DeFelsko PosiTector UTG User manual

Full Guide v. 3.3
Ultrasonic Thickness Gage
Advanced model
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................... 1
Quick Start .......................................................... 1
Certification ......................................................... 3
Probes ................................................................. 3
How to Measure .................................................. 6
Surface Conditions .............................................. 7
Calibration, Verification and Adjustment ............. 8
Menu Operation .................................................. 9
Cal Settings Menu ............................................... 10
Zero ................................................................ 10
Thickness ....................................................... 11
Material .......................................................... 11
Velocity .......................................................... 12
2 Pt Adjust ..................................................... 12
Cal Lock ......................................................... 13
Cal Reset ....................................................... 13
Setup Menu ......................................................... 13
Reset .............................................................. 13
Min Scan ........................................................ 14
A Scan ............................................................ 15
B Scan ........................................................... 17
SE Mode ........................................................ 18
Smart CoupleTM .............................................. 19
Statistics Mode ............................................... 20
Memory Management .................................... 21
Annotate ......................................................... 24
Summaries ..................................................... 25
Screen Capture .............................................. 25
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Accessing Stored Measurement Data ................ 26
PosiSoft Desktop ........................................... 26
PosiSoft.net ................................................... 26
PosiTector App .............................................. 26
Connect Menu ..................................................... 26
WiFi......... ....................................................... 26
Access Point................................................... 27
USB.......... ...................................................... 28
USB Serial Streaming..................................... 29
Sync.net Now.................................................. 29
Bluetooth Smart................ ............................. 30
Bluetooth......................................................... 30
Updates .......................................................... 31
Application Notes ................................................ 32
Measuring on pipes ....................................... 32
Measuring on rough surfaces ........................ 32
Measuring on hot surfaces ............................ 33
Measuring laminated materials ...................... 33
Troubleshooting - eneral................................... 34
age fails to power down............................... 34
Probe measures when lifted from surface...... 34
age is coupled but not measuring................ 34
age readings double expected thickness 34
Measurement jumps when probe is lifted 34
Troubleshooting - Multiple Echo probes.............. 35
Power Supply / Battery Indicator ........................ 38
Technical Data .................................................... 38
Probe Details & Specifications........................ 38
Operating Temperature Range....................... 38
Size / Weight.................................................. 38
Returning For Service ......................................... 40
Warranty .............................................................. 40
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Introduction
1. Remove the protective rubber cap from the probe.
2. Power-up age by pressing the center navigation button.
3. Zero the probe (see pg. 10)
4. Select the correct velocity of sound (see pg. 12)
5. Measure the part (see pg. 6)
Quick Start
The PosiTector UTG is a hand-held Ultrasonic Thickness age that
uses the non-destructive ultrasonic pulse-echo principle to measure
the wall thickness of a wide variety of materials. It consists of a body
(Standard or Advanced) and interchangeable UTG probe.
The PosiTector UTG powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. To preserve battery life, the age powers
down after approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are
retained.
1
PosiTector UTG: Included Accessories
Probe only
(UTG C, UTG CA, UTG CX, UTG CLF, UTG P or UTG M):
• Quick uide instructions
• Zero plate
• Protective rubber cap for probe
• 4 ounce (118 ml) bottle ultrasonic couplant
• Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
Gage (in addition to above Probe accessories):
• Protective rubber holster with belt clip
• USB cable
• Wrist strap
• Nylon carrying case with shoulder strap
• Protective lens shield
• 3 AAA alkaline batteries
Protective Cap
PosiTector UTG gages ship with a protective plastic cap over the
probe. Remove this cap prior to use. Replace it when the
instrument is not in use to protect the probe.
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Wrist Strap
DeFelsko recommends attaching and
wearing the supplied wrist strap.
1
2
Protective ens Shield
The LCD is covered with a thin plastic film for protection against
fingerprints and other marks during shipment. This film, while
usually removed before using the instrument, can be left in place
to protect against paint overspray or debris. Replacements can be
purchased.
PosiTector Gage Body
The PosiTector UTG CA
comes complete with a
standalone zero block
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Current Measurement
Currently
selected
material or
velocity of
material
Unit of Measurement
The Coupled Symbol appears when the probe
is ultrasonically connected with a surface.
inch
Steel
Battery
Icon
Measurement Mode
currently set to multiple-echo
(UTG M / UTG P probes only)
Typical Display
0.200
Certification
All PosiTector UTG probes include a Certificate of Calibration. For
organizations with re-certification requirements, instruments may
be returned at regular intervals for calibration.
