ACS A1208 User manual

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
1
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
ULTRASONIC
THICKNESS GAUGE
Acoustic Control Systems – ACS Group
Saarbrücken, Germany 2019
A1208
OPERATION MANUAL

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
2
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
3
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION............................................................................................................................6
1.1 Intended use......................................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.1.1 Intended use and range of application...............................................................................................................................6
1.1.2 Operating conditions........................................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Technical specifications...........................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 Arrangement and operation................................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.1 Arrangement...........................................................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.2 Operating principle...........................................................................................................................................................................9
1.3.3 Operating modes................................................................................................................................................................................9
1.3.4 Display of the device ........................................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.5 The device keyboard.........................................................................................................................................................................13
2 INTENDED USE..............................................................................................................................................................14
2.1 Operational restrictions............................................................................................................................................................................14
2.2 Preparing the device for use...............................................................................................................................................................14
2.2.1 Preparation of the surface ...........................................................................................................................................................14
2.2.2 Connection of the transducer..................................................................................................................................................14
2.2.3 Switching the device On/Off.....................................................................................................................................................15
2.2.4 The setup of the device to the parameters of the used PET...........................................................................15

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
4
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2.3 Using the device ...........................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.1 Work with the device.......................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.2 The SETUP mode...............................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.3 The MONITORING Mode..............................................................................................................................................................33
2.3.4 The MEMORY Mode ........................................................................................................................................................................35
3 MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................. 40
3.1 Battery....................................................................................................................................................................................................................40
3.2 Charging the battery.................................................................................................................................................................................40
3.3 Possible malfunctions..............................................................................................................................................................................40
4 STORAGE .........................................................................................................................................................................41
5 TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................................................................................42
APPENDIX A.......................................................................................................................................................................43

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
5
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
The present operation manual (hereinafter referred to as the “Manual”) contains technical
specifications, description and operating principle of the device as well as information necessary
for correct operation of the ultrasonic А1208 thickness gauge (hereinafter referred to as “thick-
ness gauge” or “device”).
Prior to start working with the device, please carefully read the manual.
The manufacturer continuously improves the possibilities of the device, its reliability and
comfort of operation. This may result in some minor changes, not given in the present revision of
the manual. These changes do not affect the technical specifications of the device.
The instrument is manufactured by:
ACS-Solutions GmbH
Science Park 2
66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Е-mail: inf[email protected]om
Website: www.acs-international.com

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
6
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1.1.1 Intended use and range of application
The ultrasonic cold-resistant thickness gauge А1208 is used for measuring the thickness of pipe walls (including bends),
boilers, cylinders, vessels under pressure, covers and other products from ferrous and nonferrous metals, with smooth or
rough and corrosive surfaces, and also products from plastic and other materials with high fading of the ultrasonic sound at a
unilateral access to the surface of such products.
The device can be used in laboratories, work shops or in the field in various industries. Prior to use the device, it is neces-
sary to perform a preliminary preparation of the surface and use a contact liquid, e.g. oil, water, glycerin, special contact liquids
or gels for ultrasonic testing.
The thickness gauge is equipped with a special patented system of automatic adaptation to the curves and surface rough-
ness of the object. This system of indication ensures equally reliable measurements in all application cases.
Thickness gauges allow to save the measurement results in the non-volatile memory.
The DataSaver soware (ON) included in the delivery kit of the device, allows to transfer data from the device storage to
an external personal computer (PC) for subsequent analysis, processing and documentation. The communication with a PC is
done using the USB port.
1.1.2 Operating conditions
The instrument is intended for operation under the following conditions:
- Operating temperature range: from -30 to +55 ˚С;
- Relative air humidity up to 85 % at +35 ˚С.
DESCRIPTION
AND
OPERATION
1.1 THE INTENDED USE
1

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
7
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
1.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The main technical specifications of the device are given in the Table 1.
Parameter
Value
Thickness measurement range (for steel), mm:
with the transducer S3567 2.5A0D10CL 0.8 to 300.0
Limits of the absolute permissible inaccuracy of the thickness measurement, mm, max.,
where H is the measured thickness in mm:
at thickness from 0.7 to 3.0 mm
at thickness from 3.01 to 99,99 mm
at thickness from 100.0 to 300.0 mm
±(0.01
∙ H+0.1)
±(0.01 ∙ H+0.05)
±(0.01 ∙ H+0.1)
Thickness indication sensitivity, mm:
at thickness up to 99.99 mm
at thickness from 100.0 mm
0.01; 0.1
0.1
Ultrasonic velocity setup range, m/s 500 to 19,999
Power Inbuilt lithium battery
Rated supply voltage, V 3.7
Battery operation time, h, min. 9
Overall dimensions of the electronic unit, mm, max. 161X70X24
Weight of the electronic unit, gr., max. 210
Mean time between failures, h 18,000
Regular service life, years 5
Table 1

