Manual Olympus Epoch XT

Manual Version D

910-264D-EN — March 2007

EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw DetectorUser’s Manual

Copyright © 2007 by Olympus NDT. All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system, without the written permission of Olympus NDT, exceptwhere permitted by law. For information, contact: [email protected].

Panametrics, Panametrics-NDT, and the Panametrics-NDT logo are trademarks ofPanametrics Inc.

Other product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of theirrespective companies, and are mentioned for identification purposes only.

Printed in the United States of America.

In accordance with European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and ElectronicEquipment, this symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as unsortedmunicipal waste, but should be collected separately. Refer to your local Olympus NDTdistributor for return and/or collection systems available in your country.

Table of Contents iii

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................... iii

Warranty ............................................................................................................. ix

1. Preface ........................................................................................................... 11.1 Product Description ........................................................................................................... 11.2 About This Document ....................................................................................................... 21.3 Audience ............................................................................................................................ 21.4 Typographic Conventions ................................................................................................. 31.5 If You Have Documentation Comments ........................................................................... 41.6 Revision History ................................................................................................................ 41.7 Technical Help ................................................................................................................... 5

2. EPOCH XT Physical Features ...................................................................... 72.1 Transducer Connections .................................................................................................... 72.2 Optional Hardware Input/Output Port ............................................................................... 82.3 Pipestand/Handle ............................................................................................................... 82.4 Bi-Directional Hand Strap ................................................................................................. 82.5 Battery Door and Compartment ........................................................................................ 92.6 Office Connection Door .................................................................................................. 102.7 O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals ............................................................................ 102.8 D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use ............................................................................... 102.9 Display Protection ........................................................................................................... 112.10 IP 67 Environmental Rating ........................................................................................... 11

3. Operating the Power Supply ....................................................................... 133.1 Using AC Line Power ..................................................................................................... 133.2 Using Battery Power ....................................................................................................... 143.3 Operating Time for the Battery ....................................................................................... 14

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3.4 Replacing the Battery ...................................................................................................... 153.5 Charging the Battery ........................................................................................................ 153.6 Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries ...................................................................................... 16

4. Managing Basic Operations ........................................................................ 174.1 Powering Up .................................................................................................................... 174.2 The EPOCH XT Keypad ................................................................................................. 17

4.2.1 Adjustment Using Enter and Slewing Keys ......................................................... 184.2.2 Direct Access Adjustment Using Parameter and F Keys ..................................... 184.2.3 Direct Entry of Parameter Values ......................................................................... 18

4.3 Summarizing Keypad Functions ..................................................................................... 194.4 Display Arrangement ....................................................................................................... 25

4.4.1 Full-Screen Display .............................................................................................. 264.4.2 Split Screen Display ............................................................................................. 274.4.3 Display Flags and Markers ................................................................................... 28

4.5 Menu Navigation ............................................................................................................. 294.6 Instrument Setup Menu ................................................................................................... 30

4.6.1 General Tab ........................................................................................................... 314.6.2 Editable Parameters (EditPara) Tab ...................................................................... 324.6.3 Status Tab .............................................................................................................. 344.6.4 Splash Screen Tab ................................................................................................. 34

4.7 Display Setup Menu ........................................................................................................ 364.7.1 Color Tab .............................................................................................................. 374.7.2 Ascan Tab ............................................................................................................. 38

4.8 Measurement Setup Menu ............................................................................................... 424.8.1 EPOCH XT Measurements ................................................................................... 424.8.2 Meas Tab ............................................................................................................... 464.8.3 Gates Tab .............................................................................................................. 474.8.4 Options Tab ........................................................................................................... 50

5. Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver .................................................................... 515.1 Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain) ......................................................................... 515.2 Using the AUTO–XX% Feature ..................................................................................... 525.3 Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain .................................................................... 535.4 Pulser Adjustment ........................................................................................................... 53

5.4.1 Pulse-Repetition Frequency .................................................................................. 535.4.2 Pulser Frequency Selection (Pulse Width) ........................................................... 545.4.3 Pulse Energy ......................................................................................................... 555.4.4 Damping ............................................................................................................... 555.4.5 Test Mode ............................................................................................................. 56

5.5 Receiver Adjustment ....................................................................................................... 56

Table of Contents v

5.5.1 Digital Filters ........................................................................................................ 565.5.2 Waveform Rectification ........................................................................................ 57

5.6 Custom Filter Sets ........................................................................................................... 58