DeFelsko recommends that customers establish calibration
intervals based upon their own experience and work environment.
Based on product knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one
year calibration interval from either the date of calibration, date of
purchase, or date of receipt is a typical starting point.
When powered-up the PosiTector automatically
determines what type of probe is attached and does a
self-check.
To disconnect a probe from a body, slide the plastic probe
connector horizontally (in the direction of the arrow) away
from the body. Reverse these steps to attach a new probe.
It is not necessary to power-down the age when
switching probes.
Additionally, the PosiTector gage body accepts a wide variety of
probe types including magnetic, eddy-current and ultrasonic
coating thickness, surface profile, environmental, hardness, salt
contamination and ultrasonic wall thickness probes.
Probes
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•PosiTector UTG CA / UTG C – dual element, single-echo
probe ideal for measuring severely corroded/eroded materials.
PosiTector UTG CA models feature a built-in probe, while
PosiTector UTG C models feature a probe mounted on a 1m
(3ft) cable.
•PosiTector UTG CX - same specifications as UTG C above,
but includes a braided stainless steel cable jacket and
reinforced strain reliefs for protection in demanding
environments.
•PosiTector UTG CLF – dual element, single-echo probe
designed for measuring thick and/or attenuative materials such
as cast iron.
•PosiTector UTG M – single element, multiple-echo probe
features Thru-Paint capability designed to quickly and
accurately measure the metal thickness of a painted structure
without having to remove the coating.
•PosiTector UTG P – single element probe with automatic
multiple-echo or single-echo mode depending on material type
and thickness, can be used for Thru-Paint applications. Ideal
for high-resolution measurements on thin plastics and metals.
For PosiTector UTG probe specifications, see
Technical Data (pg. 38)
PosiTector UTG probes transmit an ultrasonic pulse into the material
to be measured. This pulse travels through the material towards the
other side. When it encounters an interface such as air (back wall) or
another material, the pulse is reflected back to the probe. The time
required for the pulse to propagate through the material is measured
by the gage, represented as t1 and t2 below.
All PosiTector UTG probes determine thickness by measuring t1
(uncoated) or t2 (coated), dividing it by two and then multiplying by
the velocity of sound for that material (steel). [UTG M and UTG P
single-echo mode only] See Figure 1.
Ultrasonic Thickness Probes –
Theory of Operation
PosiTector UTG probes are available for a
variety of wall thickness applications:
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For uncoated materials t1relates directly to material thickness.
When a material is coated the propagation time is increased and
is shown above as t2.
Coatings such as paint have a slower velocity of sound than that
of metal. Thus the single-echo technique will produce a thickness
result greater than the actual combined coating+metal thickness.
>
Figure 1
Probe
Probe
t1
t1
t2
t2
Steel
Steel
Coating
The PosiTector UTG M and UTG P in multiple-echo mode
determine thickness by measuring the time between at least three
consecutive back wall echoes.
1
t2
t3
t
Figure 2
Probe
Probe
Steel
Coating
1
t2
t3
t
In the figure above, multiple-echo mode measures only the time
between echoes. Regardless of whether the steel is coated or not,
all times between echoes are the same. In multiple-echo mode the
gage determines thickness by measuring t1+t2+t3, dividing it by
six and then multiplying by the velocity of sound for that material.
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The resultant thickness calculation made by the instrument is
therefore an accurate measurement of the steel thickness only,
disregarding the coating thickness.
PosiTector UTG P (Precision) probes automatically switch
between multiple echo and single echo operation depending upon
the type and thickness of the material being measured.
The velocity of sound is expressed in inches per microsecond or
meters per second. It is different for all materials. For example,
sound travels through steel faster (~0.233 in/µs) than it travels
through plastic (~0.086 in/µs).
The PosiTector body accepts a wide
variety of probe types including
magnetic, eddy current and ultrasonic
coating thickness, surface profile,
environmental, hardness, salt
contamination, and ultrasonic wall
thickness probes
.
Additional PosiTector Probes:
PosiTector gage bodies accept all PosiTector 6000, 200, DPM,
IRT, SPG, RTR, SST, SHD, BHI and UTG probes
1. Remove rubber cap from probe.
Couplant (glycol gel - included) must be
applied to the surface to be tested to
eliminate air gaps between the wear face
and the surface. A single drop of couplant is
sufficient when taking a spot measurement.
