sauter TO-EE User manual

Sauter GmbH
Ziegelei 1
D-72336 Balingen
e-mail: [e-mail]
Phone : +49-[0]7433- 9933-0
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9933-149
Internet: www.sauter.eu
Instruction Manual Multimode
Ultrasonic Material Thickness Gauge
SAUTER TO
Version 2.0
04/2020
GB
TO-BA-e-2020
PROFESSIONAL MEASURING

2 TO-BA-e-2020
GB
SAUTER TO
V. 2.0 08/2020
Instruction Manual Multimode Ultrasonic Material
Thickness Gauge
Congratulations on the purchase of a multimode ultrasonic thickness gauge from
SAUTER. We wish you much pleasure with your quality measuring instrument with a
high functional range. For any questions, requests and suggestions, please contact
our customer service by telephone.
Table of contents:
1General information....................................................................................... 4
1.1 Product specification............................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Measuring principle.................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Converters: technical data ...................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Configuration............................................................................................................................ 6
1.5 Working conditions:................................................................................................................. 6
2Keypad and display....................................................................................... 6
2.1 Main screen............................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Control panel ............................................................................................................................ 8
3Preparation for measurement....................................................................... 8
3.1 Selection of the converter ....................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Condition and preparation of surfaces ................................................................................ 10
4Operation...................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Power supply .......................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Connecting the probe ............................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Switching on the device (Power ON).................................................................................... 11
4.4 Configuration of the standby settings ................................................................................. 12
5Operation...................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Setting the working mode ..................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Selection of the probe............................................................................................................ 13
5.3 Function "Probe Zero............................................................................................................. 13
5.4 Calibration of the sound velocity.......................................................................................... 14
5.5 Performing measurements.................................................................................................... 17
5.6 Set View Mode ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.7 Set normal thickness ............................................................................................................. 19
5.8 Set limit value ......................................................................................................................... 20
5.9 Setting the resolution............................................................................................................. 20
5.10 Memory Management............................................................................................................. 21
5.11 Setting the key tone ............................................................................................................... 23
5.12 Set warning tone..................................................................................................................... 23
5.13 Set LCD brightness level....................................................................................................... 23
5.14 Setting the display readiness................................................................................................ 23
5.15 Setting automatic switch-off ................................................................................................. 24
5.16 Change system of units......................................................................................................... 24

TO-BA-e-2020 3
5.17 Setting the date and time....................................................................................................... 24
5.18 Set language ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.19 Product info ............................................................................................................................ 26
5.20 Reset system .......................................................................................................................... 26
5.21 USB Communication.............................................................................................................. 26
6Measurement technology............................................................................ 26
6.1 Measurement procedure........................................................................................................ 26
6.2 Wall measurement.................................................................................................................. 27
7Service.......................................................................................................... 27
8Transport and storage................................................................................. 27
9Sound velocity ............................................................................................. 28
10 Instructions for use ..................................................................................... 29
10.1 Measurement of large and small pipes ................................................................................ 29
10.2 Measurement of hot surfaces ............................................................................................... 29
10.3 Measuring of laminate materials........................................................................................... 30
10.4 Measurement through paint layers and coating ................................................................. 30
10.5 Suitability of materials........................................................................................................... 30
10.6 Coupling agents ..................................................................................................................... 31

4 TO-BA-e-2020
1 General information
The model TO-EE is an ultrasonic material thickness gauge with several operating
modes. Based on the same operating principles as SONAR, the instrument can
measure the thickness of various materials with an accuracy of down to 0.1 / 0.01
millimetres. The gauge's multi-mode function allows the user to switch between pulse-
echo mode (error and indentation detection) and echo-echo mode (determination of
the actual material thickness without the presence of any paint or coating thickness).
1.1 Product specification
•Multi mode: Pulse-echo mode (P-E mode) and echo-echo mode (E-E mode). In
the echo-echo mode, the wall thickness can be measured without taking the paint
or coating thickness into account.
•Wide measuring range: pulse-echo mode: (0.65 ~ 600) mm (in steel, depending
on the probe). Echo-Echo mode: (3 ~ 60) mm.
•V-path correction to compensate for the non-linearity of the probe.
•TFT colour display (320 × 240 TFT-LCD) with adjustable backlighting allows the
user to work at workstations with low visibility.
•Up to 100 groups of measured thickness values can be stored in the non-volatile
memory. A maximum of 100 data sets per group are permitted.
•Two AA alkaline batteries are used as power source. This ensures continuous
operation of at least 100 hours (standard setting for brightness). Energy-saving
functions "Display Standby" and "Auto Power Off" are available.
•With the internal Bluetooth module, a wireless connection with PC or other mobile
devices can be established.
•USB 1.1 port. Online transmission of measurement data via USB to PC.
1.2 Measuring principle
The ultrasonic thickness gauge determines the thickness of a part or structure by
accurately measuring the time it takes a short ultrasonic pulse generated by a
transducer to pass through the thickness of the material, reflect off the back or inner
surface and return to the transducer. The measured bi-directional travel time is divided
by two to account for the outward and return paths and is then multiplied by the speed
of sound in the respective material. The result is reflected in the following ratio:
2tv
H =
H = thickness of the test sample
v = sound velocity in the respective material
t = measured outward and return time
1.3 Converters: technical data
Model
Freq
[MHz]
Φ
[mm]
Measuring range
[mm].
Lower limit
value [mm]
Description