6. Managing Special Waveform Functions .................................................... 596.1 Reject ............................................................................................................................... 596.2 Peak Memory .................................................................................................................. 606.3 Peak Hold ........................................................................................................................ 616.4 Display Freeze ................................................................................................................. 62

7. Gates .............................................................................................................. 637.1 Positioning Gates 1 and 2 ................................................................................................ 637.2 Gate Measurement Modes ............................................................................................... 647.3 Taking Thickness Readings ............................................................................................. 647.4 Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings ...................................................................... 647.5 Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer ........................................................... 657.6 Measuring Signal Amplitude .......................................................................................... 667.7 Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode .................................................................................. 687.8 Using the Zoom Feature .................................................................................................. 697.9 Gate Alarms ..................................................................................................................... 69

7.9.1 Threshold Alarms ................................................................................................. 697.9.2 Minimum-Depth Alarm ........................................................................................ 707.9.3 Minimum Depth Alarm with a Single Gate ......................................................... 707.9.4 Minimum-Depth Alarm with Gate 2 Tracking ..................................................... 717.9.5 Alarm-Condition Storage ..................................................................................... 71

8. Calibrating the EPOCH XT ........................................................................ 738.1 Getting Started ................................................................................................................. 748.2 Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer ................................................................. 758.3 Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer ...................................................................... 798.4 Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer .................................................................. 848.5 Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer .................................................................. 89

8.5.1 Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP) .................................................................. 908.5.2 Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta) ................................................................... 918.5.3 Calibrating for Distance ....................................................................................... 938.5.4 Calibrating for Sensitivity .................................................................................... 97

9. Managing the Instrument Datalogger ...................................................... 1019.1 Datalogger Storage Capacity ......................................................................................... 1029.2 Datalogger Menu ........................................................................................................... 103

9.2.1 Creating Data Files ............................................................................................. 103

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9.2.2 Data File Types ................................................................................................... 1049.2.3 Opening Data Files ............................................................................................. 1209.2.4 Saving to Data Files ............................................................................................ 1239.2.5 File Summary and Review .................................................................................. 1239.2.6 Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration) ......................................................... 126

9.3 Reporting ....................................................................................................................... 1289.3.1 Report Header Setup ........................................................................................... 1289.3.2 Printing ............................................................................................................... 1299.3.3 Instrument Resets ................................................................................................ 132

10. Software Features and Options ................................................................ 13310.1 Defining Active/Inactive Options ................................................................................. 13310.2 DAC/TVG ..................................................................................................................... 135

10.2.1 Description ......................................................................................................... 13510.2.2 Option Activation and Reference Correct .......................................................... 13610.2.3 ASME & ASME—3 DAC/TVG ........................................................................ 13710.2.4 ASME III DAC Setup Example ......................................................................... 13710.2.5 Gain Adjustment Options .................................................................................. 14210.2.6 Curve Adjustment Gain—Also Called “DAC Gain” or “TVG Gain” ............... 14410.2.7 Transfer Correction ............................................................................................. 14510.2.8 JIS DAC .............................................................................................................. 14510.2.9 20%–80% DAC Option ...................................................................................... 14610.2.10 Custom DAC Curves Option ............................................................................ 14710.2.11 TVG Table Option ............................................................................................ 14910.2.12 TVG Table Setup .............................................................................................. 150

10.3 DGS/AVG ..................................................................................................................... 15310.3.1 Description ......................................................................................................... 15310.3.2 Option Activation ............................................................................................... 15410.3.3 Relative Attenuation Measurement .................................................................... 159

10.4 AWS D1.1/D1.5 ............................................................................................................ 16010.4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................ 16010.4.2 AWS D1.1 and the EPOCH XT .......................................................................... 16110.4.3 Operating the AWS D1.1 Software .................................................................... 161

Appendix A: Cable Assembly ......................................................................... 165

Appendix B: Sound Velocities ......................................................................... 167

Appendix C: Glossary ..................................................................................... 171

Appendix D: EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical Specifications .................. 181

Table of Contents vii

Appendix E: Parts List .................................................................................... 225

Documentation Comments .............................................................................. 229

viii

Warranty ix

Warranty

The EPOCH XT Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector has been designed and manufactured as ahigh quality instrument.

