Sharjah-based Unique System FZE is launching in the Middle East Cygnus Instruments’ new Dive MK2 underwater gauge.

Unique System is a Unique Maritime Group Company, which is one of the world’s leading integrated turnkey subsea and offshore solutions providers. 

Founded in 1983, Cygnus pioneered the digital multiple echo technique which has long since been the industry standard for accurate measurement of material thickness. Driven by the need for a hand-held device, it successfully developed multiple echo digital thickness gauges which measure metal thickness through protective coatings in a reliable and repeatable way.

The new DIVE MK2 underwater gauge comes handy with a number of key features. It has a super-bright AMOLED display, updated topside and reporting software and twin crystal probes to assist in taking measurements on highly attenuated materials such as cast iron, measuring link thickness of anchor chains and on particularly heavily corroded steel. The large, bright colour AMOLED display is easily viewable by both the diver and his camera even in the poorest visibility.  The operation of the gauge is simple with only two buttons for easy navigation of the menus.

However, a completely new feature is the added flexibility of single echo mode where twin crystal probes can be used. This feature is useful on uncoated surfaces that have extreme front face and back wall corrosion making measurements in multiple echo difficult to achieve. Having the capability of using Dive in single echo mode means twin crystal probes can be used. In some measuring situations this can offer advantages where there are no protective coatings as this technique will not ignore coatings. Heavy corrosion, as some times found on sea defences and harbour pilings, can be challenging in order to obtain measurements in multiple echo modes. It is also useful for attenuative materials such as cast iron found in water and sewage outfall pipes and round bar such as anchor chain links.

The features can be summarised as follows:

• It is wrist mountable, thus giving the diver a free hand

It has a large, bright colour AMOLED display, highly viewable by diver and camera even in poor visibility

• It is a multiple echo device which means there is no need to remove protective coatings up to 20 mm thickness

• There is a scan display                                                                        

• With the “auto-log” data log option, there is no log button to press – stores up to 5,000 measurements with A scans

• A helmet view remote display for mounting on the diver’s helmet is available for use in extremely low visibility of water

• There is a single echo option

Ian Huggins, general manager, Unique System, commented, “We are extremely pleased to be introducing the DIVE MK2 in our region. The launch further enhances our portfolio of NDT and Inspection products that we have in our inventory. We also look forward to our continued association with Cygnus Instruments and representing their cutting-edge underwater technology to our esteemed clients within the region.”

Graham Haines, sales director, Cygnus Instruments, added, “Cygnus Instruments believes in offering the best range of underwater gauges to its customers. The ability of the diver to wear Dive on his arm or wrist is a big advantage. Having a free hand when diving offers obvious advantages and together with the 2.8” quarter VGA colour display, it makes viewing so much easier by both the diver and support engineers on the surface via the diver’s camera.”