Sonocon B Portable Ultrasonic Flaw Detector, Thickness Gauge + Software Version

 

 

 

The Sonocon Thickness Gauge+ is an innovative thickness gauge combining the functionality of a conventional thickness gauge and a corrosion mapping solution.

The Sonocon B Thickness Gauge+ employs the same hardware and operating platform as the Sonocon B Flaw Detector. When coming with both UT and Thickness Gauge+ versions of software, the Sonocon B turns into a state-of the-art powerful device capable of measuring material thicknesses as well as locating flaws.

The Sonocon B with Thickness Gauge+ software option is suitable for a wide range of ultrasonic thickness and corrosion applications, with measurement results presented as A-scan, B-scan and C-scan.

The instrument offers an effective solution for processing and storing measurement results. To organize the results, the operator is to select one of the provided templates, which streamlines data analysis, even with large test objects.

«Thickness Gauge +» version of compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in the hand
 

General features

Performance

Dual Mode Pulser

The Sonocon B employs two pulser modes: Spike Wave and Square Wave (SWP). This as well as a damping feature allow controlling echo shape, length and amplitude in wide ranges.

Waveform Averaging

This function permits averaging A-Scan from ×2 to ×64. This greatly raises Signal / Noise ratio, thus enabling comfortable operation at even very high gain and making measurements more precise.

 
 

Quick and Comfortable Operation

Direct A-Scan and Gate Control

After just pushing a single button, the operator can intuitively control A-Scan and gates.

Direct A-Scan and Gates control of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version

Quick Access Menu

The QAM button grants access to a queue of circular menus which allow a quick change of measurement and alarm parameters.

Quick Access Menu of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 
 

“UT” version

Indication Search and Evaluation Aids

"Legs Marking" Mode

“Legs marking” mode of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

The “Legs marking” mode changes A-Scan background by marking A-Scan parts corresponding to downgoing legs in yellow and to upgoing legs – in pink. This helps to visually estimate the depth of the reflector (defect) which causes an indication.

“Smart Zoom” Mode

“Smart zoom” mode of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

In this mode, both zoomed A-Scan (from one of two gates) and a full 0 unzoomed A-Scan are displayed. This prevents the operator from losing an off gate indication.

“Estimate” Mode

Estimate mode of «Thickness Gauge +» version of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version


 

The “Estimate” mode is very useful for evaluation of “hard to catch” indications. It also makes evaluation of usual indications much more quickly. When this mode is on, the operator needs only to make a blind scanning of the area of interest and the flaw detector will monitor all echoes in the 1st gate, find the best one (according to the amplitude), automatically adjust gain to put that echo to the evaluation level and freeze it. The “best” indication can be then evaluated and saved for reporting if needed. After the “Estimate” mode is off, the scanning gain is automatically retrieved.

 
 

Flaw Evaluation Systems

DAC System

DAC system of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in of «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

A built-in DAC system allows building DAC curves according to the following codes: ASME (single curve and 3 curves), EN 1712, EN 1713, EN1714, JIS Z3060, GB 11345, GB 4730. User presets are also available. Base curve can contain up to 128 points. Up to 6 additional curves can be built. Besides all standard functions used in any DAC system, the Sonocon B offers such advanced functions like “20-80” function, DAC ↔ TCG conversion function, etc.

DGS (AVG) System

DGS (AVG) system of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B, in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

The DGS system allows building up to 3 DGS curves for given equivalent diameters (area) for straight beam and angle beam single element transducers. It also gives direct readings of De and / or Se for gated indication.

AWS (D rating) System

The Sonocon B also employs the automated calculation of D-rating, according to American Welding Society Structural Welding Code, Section D1.1, D1.3.

 
 

“Thickness Gauge +” Version

Setup Automation

Probes Library

Probes library of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in of «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

To set up the selected probe parameters, it is enough to select a corresponding item from the Probe Library and all related settings will be loaded automatically.

Automatic Calibration

Automatic calibration of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

The Sonocon B offers a variety of automated calibration procedures: in air, on a built-in calibration block, and classical single and dual point calibration.

 
 

Result Storage and Processing

Structured Files

 

One of the most important and difficult tasks in thickness measurement with large test pieces is to correctly organize measurement results to facilitate their analysis. Using the Sonocon B, the operator can choose one of the several templates corresponding to almost any type of test piece:

  • “Line” (1D) is ideal for tank truck, small diameter pipes, etc.
  • “Line+” (2D) is used for a linear group of “Line” objects, for section by section thickness measurement of large diameter pipes, etc.
  • “Grid” (2D) is used for testing of large semi planar object like ship hulls, storage tanks, large diameter fluid conductors, etc.
  • “Line++” (3D) is used for testing of a 2D group of “Line” objects.
  • “Grid+” (3D) is used for a linear group of “Grid” objects.
  • “Boiler” (3D) organizes measurement points on pipes and pipes on levels.