Inspect the unit thoroughly upon receipt for evidence of external or internal damage that mayhave occurred during shipment. Notify the carrier making the delivery immediately of anydamage, since the carrier is normally liable for damage in shipment. Preserve packingmaterials, waybills, and other shipping documentation in order to establish damage claims.After notifying the carrier, contact Olympus NDT so that we may assist in the damage claimsand provide replacement equipment, if necessary.

Olympus NDT guarantees the EPOCH XT to be free from defects in materials andworkmanship for a period of one year (twelve months) from date of shipment. This warrantyonly covers equipment that has been used in a proper manner as described in this instructionmanual and has not been subjected to excessive abuse, attempted unauthorized repair, ormodification. DURING THIS WARRANTY PERIOD, Olympus NDT LIABILITY ISSTRICTLY LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITSOPTION. Olympus NDT does not warrant the EPOCH XT to be suitable of intended use, orfitness for any particular application or purpose. Olympus NDT accepts no liability forconsequential or incidental damages including damage to property and/or personal injury. Inaddition to our standard one year warranty, Olympus NDT also offers an optional two yearwarranty (call for further details).

The warranty does not include transducers, transducer cables, battery(ies), or seals. Thecustomer must maintain the condition of seals in the battery door and office connection doors.The customer will pay shipping expense to the Olympus NDT plant for warranty repair;Olympus NDT will pay for the return of the repaired equipment. (For instruments not underwarranty, the customer will pay shipping expenses both ways.)

In this manual, we have attempted to teach the proper operation of the EPOCH XT consistentwith accepted flaw detection techniques. We believe the procedures and examples given areaccurate. However, the information contained herein is intended solely as a teaching aid and

x Warranty

should not be used in any particular application without independent testing and/or verificationby the operator or the supervisor. Such independent verification of procedures becomes moreimportant as the criticality of the application increases.

For these reasons, we make no warranty, expressed or implied, that the techniques, examples,or procedures described herein are consistent with industry standards or that they will meet therequirements of any particular application. Olympus NDT expressly disclaims all impliedwarranties of merchantability and of fitness for any particular application.

Olympus NDT reserves the right to modify all products without incurring the responsibility formodifying previously manufactured products. Olympus NDT does not assume any liability forthe results of particular installations, as these circumstances are not within our control.

THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OFALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER STATUTORY, EXPRESS, OR IMPLIED(INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALINGOR USAGE OR TRADE).

Preface 1

1. Preface

The preface contains the following introductory topics:

• Product Description• About This Document• Audience• Typographic Conventions• If You Have Documentation Comments• Revision History• Technical Help

1.1 Product Description

The EPOCH XT is a high-performance, lightweight, and portable ultrasonic flaw detector.This detector offers excellent ultrasonic performance, large dynamic range, superiormeasurement resolution, a color-liquid crystal display, and an all-new user interface. TheEPOCH XT sets a new performance benchmark for portable flaw detection and is a completelynew instrument offering many performance, durability, and operational enhancements whencompared to previous EPOCH Flaw Detectors. Enhancements include:

• Case sealed to IP67 to assure environmental durability.• Complies with EN12668-1.• High Performance PerfectSquare™ Pulser Technology— The instrument electronics

control both the leading and trailing edges of the pulse for precise width control andexcellent near surface resolution while maintaining the superior penetration powerexpected with a square wave pulser.

• A 100% digital, high dynamic-range receiver design with unprecedented TVGperformance.

2 Chapter 1

• Digital filters: Broadband, Narrowband, and High-Pass filters for application flexibility.• Five customizable measurement-display locations for time and amplitude measurements

from either Gate 1 or Gate 2.• New rapid parameter adjustment methods maximizing effectiveness of operator inputs.• Large datalogger for instrument setups and inspection data. Allows operator to use

corrosion thickness-gage file types.• USB client port for high speed data transfer to a PC.• USB host port for printing and for USB drive storage.• Hardware I/O port for alarm outputs, trigger in/out, and encoder compatibility.

We suggest reading through the information completely at least once with your EPOCH XT inhand so that you can combine reading the descriptions and examples with the actual use of theinstrument.

