phase II+ UTG-2800 User manual

Model No. UTG-2800
283 Veterans Blvd
Carlstadt, NJ. 07072
[phone]
www.phase2plus.com
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

1 Overview......................................................................... 3
1.1 Product Specifications......................................... 3
1.2 Main Functions..................................................... 4
1.3 Measuring Principle............................................. 4
1.4 Configuration........................................................ 4
1.5 Operating Conditions........................................... 5
2 Structure Feature .......................................................... 5
2.1 Measurement Screen.......................................... 5
2.2 Keypad Definitions............................................... 5
3 Preparation..................................................................... 7
3.1 Transducer Selection........................................... 7
3.2 Condition and Preparation of Surfaces............ 9
4 Operation........................................................................ 9
4.1 Power On/Off........................................................ 9
4.2 Probe Zero............................................................ 9
4.3 Sound Velocity Calibration ............................... 10
4.4 Making Measurements...................................... 12
4.5 Scan mode.......................................................... 12
4.6 Changing Resolution......................................... 13
4.7 Changing Units................................................... 13
4.8 Memory Management....................................... 13
4.9 Data Printing....................................................... 14
4.10 Beep Mode ....................................................... 14
4.11 EL Backlight...................................................... 14
4.12 Battery Information.......................................... 14
4.13 Auto Power Off................................................. 15
4.14 System Reset................................................... 15
4.15 Connecting to a Computer............................. 15
5 Servicing....................................................................... 15
6 Transport and Storage................................................ 15
Appendix A Sound Velocities........................................ 29
Appendix B Applications Notes.................................... 16
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

1 Overview
The UTG-2800 is a digital ultrasonic thickness gauge. Based on the same
operating principles as SONAR, the instrument is capable of measuring the
thickness of various materials with accuracy as high as 0.001”. It is suitable for
testing a variety of metallic and non-metallic materials.
1.1 Product Specifications
1) Display：4.5 digits LCD with EL backlight.
2) Measuring Range：0.030” – 12.0” (0.75～300mm) (in Steel).
3) Sound Velocity Range: 3280-32805 ft/s (1000~9999 m/s).
4) Resolution：0.001”/0.01mm (selectable)
5) Accuracy：(± 0.5%Thickness+0.001”) depends on materials and conditions
6) Units: Metric/Imperial unit - selectable.
7) Four measurements readings per second for single point measurement, and ten per second for
Scan Mode.
8) Memory for up to 20 files (up to 99 values for each file) of stored values.
9) Power Source：Two “AA” size, 1.5 Volt alkaline batteries. 100 hours typical operating time
(EL backlight off).
10)Communication：USB via output cable
11)Outline dimensions：150×74×32 mm.
12)Weight：245g
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

1.2 Main Functions
1) Capable of performing measurements on a wide range of material, including metals, plastic, ceramics,
composites, glass and other ultrasonic wave conductive materials.
2) Optional transducers are available for special applications, including for Rough Surface and High
Temperature applications.
3) Probe-Zero function, Sound-Velocity-Calibration function
4) Two-Point Calibration function.
5) Two work modes: Single point mode and Scan mode.
6) Coupling status indicator showing the contact status.
7) Battery icon indicates the capacity of the battery.
8) Auto sleep and auto power off function to conserve battery life.
9) Optional thermal mini-printer (MP-2800) to print the measured data via USB port for UTG-2800.
1.3 Measuring Principle
The digital ultrasonic thickness gauge determines the thickness of a part or structure by accurately
measuring the time required for a short ultrasonic pulse generated by a transducer to travel through the
thickness of the material, reflect from the back or inside surface, and be returned to the transducer. The
measured two-way transit time is divided by two to account for the down-and-back travel path, and then
multiplied by the velocity of sound in the material. The result is expressed in the equation shown below:
2tv
H 
Where：H－Thickness of the test piece.
v－Sound Velocity in the material.
t－The measured round-trip transit time.
1.4 Configuration
Table 1-1
No
. Item Quantity Note
Standard
Configur
ation
1 Main body 1
2 Transducer 1 Model:
N05/90°
3 Couplant 1
4 Instrument Case 1
5 Operating Manual 1
6 Alkaline battery 2 AA size
7
8
Optional
Accessories 9 Transducer: N02 See
Table3-1
10 Transducer: N07
11 Transducer: HT5
12 Mini thermal
printer 1
13 Print cable 1
14 Communication
Cable 1
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

