Cygnus Instruments has positioned itself as a global benchmark in ultrasonic measurement solutions thanks to its user-centered approach and its UT thickness gauge with Zone 0 certification. With more than four decades of experience, the British company has managed to remain current through a technological proposal that responds directly to the challenges of the field. As part of the PANNDT 2025 event, the Inspenet team was able to talk to Lulu Crosthwaite-Eye, Managing Director of the company, who explained how they are redefining the standards of industrial inspection.
From professional diving to UT technology development
Cygnus Instruments was born 42 years ago as a result of the direct experience of Lulu’s father, a commercial diver and expert in naval surveys. His practical knowledge of the extreme conditions in marine environments drove the need to create rugged, portable and reliable equipment, and since then, the company has maintained the principle of designing from empathy with the user.
This approach led to the development of ultrasonic thickness gauges (UT) capable of operating in harsh environments without compromising accuracy or safety.
Need-centered technology
One of Cygnus’ major achievements has been the introduction of its multiple echo technology, which allows thickness measurements through thick coatings without the need to remove paint or protective material. For industries such as marine and petrochemical, where corrosion-resistant coatings are critical, this feature represents a significant advance.
I am sure we have surprised users in the oil and gas NDT sector with the thickness of these coatings, that we can measure through them and ignore them.
Lulu Crosthwaite-Eye.
Zone 0 certification: safety in explosive environments
The company’s most outstanding development in recent years is its Zone 0 certified UT thickness gauge, Cygnus 1 Ex, the only one of its kind. This designation, recognized under European ATEX and international IECEx regulations, ensures that the equipment can operate safely in atmospheres with the continuous presence of flammable gases or combustible dusts.
This breakthrough represents a fundamental change for industries where NDT inspections had to be postponed or carried out with costly measures due to lack of appropriate equipment. For industries such as oil and gas, chemicals or mining, where the risk of ignition is critical, this thickness gauge fills a historical gap.
Until recently, the equipment in the ground zero format was not available. So there was a loophole, and the excuse has always been: well, we can’t comply because we don’t have the equipment. But Cygnus enters the scene with this UT-thick meter.
Lulu Crosthwaite-Eye.
Extreme use cases: underwater and in hazardous areas
The company’s commitment to hostile environments is not limited to explosive zones, as its meters are also used by professional divers in underwater inspections, where pressure, lack of visibility and the need for absolute reliability make every measurement a challenge. In addition, its equipment can be integrated into underwater robots and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), capable of reaching depths of several kilometers.
This robustness also carries over to other industries; in environments where a spark can represent a disaster, having a device that does not generate an ignition source is a competitive advantage and a guarantee of compliance.
Technology partnerships: drones, data and collaboration
The company has taken a strategic approach to integrating with other complementary technologies, such as its partnership with Flyability, a manufacturer of inspection drones such as the Elios 3. By integrating their UT technology with drones, they have extended the scope of inspections to confined or difficult-to-access locations without putting personnel at risk.
The company also collaborates with software developers for data management, allowing the information collected to flow efficiently to analysis platforms, without the need to develop proprietary solutions.
Overcoming regulatory challenges
The non-destructive testing (NDT) industry is increasingly regulated, and many companies face the challenge of aligning their operations with complex regulatory frameworks. Cygnus technology not only enables more accurate and safer measurements, but also facilitates regulatory compliance through its international certifications.
Looking to the future: specialization and collaboration
When asked about future plans, the director of Cygnus was cautious, although she hinted that the strategy will continue to focus on technological alliances. This collaborative specialization model is bearing fruit and positioning the company as a benchmark in efficiency and adaptability.
From subsea inspections to explosive industrial environments, your Zone 0 certified UT thickness gauge represents the next step in safety, efficiency and compliance for global industry.
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Source: Inspenet.