Hilti’s new PS200 Ferroscan is a quick, easy-to-use portable system for detecting the position and diameter of reinforcement in concrete and measuring the depth of cover.

The system consists of a scanner, monitor and PC-based software. The scanner facilitates the collection of data from below the concrete surface, which is then transferred to the monitor using an infrared connection for immediate viewing. When more detailed evaluation is needed, Hilti software helps the user prepare a print-ready report.

Easily reveals rebar
It only takes a few passes of the scanner over the surface before a representation of the underlying rebar is generated on screen. With an image to work from, the user is then able to avoid hits when drilling or coring, reducing wear and tear on drill or core bits and the tool motor. Avoiding rebar hits also greatly reduces the time spent drilling, since holes are made in the right place, the first time.
Mutaz Al Maani, market segment manager, Hilti Regional Office, Middle East and South Asia says: “Because the PS 200 takes guesswork out of the equation, there’s no need for concern on projects where damage to rebars cannot be allowed. Images up to 1.8 by 1.8 m keeps the user firmly in the picture.”
Engineers needing to determine the amount of rebar in concrete – as well as its arrangement, depth and diameter – gain a wealth of additional information by simply moving the cursor to any point on the image and clicking. Information on depth and diameter – invaluable for tasks such as checking rebar prior to structural renovation, or for accurate, on-the-job quality control – are also immediately revealed, he points out. The PS 200 can be used for scanning in industrial applications, concrete ceilings, support beams, columns, and critical zones in tunnels or bridges.
With the ‘Quickscan’ mode, the average cover depth over the first layer can be determined in one continuous scan on stretches of concrete up to 30 m long. This function is particularly useful in tunnel and bridge applications where minimum cover over the rebar is critical, or where quality control or documentation of precast structural elements is required, he says.
The headset connection allows users to add voice recordings to a scan, thereby eliminating the use of pen and paper where scans have been made. Voice recordings can be uploaded to the PC alongside the scan data.

No cables
Designed with the user and jobsite in mind, the PS 200 has done away with snagging cords offering users absolute freedom of movement, Al Maani says. In addition, it has done away with the dangling of monitors around the neck.
“Cordless operation means storing the initial scan data in the scanner itself, before uploading it both quickly and easily to the monitor via the infrared connection. This has the added advantage that several users can work independently with their own scanners, yet share a single monitor. It makes large scanning jobs fast, and at a fraction of the cost of buying complete scanning systems for each user. Storage capacity is high, with space for nine scans in the scanner itself and over 100 more on the multimedia card slotted inside the monitor,” says Al Maani.

Processing & documentation
Hilti supplies the complete system for the job. Using dedicated software, the user is able to further process and evaluate the data. This is uploaded from the monitor in just a few seconds via the USB connection or a compatible card reader. Automatic processing of large quantities of data, automatic report generation, printing as well as image and data export in many standard formats are features that make the PS 200 the perfect detection system, he adds.

Global support
Hilti guarantees extensive product support and service in the region, says Al Maani. “Users can have access to a huge global knowledgebase packed with construction expertise via internet, specialised field engineers, field sales representatives or support hotline.
The Hilti Regional Repair Centre in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, offers unparalelled calibration and repair services, to ensure the highest level of service that can be expected by Hilti customers,” he concludes.