1.2 About This Document

This document is the User’s Manual for the EPOCH XT. This manual describes routine tasksfor operating the EPOCH XT. These tasks include:

• Operating the power supply• Managing basic operations• Adjusting the pulser receiver• Managing special waveform functions• Using the gates• Calibrating the EPOCH XT• Managing the datalogger and data communication features• Using software options

1.3 Audience

This document is intended for any operator using the EPOCH XT. Olympus NDTrecommends that all operators have a thorough understanding of the principles and limitationsof ultrasonic testing. We assume no responsibility for incorrect operational procedure orinterpretation of test results. We recommend that all operators seek adequate training prior tousing this equipment. Olympus NDT offers a full range of training courses including Level Iand Level II Ultrasonic Testing, Advanced Detection and Sizing, and Ultrasonic ThicknessGaging. For further information regarding training courses, contact Olympus NDT.

Preface 3

While the EPOCH XT is a continuously self-calibrating instrument, the user must determineregulatory requirements. Olympus NDT offers calibration and documentation services.Contact Olympus NDT or your local representative with any special requests.

1.4 Typographic Conventions

The following notes and table describe typographic conventions, which appear in thisdocument.

WARNING

This information indicates danger and the possibility of personal injury.

CAUTION

This information indicates that equipment damage can occur.

Note: This information provides explanatory information.

Tip: This information provides helpful guidelines for easy operation.

4 Chapter 1

1.5 If You Have Documentation Comments

Olympus NDT is always interested in improving its documentation. We value your commentsabout this manual and other Olympus NDT documentation.

Complete the survey at the back of this manual and send your documentation comments toOlympus NDT by using one of the following methods:

• Send comments to Olympus NDT. Attention: Technical Publications• Contact us at: [email protected].

In all your correspondence, please include the title of the document, its part number, releasedate, and the specific section upon which you are commenting.

1.6 Revision History

This document may require updating because of corrections or changes to the product.

Table 1 Typographic conventions

Convention Description

Courier Font Used for file names, lines of code, names of processes, and commands.

Heavy courier Used for command line user input.

Bold Used for textual parts of graphical user interface, including menu items, buttons, toolbar names, modes, options, and tabs.

Italics Used for screen/window names, dialog boxes and document titles.

Bold Italics Used for emphasis.

[BOLD] (Square Brackets with Bold) Used for instrument keys on the keypad.

<Italics> (Angle Brackets) With italics text, used for variable data.

→ Used for showing the next sequential step.

Preface 5

Publication dates are updated when a change is made to the document. In addition, thedocument number is also changed to reflect the revision.

The following table shows a list of revisions for this document.

1.7 Technical Help

For assistance, call Olympus NDT and ask to speak to a sales engineer.

Table 2 Revision history

Date Issue Release version

August 2006 910-264A-EN First release

October 2006 910-264B-EN Update

January 2007 910-264C-EN Update

February 2007 910-264D-EN Update

6 Chapter 1

EPOCH XT Physical Features 7

2. EPOCH XT Physical Features

The EPOCH XT has many physical features that are either completely new or improvedcompared to previous EPOCH Flaw Detectors. It is important for the operator to be familiarwith the use and maintenance of these items.

This section covers the following topics:

• Transducer Connections• Optional Hardware Input/Output Port• Pipestand/Handle• Bi-Directional Hand Strap• Battery Door and Compartment• Office Connection Door• O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals• D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use• Display Protection• IP 67 Environmental Rating

2.1 Transducer Connections

The EPOCH XT is supplied with either BNC or large LEMO® transducer connectors. The typeof transducer connector is chosen when the instrument is ordered. If necessary, it is possible tochange the type of transducer connection at the factory for a small charge.

While the selection of transducer connector is typically based on the operator’s preference, it isimportant to note that the performance of these two connector types is not equal. Theenvironmental durability of the EPOCH XT depends in part on the connector style chosenbecause the BNC connectors are sealed and the large LEMO connectors are not. The

8 Chapter 2

EPOCH XT’s IP 67 Environmental Rating is applicable to instruments with BNC connectorsonly. Instruments with large LEMO connectors have not been certified to any IPEnvironmental Rating.

2.2 Optional Hardware Input/Output Port

EPOCH XT instruments are available with an optional 16 pin LEMO hardware input/output(I/O) port next to the transducer connections. This port serves the following functions as of thefirst EPOCH XT production run:

• Alarm Outputs–for details see section 7.9 on page 69• Trigger In/Out–for details see section 10.4.7

This LEMO connection is sealed to IP 67 when the supplied cap is in place (and in goodcondition) or when the mating connector is plugged in. If the connector is left open then it isnot sealed and liquids might enter the instrument. Olympus NDT offers an EPOCH XTHardware I/O cable as an accessory with the EPOCH XT with part numbers EPXT-C-16HW-6(6’) and EPXT-C-16HW-20 (20’).