How to Measure
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When the probe senses echoed ultrasound, a coupled symbol
will appear and thickness values will be displayed. While
the probe is coupled, the PosiTector UTG continually updates
the display. The age will emit a “tick” sound every time the
probe takes a measurement. The Reading Tick option can be
disabled in the Setup menu (see pg. 13).
3. When the probe is removed from the surface, the last
measurement will remain on the display.
Occasionally, excess couplant will remain on the probe when
the probe is lifted from the surface. This may cause the
PosiTector UTG to display a final measurement value
different from those observed when the probe was on the
surface. Discard this value and repeat the measurement.
2. Place the probe flat on the surface. Use moderate pressure to
press against the top of the probe with the thumb or index
finger when measuring with cabled probes.
When using the PosiTector UTG P, it is especially
important to avoid using excess couplant when taking a reading.
The PosiTector UTG P is designed for measuring thin materials
and will measure a thin layer of couplant left on the probe face
after a measurement.
NOTE:
Surface Conditions
Ultrasonic measurements are affected by the condition,
roughness and contour of the surface to be tested.
Measurement results may vary on coarse surfaces. Where
possible, it is recommended to seat the transducer on a smooth
flat surface that is parallel to the opposite side of the material.
On rough surfaces, the use of a generous amount of couplant
minimizes the surface effects and serves to protect the transducer
from wear, particularly when dragging the probe across a surface.
During scanning operations, the probe can become physically
decoupled, that is physically separated, from the material, either
due to the rough and/or scaly surface of the material or due to
user operation. Avoid this by using the Smart CoupleTM feature
(pg. 18).
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On smooth, uncoated metal surfaces PosiTector UTG M
and UTG P probes (in multiple-echo mode) may occasionally be
unable to give a measurement result even when the "coupled"
symbol appears. Use additional couplant and lighter pressure on
the probe when measuring.
Alternatively, laying a plastic shim on the surface with couplant
applied to both sides to simulate a painted surface will help
produce a steel-only thickness measurement (multiple-echo
mode). Switching the age to single-echo SE mode (see pg. 18)
will also help produce a steel-only thickness measurement (UTG
Monly).
NOTE:
Calibration, Verification and Adjustment
Three steps ensure best accuracy…
1. Calibration - typically performed by the manufacturer or a
qualified lab. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration.
2. Verification of Accuracy - as performed by the user on
known reference standards such as calibration step blocks.
3. Adjustment - to a known thickness or sound velocity for the
material to be measured.
Calibration
Calibration is the controlled and documented process of measuring
traceable calibration standards and verifying that the results are
within the stated accuracy of the age. Calibrations are typically
performed by the age manufacturer or by a certified calibration
laboratory in a controlled environment using a documented
process. The standards used in the calibration are such that the
combined uncertainties of the resultant measurement are less than
the stated accuracy of the
age.
Verification
age accuracy can and should be verified using known reference
standards of the material to be tested.
Verification is an accuracy check performed by the user using
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Menu Operation
Memory
Statistics
Cal Settings
Setup
Connect
Power Off
Exit
age functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu,
power-up the age, then press the center navigation button.
Below is a sample menu for a PosiTector UTG Advanced Model:
Some buttons have a tick box to their
right to indicate current status. An empty
box indicates that feature is not active.
Current selection is displayed
with darkened background ü
SETUP
Page 1 / 2
Units
Reset
age Info
Min Scan
A Scan
B Scan
SmartCouple
known reference standards. A successful verification requires the
age to read within the combined accuracy of the age and the
reference standards.
To guard against measuring with an improperly adjusted age,
verify the age at the beginning and the end of each work shift.
During the work shift, if the age is dropped or suspected of
giving erroneous readings, its accuracy should be re-verified.
In the event of physical damage, wear, high usage, or after an
established calibration interval, the age should be returned to
the manufacturer for repair or calibration.
Adjustment
Adjustment, or Calibration Adjustment is the act of aligning the
age's thickness readings to match that of a known reference
sample. See Calibration Adjustment pg. 11.
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To navigate, use the Up and Down buttons to scroll vertically and
to SE ECT.
Press the (+) button to switch
pages in a multipage menu.
Press the (
- )button to return to
the previous menu or page.
Select Exit to exit from any menu.
Previous Page
(Exit) Up Next Page
Access the Menu
(Center/Select)
Down
Cal Settings Menu
Zero
PosiTector UTG probes must be “zeroed” after a reset and
periodically during use. The Zero process compensates for probe
wear and temperature. To maintain the best accuracy, perform a
Zero when the ambient temperature changes.