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
8
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
1.3 ARRANGEMENT AND OPERATION
1.3.1 Arrangement
The thickness gauge consists of an electronic block (Figure 1) with replaceable piezoelectric transducers. The device is
connected using cables.
The colour TFT display is located in the upper part of the indication panel of the electronic block. It is used to display the
measurement results and current information necessary to control the thickness gauge. The display enables to monitor the
measurement process visually by means of color-coded indication.
Under the display there is a pressure switch of the thickness gauge.
To perform the automatic resetup of the device and the transducer with the ultrasonic probe and to estimate the operating
capacity of the device a 5 mm thick calibration sample made of titanium with the ultrasonic speed of 6.180 km/s is placed on
the lower part of the front panel.
The ports for connection of the piezoelectric transducers are located on the upper front side of the electronic block. One of
ports is marked with a red dot (Figure 2).
On the lower front wall of the electronic block the USB Micro B socket is located. It is used to connect the USB cable with
the PC and the 200 V USB power adapter to charge the built-in device battery (Figure 3).
The USB Micro B cable shall be connected with the icon or the letter B looking down (Figure 4).
Electronic block sockets
Red point
Colour TFT display
Membrane switch
Socket USB MicroB
Calibration sample
Electronic block fastening
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 2 Figure 4

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
9
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
1.3.2 Operating principle
The operating principle of the А1208 thickness gauge mainly includes the measurement of time needed for the ultrasonic
waves to pass the tested object from one surface to another and the subsequent conversion of the measured values into the
thickness parameter.
An ultrasonic transducer is used to emit the ultrasonic pulses into the TO and receive their reflections. The US transducer
is placed on the surface of the TO where the thickness shall be measured. The ultrasonic transducer has a sharp emitting and
receiving beam pattern, so the thickness is determined directly under the located transducer. In case there are cavities on the
surface of the TO opposite to the installed transducer, the US pulses are reflected from the cavities, the thickness is determined
as the shortest distance from the external surface to these cavities.
1.3.3 Operating modes
The thickness gauge can be used in the following modes:
- the measurement mode: here the measurement result is displayed in accordance with the appropriate set interval and
the response parameter of the automatic flaw warning (AFW) STANDARD.
- the measurement mode: indication of the saved results i.e. MEMORY;
- the measurement mode: indication of the deviation of the measurement results from the set rated value i.e. PERMISSIBLE VALUE.
- the setup and measurement parameter selection mode: i.e. SETUP.
It is possible to save the results in the device memory in all measurement modes.
When in the STD mode, the thickness gauge measures the thickness of the TO and allows to quickly determine the appro-
priate set interval, in the percentage as well, and the response parameter of the AFW.
When in the MEMORY mode, the thickness gauge measures the thickness of the TO and allows to quickly determine the appro-
priate set interval and the response parameter of the AFW, view the measurement results saved in other modes on the display and
correct the records performing repeated measurements and recording the information into the updatable memory cells.
The SETUP mode allows to change the selected conditions and parameters of measurements. The set of the parameters
accessible to editing employs measurements common for all modes and measurements individual for each mode.

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
10
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Tab Operating mode
STANDARD
MEMORY
1
1.3.4 Display of the device
In all operating modes in the upper line of the display the information on the current operating mode of the device and the
battery charge level is indicated.
The tab icons of different operating modes are given in the Table 2 below.
Table 2
The icons of the measurement mode are always located from le to right as follows: STANDARD – MEMORY. The active
mode icon is highlighted yellow (Figure 5).
When you enter the SETUP mode its icon will be displayed instead of the icon of the mode, from where you entered the
SETUP mode. All parameters and settings are now active and can be edited. (Figure 6).
Figure 5 Figure 6
The characters informing on the signal presence and level are always present in the STANDARD, MEMORY and PERMISSI-
BLE VALUE modes. Here you also read the information on the measurement method, units of measurement and the numerical
value of the measurement result.

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
11
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
Indicator Description
Maximum signal. The receiving path amplification setting is minimum.
Medium signal. The receiving path amplification setting is medium.
Minimum signal. The receiving path amplification setting is maximum.
There is no signal or the signal intensity is too weak to perform measurements.
No measurements
Measurements using the ACF
Measurements using the threshold method
Table 3
The description of the ultrasonic contact indicators and the measurement method is given in the Table 3.

