phase II+ UTG-2900 User manual

Model No. UTG-2900
283 Veterans Blvd
Carlstadt, NJ. 07072
[phone]
www.phase2plus.com
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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............................................... 6
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.......................................................... 13
4.6 Changing Resolution ......................................... 13
4.7 Changing Units................................................... 13
4.8 Memory Management ....................................... 14
4.9 Data Printing ....................................................... 15
4.10 Beep Mode ....................................................... 15
4.11 EL Backlight ...................................................... 15
4.12 Battery Information .......................................... 15
4.13 Auto Power Off................................................. 15
4.14 System Reset................................................... 15
4.15 Connecting to a Computer ............................. 15
5 Servicing ....................................................................... 16
6 Transport and Storage................................................ 16
Appendix A Sound Velocities ........................................ 29
Appendix B Applications Notes .................................... 17
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1Overview
TheUTG‐2900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.

Specifications Model No. UTG-2900
Display type 4.5 -digit LCD w/Back Light
Minimum display unit 0.001”/0.01mm (selectable)
Measuring Range Pulse-Echo: 0.025”-23.0” in steel
Echo-Echo: 0.118” – 2.35”
Accuracy +/- (0.5% thickness + .001”)
Sound velocity range 3280-32805 ft/s (1000-9999m/s)
Upper/Lower Limit Preset Alarm Yes
Scanning Feature Yes, 16 measurements/second
Operating temperature 32-122 degrees F
Frequency 5MHz
Update range 4Hz
Memory 20 Groups (100 files/group)
Output USB
Power supply AA alkaline batteries (2pc)
Battery life Approx. 100 hours (w/backlight off)
Power consumption Working current is less than 3V
Dimensions 5.90” x 2.91” x 1.30” (150 x 74 x 33mm)
Weight 8.6oz (245g)
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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) MeasuringModes:Standard(Pulse‐Echo)andThruCoat(Echo‐Echo)
6) Twoworkmodes:SinglepointmodeandScanmode.
7) Couplingstatusindicatorshowingthecontactstatus.
8) Batteryiconindicatesthecapacityofthebattery.
9) Autosleepandautopowerofffunctiontoconservebatterylife.

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
3 Couplant 1 
4 InstrumentCase 1 
5 OperatingManual 1 
6 Alkalinebattery 2 AAsize
7 OutputCable 1 
8   
Optional
Accessories9 Transducer:N02 See
Table3‐1
10 Transducer:N07 
11 Transducer:HT5 
 
 
 