PosiTector UTG C, UTG CA, UTG CX,
UTG CLF and UTG M probes:
1. Make sure the age is ON and the probe is wiped clean.
2. Apply a single drop of couplant onto the included zero bloc
(UTG CA only) or built-in zero plate located on the
underside of the probe connector. DO NOT apply couplant
directly onto the probe face.
3. Open the age menu, navigate to Cal Settings and select
the Zero menu option and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. When complete, the age will double-beep and display “----”.
PosiTector UTG P probe only:
1. Make sure the age is ON and the probe is wiped clean.
2. Hold the probe in the air away from all objects.
3. Open the age menu, navigate to Cal Settings and select
the Zero menu option and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. When complete, the age will double-beep and display “----”.
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The PosiTector UTG is factory calibrated. In order for it to take
accurate thickness measurements of a particular material it must
be set to the correct sound velocity for that material. Be aware that
material composition (and thus its sound velocity) can vary from
stated tables and even between lots from a manufacturer.
Adjustment to a sample of known thickness of the material to be
measured ensures that the age is adjusted as close as possible
to the sound velocity of that specific material. Samples should be
flat, smooth and as thick as the maximum expected thickness of
the piece to be tested.
The PosiTector UTG allows four simple adjustment choices. All
four methods are based on the simple premise of adjusting the
sound velocity. The first three adjustment methods make
1-point calibration adjustments to optimize the linearity of the
PosiTector UTG over small ranges. The fourth method makes a
2-point calibration adjustment to allow for greater accuracy over a
large range.
Calibration Adjustment
The most common method of adjustment is to measure a sample
of known thickness. Select a reference standard of material as
close as possible in composition to the intended application. For
best results, the thickness of the reference standard should be
equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the part to be
measured.
Thickness
1. Apply a drop of couplant onto the reference standard.
2. Measure the reference standard.
3. Lift the probe. Select Thickness from the Cal Settings menu.
4. Adjust the display down (-) or up (+) to the reference
thickness.
5. Press to the store the adjustment and exit.
Material
If a known thickness of the material is not available, but the
material is known, this quick adjustment allows the user to load
one of several preprogrammed material velocities.
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1. Select Material from the Cal Settings menu.
2. Navigate to the desired material.
3. Press to select and exit.
Pre-programmed Material Velocities
Material
(Menu Option)
ongitudinal
Velocity
Min.
Range*
Max
Range*
in/us m/s inch mm inch mm
CAST IRON (Iron) 0.179 4547 0.040 1.02 5.00 127.00
SS 303 (SS303) 0.223 5664 0.040 1.02 5.00 127.00
STEEL 1018 (Steel) 0.233 5918 0.040 1.02 5.00 127.00
AL 2024 (Alum) 0.251 6375 0.050 1.27 5.00 127.00
COPPER (Cu) 0.180 4572 0.040 1.02 5.00 127.00
PLEXI LAS (Plexi) 0.106 2692 0.040 1.02 2.00 50.80
PVC (PVC) 0.094 2388 0.035 0.89 2.00 50.80
POLYSTYRENE (Poly) 0.081 2057 0.035 0.89 2.00 50.80
* Measurement ranges shown for UTG C and UTG CX probes.
Actual measurement range will depend upon probe type,
surface roughness, temperature, or material properties.
Velocity
If the sound velocity for the test material is known, the age
can be adjusted to that specific sound velocity.
1. Select Velocity from the Cal Settings menu.
2. Adjust the display down (-) or up (+) to the desired velocity.
Holding the (-) or (+) buttons increases the rate of change.
3. Press when the desired velocity is reached.
2 Pt Adjust
A 2-Point adjustment allows for greater accuracy while
simultaneously adjusting probe Zero. Select two reference
standards as close as possible in composition to the intended
application. For best results, the thickness of the thicker reference
standard should be equal to, or slightly greater than the thickest
part to be measured. The thickness of the thinner reference
standard should be equal to, or slightly less than the thinnest part
to be measured.
1. Select 2 Pt Adjust from the Cal Settings menu.
2. Measure the thinner reference sample.
3. Lift the probe from the sample and adjust the display down (-)
or up (+) to the expected thickness.
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Cal ock
When checked, the icon appears and the current Cal Settings
are “locked” to prevent further user adjustments. Uncheck to make
further adjustments.
