Technology

By December 18, 2020 there were about 57,000 wildfires compared with 50,477 in 2019, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. More than 10.3 million acres were burned in 2020, compared with 4.7 million acres in 2019. Five of the top 20 largest California wildfires fires occurred in 2020. The extreme temperatures of these wildfires can cause a reduction in structural strength and even melt the zinc off galvanized steel. This can lead to accelerated corrosion, or even the collapse of lattice towers.

EnviroZense is a wireless, heat resistant, temperature and corrosion monitoring sensor that is contained in an electrical enclosure underground at the project site. The patented, EnviroZense unit is simple to install and comprises of corrosion and temperature sensors – one to monitor the wildfire temperatures and the second to monitor the corrosion activity of the bare steel structure below ground. The EnviroZense is configured to collect data routinely, at specific time intervals. The data is wirelessly transmitted by a satellite module for analysis and warns the project owner of abnormal temperature rises before more serious structural problems occur.

The EnviroZense WebView allows you to monitor the temperature and corrosion potential data from each structure in real time. Critical temperatures and corrosion potentials will be highlighted for quick identification, so you know which structures need attention. The EnviroZense WebView can also graph data for a quick and easy way to analyze how long your structures have been exposed to elevated temperatures or corrosive environments.

Read the brochure below for full specifications and more information!

Technology

We have created the “ZEE Probe”! A fully-functional corrosion detection tool for corrosion evaluation of magnetic alloys and live water mains! Water main failures are very expensive for municipalities because they typically result in expenses associated with repair costs, flood damage, and loss of revenue to affected nesses. Water main failures also interrupt the operation of vital services, such as medical care and fire-fighting operations. Currently, millions of dollars are spent annually by industry and by municipalities on the repair of failed components of the water distribution infrastructure, such as components that are made from gray cast iron or “gray iron” pipe.

Water main failures can be avoided by following Matergenics corrosion control program. By using our corrosion control program, areas with low to severe corrosion can be identified and excavated. Matergenics graphitization sensor device can be used to check the potentials on the live water main at the susceptible areas of corrosion. Moreover, the extent of corrosion on the live water main at the susceptible areas of corrosion can be checked. The collected data will aid in decision making whether to continue the water main in service or to cut the corroded pipe section and install a new pipe section.

Two provisional patent applications for the sensor invention were filed. The first application, entitled “Non-Destructive Testing System for Detecting Graphitization of Iron”, was filed on August 23, 2019 and was assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 62/890,676. The second patent application, also entitled “Non-Destructive Testing System for Detecting Graphitization of Iron”, was filed on May 18, 2020 and was assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 63/026,366.

If you are interested in ordering a ZEE PROBE corrosion detection tool, please contact us at 1-800-685-9952.