2.3 Pipestand/Handle

The EPOCH XT has a new pipe stand/handle design chosen for its light weight, compactdesign, durability, and ease of adjustment. To adjust the position of the pipestand/handle, theball-detent mechanisms that locate the pipestand/handle allow the position to be adjustedsimply by pulling on the lower part of the pipestand/handle.

The pipestand/handle is removable. This requires a 0.5 in. Crescent™ wrench to remove thelocator pins on both sides of the instrument. Once these have been removed, the operator canslide the pipestand/handle out of the ball-detent mechanisms and then replace them with thelocator pins. This arrangement allows the use of the D-rings for a chest harness and removesthe weight of the pipestand/handle.

2.4 Bi-Directional Hand Strap

The EPOCH XT has been designed with a bi-directional hand strap so that the instrument maybe held in the operator’s left or right hand. There are three mounting points for the hand strapon the instrument; left, right, and bottom-center. The bottom-center point should not need to beadjusted except for the removal or replacement of the hand strap.


To reverse the hand strap

1. Peel back the outer leather area that is held with Velcro™ to the adjustment strap and thecenter leather section.

2. Peel the adjustment strap upward to remove it from the center leather section.3. Replace the outer leather section now that the adjustment strap has been removed.4. Gently pull the adjustment strap downward to remove it from between the pin and the

body of the instrument.5. Pull the adjustment strap under the instrument and around to the opposite-side pin and

place it between the pin and body of the instrument in the upward direction.6. Peel back the outer leather area (formerly the inner leather area).7. Adjust the hand strap to a comfortable position by pulling the adjustment strap and sliding

the leather section.8. Attach the adjustment strap to the center leather section and close the other leather section

over the adjustment strap.

2.5 Battery Door and Compartment

The EPOCH XT battery door allows the operator quick access to the battery compartmentwithout the need for tools. There are two quick-release buttons on the battery door (on the leftwhen looking at the back of the instrument). To open the door, these buttons must be pressedfully and released, then the door can be slid out to the left. It is important to do this carefully toavoid damaging the four plastic tabs that hold the right side of the door in place.

When replacing the battery door these steps are reversed. It is important to slide the door all theway to the left before attempting to re-engage the quick release connectors. The operator mustalso take care to keep the battery door seal in place or the instrument’s environmental seal canbe damaged and stop functioning as designed.

The battery door also has a small hole that is covered on the inside by an environmentallysealed membrane vent. This vent is a safety feature that is required in the event that theinstrument battery fails and emits gas. There is also a sticker on the outside of the battery doorexplaining that this location contains a membrane vent. This vent must not be puncturedbecause it is part of the instrument’s environmental seal.

The EPOCH XT has been designed to accept three battery types: Lithium Ion, Nickel MetalHydride, or alkaline C-Cells. The instrument is supplied with a foam block to help hold C-Celltype batteries in place, but this is not required for their use.

10 Chapter 2

2.6 Office Connection Door

On the lower-right side of the EPOCH XT there is a door that covers all of the instrument’soffice type connections. The door has an integral O-ring seal to keep liquids away from theunsealed connections behind the door. These connections are: the AC adapter input, USBclient port, and USB host port.

The Office Connection door is held in place by two thumb screws. The operator may also use ahexagonal wrench to manipulate these thumb screws as needed.

2.7 O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals

The EPOCH XT contains seals that are used to protect the instrument’s internal hardware fromthe environment. These include:

• Battery door seal• Office connection door seal• Membrane vent• The main O-ring seal between the top and bottom halves of the case• The O-ring seal under the transducer connector plate• The gaskets located in the transducer connector plate assembly

These seals must be maintained to assure environmental durability. Instrument seals areevaluated and replaced as needed during the instrument’s annual calibration. This should beperformed by an authorized Olympus NDT service center.

2.8 D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use

The EPOCH XT has four D-ring clips that may be used as mounting points for a chest harness.These D-ring clips have been mounted at ruggedized locations to ensure their integrity andprevent instrument damage. If a chest harness is being used, then the operator must use all fourpoints to support the weight of the instrument. You must not expect that two D-rings willreliably support the instrument.

The D-rings may be removed if they are not required. The mounting points do not penetrate theinstrument case, so the instrument’s seal rests intact without the D-rings.