TO-BA-e-2020 5
N02
2,5
14
3.0 ~ 300.0 mm
(in steel)
40 mm (in grey cast
iron HT200)
20 mm
for thick, strongly
weakening or
strongly scattering
materials
N05
5
10
1 ~ 600.0 mm
(in steel)
Φ 20 mm ×
3,0 mm
Normal
measurement
N05/90°
5
10
1 ~ 600.0 mm
(in steel)
Φ 20 mm ×
3,0 mm
Normal
measurement
N07
7
6
0.65 ~ 200.0 mm
(in steel)
Φ 15 mm ×
2,0 mm
For measurements
of thin pipe walls or
pipe walls with low
curvature
HT5
5
12
1 ~ 600.0 mm
(in steel)
30 mm
For measurement
at high
temperatures
(below 300 °C)
P5EE
5
10
P-E: 2~ 600 mm
E-E: 3 ~ 60 mm
Φ 20 mm ×
3,0 mm
Normal
measurement
and thickness
measurement via
the paint or coating
thickness

6 TO-BA-e-2020
1.4 Configuration
Standard
configuration
No.
Article
Piece.
Remarks
1
Housing
1
2
P5EE probe (5 MHz)
1
3
Coupling agent
1
4
Device packaging
1
5
Operating instructions
1
6
Alkaline battery
2
Type AA
7
USB cable
1
Optional
configuration
8
Probe N02 (2.5 MHz)
9
Probe N05/90° (5 MHz)
see table 1.1.
10
Probe N05 (5 MHz)
11
Probe N07 (7 MHz)
12
Probe HT5 (5 MHz)
1.5 Working conditions:
Operating temperature: 0 C ~ +50 C
Storage temperature: -20 C ~ +70 C
Relative humidity: ≤ 80 ％
At the place of use, vibrations, strong magnetic fields, corrosive media and heavy dust
accumulation must be avoided.
2 Keypad and display
1. 2.1 Ekran główny
1 Housing
2 Record "Probe Zero"
3 Keyboard
4 TFT display
5 USB connection
6 Pulse encoder
socket
7 Receiving socket
8 Sticker
9 Serial number
10 Battery
compartment cover
11 Probe

TO-BA-e-2020 7
2.1 Main screen
Function
Declaration
Mode
"E-E" indicates that the instrument is operating in echo echo
mode; "P-E" indicates that the instrument is operating in
pulse echo mode;
Sample
Probe selection
Velocity
Sound velocity
Battery
Indicates the remaining capacity of the battery
Thickness
Last measurement result
Unit
Unit system: mm or inch
Diff value
Measurement result when working in Diff mode
Time
System time
Status
USB communication status
Operation
indicates which process is already active
Record
displays the selected data group and the number of data
records
Couple
Displays the coupling status
Nominal Thickness
Keyboard combinations

8 TO-BA-e-2020
2.2 Control panel
The design of the device allows the user
quick access to all device functions. A user-
friendly menu system allows access to any
function by pressing a few keys.
Function keys for selecting the desired
function on the display. In the following
sections of this manual they are referred to as
F1, F2 and F3, from left to right.
ON/OFF or CANCEL
Sample-Zero process
Save measurement result
Confirm/Enter
Plus or scroll up
Minus or scroll down
3 Preparation for measurement
3.1 Selection of the converter
The meter is designed to perform measurements on a wide range of materials, from
various metals to glass and plastics. However, different types of materials require the
use of different transducers. Choosing the right transducer for the application is
essential to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. The following sections
highlight the important characteristics of transducers that should be considered when
selecting a transducer for a particular application.
In general, the best transducer for a given application is a sensor that emits sufficient
ultrasonic energy into the material to be measured so that a strong, stable echo is
received by the instrument. The strength of the ultrasound during propagation can be
influenced by several factors. These are listed below:
•Initial signal strength: The stronger the signal is at the beginning, the stronger
its back echo. The initial signal strength is largely determined by the size of the
ultrasonic transmitter in the transducer. A large emitting area emits more energy
into the material to be measured than a small emitting area. Therefore, a so-
called "1/2 inch" transducer emits a stronger signal than a "1/4 inch" transducer.

