Acoustic control systems A1525 SOLO User manual

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
Operation Manual
1
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
TFM ULTRASONIC
FLAW DETECTOR
Acoustic Control Systems – ACS Group
Saarbrücken, Germany 2019
А1525
SOLO
OPERATION MANUAL

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
Operation Manual
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ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
Operation Manual
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ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
1 DEVICE DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION........................................................................................................... 6
1.1 DEVICE PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.1.1 TFM flaw detector purpose and field of use...........................................................................................................6
1.1.2 Operation conditions...............................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.2.1 Main device parameters........................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 DEVICE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION..............................................................................................................................9
1.3.1 Device structure ..........................................................................................................................................................................9
1.3.2 Main Interface ..............................................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.3 Instrument operation modes - Overview...............................................................................................................10
1.3.4 Basic Display Features...........................................................................................................................................................14
1.3.5 Keyboard...........................................................................................................................................................................................15
1.3.6 Use of Icons ....................................................................................................................................................................................17
2 INTENDED USE..............................................................................................................................................................18
2.1 OPERATING LIMITATIONS..............................................................................................................................................................18
2.2 DEVICE PREPARATION FOR USE............................................................................................................................................18
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
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2.3 OPERATING DEVICE MODES .....................................................................................................................................................19
2.3.1 Setup for TOMOGRAPH mode........................................................................................................................................19
2.3.2 Setup for FLAW DETECTOR mode.............................................................................................................................32
2.4 TOMOGRAPH mode..........................................................................................................................................................................54
2.4.1 Device screen in TOMOGRAPH mode .....................................................................................................................56
2.4.2 Gating within a Frame.........................................................................................................................................................56
2.4.3 Tomograph Display Features – Continued..........................................................................................................58
2.4.4 Sensitivity setting using SAC (Spatial Amplitude Correction)..............................................................60
2.4.5 Tomograph Frame evaluation modes.....................................................................................................................66
2.4.6 Magnify (Zoom) control ......................................................................................................................................................67
2.4.7 TOMOGRAPH Freeze mode ............................................................................................................................................68
2.4.8 TOMOGRAPH Scanner mode........................................................................................................................................70
3 MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................. 77
3.1 Power supply and power consumption..............................................................................................................................77
3.2 Maintenance frequency .................................................................................................................................................................77
3.3 Potential problems .............................................................................................................................................................................77
3.4 Storage .........................................................................................................................................................................................................77
4. TRANSPORTATION.....................................................................................................................................................78
Manufacturer:

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
Operation Manual
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2.3 OPERATING DEVICE MODES .....................................................................................................................................................19
2.3.1 Setup for TOMOGRAPH mode........................................................................................................................................19
2.3.2 Setup for FLAW DETECTOR mode.............................................................................................................................32
2.4 TOMOGRAPH mode..........................................................................................................................................................................54
2.4.1 Device screen in TOMOGRAPH mode .....................................................................................................................56
2.4.2 Gating within a Frame.........................................................................................................................................................56
2.4.3 Tomograph Display Features – Continued..........................................................................................................58
2.4.4 Sensitivity setting using SAC (Spatial Amplitude Correction)..............................................................60
2.4.5 Tomograph Frame evaluation modes.....................................................................................................................66
2.4.6 Magnify (Zoom) control ......................................................................................................................................................67
2.4.7 TOMOGRAPH Freeze mode ............................................................................................................................................68
2.4.8 TOMOGRAPH Scanner mode........................................................................................................................................70
3 MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................. 77
3.1 Power supply and power consumption..............................................................................................................................77
3.2 Maintenance frequency .................................................................................................................................................................77
3.3 Potential problems .............................................................................................................................................................................77
3.4 Storage .........................................................................................................................................................................................................77
4. TRANSPORTATION.....................................................................................................................................................78
This operation manual contains specifications, device, and operating
principle descriptions for the correct use of the A1525 SOLO ultrasonic
flaw detector.
Before operating this device, please carefully review this manual.
Only properly trained and qualified personnel should operate this device.
Please check local codes and regulations regarding any required certifi-
cations needed before use.
The manufacturer continually upgrades this device, thereby increas-
ing reliability and operational convenience. Consequently, these new fea-
tures may result in significant changes not mentioned in this manual
version. Consult with your local agent or the factory if there are questions
regarding operational characteristics not found within this manual.
ACS-Solutions GmbH
Science Park 2
66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Е-mail: inf[email protected]
Website: www.acs-international.com
Issue date: 04.07.2019
Manufacturer:

