Ultrasonic Thickness Inspections: Problem First, Tool Second.

When wall loss threatens an asset, UT is the quickest way to get certainty. The real challenge is access. Ladders, scaffolds, rope work and confined spaces slow inspections, add permits, and increase risk. The fix is simple: keep your people out of harm’s way and pick the access method that fits the geometry. 

Option A: Snowcat-E for consistent coverage 

Best for: trays, tank interiors, overhead steelwork, difficult access.
What it is: a low-profile crawler with an actuated raise/lower probe rail and gimbal-mounted UT head, with water coupling and on-board vision.
Why it helps: operators stay clear of hazards while the rail and gimbal deliver steadier, more repeatable readings than handheld methods. You leave with a clear visual and thickness record for review. In practice, teams use Snowcat-E to map high-wear zones before maintenance planning, trimming outage time and removing working-at-height from the task. 

Option B: Hellcat for long-range pipe UT 

Best for: large-diameter pipelines, penstocks, long runs.
What it is: a high-power crawler that carries a UT extension arm for targets or a centralised probe to keep angle and standoff correct as you travel.
Why it helps: Hellcat can reach distant locations in submerged or partially flooded lines, and capture geometry-correct, repeatable readings without full dewatering. Typical campaigns plan waypoint UT at critical sections, avoiding multi-day drains and refills. 

Option C: Custom Solution 

Every site, and every application is different, so there are times when an off-the-shelf solution won’t be enough. That’s why Nexxis builds modular technology. If your application needs it, we can add a UT probe to almost any Nexxis platform or engineer a purpose-built device for your geometry, materials and access constraints. Probe type, arm/rail configuration, coupling method, camera placement and workflows are all configurable so the tool fits the job, not the other way around. Learn more about our custom solutions here.

How to choose the right approach 

Best practice is to start with three simple questions:  

Where is the risk? (locations and loads), 

How can we access it safely? (distance, orientation, hazards) 

What repeatability do you need? (spot checks or coverage).  

From there, Snowcat-E, Hellcat, or a custom crawler, gets configured to your asset, schedule and reporting needs. 

Why these beat traditional handheld UT 

• Safety: keep people off ladders, away from edges and out of confined spaces. 

• Time: less scaffolding and fewer permits; shorter isolations; quicker turnaround. 

• Data quality: controlled pressure, orientation and coupling give more repeatable results. 
• Continuity: connect your UT gauge of choice to the access tool that fits the job. 

Planning a UT campaign and want to remove scaffolding, reduce risk and improve repeatability?

Contact us and tell us your geometry and access constraints and we’ll recommend a setup, standard or custom, to get the most from your inspections.

You can also find out more about our ultrasonic thickness products, or request a quote online.