steps involved in each stage:
| Workflow stage | What to evaluate |
|---|---|
| Setup | Assembly, positioning, connections, and required checks |
| Scanning | Area covered, acquisition settings, and elapsed time |
| Interruptions | Stops, repositioning, and adjustments |
| Data review | Coverage checks and areas requiring another scan |
| Reporting | Export steps and preparation of the required deliverable |
Ask during the demo: What is included in the stated scanning or productivity figure?
For a useful comparison, ask suppliers to work from the same inspection area, acquisition requirements, and reporting expectations.
6. Review the reporting requirements
Request a sample output that resembles what your customer expects to receive.
Confirm the required thickness displays, location references, file formats, and supporting records. If repeat inspections are planned, discuss how the scan location, orientation, and settings will be documented.
For teams evaluating ScanTech equipment, include Analyst XR C-scan software in the discussion so data review and reporting can be considered alongside scanner operation.
Ask during the demo: Can you show the steps from the acquired dataset to our required report?
Bring an example report or a written list of deliverables.
7. Confirm what the quotation includes
Before comparing prices, identify everything required to perform the demonstrated workflow.
Review the inclusion of:
Scanner, probe holders, and application-specific accessories.
Probes and ultrasonic acquisition equipment.
Encoders, cables, and adapters.
Controller and power supply.
Couplant equipment.
Software licenses.
Training, technical support, and service arrangements.
Ask the supplier: What additional equipment, licenses, or services would we need to complete this inspection?
Your pre-demo checklist
Prepare these items before contacting a supplier:
Component dimensions, material, and wall thickness information.
Surface photographs and preparation restrictions.
Inspection boundaries, access, and operating orientation.
Required acquisition settings and equipment.
Reporting requirements or a sample report.
A representative test sample, when available.
Sharing this information gives your inspection team and the supplier a clear basis for evaluating the proposed system.
Discuss your corrosion mapping application with ScanTech
ScanTech Instruments manufactures ultrasonic scanning systems, including the XR Spider automated corrosion mapping scanner.
Share your component dimensions, surface conditions, access restrictions, and data requirements with our team.
Discuss your application and request a scanner demonstration.
This checklist supports equipment selection and demonstration planning. It does not replace an approved inspection procedure or application-specific technical review.