1.5 Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature: 0°- 140°F(－20～＋60℃)
Storage Temperature：22° - 150°F (-30℃～＋70℃)
Relative Humidity ≤90％
The surrounding environment should be void of vibration, strong magnetic field, corrosive medium and heavy
dust.
2 Structure Feature
1) Base Instrument 2) Keypad 3) LCD display 4) Calibration Block 5) Dual Sensor Probe 6) Software 7) USB Output
Cable 8) Couplant Gel
2.1 Main Screen
1, Coupling Indicator: Indicates the coupling status. While the gauge is taking a measurement, the coupling
indicator will be displayed. If it is not, the gauge is having difficulty achieving a stable measurement, and the
thickness value displayed will most likely be erroneous.
2, Measuring Unit: Current unit system. MM or IN for thickness value. M/S or IN/μS for sound velocity.
3, Battery Icon: Displays the remaining capacity of the battery.
4, Information Display: Displays the measured thickness value and the sound velocity.
2.2 Keypad Definitions
1
2 3
2
1
2
2
4
5
6
3
5
6
7
4
8
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Turn the instrument
on/off Sound velocity
calibration
Turn on/off the EL
backlight Enter
Probe-Zero
operation
Plus;
Turn on/off Scan
mode
Unit switch between
Inch and Metric Minus;
Turn on/off the
beep mode
Data Save or Data
Delete
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

3 Preparation
3.1 Transducer Selection
The gauge is capable of performing measurements on a wide range of materials, from various metals to
glass and plastics. Different types of material, however, will require the use of different transducers. Choosing the
correct transducer for a job is critical to being able to easily perform accurate and reliable measurement. The
following paragraphs highlight the important properties of transducers, which should be considered when
selecting a transducer for a specific job.
Generally speaking, the best transducer for a job is one that sends sufficient ultrasonic energy into the
material being measured such that a strong, stable echo is received by the gauge. Several factors affect the
strength of ultrasound as it travels. These are outlined below:
Initial Signal Strength. The stronger a signal is to begin with, the stronger its return echo will be. Initial
signal strength is largely a factor of the size of the ultrasound emitter in the transducer. A large emitting area will
send more energy into the material being measured than a small emitting area. Thus, a so-called “1/2 inch”
transducer will emit a stronger signal than a “1/4 inch” transducer.
Absorption and Scattering. As ultrasound travels through any material, it is partly absorbed. If the material
through which the sound travels has any grain structure, the sound waves will experience scattering. Both of
these effects reduce the strength of the waves, and thus, the gauge’s ability to detect the returning echo. Higher
frequency ultrasound is absorbed and scattered more than ultrasound of a lower frequency. While it may seem
that using a lower frequency transducer might be better in every instance, low frequencies are less directional
than high frequencies. Thus, a higher frequency transducer would be a better choice for detecting the exact
location of small pits or flaws in the material being measured.
Geometry of the transducer. The physical constraints of the measuring environment sometimes determine
a transducer’s suitability for a given job. Some transducers may simply be too large to be used in tightly confined
areas. Also, the surface area available for contacting with the transducer may be limited, requiring the use of a
transducer with a small wearface. Measuring on a curved surface, such as an engine cylinder wall, may require
the use of a transducer with a matching curved wearface.
Temperature of the material. When it is necessary to measure on surfaces that are exceedingly hot, high
temperature transducers must be used. These transducers are built using special materials and techniques that
allow them to withstand high temperatures without damage. Additionally, care must be taken when performing a
“Probe-Zero” or “Calibration to Known Thickness” with a high temperature transducer.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Selection of the proper transducer is often a matter of tradeoffs between various characteristics. It may be
necessary to experiment with a variety of transducers in order to find one that works well for a given job.
The transducer is the “business end” of the instrument. It transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves that
the instrument uses to calculate the thickness of the material being measured. The transducer connects to the
instrument via the attached cable, and two coaxial connectors. When using transducers, the orientation of the
dual coaxial connectors is not critical: either plug may be fitted to either socket in the instrument.
The transducer must be used correctly in order for the instrument to produce accurate, reliable
measurements. Below is a short description of the transducer, followed by instructions for its use.
Above Left figure is a bottom view of a typical transducer. The two semicircles of the wearface are visible, as
is the barrier separating them. One of the semicircles is responsible for conducting ultrasonic sound into the
material being measured, and the other semicircle is responsible for conducting the echoed sound back into the
transducer. When the transducer is placed against the material being measured, it is the area directly beneath
the center of the wearface that is being measured.
Right figure is a top view of a typical transducer. Press against the top with the thumb or index finger to hold
the transducer in place. Moderate pressure is sufficient, as it is only necessary to keep the transducer stationary,
and the wearface seated flat against the surface of the material being measured.
Table 3-1 Transducer Selection
Model Freq
MHZ Diam mm Measuring Range Lower limit Description
UTG2000-440 2 22 3.0mm～300.0mm（In
Steel）
40mm (in Gray Cast Iron
HT200)
20
Rough Surface
Also for thick, highly attenuating, or
highly scattering materials
Standard Probe 5 10 1.2mm～230.0mm（In
Steel）
Φ20mm×
3.0mm Normal Measurement
UTG2000-420 5 10
1.2mm～230.0mm（In
Steel）
Φ20mm×
3.0mm Normal Measurement
N07 7 6
0.75mm～80.0mm
（In Steel）
Φ15mm×
2.0mm For thin pipe wall or small
curvature pipe wall measurement
UTG2000-450 5 14
3～200mm （In Steel）30 For high temperature up to 570°F
UTG2600-400 5 4 30 Thin walled or small parts
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

