SPY · NDT & Inspection Equipment
SPY portable holiday detectors are pipeline and tank coating inspection instruments in three models — the 780 at 1–5 kV DC, the 785 at 1–15 kV pulse DC and the 790 at 5–35 kV pulse DC — with infinitely adjustable auto-regulated voltage, a built-in voltmeter, and compliance with NACE, ASTM and AWWA coating inspection standards.
Price on request. Supplied from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and GCC — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.
Where it is used
Features
The voltage is set exactly to the level the coating requires — not six settings, not twenty, but any value across the model’s range. Holiday detection voltage must be matched to coating thickness: too low and real holidays are missed, too high and the test punctures sound coating and creates the defect it was looking for.
Output voltage is automatically held constant under working load across pipe sizes from two to sixty inches. Pipe diameter, soil conditions and moisture on the pipe all load the detector differently, and the regulation means the operator is not compensating for them by eye.
An integral user-adjustable voltmeter with digital LCD readout verifies the actual voltage rather than the dial position. On an inspection whose results go into a coating report, the difference between the intended and actual voltage is the difference between a defensible result and an argument.
The 12 V rechargeable battery slips into position with an audible snap and locks. Two batteries and a universal charger are supplied, so one charges — about 8 hours — while the other powers the unit. Typical battery life in use is around 8 hours, depending on selected voltage and applied load.
Both a horn and a light signal a holiday, so a defect is not missed by an operator watching the electrode rather than the instrument, or working in high ambient noise.
All three models comply with AS 3894.1, ANSI/AWWA C203, ANSI/AWWA C214, ASTM D4787, ASTM D5162, NACE RP0274, NACE SP0188, NACE SP0490, NACE TM0186 and NACE TM0384 — which covers essentially every coating inspection specification likely to be cited on a GCC pipeline or tank contract.
An easy-carry top handle, comfortable ergonomic rear handle and shoulder strap connection, at 7.45 lb (3.4 kg) with battery, for a unit that is carried along a pipeline rather than set down.
Technical data
Published manufacturer specifications. Where a figure affects your welding procedure, confirm it against the instruction manual for your specific configuration.
| Model 780 — thin film coatings | DC, 1–5 kV, coating range 4–50 mils (0.1–1.3 mm) |
|---|---|
| Model 785 — general purpose | Pulse DC, 1–15 kV, coating range 4–150 mils (0.1–3.8 mm), 28 Hz |
| Model 790 — thick coatings | Pulse DC, 5–35 kV, coating range 50–750 mils (1.3–19 mm), 28 Hz |
| Voltage output accuracy — all models | ±5% |
| Pulse repetition rate | 28 Hz (785 and 790); not applicable on 780 |
| Operating temperature | −20 °F to 148 °F (−29 °C to 64 °C) |
|---|---|
| Internal voltmeter | Yes — user adjustable |
| Display type | LCD |
| Holiday indicator | Audible and visual |
| Power | 12 V rechargeable battery, quick release |
| Battery life | Typically 8 hours, depending on voltage and load |
| Battery charge time | Approximately 8 hours |
| Unit weight (with battery) | 7.45 lb (3.4 kg) |
| Dimensions without battery | 21.5″ × 5″ × 5.5″ (546 × 127 × 140 mm) |
| Dimensions with battery | 21.5″ × 5″ × 8″ (546 × 127 × 203 mm) |
| AS 3894.1 | Compliant |
|---|---|
| ANSI/AWWA C203 | Compliant |
| ANSI/AWWA C214 | Compliant |
| ASTM D4787 | Compliant |
| ASTM D5162 | Compliant |
| NACE RP0274 | Compliant |
| NACE SP0188 | Compliant |
| NACE SP0490 | Compliant |
| NACE TM0186 | Compliant |
| NACE TM0384 | Compliant |
Ordering information
Quote these part numbers on your enquiry or LPO to guarantee the exact configuration. If you are unsure which variant suits your application, send us the joint details and we will specify it.
| Description | Part number |
|---|---|
| SPY Model 780 holiday detector, DC, 1–5 kV | 780 |
| SPY Model 785 holiday detector, pulse DC, 1–15 kV | 785 |
| SPY Model 790 holiday detector, pulse DC, 5–35 kV | 790 |
| Description | Part number |
|---|---|
| SPY Jeepmeters — high voltage meters to check detector output | JM / PJM / DCPJM |
Operating essentials
Match the model to the coating. Thin film epoxy at 4–50 mils calls for the 780 at 1–5 kV DC. General coatings up to 150 mils call for the 785. Thick coatings — somastic, tar, asphalt, extruded coats and tapes — from 50 to 750 mils call for the 790 at up to 35 kV.
Set the voltage to the level the coating specification requires, and verify it on the built-in voltmeter rather than by dial position. Too low a voltage misses holidays; too high punctures sound coating and creates defects. Where the governing standard gives a formula based on coating thickness, use it.
Connect the grounding cable to the metal substrate through the grounding cable insert. Improper grounding is one of the listed influences on output voltage, and a poor earth will produce both missed holidays and false indications.
Detector output is affected by weather conditions, moisture on the pipe, improper grounding and soil conditions. Check the output with a SPY Jeepmeter at the intervals your procedure requires — this is the step that makes the inspection record defensible.
Downloads
Need the instruction manual or spare parts list for this machine? Request it from weldiv@pofis.ae and we will send the current revision.
Frequently asked
It finds discontinuities — holidays — in a protective coating over a metal substrate: pinholes, voids, thin spots and damage. A high voltage is applied across the coating, and where the coating is sound no current flows. Where there is a defect, the current path to the substrate triggers an audible and visual alarm.
The 780 covers 4–50 mils at 1–5 kV DC, suited to thin film epoxy. The 785 covers 4–150 mils at 1–15 kV pulse DC for general work. The 790 covers 50–750 mils at 5–35 kV pulse DC for somastic, coal tar, asphalt, extruded coats and tapes. Tell us the coating type and thickness and we will confirm the model.
The 780 is straight DC and is used for thin film coatings. The 785 and 790 are pulse DC at 28 Hz, which suits thicker coatings such as tapes, shrink sleeves and coal tars. Which one your procedure allows is set by the governing standard and the coating system, not by preference.
All three models comply with AS 3894.1, ANSI/AWWA C203 and C214, ASTM D4787 and D5162, and NACE RP0274, SP0188, SP0490, TM0186 and TM0384.
Typically around 8 hours, depending on the selected voltage and the load applied. Two batteries and a universal charger are supplied, and charge time is approximately 8 hours, so one charges while the other is in use — which is what makes continuous shift working practical.
Yes. Output is influenced by weather, moisture on the pipe, grounding and soil conditions, so the dial setting is not proof of the actual output. SPY Jeepmeters are made for exactly this check, and most inspection procedures require it at defined intervals.
Yes — the auto-regulated voltage holds the set output constant across pipe sizes from two inches through sixty inches under working load, so no manual compensation for pipe size is needed.
POFIS supplies SPY inspection equipment from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and GCC. Request a quotation on this page or email weldiv@pofis.ae with your pipe size and coating details for model and electrode selection.
Procurement & supply
The SPY Portable Holiday Detectors 780, 785 & 790 is supplied by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and GCC. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.
Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.
POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.
Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.
Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.
Full manufacturer warranty applies. POFIS handles warranty claims and replacement on your behalf.
Technical support, product selection advice and resupply from our Abu Dhabi welding division.
Price on request
Send the form and the POFIS welding division replies with pricing, confirmed lead time, delivery terms and availability. Tell us who you are and what the job is, so the reply can be specific to it rather than a catalogue price list.