On-the-Go Measurement Statistics

Measurement data on the screen of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

The Sonocon B allows not only reviewing organized measurement data, but also analyzing them, providing statistics for the whole file and each of measurement sites.

 
 

Corrosion Monitoring

Thickness B-Scans

Thickness B-Scans of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

The Thickness B-Scan, a slice of the test piece produced by the ultrasonic beam, is easy to acquire with any 1D scanner with an encoder. It shows a back wall profile, which is useful for evaluating the corrosion type.

Thickness C-Scans

Thickness C-Scans of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 

Thickness C-Scans are acquired with a 2D scanner or a series of linear scans with 1D scanner and are used for corrosion mapping.

 
 

PC Software

The Sonocon B goes with the PC software package corresponding to the inner software – UT, Thickness or both.
PC software is used for organizing instrument settings and testing results, testing result analysis and reporting.

Thickness Gauge +:

Thickness gauge and PC software of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version

UT:

UT PC software of the compact ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B in «Thickness Gauge +» version
 
Straight Beam Probes (double element)

Straight Beam Probes (double element)

 


 

Display
Size 4.5”
Resolution 800×480
Connectors
Probe connectors 2 × BNC or
2 × LEMO-1 or
2 × LEMO-00
Analog output Alarm
USB1 Type A
LAN
Pulser
Type Square Wave (SWP)
Autofit of the pulser parameters to the chosen probe Voltage,
Energy,
Damping
Measurement frequency (readings refresh rate) 1 to 100 Hz
PRF mode Auto (Calculated from set readings refresh rate, accounting for averaging rate)
Receiver
Range (at steel longitudinal wave) 8 000 mm (314 in)
AGC Individual to reach at 2 gates
AGC Modes OFF / Edge / Peak
AGC Max Gain Modes High, Medium, Low, Manual, Off
Auto filters choice (according to the probe type)
Measurement
Sound velocities range 250 to 16000 m/s (.01 to .629 in/µs)
Measurement range 0.4 to 16 000 mm (.016 to .629 in)
Readings resolution 0.01 / 0.1 / 1 mm (0.001 / 0.01 / 0.1 in)
Number of gates 2
Modes 1, 1-2
TOF Modes Edge, Edge Zero Crossing
Units mm / in
Min & Max capture mode
Differential mode
% of wear mode
Temperature compensation
Acquisition of a:
  • Thickness B-Scan
  • Thickness C-Scan


Measurements on the previously acquired:
  • Thickness B-Scan
  • Thickness C-Scan



Alarm & Display
Alarm types Min, Max, Min&Max
Coupling loss alarm
Last reading (in coupling loss)
A-Scan
Cursor (Detect Line)
Thickness B-Scan
Thickness C-Scan
Multidimensional files: Browsing
Multidimensional files: File Statistics
Multidimensional files Meas. Site Statistics
Calibration
1-point
2-points
Zeroing in the air
Zeroing on a built-in block
Memory
Setups
Multidimensional structured files 1-3 dim
Number of readings per file Up to 100 000
Number of files format 6
Data attachments Comments,
A-Scans,
Thickness B-Scans,
Thickness C-Scans,
Microgrids
Capacity 2 GB (up to 64 GB)
PC software
Other Features
Keyboard backlight
Smart (Context) keyboard backlight
Smart zoom
Number of keyboard shortcuts2 29
Flaws evaluation
AWS
DGS (AVG)
DAC
DAC: Number of points 128
DAC codes ASME & ASME III,
EN 1712, EN 1713,
EN1714, JIS Z3060,
GB11345, GB 4730
Custom DAC curves up to 6
DAC 20-80
DAC & TCG
Memory
Setups
Datasets (with A-Scans)
Capacity 2 GB (up to 64 GB)
Physical
Dimensions 241×112×134 mm3
Weight incl. battery 0.95 kg
Operating temp. range -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F)
Dust & water protection IP65
Battery life 8 h
Replaceable battery

1 USB Type A (aka Host or Master) allows connecting external devices (a USB stick, a mouse, etc).

2 Number of instrument functions one can access with a couple of button presses.

Name and description Quantity pcs.
Electronic unit 1
Piezoelectric transducer:TSD5-10 1
Connection cable probe / Electronic unit (2lemo00×2BNC) 1
Mascot Type 2542 Charger 1
Hand strap 1
Software for processing the testing results on PC “Thickness gauge +” 1
Battery unit 1
Bag or Case 1
Documentation
Operating manual for Sonocon B version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
Operating manual for PC software for version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
Operating manual for Mascot charger 1 copy

 

 

 

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