Products | Applications

We are specialist consultants for the Sibtec Digital microProbe, precision equipment for wood decay detection.

"The Sibtec DmP provides reliable non-destructive detection and analysis of decay in all types of wood"

The DmP is a lightweight, battery powered portable tool that uses a 1mm diameter probe to penetrate timber up to 1 meter deep. The tool measures the resistance to penetration of the probe and downloads the resulting data in digital form for analysis.

Supplied with the microProbe is the 'Drill Control Centre' software for Win 95/2000 which provides a quick graphical view and transfers the raw data into Microsoft Excel®.

Leaving a virtually undetected test hole the DmP is powered by a rechargeable battery pack which can provide up to 100 tests, making it ideal for field work.

How It Works

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. A standard DmP probe is 375mm long which is adequate for most applications. However, longer probes are available for testing depths of up to 1 meter.

With use, the end of a very fine probe will naturally wear into a blunt, spatula shape. A sharp probe would cut through wood fibers and gradually become blunt, which would produce inconsistent readings. Our probes are designed to be blunt-ended from the start which ensures that results are always consistent, quantifiable and comparable.

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 Paper tracings and computerized digital information provide exact measurements of the presence and extent of wood decay. Detailed dendrological information can be read from the digital results.

All the readings obtained by microProbes can be scientifically analyzed 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 paper tracings and the digital results can be read with minimal interpretation by an operator and they can be interpreted and analyzed 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.

The DmP is essential Risk Management equipment for:

• trees
• wooden Utility poles
• termite damage assessment
• timber framing of buildings
• wooden boat structures

For further information regarding purchase please contact us.