ABQINDUSTRIAL Western Instruments WC-8 User manual

Western Instruments WC-8 Compact 12 Volt Pulsed DC Magnetic Yoke
Instruction Manual
Distributed by: ABQ Industrial LP USA
Tel: [phone] eFax: [phone]
Web: https://www.abqindustrial.net E-mail: [email protected]
Distributed by: ABQ Industrial LP USA
Tel: [phone] eFax: [phone]
Web: https://www.abqindustrial.net E-mail: [email protected]

The WC-8 allows the Operator to induce a Pulsing DC inspection field (125Hz)
into the ferrous material being tested. The device should be utilized within the
parameters set by the operational specifications within this guide.
1. Solid State Push Button Switch – The Solid State Push Button
Switch was designed for comfort and safety. While depressed, the switch
delivers power (12 Volts DC) to the coil encapsulated in the Yoke housing.
The Solid State Push Button Switch provides a ½ Watt control signal to the
electronic controls in the Output Module, where semiconductors are used to
activate the magnetization field. Do not attempt to use the WC-8 with AC
Power and see the Maintenance section for wiring instructions.
2. End Cap Rotation
The End Cap may be rotated to reposition the Cord Protector (Strain Relief),
for operator convenience, within the Bottom 120º or Top 120º of the Junction
tube. Carefully remove the End Cap, followed by the internal Cross Bar, and
reposition the power wires. Replace the mounting bar, ensuring the
insulating tape is in place and carefully reinstall the End Cap. Care must be
taken not to twist or ‘pinch’ wires, on either the mounting bar or End Cap.
See the Maintenance section for wiring instructions.
Bottom Exit
Junction Tube/End
Cap Assembly
Target Area
Push Button
Switch
Battery Pack (7
Amp Hour shown,
available in 3 and 12
Amp Hour as well)
*Charger no shown
Pole Pieces
Cross Bar
Ground Lug
(Not used)
End Cap (Name
Plate and Fastener
not shown
)
Cord Protector/
Strain Relief
Module and
Insulating Tape Junction Tube
Power Wires
White - Positive
Black - Negative Rear Leg
Power Connector
and Battery
Receptacle
*2 Amp Fuse
Crack Orientation
Cord Protector
and Power Cord
WC-8 Operating Instructions
2

Top Exit
End Cap (Name
Plate and Fastener
not shown
)
Cord Protector/
Strain Relief Ground Lug
(Not used)
Cross Bar
Module and
Insulating Tape
Power Lines
White – Positive
Black - Negative
Junction Tube
Rear Leg
3. Operational Parameters
The Operational Parameters or Duty Cycle for the operation is set to avoid
damage to the internal coil or the Output Module, and must be observed.
12 Volt Operation: It is recommended that the operator does not keep the
Yoke on for more than 5 minutes at a time, as the Yoke housing may get to
warm to hold. However, the basic design of any Yoke inherently produces
heat. Typical operation is 5 - 15 seconds on, while applying inspection
media, followed by 5 - 15 seconds off repositioning the yoke to the target
area.
If the Yoke is used for prolonged periods of time such as 2 to 3 hours of
continuous cycling, as outline above, the Yoke will get warm. If the WC-8 is
used in this manner the operator must provide time for a sufficient cooling
period, or components in the Electronic Control Module may fail.
The WC-8 can be used with one of Western Instruments 3 Battery Packs (3,
6, or 12 Amp Hour Capacity) or from a Automotive Battery/Accessories
Outlet. The 12 Volt Connector, on the end of the ‘Coiled Cord’ , has an
internal fuse rated at 2 Amps. 12 Volts off an Automotive Supply, taken after
the battery, will not charge one of Western’s Battery Packs. Western
Instruments’ Battery Chargers, operating from an AC Power Source (115 or
230 Volts) have a DC Charging voltage or over 14 Volts similar to an
Automotive Alternator.
4. Field Characteristics
Pulsing DC Field – The Pulsed DC (125 Hz) Magnetic Field is stronger than
an AC Field and tends to penetrate the work piece more deeply, however DC
is still sensitive to surface defects. Inspection media tends to adhere to the
entire target area of the work piece, due to the reduced particle mobility, and
may need to be ‘blown off’ to fully reveal an indication. The intensity of a DC
Field, by it’s nature, is fixed but the Yoke does Pulse the field providing some
stimulus for the particles to migrate to defects.
WC-8 Operating Instructions
3