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
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1.1.1 TFM flaw detector purpose and field of use
The A1525 SOLO TFM flaw detector is the world’s lightest and smallest TFM phased array instrument. It can also be operated
as a conventional pulse-echo handheld ultrasonic devices used for general-purpose testing. This unique device utilizes phased array
transducers and the Total Focusing Method (TFM) of signal processing to generate a tomographic image (or frame) instead of the
traditional S-Scan display seen on conventional phased array flaw detectors. This image is much easier to interpret and provides
non-technical users with the ability to understand the information presented on screen and how it relates to the part being inspected.
When the instrument is purchased with the optional single-axis encoder, D-Scan and C-Scan data can be collected for accurate
location mapping and sizing. A D-Scan shows a cross-section view of the indication through the weld, and a C-Scan shows the
corresponding top (plan) view of the indication. This information can be recorded for later review and analysis.
The A1525 SOLO is an excellent transition instrument for conventional UT inspectors to learn the benefits of phased array
imaging. It is also ideal as a light and portable screening tool providing initial imaging scans for more in-depth investigations with
AUT or other NDT methods as required.
1.1.2 Operating conditions
The A1525 SOLO is designed for operation under the following environmental conditions:
– at temperatures from -10 to + 55 ˚С; 14.0 °F to 131 °F
– at relative air humidity to 95 % at a maximum + 35 ˚С (95 °F).
DEVICE
DESCRIPTION
AND
OPERATION
1.1 DEVICE PURPOSE
1
SAFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL:
Symbol Description
Indicates a potential threat. Failure to avoid it can result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potential threat. Failure to avoid it may result in minor injury.
Indicates a potentially harmful situation. If it is not avoided, the device or something in its vicinity may be damaged.

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
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Parameter name Value
Velocity value range, m/sec 1,000-10,000
Operating transducer frequencies, MHz 1.0 – 10.0
Operating frequencies deviation from rated, % ± 10
Thickness range (in steel) with a longitudinal transducer, mm 4-900
Permissible basic absolute error limits for thickness Tcalibration with a longitudinal transducer, mm ±(0.01·T+0.2)
Defect depth calibration range (in steel) with a longitudinal transducer, mm 7-180
Permissible basic absolute error limits for defect depth D with a longitudinal transducer, mm ±(0.01·D+0.2)
Defect coordinate ranges (in steel) with a shear wave transducer 60°, mm:
Depths D
Surface Distance SD
3 - 40
5 - 75
Permissible basic absolute error limits for defect coordinates with a shear wave transducer 60 °, mm:
Depths D
Surface Distance SD
±(0.03·D+1)
±(0.03·SD+1)
Defect coordinate ranges (in steel) with a shear wave transducer 70 °, mm:
Depths D
Surface Distance SD
3 - 40
7 - 100
Table 1
▼
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS
1.2.1 Main device parameters
The main device parameters are given in Table 1.

