Overview

The Dakota CMX2-DL (Part Number: Z-172-0005) represents a superior tier in ultrasonic non-destructive testing, combining the ruggedness of the CMX series with advanced A-Scan waveform visualization. As an official authorized representative, Seven Star LLC offers the Dakota CMX2-DL to engineers and inspectors who require more than just a numerical reading. The real-time A-Scan display on the Dakota CMX2-DL allows operators to visually verify the pulse-echo signals, ensuring that the measurements are taken from the actual back wall and not from internal inclusions or pitted surfaces.

Housed in a precision-machined, gasket-sealed aluminum enclosure, the Dakota CMX2-DL is built for the harshest industrial environments. The “DL” designation indicates a sophisticated internal data logger that enables the storage of large-scale inspection data. The Dakota CMX2-DL is uniquely capable of measuring material thickness through thick industrial coatings without the need for grinding or surface preparation, making it the most efficient solution for asset integrity management in the oil, gas, and maritime sectors.

Dakota CMX2-DL Thickness Gauge (CMX-DL+) Instruction Manual
Dakota CMX2-DL & CMX3-DL Thickness Gauge (CMX-DL+ & CMX-DL+ Colour) Datasheet

Measurement Principle

The Dakota CMX2-DL utilizes dual-element ultrasonic transducer technology to calculate material thickness with sub-micron precision. In standard Pulse-Echo (P-E) mode, the Dakota CMX2-DL measures the total time of flight for an ultrasonic pulse. For coated surfaces, the Dakota CMX2-DL switches to Echo-Echo (E-E) mode, which utilizes the time between two successive back-wall echoes to eliminate the coating thickness from the total measurement.

The defining technical advantage of the Dakota CMX2-DL is its A-Scan capability. This feature provides a graphical representation of the ultrasonic wave’s time and amplitude. By analyzing the waveform on the Dakota CMX2-DL, an inspector can identify signal attenuation, evaluate the quality of the couplant bond, and distinguish between real corrosion and material laminations. This level of diagnostic detail ensures that the Dakota CMX2-DL provides the highest confidence in thickness data acquisition.

Engineering Design and Construction

The Dakota CMX2-DL (Z-172-0005) is engineered for long-term field reliability. Its extruded aluminum body is designed to absorb significant impact while protecting the sensitive internal electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI). The Dakota CMX2-DL features a custom-designed, sunlight-readable display with adjustable gain and range settings. This allows the operator to fine-tune the A-Scan view on the Dakota CMX2-DL for optimal signal clarity regardless of the material type or environmental lighting.

Connectivity is handled through heavy-duty Lemo 00 connectors, ensuring signal purity between the Dakota CMX2-DL and the transducer. The device is powered by two AA batteries, supporting up to 200 hours of continuous field use. The Dakota CMX2-DL keypad is designed for high-repetition use, with a sealed membrane that prevents the ingress of dust, water, and industrial oils. This ruggedized engineering ensures that the Dakota CMX2-DL remains operational in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 50°C.

Key Features of Dakota CMX2-DL

• Real-Time A-Scan Visualization: The Dakota CMX2-DL offers rectified and RF waveform views for signal verification.

• Echo-Echo Thru-Paint Technology: Measure the actual thickness of metal through coatings up to 1mm thick using the Dakota CMX2-DL.

• Comprehensive Data Logging: The Dakota CMX2-DL stores up to 1,000 readings with full A-Scan waveform capture for audit traceability.

• Automatic Gain Control (AGC): The Dakota CMX2-DL automatically optimizes the signal strength for different material types.

• Rugged Aluminum Enclosure: IP65 rated housing designed for offshore and heavy industrial use.

• Multi-Probe Compatibility: The Dakota CMX2-DL is compatible with a wide array of dual-element transducers from 1MHz to 10MHz.

Industrial Applications

The Dakota CMX2-DL (Z-172-0005) is the primary choice for critical B2B inspection tasks, including:

• Offshore Platform Inspection: Monitoring structural members and risers through heavy marine coatings.

• Refinery Pressure Vessels: Accurate wall loss assessment in high-temperature process equipment using the Dakota CMX2-DL.

• Subsea Pipeline Integrity: Detecting internal pitting and erosion in oil and gas transport infrastructure.

• Aerospace Material Testing: Verifying the thickness of high-value alloy components with A-Scan verification.

• Chemical Storage Tanks: Rapidly mapping the corrosion profile of painted tank floors and walls.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the A-Scan feature in the Dakota CMX2-DL?

The A-Scan feature in the Dakota CMX2-DL allows the inspector to see the actual ultrasonic waveform. This helps verify that the thickness reading is coming from the back wall of the material and not from noise, pitting, or internal flaws, providing a much higher level of data reliability than numeric-only gauges.

How does the Dakota CMX2-DL handle measurement through paint?

Using the Echo-Echo mode, the Dakota CMX2-DL identifies the time between the first and second echoes from the back wall of the metal. Since both echoes have traveled through the coating twice, the Dakota CMX2-DL can mathematically eliminate the coating’s thickness and provide the true metal measurement.

Can the Dakota CMX2-DL store the actual waveforms in its memory?

Yes, the Dakota CMX2-DL is equipped with a DL (Data Logger) that not only stores the numerical thickness reading but can also capture the associated A-Scan waveform for each measurement. This is essential for professional inspection reports and audit trails.

Is the Dakota CMX2-DL (Z-172-0005) suitable for low-temperature environments?

The Dakota CMX2-DL is designed to operate in temperatures as low as -30°C. Its high-contrast LCD and rugged aluminum casing make it ideal for cold weather inspections in northern climates or cryogenic storage facilities.

What software is used to manage data from the Dakota CMX2-DL?

The Dakota CMX2-DL utilizes the Dakota NDT specialized software suite, which allows for the rapid transfer of stored readings and waveforms to a PC. The software enables engineers to create grid-based corrosion maps and professional NDT reports.

Call To Action

Seven Star LLC is your official authorized partner for the Dakota CMX2-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge. We provide comprehensive technical training, factory-certified calibration, and rapid RFQ processing for the Z-172-0005. Contact our engineering sales team today for a formal quotation or to request the complete Dakota CMX2-DL technical datasheet.