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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.
1
2 3
2
1
2
2
4
5
6
3
5
6
7
4
8
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2.2 Keypad Definitions
PartNo.Description
1PowerOn/Off
2Save
3Enter
4BackLight
5ProbeZero
6Inch/metric
7Thru‐Coatingon/off
8Scanon/off
9Calibration/Velocitysetting
10Calibrationblock0.157”(4mm)
1
5
6
7
3
2
8 9
4
10
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3Preparation
3.1TransducerSelection
TheUTG‐2900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UTG‐2900is
suppliedwitha5MHzdualsensorprobethatisconsideredtobethegeneralpurposeprobeofthegroup.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. 
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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
UTG2800‐420 2.5 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 6 1.2mm～230.0mm（InSteel）Φ15mm×2.0mm NormalMeasurement
UTG2800‐750 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
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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UTG‐2900willretainallofitssettings
evenwhenthepowerisoff.
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4.2SettingtheMeasurementMode
 Oftentimesusersandinspectorsinthefieldarefacedwithcoatedmaterialssuchaspipesandtanks.Typically
inspectorswillneedtoremovethepaintorcoatingpriortomeasuring, or allow for some fixed amount of error
introducedbythepaintorcoatingthicknessandvelocity. 
 The error can be eliminated with this gauge by using a special echo‐echo mode to perform measurements for
applicationssuchasthis.Thegaugegivesyouthisfeatureinasimpleway,onebuttontoggle,eliminatingtheneedto
removethepaintorcoating. 
 Toswitchbetweenpulse‐echomodeandecho‐echomode,simplypressthe key.
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
4.2ProbeZero
IMPORTANT!
When performing a probe zero in the Echo to Echo mode, it must be done using a part without any coatings
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.StandardProbeisPT‐05
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) Youshouldseeareadingof4mmorapprox.0.157”asthisisthethicknessofthebuilt‐intestblock.
7) Oncethisvalueisobtained,youmayremovethetransducerfromtheprobedisc.
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.
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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willnowdisplay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.
4.3.2Calibrationtoaknownvelocity
Note:Thisprocedurerequiresthattheoperatorknowsthesoundvelocityofthematerialtobemeasured.Atableof
commonmaterialsandtheirsoundvelocitiescanbefoundinAppendixAofthismanual.
1) Pressthe  keytoactivatethecalibrationmode.TheMM(orIN)symbolshouldbeginflashing.
2) Pressthe  keyagain,sothatTheM/S(orIN/μS)symbolsareflashing.
3) Usethe  keyandthe  keytoadjustthesoundvelocityvalueupordown,untilitmatchesthesoundvelocity
ofthematerialtobemeasured.Youcanalsopressthe  keytoswitchamongthepresetcommonlyusing
velocities. 
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4) Pressthe  keytoexitfromthecalibrationmode.Thegaugeisnowreadytoperformmeasurements.
Toachievethemostaccuratemeasurementspossible,itisgenerallyadvisabletoalwayscalibratethegaugetoa
samplepieceofknownthickness.Materialcomposition(andthus,itssoundvelocity)sometimesvariesfromlottolot
andfrommanufacturertomanufacturer.Calibrationtoasampleofknownthicknesswillensurethatthegaugeisset
ascloselyaspossibletothesoundvelocityofthematerialtobemeasured.
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4.3.3TwoPointCalibration
Note: This procedure requires that the operator has two known thickness points on the test piece that are
representativeoftherangetobemeasured.
1) PerformaProbe‐Zero.
2) Applycouplanttothesamplepiece.
3) Press the transducer against the sample piece, at the first/second calibration point, making sure that the
transducersitsflatagainstthesurfaceofthesample.Thedisplayshouldshowsome(probablyincorrect)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.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.Thedisplaywillflash1OF2.Repeatsteps3and4onthesecondcalibrationpoint. 
8) Usethe  keyandthe  keytoadjustthedisplayedthicknessupordown,untilitmatchesthethicknessofthe
