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How The Digital microProbe Works
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MEASURING RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION
microProbe
technology is based on a simple principle. The difference between probing harder or softer wood can be "felt" because of the varying resistance of different types of wood. As the fine, rapidly rotating probe penetrates the wood, the rate of progress is measured to determine the condition of the wood. Any wood can be tested using the
microProbe
- hard or soft; wet or dry; treated or untreated; living tree or cut timber.
THE PROBES
A probe penetrates wood at 7000 revolutions per minute and leaves a hole which is less than 1mm diameter. Probes can be any length from 200mm up to 1 metre.
SIBTEC probes are designed to be blunt-ended which ensures that results are always consistent, quantifiable and comparable. With use, the end of a very fine probe will naturally wear into a blunt, spatula shape. A sharp probe would cut through wood fibres and gradually become blunt, which would produce inconsistent readings.
IDENTIFYING THE PRESENCE AND EXTENT OF DECAY
Cavities and softened wood produced by decay are detected by the
microProbe
as a sudden reduction in the resistance to penetration. This resistance to penetration is recorded either graphically or digitally or both simultaneously.
EVIDENCE
computerised digital information provideS exact measurements of the presence and extent of wood decay and detailed dendrological information can be obtained. An instant paper graph from an optional Field Printer can also be printed if required. All the readings obtained by microProbes can be scientifically analysed and are instant and permanent evidence, which can be incorporated in reports to allow regular and efficient monitoring of decay.
EXPERTISE AND TRAINING
Relatively little skill or training is required to operate the
microProbes
, and the operator will rapidly become proficient. Both the digital results and the instant paper graphs can be read with minimal interpretation by an operator and they can be interpreted and analysed more fully by a technician with a good background knowledge of timber technology. microProbes
are lightweight, portable and use long-life rechargeable batteries.
SAFETY
Low voltage operation and nil pressure cut-out systems make the microProbes intrinsically safe. It is not possible to operate a microProbe with the probe exposed.
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