Western Instruments WC-6 User manual

Box 72, Site 2, RR 1 Phone: [phone]
St. Albert, Alberta Fax: [phone]
T8N 1M8 E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.westerninstruments.com
Operating InstructionsDecember 2007
Established 1965
WC-6
Compact AC Yoke
WC-6 Operating Instructions

The WC-6 is an AC Yoke which induces a magnetic field into the ferrous material being
tested. The unit should be used within the parameters as set out in the specifications
within this guide. This Manual also applies to Fixed Leg Models, the WC-5.
1. Solid State Push Button Switch – The Solid State Push Button
Switch was designed for comfort and safety. While depressed, the switch delivers
power (AC) to the coil encapsulated in the Yoke housing.
The Solid State Push Button Switch provides a ½ Watt control signal to the electronic
controls in the Output Module, where semiconductors are used to activate the
magnetization field. Black Modules are for 115V/60Hz and Red are 230V/50Hz.
Do not hold the Push Button Switch on when plugging the Yoke into power.
2. End Cap Rotation – The End Cap may be rotated to reposition the Cord
Protector (Strain Relief), for operator convenience, within the Bottom 120º or Top
120º of the Junction tube. Carefully remove the End Cap, followed by the internal
Cross Bar, and reposition the power wires. Replace the mounting bar, ensuring the
insulation disk (or tape) is in place and carefully reinstall the End Cap. Care must be
taken not to twist or ‘pinch’ wires, on either the mounting bar or End Cap.
Bottom Exit
Push Button
Switch
Module (inside
Junction Tube
Pole Pieces
Target Area
Cross Bar
Ground Lug End Cap
Cord Protector/
Strain Relief
Module and
Insulating Tape Junction Tube
Power Wires
Crack Orientation
Rear Leg
Junction Tube
& End Cap
WC-6 Operating Instructions 2

Top Exit
End Cap
Cord Protector/
Strain Relief
Ground Lug
Cross Bar
Junction Tube
Module and
Insulating Tape
Rear Leg Power Wires
3. Operational Parameters –The Operational Parameters or Duty Cycle for the
operation is set to avoid damage to the internal coil or the Output Module, and must
be observed.
AC Operation: It is recommended that the operator does not keep the Yoke on for
more than 5 minutes at a time, as the Yoke housing may get to warm to hold.
However, the basic design of any Yoke inherently produces heat. Typical operation
is 5 - 15 seconds on, while applying inspection media, followed by 5 - 15 seconds off
for inspection and repositioning the Yoke to the target area.
If the Yoke is used for prolonged periods of time such as 2 to 3 hours of continuous
cycling, as outline above, the Yoke will get warm. If the WC-6 is used in this manner
the operator must provide time for a sufficient cooling period, or components in the
Electronic Control Module may fail.
Do not hold the Push Button Switch on when plugging the Yoke into power.
4. Field Characteristics
AC Field – AC Magnetic Fields are sensitive to surface and near surface defects due
to the ‘Skin Effect’ as the magnetic field travels from one Pole Piece to another. The
Inspection Media (Dry Powder or Wet Method Particles) has a tendency to migrate
toward interruptions (or defects) in the magnetic field. The direction and intensity of
an AC Field, by it’s nature, alternates causing high particle mobility, so defects tend
to be revealed immediately when the Media is applied.
Demagnetization – Small Parts may be demagnetized by positioning the contact
surfaces of the Pole Pieces together, activating an AC Field and pass the part
through the opening formed between the Legs and Yoke Housing. Larger Work
Pieces can be demagnetized by placing the Yoke on the surface, in a similar manner
as used during inspection, activating an AC Field and pull the Yoke off the surface.
The work piece can be tested with a Magnetic Field Indicator, such as the W-Series
W-PT®, to ensure it is fully demagnetized.
WC-6 Operating Instructions 3