samplepiece.*youwillnotsee2OF2ondisplay.
9) Pressthe  key,sothatTheM/S(orIN/μS)symbolsareflashing.Thegaugewillnowdisplaythesoundvelocity
valueithascalculatedbasedonthethicknessvaluesthatwereenteredinstep6. 
10) Press the keyoncemoretoexitthecalibrationmode.Thegaugeisnowready to perform measurements
withinthisrange.
4.3.4StoringSoundVelocitiesinMemory
The UTG‐2900 is capable of storing multiple sound velocities to enable the user to quickly check
differentknownmaterials. 
Example:Ifyouaretestingsteelat.233in/us,youcanquickly change to one of your stored sound
velocitieswhenyouneedtotestyouraluminum,brass,plastic,etc.part. 
Poweruniton.PresstheVELbuttonuntilyouseein/us flashing. Now press the  button to scroll
through  thesetsoundvelocities.Findavelocityclosesttoyourmaterialandadjustittomatchyourmaterialby
pressingtheUPorDOWNarrowbuttons.Placeprobeonyourpartandthegaugewillautomaticallystorethisvelocity
forfutureuse.
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4.4MakingMeasurements
When the tool is displaying thicknessmeasurements, the display will hold the last value measured, until a new
measurementismade.
Inorderforthetransducertodoitsjob,theremustbenoairgapsbetweenthewear‐faceandthesurfaceofthe
material being measured. This is accomplished with the use of a“coupling”fluid,commonlycalled“couplant”.This
fluidservesto“couple”,ortransfer,theultrasonicsoundwavesfromthetransducer,intothematerial,andbackagain.
Beforeattemptingtomakeameasurement,asmallamountofcouplantshouldbeappliedtothesurfaceofthe
materialbeingmeasured.Typically,asingledropletofcouplantissufficient.
After applying couplant, press the transducer (wearface down) firmly against the area to be measured. The
couplingstatusindicatorshouldappear,andadigitnumbershouldappearinthedisplay.Iftheinstrumenthasbeen
properly“zeroed”andsettothecorrectsoundvelocity,thenumberinthedisplaywillindicatetheactualthicknessof
thematerialdirectlybeneaththetransducer. 
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Ifthecouplingstatusindicatordoesnotappearnotstable,orthenumbersonthedisplayseemerratic,checkto
makesurethatthereisanadequatefilmofcouplantbeneaththetransducer,andthatthetransducerisseatedflat
againstthematerial.Iftheconditionpersists,itmaybenecessarytoselectadifferenttransducer(sizeorfrequency)
forthematerialbeingmeasured.
Whilethetransducerisincontactwiththematerialthatisbeing measured, the instrument will perform four
measurementseverysecond,updatingitsdisplayasitdoesso.Whenthetransducerisremovedfromthesurface,the
displaywill ho ldthe la stmeasurementmade.
Note：Occasionally,asmallfilmofcouplantwillbedrawnoutbetweenthetransducerandthesurfaceasthe
transducer is removed. When this happens, the gauge may performameasurementthroughthiscouplantfilm,
resultinginameasurementthatislargerorsmallerthanitshould be. This phenomenonisobviouswhenone
thickness value is observed while the transducer is in place, and another value is observed after the transducer is
removed.Inaddition,measurementsthroughverythickpaintorcoatingsmayresultinthepaintorcoatingbeing
measuredratherthantheactualmaterialintended.Theresponsibilityforproperuseoftheinstrument,and
recognitionofthesetypesofphenomenon,restssolelywiththeuseroftheinstrument.
4.5Scanmode
Whilethegaugeexcelsatmakingsinglepointmeasurements,itissometimesdesirabletoexaminealargerregion,
searchingforthethinnestpoint.Thegaugeincludesafeature,calledScanMode,whichallowsittodojustthat. 
Innormaloperation,thegaugeperformsanddisplaysfourmeasurementseverysecond,whichisquiteadequate
forsinglemeasurements.InScanMode,however,thegaugeperformstenmeasurementseverysecond,anddisplaysthe
readingswhile scanning.While thetransduceris incontact with thematerial beingmeasured, thegauge iskeeping
track of the lowest measurement it finds. The transducer may be“scrubbed”acrossasurface,andanybrief
interruptions in the signal will be ignored. When the transducerlosescontactwiththesurfaceformorethantwo
seconds,thegaugewilldisplaythesmallestmeasurementitfound.Whenthetransducerisremovedfromthematerial
beingscanned,thegaugewilldisplaythesmallestmeasurementitfound.
Whenthescanmodeisturnedoff,thesinglepointmodewillbeautomaticallyturnedon.Turnon/offthescan
modebythefollowingsteps:

Pressthe  keytoswitchthescanmeasurementmodeonandoff.Itwilldisplaythecurrentconditionofthe
scanmodeonthemainscreen.

4.6ChangingResolution
UTG‐2900hasselectabledisplayresolution,whichis0.01”/0.001”(0.1mmand0.01mm). 
Pressthe  key  andthegaugewillswitchtheresolutionbetween“High”and“Low”.
4.7ChangingMeasuringUnits
Onthemeasurementmode,pressthe  keytoswitchbackandforthbetweeninchandmetricunits. 







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
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4.8MemoryManagement
4.8.1Storingareading
Therearetwentyfiles(F00‐F19)thatcanbeusedtostorethemeasurementvaluesinsidethegauge.Atmost100
records(thicknessvalues)canbestoredtoeachfile.Bysimplypressingthe  keyafteranewmeasurementreading
appears,themeasuredthicknessvaluewillbesavedtocurrentfile.Itisaddedasthelastrecordofthefile.Tochange
thedestinationfiletostorethemeasuredvalues,followthesteps:
1) Pressthe  keytoactivatethedataloggingfunctions.Itwilldisplaythecurrentfilenameandthetotalrecord
countofthefile.
2) Usethe  keyandthe  keytoselectthedesiredfiletosetascurrentfile.
3) Pressthe  keytoexitthedataloggingfunctionsatanytime.

4.8.2Clearingselectedfile
Theusermayrequirethecontentsofanentirefilebecompletelyclearedofallmeasurements.Thiswouldallow
theusertostartanewlistofmeasurementsstartingatstoragelocationL00.Theprocedureisoutlinedinthefollowing
steps.
1. Pressthe  keytoactivatethedataloggingfunctions.Itwilldisplaythecurrentfilenameandthetotalrecord
countofthefile.
2. Usethe  keyandthe  keytoscrolltothefilethatwillbeclearedofallmeasurements.
3. Pressthe keyonthedesiredfile.Itwillautomaticallyclearthefile,anddisplay“‐DEL”.
4. Pressthe  key,atanytime,toexitthedataloggingfunctionsandreturntomeasurementmode.
4.8.3Viewing/deletingstoredrecord
Thisfunctionprovidestheuserwiththeabilitytoview/deletearecordinadesiredfilepreviouslysavedin
memory.Followingisthesteps:
1. Pressthe  keytoactivatethedataloggingfunctions.Itwilldisplaythecurrentfilenameandthetotalrecord
countofthefile.
2. Usethe  keyandthe  keytoselectthedesiredfile.
3. Pressthe  keytoentertheselectedfile.Itwilldisplaythecurrentrecordnumber(forexample,L012)andthe
recordcontent.
4. Usethe  keyandthe  keytoselectthedesiredrecord.
5. Pressthe  keyonthedesiredrecord.Itwillautomaticallydeletethisrecord,anddisplay“‐DEL”. 
6. Pressthe  keytoexitthedataloggingfunctionsandreturntomeasurementmode.

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
4.9DataPrinting
Attheendoftheinspectionprocess,orendoftheday,theuser may require the readings be transferred to a
computer.Thefollowingstepsoutlinethisprocedure. 
Before printing, please insert one connection plug of the printcable(Optionalparts)intothesocketonthe
upper‐leftofthemainbody,andinserttheotherplugintothecommunicationsocketofthemini‐printer.
1. Pressthe  keytoactivatethedataloggingfunctions. 
2. Usethe  keyandthe  keytoselectthedesiredfile.
3. Press the  key to print the selected file. This operation will send all thedataincurrentfiletoyourPCand
printthemout.
4. Pressthe  keytoexitthedataloggingfunctionsandreturntomeasurementmode.
4.10SoundMode
Whenthesoundissetto【On】，itwouldmakeashortbeepanytimeyoupressakey,takeameasurement,orthe
measuredvalueexceedsthetolerancelimit.
Press the  keytoswitchthebeepmodeonandoff.Itwilldisplaythecurrent sound mode on the main
screen.
4.11ELBacklight
 Thebackgroundlightmakesiteasytouseindarkerconditionsindoorsorout.Presskey toswitchonor
switchoffthebackgroundlightatanymomentasyouneedafter power on. Since the EL light will consume more
power,turnonitonlywhennecessary.
4.12BatteryIcon
TwoAAsizealkalinebatteriesareusedasthepowersource.Asthebatterybeginstodrainthedisplaywillbe
shownas .Whenthebatterycapacityrunsout,thebatterysymbolwillbeshownas  andwillbeginto
flash.Whenthisoccurs,thebatteriesshouldbereplaced.Paycloseattentiontopolarity.
PleaseremovebatteriesiftheUTG‐2800willnotbeusedforanextendedperiodoftime.
4.13AutoPowerOff
The instrument features an auto power off function designed to conserve battery life. If the tool is idle for 5
minutes,itwillturnitselfoff. 
4.14SystemReset
 Pressdownthe  keywhilepoweringontheinstrumentwillrestorefactorydefaults.Allthememorydatawill
beclearedduringsystemreset.Theonlytimethismightpossiblyhelpfulisiftheparameterinthegaugewas
somehowcorrupted.