TFM Ultrasonic Flaw Detector A1525 SOLO
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Table 1
Parameter Value
Permissible basic absolute error limits for defect coordinate with a shear wave transducer 70°, mm:
Depths D
Surface ranges SD
±(0.03·D+1)
±(0.03·SD+1)
Defect coordinate ranges (in steel) with a phased array of longitudinal waves, mm 10 - 90
Permissible basic absolute error limits for defect depth D with a phased array of longitudinal waves, mm ±(0.03·D+1)
Defect coordinates ranges (in steel) with a phased array of shear waves, mm:
Depths D
Surface Distance SD
6 - 80
6 - 80
Permissible basic absolute error limits for defect coordinates with a phased array of shear waves, mm:
Depths D
Surface Distance SD
±(0.03·H+1)
±(0.03·L+1)
Amplifier adjustment range, dB 0 - 80
Permissible basic absolute error limits for signal amplitude ratio on receiver input, dB ± 0.5
Power supply Lithium Battery
Rated power value of a battery, V 11.2
Continuous operation time from a battery at normal environmental conditions, hours 8
Overall dimensions of an electronic unit, mm 258х164х110
Weight of an electronic unit, kg, no more 1.9
Mean-time-between-failures, hours 30 000
Mean lifetime, years, at least 8
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1.3.1 Device structure
The flaw detector includes an electronic unit to which a phased array transducer (PA)
is connected by cables and an AC power adapter.
1.3.1.1 Electronic unit
Figure 1 shows the basic unit connected to a shear wave phased array transducer.
Instrument settings are controlled with a membrane keyboard. Indication of signals, cal-
ibration data, and instrument state are displayed and indicated with LEDs on the device
case. Device power is supplied from alithium-ion battery or from the AC power adapter
plugged into the bottom of the unit. In addition to the AC power connection, there is also a
USB port for connection to a PC. At the top of the instrument case, there are connections
for the transducer and one for the optional encoder (purchased separately).
1.3.1.2 Power Supply/Battery Charger
The power supply unit provides an external (15V) power source and is also used to
charge the lithium-ion battery pack. Once the instrument is fully charged, it can be used for
approximately 8 hours under normal operating conditions. The instrument can be operated
during charging. Please allow 8 hours to charge a fully depleted battery.
To avoid device damage, it is recommended that the power supply be connected to the
instrument before it is connected to a power outlet.
THE BATTERY IS NOT ACCESSIBLE BY THE END USER. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE INSTRUMENT. THIS WILL VOID THE EQUIPMENT WARRANTY.
1.3 DEVICE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
Figure 1

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1.3.2 Main Interface
The A1525 SOLO is designed for ease of use and quick access to the most commonly used features. The icon-based menu
layout allows the new user to learn the operation process quickly. These design features make the instrument ideal to easily
transition from conventional ultrasonic testing to phased array inspection.
Aer basic calibration is performed, these settings can be easily saved and named to allow for fast recall. The name can
be job-specific or can relate to the type of component being examined. Once the setup files are in memory, they are quickly
retrieved at a later date for similar inspections.
1.3.3 Instrument operation modes - Overview
There are three operating modes of the A1525 SOLO: TOMOGRAPH, FLAW DETECTOR, and
SCANNER. These modes are selected by pressing the mode key located at the bottom
right on the keypad.
The TOMOGRAPH mode is the main method of inspection for this instrument and is de-
signed for real-time inspection imaging, but the scan is not captured or encoded. This is a
manual scanning mode and is used in the same manner as conventional A-Scan ultrasonic
inspection. However, instead of an oscilloscope display showing the time of flight and ampli-
tude, the phased array image (tomograph showed in Figure 2 below) displays a cross-sectional
view of the part under examination. Both the X-axis position from the transducer and the Z-axis
depth of the indication are displayed at the top. In addition, the sensitivity in decibels (dB) is
also displayed along with a visual indication of severity in the form of a color bar.
In the above example, a weld overlay is displayed to help visualize the surface position
(X-Axis) and depth (Z-Axis) of the indications displayed in the phased array image (frame).
Also, the color denotes the severity in relation to the scale shown on the right of the screen.
FIGURE 2 TOMOGRAPH MODE
X-Axis Position Z-Axis (Depth) Amplitude