5. Operation:
Position the Pole Pieces (Feet) on the work piece. The area between the pole pieces
is your target area, which also extends laterally out, approximately 1.5” (38mm), from
either edge of the pole pieces. The Field will expose defects that are transverse to
the centerline between the Pole Pieces. The Pole Pieces should be positioned so
that as much of their contact surfaces as possible, are on the work piece. The Yoke
is then energized, by pressing Push Button Switch, and Magnetic particles are
applied. Dry Method Particles are dusted between the Pole Pieces and over the
target area, while Wet Method Particles are sprayed in a similar manner.
The Target Area is then inspected visually for a collection of Particles around
defects. A Black Light is used to aid visual inspection when Fluorescent Particles are
used. Indications found with Dry Powder will tend to form immediately, and will take
slightly longer with Wet Method Particles. If the typical direction of defects is not
known, rotate the Yoke through 90º and repeat the inspection of the target area.
The WC-6 produces a standard amount of Field Blow as other AC Yokes. Field Blow
is a collection of Inspection Media between the Pole Pieces, transverse to the
centerline between the Pole Pieces, and may case a masking of indications. Field
Blow can be minimized by extending the Pole Pieces farther apart, If work piece
configuration does not permit extending Pole Pieces, reduce the contact area of the
Pole Pieces on the work piece. Follow the Operational Parameters outlined in these
instructions.
6. Maintenance:
After extended use the Yoke should be cleaned with a mild soap solution and
thoroughly dried. The unit should be visually inspected for any damage that could
cause harm to the operator, or the material being inspected. Special attention should
be paid to the Push Button Switch Cover, to ensure it is fully adhered to the body of
the Yoke. Furthermore, the Power Plug, Power Cord, and the End Cap/Cord
Protector should be in a good state of repair. Before performing maintenance,
cleaning, or repositioning the End Cap, the Yoke should be disconnected from any
power source, with safe industrial practices employed. Any potential problems to
these assemblies must be reported to the Distributor or Western Instruments for
instructions on corrective action.
Whether industrial specifications are being observed or not, the Yoke should be
tested periodically, using a certified Pull Test Bar such as the W-Series W-PT®, to
ensure it continues to lift the specified amount of weight. If the unit fails such a test,
first inspect the Pole Pieces to ensure they fully contact the test weight. If the unit
continues to fail, contact the Distributor or Western Instruments for instructions on
corrective action.
Wiring:
W-Series 230 Volt Models, are designated by a “K” placed after the Serial Number
and the Model number (e.g. WC-6K), are shipped without an AC Power Plug as there
is no international standardization. When installing an AC Power Plug onto the AWG
18-3 Power Cord, the following is the identity of the 3 Color Coded Conductors;
WC-6 Operating Instructions 4

•Green – Ground
•White - Neutral
•Black – Live
Care must be taken to insure the proper installation of an AC Power Plug, and if there
is any question, contact your distributor or Western Instruments. If an fully grounded
AC Plug in not installed, before use, any warranty is void.
Warranty
Western Instruments warrants its products, against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 1year from receipt by the end user. If Western Instruments
receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Western Instruments will
either, at it’s option, repair, replace, or condemn products that prove to be defective.
Consumable items, such as Batteries are warranted for 30 days, from receipt by the end
user.
Any warranty is void if the unit has been modified in any way, or if it has been repaired
by an unauthorized agency. The end user agrees that any equipment’s disposition,
when returned for warranty work, is at the full discretion of Western Instruments as to
whether a claim is under warranty, or due to misuse. Western Instruments warranty
shall overlook normal wear, however does not include operation outside the
environmental specification of the product. All warranty work is FOB Western
Instruments, and any returned units shall include a written description, by the end user,
of the fault.
Western Instruments makes no other warranty, either expressed or implied, with respect
to this product. Western Instruments specifically disclaims any liability arising form the
use of this equipment. For the correct use of the product, refer to the Operating
Instructions, furthermore we recommend instructional training to CGSB, ASNT, or other
regulatory authority qualifications. Western Instruments highly recommends the end
user exercise all possible safety precautions, including use of protective equipment,
while operating this or other industrial equipment.
Specifications:
Model: WC-6 or WC-6K
Voltage: 115VAC or 230VAC
Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
Current: AC – 4.0 Amps @115 Volts or 2 Amps @230 Volts
Capacity: <10 Pounds (4.5 Kg)
Pole Spacing: 0 – 11” (0 – 280mm)
Weight: 6.5 Pounds (3.0 Kg)
WC-6 Operating Instructions 5
Distributed by: ABQ Industrial LP USA
Tel: [phone] eFax: [phone]
Web: https://www.abqindustrial.net E-mail: [email protected]