4.15ConnectingtoaComputer
TheUTG‐2900isequippedwithaUSBport.Usingtheaccessorycable,thegaugehastheabilitytoconnecttoa
computer,orexternalstoragedevice.Measurementdatastoredinthememoryofthegaugecanbetransferredtothe
computerthroughtheUSBport. 
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
5Service
ALLSERVICEAND/ORREPAIRSMUSTBEDONETHROUGHTHEPHASEIISERVICEDEPARTMENT.
Areturnauthorizationnumberismandatoryinorderforadefectivetestertobeacceptedforrepairand/orreplacement.All
testersmustbeaccompaniedbyyourwarrantycardorserialnumber.Completedescriptionofproblemandacontactperson
forauthorizationofrepairsmustbesuppliedaswell.

ANYATTEMPTATHOMEREPAIRWILLAUTOMATICALLYVOIDTHESTATEDWARRANTY!NOEXCEPTIONS!

6TransportandStorage
Besuretocleantheprobeandcableaftereachuse.Grease,oilanddustwillcausethecableoftheprobetoageandcrack.
Iftheunitisnottobeusedforalongperiodoftime,removethe batteriestoavoid batteryleakageandcorrosionofthe
batterycontacts.  
Avoidstoringtheunitinadamporextremelyhotenvironment.
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AppendixBApplicationsNotes
Measuringpipeandtubing.
   When measuring a piece of pipe to determine the thickness ofthepipewall,orientationofthetransducersis
important.Ifthediameterofthepipeislargerthanapproximately4inches,measurementsshouldbemadewiththe
transducerorientedsothatthegapinthewearfaceisperpendicular(atrightangle)tothelongaxisofthepipe.For
smaller pipediameters,twomeasurements should beperformed, onewith thewearfacegap perpendicular, another
withthegapparalleltothelongaxisofthepipe.Thesmallerofthetwodisplayedvaluesshouldthenbetakenasthe
thicknessatthatpoint. 

Measuringhotsurfaces
  Thevelocityofsoundthroughasubstanceisdependantuponitstemperature.Asmaterialsheatup,thevelocityof
sound through them decreases. In most applications with surface temperatures less than about 100, no special
proceduresmustbeobserved. At temperaturesabovethispoint,the changein soundvelocity of thematerialbeing
measuredstartstohaveanoticeableeffectuponultrasonicmeasurement. At such elevated temperatures, it is
recommendedthattheuserperformacalibrationprocedureonasamplepieceofknownthickness,whichisatornear
thetemperatureofthematerialtobemeasured.Thiswillallowthegaugetocorrectlycalculatethevelocityofsound
throughthehotmaterial. 
 When performing measurements on hot surfaces, it may also be necessary to use a specially constructed
high‐temperaturetransducer.Thesetransducersarebuiltusingmaterials which can withstand high temperatures.
Evenso,itisrecommendedthattheprobebeleftincontactwiththesurfaceforasshortatimeasneededtoacquirea
stablemeasurement.Whilethetransducerisincontactwithahotsurface,itwillbegintoheatup,andthroughthermal
expansionandothereffects,maybegintoadverselyaffecttheaccuracyofmeasurements. 
Measuringlamin atedmaterials.
   Laminatedmaterialsareuniqueinthattheirdensity(andthereforesound‐velocity) may varyconsiderably from
onepiecetoanother.Somelaminatedmaterialsmayevenexhibitnoticeablechangesinsound‐velocityacrossasingle
surface.Theonlywaytoreliablymeasuresuchmaterialsisbyperformingacalibrationprocedureonasamplepieceof
knownthickness.Ideally,thissamplematerialshouldbeapartofthesamepiecebeingmeasured,oratleastfromthe
samelaminationbatch.Bycalibratingtoeachtestpieceindividually,theeffectsofvariationofsound‐velocitywillbe
minimized.
 An additional important consideration when measuring laminates,isthatanyincludedairgapsorpocketswill
causeanearlyreflectionoftheultrasoundbeam.Thiseffectwil l b e no tic ed  as  a  sudde n decreaseinthicknessinan
otherwiseregularsurface. Whilethismayimpedeaccuratemeasurementoftotalmaterialthickness,itdoesprovide
theuserwithpositiveindicationofairgapsinthelaminate.
Suitabilityofmaterials
Ultrasonicthicknessmeasurementsrelyonpassingasoundwavethrough the material being measured. Not all
materialsaregoodattransmittingsound.Ultrasonicthicknessmeasurementispracticalinawidevarietyofmaterials
includingmetals,plastics,andglass.Materialsthataredifficultincludesomecastmaterials,concrete,wood,fiberglass,
andsomerubber.


