Ultratrend DMS 5 now available

To coincide with the launch of the Ultraprobe 15000, a new version of Ultratrend DMS is available, which is fully compatible with the 3000, 9000 and 10000 models.

For those of you who don't already use this PC software, Ultratrend DMS allows operators to carry out route-based inspections of machines, store and trend critical data, create costed compressed air leak reports, and much more.

First and foremost, the software has been rewritten from scratch, so that the underlying code is more robust, which will help to keep your data safe and sound.

Secondly, we've revamped the interface. Everything is clearer and more modern, we've reorganised many screens, wizards have been simplified, etc. Some of these changes are subtle, but they'll undoubtedly have a big impact.

We've added dozens of new features everywhere...

• Attach any number of digital or thermal images to readings and records
• Import groups from existing databases to speed things up
• Save and print charts, or attach them to records for future reference

The alarm groups feature has also been redesigned. With one click, users can upload a group of points in alarm to their Ultraprobe and check problematic equipment. The software takes care of everything, and it works reliably every time.

And finally, the software's reporting capabilities have been extended, and we've included a number of new reports, some of which allow you to incorporate images.

We think version 5 is a major upgrade, and we'll be working hard to ensure all Ultraprobes users can upgrade seamlessly and make use of these improvements. You can either download the new version from our website, or send me an e-mail to receive a CD copy (please include your postal address).

All-Test IV Pro 2000 tip

While this is a really straightforward tip, the simple ones are often the most useful.

As the All-Test IV Pro 2000 motor tester has a number of screens, it can be easy to find yourself staring at an unfamiliar menu, simply wanting to return to the main screen and carry on with your motor inspections.

To return to the main screen at any time, simply press and hold the left and right arrow buttons together until the instrument beeps. This trick will work on any screen.

Contribution from National Grid

National Grid is an international electrical and gas company, who play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across the UK and parts of the USA. John Howlett, the site supervisor at Hurst substation, kindly put together a few details on how they use the PHD-4 helium leak detector to locate underground pipe damage.

"We have high-voltage cable circuits buried around London at 275,000 volts. The longest of these circuits is 14 miles long, and feeds power into the city from power stations situated in Kent. To allow these cables to carry more current, we run cable cooling pipes adjacent to these cables."

"These cooling pipes have water pumped from cooling station pump buildings along one mile sections, and the water is cooled in these stations using cooling radiators. With the cooling enabled, we can get an extra 25% loading on the cable."

"We have two types of water pipe: aluminium coated with PVC, and polypropylene. The two main causes of leaks are third-party damage, and damage caused by vibration. The pictures above and below are from two different locations where damage was found on both types of pipes. Both sets of damage were caused by a third-party using mole techniques when installing new water services."

"When a leaking pipe has been identified, the water is removed from this section of the pipe, and helium is injected from the pumping station. When helium is detected at the far end of this section, the pipe is filled along its route. The PHD-4 is then used to locate the leak from the road surface above by walking along the pipe section route."

"Due to its small molecular structure, the helium is able to rise to the surface via the easiest path, which is usually a drain, a break in the tarmac, or between the kerb and road surface. Once the helium is detected, the surrounding area is excavated and, with the circuit switched out, the leak is identified and repairs carried out."

"For the aluminium pipe, a copper sleeve is made to cover the damage, and is plumbed onto the aluminium at both ends. The whole repair is then wrapped with PVC tape and covered in a heat shrink PVC sleeve to insulate it from earth. On the polypropylene pipe, the damaged section is cut out, and a new piece is inserted and fusion welded in place at both ends. The pipe is then filled with water (circulated to expel any air) and returned to service."

"The entire procedure can be quite costly, but the rewards for having the cooling operational far outweigh these costs."

Contact us

It is always good to receive feedback on any products that we have sold or rented. If you have a success story or tip that you would like to share with other readers in a future newsletter, then please get in touch using the contact details below...

Telephone: 01424 437000
Fax: 01424 722502
E-mail: info@alpine-components.co.uk
Website: www.alpine-components.co.uk