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
12
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
The
measurement
results
The measurement
results
Maximum value of
measurement
Minimum value of
measurement
Lower Limit
Current
material
Current probe
Indicator of the
measuring method
Indicator of the
measuring method
Memory mode
is active
Active tab
mode (Hopma)
Signal level
indicator
Battery status Battery status
Measurement
unit
Measurement
unit
Upper limit
The speed of ultra-
sonic waves in the
current material
Figure 7 Figure 8
The display of the instrument in the STANDARD mode is given in Figure 7.
The display of the instrument in the MEMORY mode is given in Figure 8.
The recorded mea-
surement results
Signal level
indicator

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
13
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
1
Figure 9
Figure 10
1.3.5 The device keyboard
The keyboard of the thickness gauge (Figure 9) contains 11 functional keys
and the ON/OFF key.
The main key functions:
The ON/OFF key is used to switch the device on and off.
NOTE: IF NO KEY IS PRESSED AND NO MEASUREMENT IS PERFORMED WITH-
IN 10 MINUTES, THE DEVICE IS AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED OFF.
NOTE: IF NO KEY IS PRESSED AND NO MEASUREMENT IS PERFORMED WITH-
IN 2 MINUTES, THE SCREEN BRIGHTNESS IS AUTOMATICALLY REDUCED TO
THE MINIMUM VALUE OF 20 %!
The functional keys (F) carry out various actions, depending on the
selected operating mode. The name of the current function is indicated on the
display above each key. The functional keys are numbered in the present manual
from le to right: F1, F2, F3 (Figure 10).
The Key is used to change between the MEASUREMENT mode and the
SETUP mode and back.
The Key (ENTER) has various functions depending on the operating
mode and the condition of the thickness gauge.
The keys / , / and / are used to select
and change the active parameters. Their actions are similar for various operating
modes of the device. They are ment for instinctive use. The icons of the keys
reflect their functions.
F1 F2 F3

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
14
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
INTENDED USE
2.1 OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS
The device is intended for operation under the environmental conditions specified in the Section 1.1.2.
2.2 PREPARING THE DEVICE FOR USE
2.2.1 Preparation of the surface
Please clean the surface of the object to be tested, remove all dirt and sand and any corrosion, also remove all loose rust
and put more liquid than in case of a smooth surface.
Cleaning of the rough corroded surface allows to prolong the transducer service life and to increase the measurement
accuracy.
2.2.2 Connection of the transducer
To define the thickness of the object to be tested separately-combined and combined transducers are used.
Please connect the transducer observing the marking.
Two types of cables are used depending on the type of transducer. Accordingly, there are two ways of connection the
piezoelectric transducers PT.
Separately-combined transducers are connected by means of a double cable with LEMO 00 plugs.
The cable with the red end shall be connected to the port with the red dot (Figure 11).
Red
Red
Figure 11

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
15
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
Figure 12
2.2.3 Switching the device On/Off
To switch on the device, please press the key .
The information on the device, its name and the number of the firmware version is displayed on the screen for several
seconds (Figure 12).
The thickness gauge will automatically start in the mode which was active last time, when the device was switched off,
all corresponding settings are saved.
In case the same transducer is connected to the device as the one that was used when the device was switched off last
time, the device is immediately ready for operation. When you connect a different transducer, please first adjust the device to
be able to work with the transducer.
The device is switched off manually by pressing the key or automatically, if no key is pressed and no measure-
ment is performed within 10 minutes.
All thickness gauge settings are saved when the device is switched off or the battery is completely discharged.
2.2.4 The setup of the device to the parameters of the used PET
Prior to start working with the device and in case you need to change the transducer, please perform the setup of the
device to the individual parameters of the used PET.
2.2.4.1 Choosing the transducer
To choose the transducer, please:
Press the key to enter the SETUP mode.
Using the keys go to the PET item and press the key F3 (Open) or to enter the transducer library (Figure 13).
Using the keys go to the line with the name of the connected PET and press the key to select it (Figure 14).
Aer the transducer is selected the PET testing process starts automatically, the device is adjusted to the individual
parameters of the PET.