3.2 Condition and Preparation of Surfaces
In any ultrasonic measurement scenario, the shape and roughness of the test surface are of paramount
importance. Rough, uneven surfaces may limit the penetration of ultrasound through the material, and result in
unstable, and therefore unreliable, measurements. The surface being measured should be clean, and free of any
small particulate matter, rust, or scale. The presence of such obstructions will prevent the transducer from
seating properly against the surface. Often, a wire brush or scraper will be helpful in cleaning surfaces. In more
extreme cases, rotary sanders or grinding wheels may be used, though care must be taken to prevent surface
gouging, which will inhibit proper transducer coupling.
Extremely rough surfaces, such as the pebble-like finish of some cast iron, will prove most difficult to
measure. These kinds of surfaces act on the sound beam like frosted glass on light, the beam becomes diffused
and scattered in all directions.
In addition to posing obstacles to measurement, rough surfaces contribute to excessive wear of the
transducer, particularly in situations where the transducer is “scrubbed” along the surface. Transducers should be
inspected on a regular basis, for signs of uneven wear of the wearface. If the wearface is worn on one side more
than another, the sound beam penetrating the test material may no longer be perpendicular to the material
surface. In this case, it will be difficult to exactly locate tiny irregularities in the material being measured, as the
focus of the sound beam no longer lies directly beneath the transducer.
4 Operation
4.1 Power On/Off
The instrument is turned on by pressing the key.
The gauge can be turned off by pressing the key while it is on. The tool has a special memory that
retains all of its settings even when the power is off.
4.2 Probe Zero
The key is used to “zero” the instrument in much the same way that a mechanical micrometer is zeroed.
If the gauge is not zeroed correctly, all the measurements that the gauge makes may be in error by some fixed
value. When the instrument is “zeroed”, this fixed error value is measured and automatically corrected for all
subsequent measurements. The instrument may be “zeroed ” by performing the following procedure.:
1) Plug the transducer into the instrument. Make sure that the connectors are fully engaged. Check that the
wearface of the transducer is clean and free of any debris.
2) Press the key to activate the probe zero mode.
3) Use the key and the key to scroll to the probe model currently being used. Be sure to set the right probe
model to the instrument. Otherwise, there will be erroneous readings.
4) Apply a single droplet of ultrasonic couplant to the face of the metal probe-disc on the front face of the gauge.
5) Press the transducer against the probe disc, making sure that the transducer sits flat against the surface.
6) Remove the transducer from the probe disc.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

At this point, the instrument has successfully calculated its internal error factor, and will compensate for this
value in any subsequent measurements. When performing a “probe zero”, the instrument will always use the
sound velocity value of the built-in probe-disc, even if some other velocity value has been entered for making
actual measurements. Though the instrument will remember the last “probe zero” performed, it is generally a
good idea to perform a “probe zero” whenever the gauge is turned on, as well as any time a different transducer
is used. This will ensure that the instrument is always correctly zeroed.
Press while in probe zero mode will stop current probe zero operation and return to the measurement
mode.
4.3 Sound Velocity Calibration
In order for the gauge to make accurate measurements, it must be set to the correct sound velocity for the
material being measured. Different types of material have different inherent sound velocities. If the gauge is not
set to the correct sound velocity, all of the measurements the gauge makes will be erroneous by some fixed
percentage. The One-Point calibration is the simplest and most commonly used calibration procedure optimizing
linearity over large ranges. The Two-point calibration allows for greater accuracy over small ranges by
calculating the probe zero and velocity.
Note: One and Two point calibrations must be performed on material with the paint or coating removed. Failure
to remove the paint or coating prior to calibration will result in a multi material velocity calculation that may be
different from the actual material velocity intended to be measured.
4.3.1 Calibration to a known thickness
Note: This procedure requires a sample piece of the specific material to be measured, the exact thickness of
which is known, e.g. from having been measured by some other means.
1) Perform a Probe-Zero.
2) Apply couplant to the sample piece.
3) Press the transducer against the sample piece, making sure that the transducer sits flat against the surface
of the sample. The display should show some thickness value, and the coupling status indicator should
appear steadily.
4) Having achieved a stable reading, remove the transducer. If the displayed thickness changes from the value
shown while the transducer was coupled, repeat step 3.
5) Press the key to activate the calibration mode. The MM (or IN) symbol should begin flashing.
6) Use the key and the key to adjust the displayed thickness up or down, until it matches the
thickness of the sample piece.
7) Press the key again. The M/S (or IN/μS) symbols should begin flashing. The gauge is now displaying
the sound velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness value that was entered.
8) Press the key once again to exit the calibration mode and return to the measurement mode. The gauge
is now ready to perform measurements.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187