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Couplants
Allultrasonicapplicationsrequiresomemediumtocouplethesoundfromthetransducertothetestpiece.
Typicallyahighviscosityliquidisusedasthemedium.Thesoundusedinultrasonicthicknessmeasurementdoesnot
travelthroughairefficiently. 
Awidevarietyofcouplantmaterialsmaybeusedinultrasonicgauging.Propyleneglycolissuitableformost
applications.Indifficultapplicationswheremaximumtransferofsoundenergyisrequired,glycerinisrecommended.
However,onsomemetalsglycerincanpromotecorrosionbymeansofwaterabsorptionandthusmaybeundesirable. 
Othersuitablecouplantsformeasurementsatnormaltemperaturesmayincludewater,variousoilsandgreases,
gels, and silicone fluids. Measurements at elevated temperatures will require specially formulated high temperature
couplants.
Inherentinultrasonicthicknessmeasurementisthepossibility thatthe instrument willuse thesecond rather
thanthefirstechofromthebacksurfaceofthematerialbeingmeasuredwhileinstandardpulse‐echomode.Thismay
resultinathicknessreadingthatisTWICEwhatitshouldbe.TheResponsibilityforproperuseoftheinstrumentand
recognitionofthesetypesofphenomenonrestssolelywiththeuseroftheinstrument.
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Allvelocitiesareapproximations:
SOUNDVELOCITYMEASUREMENTCHART
MaterialSoundVelocity
Inch/µSM/s
Air 0.013 330
Aluminum 0.250 6300
AluminaOxide 0.390 9900
Beryllium 0.510 12900
BoronCarbide 0.430 11000
Brass 0.170 4300
Cadmium 0.110 2800
Copper 0.180 4700
Glass(crown) 0.210 5300
Glycerin 0.075 1900
Gold 0.130 3200
Ice 0.160 4000
Inconel 0.220 5700
Iron 0.230 5900
Iron(cast) 0.180 4600
Lead 0.085 2200
Magnesium 0.230 5800
Mercury 0.057 1400
Molybdenum 0.250 6300
Monel 0.210 5400
Neoprene 0.063 1600
Nickel 0.220 5600
Nylon,6.6 0.100 2600
Oil(SAE30) 0.067 1700
Platinum 0.130 3300
Plexiglass 0.110 1700
Polyethylene 0.070 1900
Polystyrene 0.0930 2400
Polyurethane 0.0700 1900
Quartz 0.230 5800
Rubber,Butyl 0.070 1800
Silver 0.140 3600
Steel,Mild0.2335900
Steel,Stainless 0.230 5800
Teflon 0.060 1400
Tin 0.130 3300
Titanium 0.240 6100
Tungsten 0.200 5200
Uranium 0.130 3400
Water 0.584 1480
Zinc 0.170 4200
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