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
16
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
2.2.4.2 Setup of the instrument to the parameters of the used transducer
The setup is performed in two steps. At the first step the device automatically analyzes the features of the PET. At the
second step it is adjusted to these features using the real echo-signal from the calibrator sample built in the device.
To adjust the device to the individual parameters of the PET, please:
- Enter the SETUP mode.
- Go to the line PET and press the key F1 (Test). The message “PET test, raise the PET, remove any oil and press ENTER”
appears on the screen.
- Remove the contact liquid from the transducer and without contacting the calibration sample press .
The message: “Testing in pro-
cess, please wait” appears on the
screen. Wait for the message “TEST
PET – install the PET on the calibra-
tion sample and press ENTER” to
appear on the screen.
- Apply contact liquid on the cali-
bration sample and put the transducer
on it. Press the key .
The message: “Testing in pro-
cess, please wait” appears on the
screen. When the testing is com-
pleted the message on the testing
results will appear on the screen.
The result can be negative or posi-
tive (Figure 15).
Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
17
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
Figure 15
- Remove the transducer from the calibration sample.
- Press the key F2 (Ok). If the testing result is positive, the device will change to the measurement mode. If the testing
result is negative, the device will return to the the main window of the SETUP mode.
By pressing the key F2 (Cancel), you may cancel the testing any time. In this case the device will return to the the main
window of the SETUP mode.
On the Figure 15 you see the successful setup process and the appropriate display images.

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
18
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
2.3 USING THE DEVICE
2.3.1 Work with the device
It is not recommended to slide the operating surface of the PET along the surface of the tested object, if it is not necessary.
If you have to inspect the TO in several points and the tested object has a large surface, please li the transducer and put it on
the required points. Do not continuously scan the whole surface. Scanning accelerates the wear of the PET significantly. If it is
necessary to perform the scanning, for example to determine the local material thinning, please perform it with outmost care
without big pressure on the PET. Use only clean contact liquid and clean the surface from dirt prior to perform the scanning.
During the testing process please consider that the ultrasonic propagation velocity depends on the temperature of the
tested material and differs in cold and warm objects.
To achieve the most accurate measurements, please set the device considering the ultrasonic velocity of the sample
with the same temperature as the object to be tested.
It is recommended to remove all contact liquid from the ultrasonic transducer aer finishing the work. A drop of liquid
can lead to the reflected signal. The device will not be able to switch off automatically.
2.3.2 SETUP mode
In the SETUP mode you can perform the PT testing procedure, calibrate the velocity using the sample with a definite
thickness, view the transducer library, work with the list if materials and view the list of parameters accessible to editing.
All device settings are saved when you switch off the device or when the battery is completely discharged.
The SETUP mode of the screen is shown on the Figure 16.
The following keys are active in any menu of the SETUP mode:
- Moving up and down the menu items, the movement is done cyclically in both directions. The parameter
in the active line can be selected and edited;
- Selecting the category of numerical value for editing;
- Reducing or increasing the numerical value of the selected parameter.
Figure 16

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
19
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
The items of the SETUP mode menu are identical for all measurement modes. The corresponding parameters and functions
are listed in the Table 4.
Menu item Parameter value Description
Mode Standard/Memory/Permissible Select the measurement mode
PT Name of the PT Enter the transducer reference list
Start the testing procedure of the PT
Material Name of the material Enter the material reference list
Calibration by, mm From 2 to 80 mm Setting of the thickness of calibration sample. Starting the
velocity calibration on the sample
Monitoring (automatic
flaw warning) Off / Beyond / Within
Off – turning off the monitoring function
Beyond/within: tripping of the monitoring function when
the result is beyond or within the previously set ranges
Limit: initial 0 to 150 mm Setting the initial limit of the monitoring function
Limit: final 1 to 300 mm Setting of final limit of the monitoring function
Discrete 0.01/0.1 Setting of the sampling rate of the result indication
Sound On/Off Sound setting
Vibration On/Off Vibration setting
Language Rus/Eng. Language selection
Measuring units mm/inches Measuring unit selection
Brightness 20 to 100% Brightness setting
Table 4

Ultrasonic thickness gauge A1208
Operation Manual
20
ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
SYSTEMS
2
The additional menu items of the SETUP mode common to the modes STANDARD and MEMORY and corresponding param-
eters and functions are listed in the Table 5.
2.3.2.1 The item MODE
Selecting the measurement mode:
STANDARD without saving the measurement results;
MEMORY with saving the measurement results in the device memory.
PERMISSIBLE VALUE the level and the direction of the deviation of the
TO measured thickness from the rated value is indicated.
Active keys:
F1 (Standard) select the Standard mode;
F3 (Memory) select the Memory mode;
changing between the modes STANDARD /MEMORY.
The item MODE is shown in the Figure 17.
Menu item Parameter value Description
Clear memory 0 – 100% Deleting measurement results from the memory
Data transfer* Start sending the results from the memory to a PC
* - Used only when the version of the DataSaver soware is lower than 3.0 version. Starting from 3.0 versions, the operator
doesn’t have to do anything with the keyboard.
Table 5
Figure 17
Figure 18