WC-8 Operating Instructions
4
It must be noted that there is no demagnetization provision on the WC-8, so
parts will have some residual field in them after inspection. The work piece
can be tested with a Magnetic Field Indicator, such as the W-Series W-FI®, to
measure the residual magnet field.
5. Operation
Position the Pole Pieces (Feet) on the work piece. The area between the
pole pieces is your target area, which also extends laterally out,
approximately 1.5” (38mm), from either edge of the pole pieces. The Field
will expose defects that are transverse to the centerline between the Pole
Pieces. The Pole Pieces should be positioned so that as much of their
contact surfaces as possible, are on the work piece. The Yoke is then
energized, by pressing Push Button Switch, and Magnetic particles are
applied. Dry Method Particles are dusted between the Pole Pieces and over
the target area, while Wet Method Particles are sprayed in a similar manner.
The Target Area is then inspected visually for a collection of Particles around
defects. A Black Light is used to aid visual inspection when Fluorescent
Particles are used. Indications found with Dry Powder will tend to form
immediately, and will take slightly longer with Wet Method Particles. If the
typical direction of defects is not known, rotate the Yoke through 90º and
repeat the inspection of the target area.
As the WC-8 produces a standard amount of Field Blow as other DC Yokes.
Field Blow is a collection of Inspection Media between the Pole Pieces,
transverse to the centerline between the Pole Pieces, and may case a
masking of indications. Field Blow can be minimized by extending the Pole
Pieces farther apart, If work piece configuration does not permit extending
Pole Pieces, reduce the contact area of the Pole Pieces on the work piece.
Follow the Operational Parameters outlined in these instructions
6. Maintenance.
After extended use the Yoke should be cleaned with a mild soap solution.
The unit should be visually inspected for any damage that could cause harm
to the operator, or the material being inspected. Special attention should be
paid to the Push Button Switch Cover, to ensure it is fully adhered to the
body of the Yoke. Furthermore, the Power Plug, Power Cord, and the End
Cap/Cord Protector should be in a good state of repair. While performing
maintenance, cleaning, or repositioning the End Cap the Yoke should be
disconnected from any power source, with safe industrial practices
employed. Any potential problems to these assemblies must be reported to
the Distributor or Western Instruments for instructions on corrective action.
Whether industrial specifications are being observed or not, the Yoke should
be tested periodically, using certified Pull Test Bar(s) such as the W-Series
W-PT®, to ensure it continues to lift the specified amount of weight. If the
unit fails such a test, first inspect the Pole Pieces to ensure they fully contact
the test weight. If the unit continues to fail, contact the Distributor or Western
Instruments for instructions on corrective action.

WC-8 Operating Instructions
5
The Output Module (located inside the Junction Tube) is clearly identified
with Positive (+) and Negative (-) terminal receptacles. The White wire on
the Power Cord is connected to the Positive (+) terminal and the Black wire is
connected to the Negative (-) terminal. Conversely, on the Cigarette Lighter
Plug for the Power Cord, has the White Positive (+) wire connected to the
Central Contact, and the Black Negative (-) wire connected to the outer or
shell contact. Reversal of these wires, and the resulting polarity, will cause
the Output Module to fail.
7. Battery Charging
Western Instruments offers batteries with a Nominal Capacity of 3, 7, or 12
Amp Hours, and all can be charged with the 1.5 Amp Smart Charger (115/60
or 230/50 input voltage). The rule of thumb for batteries is; multiply the
capacity (Amp Hours) by 2, and the result will be the number of hours (under
continuous use) that a fully charged battery will last for. Battery Duration
Tests are routinely performed to test Product Performance, however are far
more demanding than typical field inspections, as units are typically not
activated on a continuous basis (see Operational Parameters).
Batteries should not be left on charge indefinitely, however, Western
Instruments’ Smart Charger will not typically damage a battery if it left
charging the battery for more than the specified times. The Wiring Color
Code on the Battery and Charger is as follows; Red – Positive (+); Black –
Negative(-).
Battery Charging Chart (fully discharged):
Battery
Type 3 Amp Hour 7 Amp Hour 12 Amp Hour
Charging
Time 4 hours 8 hours 16 hours
Note: Charging Times will vary, depending on the residual charge in the battery.
The operator plugs the Charger’s 12-Volt Connector into a Receptacle on the
Battery Pack. He should note if the Charging LED comes on, if the Service
LED comes on, the Charger has detected a short circuit in either system
(Battery or Wiring). A 2 Amp Fuse in contained inside the Battery Charger’s
12-Volt Connector. When there is no LED on, the Battery is fully Charged.
The WC-8 will lift 50 Pounds with as little as 8 Volts of power left in the
battery. The WC-8 can be easily tested with 5 Pull Test Bars, such as
Western Instruments W-PT®, fastened together.
If a Battery Pack is supplied with 2 Cigarette Lighter Outputs, it is not
acceptable to have the Smart Charger connected while operating the Yoke.
The second Output is installed for a 12V UV Lamp or similar accessory.
Operating such an accessory, from the Battery Pack, will affect how long a
charge will last.
8. Warranty
Western Instruments warrants its products, against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 1 year from receipt by the end user. If Western

Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period,
Western Instruments will either, at it’s option, repair, replace, or condemn
products that prove to be defective. Consumable items, such as Batteries
are warranted for 30 days, from receipt by the end user.
Any warranty is void if the unit has been modified in any way, or if it has been
repaired by an unauthorized agency. The end user agrees that any
equipment’s disposition, when returned for warranty work, is at the full
discretion of Western Instruments as to whether a claim is under warranty or
due to misuse. Western Instruments warranty shall overlook normal wear,
however does not include operation outside the environmental specification
of the product. All warranty work is FOB Western Instruments, and any
returned units shall include a written description, by the end user, of the fault.
Western Instruments makes no other warranty, either expressed or implied,
with respect to this product. Western Instruments specifically disclaims any
liability arising form the use of this equipment. For the correct use of the
product, refer to the Operating Instructions, furthermore we recommend
instructional training to CGSB, ASNT, or other regulatory authority
qualifications. Western Instruments highly recommends the end user
exercise all possible safety precautions, including use of protective
equipment, while operating this or other industrial equipment.
Specifications:
Model: WC-8 or WC-8K
Voltage: 12VDC
Current: 0.5 Amps @12 Volts DC
Charger Voltage: 115VAC or 230VAC (K)
Charger Current: 1.5 Amps or 1.0 (K)
Capacity: 50 Pounds (23 Kg)
Pole Spacing: 0 – 11” (0 – 280mm)
Weight: 6.5 Pounds (3 Kg)
Cord: 1’ Coil, extends to 6’ (1.8m)
Distributed by: ABQ Industrial LP USA
Tel: [phone] eFax: [phone]
Web: https://www.abqindustrial.net E-mail: [email protected]
Distributed by: ABQ Industrial LP USA
Tel: [phone] eFax: [phone]
Web: https://www.abqindustrial.net E-mail: [email protected]