The Q-Box is the world’s first device to centralize all measurements required by the cathodic protection standard, allowing users to monitor, test, and secure installations with a single tool. Rugged, waterproof, and ergonomic, it ensures reliable on-site measurements, eliminates the risk of errors, and saves valuable time at every stage of installation.
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The Q-Box is a portable quality control unit designed for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete. It assists the operator at every stage of installation through its three main functions:
• Verifying the installation’s compliance by covering all measurements required by the EN ISO 12696 standard;
• verifying that the installation is functioning properly zone by zone using its built-in current generator during provisional commissioning;
• ensuring the reliability of inspections through automatic time-stamping of each measurement and the creation of the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).
All measurements required by the EN ISO 12696 standard are performed from a single, standalone unit. Thanks to its intuitive interface, the Q-Box can be used directly on-site without any specific training. It is used starting with the initial continuity checks of the reinforcement and guides the operator through the process until the system’s provisional commissioning. Connected to the junction box, it automatically performs the complete sequence of measurements for each zone, ensures the reliability of wiring checks, and reduces the time spent on repetitive checks.
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The Q-Box performs the three continuity checks required by the EN ISO 12696 standard using a single unit. It verifies cathode-to-cathode continuity in the reinforcement mesh and anode-to-anode continuity in each anode zone. It also checks for the absence of short circuits between the anodes and the reinforcement. The result of each measurement is displayed immediately to verify the installation’s compliance.
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Exclusive to the Q-Box, this standard method is the most reliable way to verify the continuity of reinforcement. It complies with Section 7.1 of the EN ISO 12696 standard. A conductive electrolytic medium between two discontinuous reinforcement bars can create an apparent continuity. This phenomenon causes a false positive during measurement. Conversely, insulating iron oxides between two continuous reinforcement bars can create an apparent discontinuity. This phenomenon results in a false negative. Only a measurement using direct current injection can eliminate these artifacts. It ensures a reliable verification of the electrical continuity of the reinforcement network.
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The Q-Box verifies the proper functioning of the reference electrodes and depolarization probes by switching between 10 MΩ and 1 GΩ. Recording begins only after the signal has fully stabilized and is monitored by an internal stability index to eliminate spurious fluctuations. A difference of less than 10 mV between the two impedances indicates that the sensor complies with EN ISO 12696. If the difference exceeds this threshold, the Q-Box signals a problem with the sensor/concrete interface or the connection before the system is powered on.
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The built-in generator supports steps 8.3 through 8.5 of EN ISO 12696. It covers the initial power-up, calibration, and performance evaluation of the installation and replaces both a dedicated generator and a multimeter for each sensor. The Q-Box simultaneously measures the Eins, OFF, and depolarization of all sensors in the same zone. No intermediate rewiring is required during measurements, and checks are performed before the final connection to the PLC.
Read more Read less| SPECIFICATION | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 200 × 105 × 34 mm |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
| Connectors | 4 waterproof banana plugs |
| Display | 5" touchscreen (45 × 93 mm) |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging + data) |
| Regulatory Compliance | EN ISO 12696 · NACE SP0290 |
Despite its compact size, the Q-Box packs all of BlueSpine’s expertise in cathodic protection. Waterproof (IP67), shock-resistant, and small enough to fit in one hand, it allows you to perform all measurements independently, quickly, and without error.
The Q-Box replaces several measuring devices on its own and connects directly to the junction box. This reduces the need for multiple steps, back-and-forth trips, and the risk of wiring errors. It fits in one hand, ensuring a smooth and efficient job site.
The Q-Box incorporates a 4-wire current-injection measurement and a dual-impedance measurement. These two proprietary technologies meet the requirements of the EN ISO 12696 and NACE SP0290 standards. They help identify false positives and false negatives and ensure the reliability of critical measurements within the installation.
The built-in current generator allows at least 20% of the required rated current to be supplied prior to final connection to the controller. The Q-Box simultaneously measures the Einst, OFF, and depolarization of all sensors in a zone. It verifies the three performance criteria specified in Section 8.6 of EN ISO 1269: instantaneous cut-off potential, depolarization, and polarity confirmation. Once each zone is validated, the installation is secure, and billing can be tracked with the general contractor.
The Q-Box features an IP67-rated, shock-resistant housing, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and a belt clip for one-handed use. A single operator is sufficient to perform all measurements, and no specific certification is required. The Q-Box is designed for the most demanding conditions on cathodic protection job sites.
The Q-Box is part of a comprehensive ecosystem.
The BSCP-100 controller supplies the protective current for forced-current systems, monitors parameters in real time, and automatically regulates each anode zone. The Q-Box verifies the installation’s compliance and performs a preliminary commissioning before the final connection to the controller.
The BlueSpine junction box centralizes the connections for anode cables, reference electrodes, and depolarization probes. The Q-Box connects directly to the Smart Junction Box to automatically perform all measurements in the area and carry out the temporary commissioning.
Neurona is the remote monitoring platform for BlueSpine cathodic protection systems: it provides real-time data viewing, alerts, data archiving, and centralized supervision of a fleet of facilities through a single point of access.
Your questions, our answers
The PAQ includes all documentation attesting to the installation’s compliance with the requirements of the EN ISO 12696 standard:
The Q-Box automatically documents and time-stamps each of these measurements to facilitate the creation of the PAQ.
Temporary commissioning allows for verification of the proper operation of each anode zone prior to final connection to the cathodic protection controller. Thanks to its built-in current generator, the Q-Box supplies at least 20% of the required rated current to the zone and validates the three standard criteria specified in EN ISO 12696 §8.6:
This step marks a milestone in the project, ensures safe implementation, and allows for phased billing to the general contractor.
The EN ISO 15257 standard stipulates that continuity and potential measurements may be performed in the field by N2-level personnel under the supervision of a certified engineer of a higher level. The engineer may provide this supervision remotely, in accordance with PCRA 013 (CEFRACOR). On a BlueSpine project site, the contractor’s operator performs the measurements using the Q-Box. The analysis, interpretation, and validation of the PAQ are carried out by a BlueSpine engineer certified to EN ISO 15257 Level 3, who bears technical responsibility for the process.
The Q-Box can be integrated into any cathodic protection project for reinforced concrete, whether it involves a new construction project being commissioned or the retrofitting of an existing facility. The BlueSpine team assists with defining requirements and integrating the Q-Box into the site’s quality control protocol.
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