C
4. When the expected thickness is reached, press .
5. Measure the thicker reference sample.
6. Lift the probe from the reference sample and adjust down (-)
or up (+) to the expected thickness.
7. Press to store the adjustment and exit.
Cal Reset
Clears all user calibration adjustments and returns the Material to
Steel. The factory calibration icon is displayed.
0
Setup Menu
Converts the display from millimeters to inch and vice versa.
Units
Switching units will turn off Statistics, Hi o Alarm, and
closes Memory.
NOTE:
Reset (menu reset) restores factory settings and returns the
age to a known condition. The following occurs:
- All batches, stored measurements, batch names and screen
captures are erased.
- All calibration adjustments are cleared and returned to the
age’s factory calibration settings .
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Memory = OFF
Statistics = OFF
Hi o Alarm = OFF
Min Scan = OFF
Reading Tick = ON
Auto Dim = ON
A Scan = OFF
B Scan = OFF
Cal ock = OFF
SE Mode = OFF
USB Stream = OFF
Display = None
SmartCouple = OFF
Bluetooth & Stream = OFF
WiFi & Access Point = OFF
USB Keyboard = OFF
Reset
0
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Min Scan
Normally, the PosiTector UTG continuously takes spot
measurements while in contact with a surface. When the probe is
lifted, the last reading will remain on the display. However, it is
sometimes necessary to examine a larger region to locate the
thinnest point.
When Min Scan is selected, the PosiTector UTG will take
continuous readings and record min/max thicknesses when the
probe is lifted from the surface – ideal for quick inspection over a
large area.
During scanning operations, the probe can become physically
decoupled, that is physically separated, from the material, either
due to the rough and/or scaly surface of the material or due to user
operation. Avoid this by using the Smart CoupleTM feature (pg. 18).
Date,Time and WiFi settings are not affected by either Reset.
NOTE:
Perform a more thorough Hard Reset as follows:
1. Power down the age and wait 5 seconds.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the (+)and center
buttons until the Reset symbol appears.
This returns the age to a known, “out-of-the-box” condition.
It performs the same function as a menu Reset with the addition of:
- Bluetooth Pairing info is cleared.
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Units = millimeter
Flip Display = Normal
Auto Sync .net = ON
Sound = ON
anguage = English
Battery Type = Alkaline
Backlight = Normal
Bluetooth Smart = OFF
USB Drive = ON
Gage Info
Displays the model number & serial number, probe type & serial
number, PosiSoft.net registration key, the amount of remaining
memory for storage of readings, date and time, and software pack-
ages.
For security purposes, the registration key is required to add the
instrument to your PosiSoft.net account.
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(Advanced models only)
A Scan
A display in which the received pulse amplitude is represented
along the y axis and the travel distance of the ultrasonic pulse is
represented along the x axis.
PosiTector UTG M and PosiTector UTG P probes provide two
cursors (vertical green lines) which allow the user to measure the
difference between echoes shown in the graphic display.
Cursor Values
(green vertical lines)
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ast Reading
A-Scan
Display
o Range
Display Menu
Cursor Value
(green vertical line)
Save
Screen
Capture
Move CursorAdjust Display
o Range
Adjust
Display Gain
Adjust Display
Hi Range
Display
Hi Range
Adjust Display Gain - Adjusts the A-Scan amplitude/sensitivity.
Use the (-) and (+) buttons to decrease/increase gain.
Adjust Display o/Hi Range - Adjusts the minimum and
maximum displayed range for the A-Scan. Use the (-) and (+)
buttons to decrease/increase gain. Note: This does not change
the instruments measuring range.
Move Cursor - The Cursor allows for further analysis of the A-
Scan. Use the (-) and (+) buttons to move the cursor along the
A-Scan.
A-Scan Menu
Use the Up (move left) and Down (move right) buttons to
navigate.
Save Screen Capture - Press to capture and save an image
copy of the current display. The last 10 screen captures are
stored in memory and can be accessed when connected to a
computer (see USB Drive pg. 28).
Display Menu - Press to display the Gage menu (pg. 9).
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A display in which a cross sectional profile of the test material is
represented.
(Advanced models only)
B Scan
B-Scan Menu
Use the Up (move left) and Down (move right) buttons to
navigate.
ast Reading
Display Range
Display Menu
B-Scan
Save
Screen
Capture
Clear Display
Adjust Display
o Range
Adjust Display Hi Range
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