TO-BA-e-2020 9
•Absorption and scattering: If the ultrasound propagates through any material, it
is partially absorbed. If the material through which the sound propagates has a
grain structure, the sound waves are scattered. These two effects reduce the
strength of the waves and thus the ability of the instrument to detect the
returning echo. The ultrasonic sound with higher frequency is absorbed and
scattered more than the ultrasonic sound with lower frequency. Although it
seems advisable to use a lower frequency transducer in all cases, low
frequencies are less directional than high frequencies. Therefore, a higher
frequency transducer is the better choice for determining the exact position of
small indentations or flaws in the material to be measured.
•Transducer geometry: The physical boundary conditions of the measurement
environment sometimes determine the suitability of a transducer for a specific
measurement task. Some transducers may simply be too large to be used in
space limited areas. In addition, the contact area available for contacting the
transducer may be limited, which requires the use of a transducer with a small
contact area. Measuring on a curved surface, such as an engine cylinder wall,
may require the use of a transducer with a suitably curved contact area.
•Temperature of the material: When measuring on very hot surfaces, high
temperature transducers must be used. These transducers are manufactured
using special materials and techniques that allow them to withstand high
temperatures without damage. In addition, care must be taken when using a
high temperature transducer to perform "Sensor Zeroing" or "Calibration to
Known Thickness".
The choice of the appropriate converter is often a question of compromise between
different properties. It may be necessary to test different transducers in order to find a
suitable sensor for the respective application.
The converter is the "working tool" of the device. It transmits and receives ultrasonic
waves with which the instrument calculates the thickness of the material to be
measured. The transducer is connected to the instrument via the cable supplied and
two coaxial connectors. When using transducers, the arrangement of the double
coaxial connectors is irrelevant: each connector can be connected to any of the two
jacks on the instrument.
The transducer must be used correctly in order to obtain an accurate and reliable
measurement result. Below is a brief description of the transducer, followed by its
operating instructions.

10 TO-BA-e-2020
The left figure shows a typical transducer from below. The two semicircles of the
contact surface are visible, as is the barrier separating them. One of the semicircles is
responsible for propagating ultrasound in the material to be measured and the other
semicircle is responsible for returning the echo to the transducer.When the transducer
is in contact with the material to be measured, the area just below the centre of the
contact surface is measured.
The right figure shows a top viewof a typical transducer. Press the transducer upwards
with thumb or index finger to fix the transducer in place. Moderate pressure is sufficient
as the transducer only needs to be held immobile and the contact surface must beflat
against the contact surface of the material to be measured.
3.2 Condition and preparation of surfaces
In any ultrasonic measurement scenario, the shape and roughness of the
measurement surface are of utmost importance. Rough, uneven surfaces can restrict
the propagation of ultrasound through the material and lead to unstable and therefore
unreliable measurements. The surface to be measured should be clean and free of
small particles, rust or scale. The presence of such obstacles prevents the transducer
from contacting the contact surface correctly. Often a wire brush or scraper will help to
clean the surface. In extreme cases, rotary grinders or grinding wheels can be used.
However, care must be taken to avoid surface cracks that prevent proper coupling of
the transducer.
Extremely rough surfaces, such as the siliceous surface of some cast iron, are the
most difficult to measure. Such surfaces act on the sound beam like frosted glass on
light, the beam is diffused and dispersed in all directions.
Rough surfaces are not only an obstacle to measurement, but also contribute to
excessive wear of the transducer, especially in situations where the transducer
"scrubs" along the surface. Transducers should be checked regularly for signs of
uneven wear of the contact surface. If the contact surface is worn more on one side
than the other, the sound beam passing through the specimen may no longer be
perpendicular to the material surface. In this case, it is difficult to locate the smallest
irregularities in the material to be measured precisely, since the focus of the sound
beam is no longer directly below the transducer.