2.9 Display Protection

All EPOCH XT gages are shipped from the factory with a clear plastic sheet protecting theinstrument display window. It is advised that the operator leave this sheet in place.Replacements are available in packages of ten with part number EPXT-DP.

The display window in the EPOCH XT is permanently bonded to the upper half of theinstrument case to fully seal the instrument. If the display window becomes damaged, theentire upper half of the case must be replaced along with the instrument keypad.

Olympus NDT also offers a rubber protective case with an integrated (and replaceable) plasticdisplay shield. Contact Olympus NDT or your local representative for more information.

2.10 IP 67 Environmental Rating

The EPOCH XT has been designed to provide customers with an extremely rugged anddurable instrument that may be used in harsh environments. In order to classify theinstrument’s durability in wet or damp environments, many manufacturers, includingOlympus NDT, have adopted the IP (Ingress Protection) system to rate how well theinstrument is sealed.

The EPOCH XT has been tested to the requirements of IP 67. All instruments ordered withBNC transducer connectors are designed to meet this level of ingress protection when theyleave the factory. In order to maintain this level of protection, the operator is responsible forthe proper care of all routinely exposed seals, O-rings, membranes, etc. (discussed in section2.7 on page 10). Additionally, the operator is responsible for returning the instrument to anauthorized Olympus NDT service center each year to ensure that the instrument seals areproperly maintained. Olympus NDT cannot guarantee any level of ingress protectionperformance once the instrument seals have been manipulated. The operator must use soundjudgment and take proper precautions before exposing the instrument to harsh environments.

12 Chapter 2

Operating the Power Supply 13

3. Operating the Power Supply

This chapter contains sections describing how to operate the EPOCH XT using different powersupply options. The topics are as follows:

• Using AC Line Power• Using Battery Power• Operating Time for the Battery• Replacing the Battery• Charging the Battery• Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries

3.1 Using AC Line Power

AC line power is supplied via the Charger/Adapter (part number EP4/MCA). The EP4/MCAhas a universal AC Power input, so it operates with any line voltage from 100–120 VAC or200–240 VAC and with 50 Hz to 60 Hz line frequency.

To use AC line power

1. Connect the power cord to the charger/adapter unit and to an appropriate line powersource.

2. Open the sealed Office Connection door on the right side of the EPOCH XT.3. Connect the DC output power cable from the charger/adapter to the charger/AC adapter

input jack inside the door (top connection).4. Turn on the EPOCH XT using the keypad.5. Proceed with normal operation.

14 Chapter 3

3.2 Using Battery Power

The EPOCH XT is offered with the choice of Lithium Ion (Li Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH) batteries. alkaline C-Cell batteries may also be used. All EPOCH XT instrumentshave been designed to accept these three battery types without any modifications oradjustments.

The battery-life symbol is always present at the upper-right corner of the instrument display.The battery indicator contains five bars to communicate the remaining battery life. Each barrepresents 20% life remaining: 5 bars equals 100%, 4 bars equals 80%, and so on. The batteryindicator will be accurate after 5 to 10 minutes of use.

3.3 Operating Time for the Battery

Battery operating time depends on the type of battery being used, the age of the battery, and theinstrument settings. In order to provide realistic battery operating times, we have tested theEPOCH XT with mid-level operating parameters: Pulse Energy 200 V, Pulse Frequency(width) 5.00 MHz, PRF 500 Hz, and Display Brightness 50 % (default setting). The nominalbattery operating times for new batteries are:

• Li Ion: 9-10 hours• NiMH: 4-5 hours• C-Cell: 1-2 hours

Note: It may take several cycles of complete charging and discharging of thebattery to bring the battery to full capacity. This conditioning process is normal for thesetypes of rechargeable batteries.

Operating the Power Supply 15

3.4 Replacing the Battery

To replace the EPOCH XT battery, follow the steps in section 2.5 on page 9 of this manual. Becareful to avoid any damage to the door seal or membrane vent. The battery should be removedby pulling the top of the battery away from the instrument.

To insert a new battery the operator should put the top of the battery in first to assure properconnection with the instrument and then drop the bottom of the battery into the compartment.The battery door should be replaced with care as described in section 2.5 on page 9.

3.5 Charging the Battery

The EPOCH XT battery may be charged internally using the EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter orexternally using the optional standalone battery charger with part number EPXT-EC.

To charge the battery internally, the operator must open the office connection door and plug inthe EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter. The battery will charge when the instrument is ON or OFF,but the rate of charge is slower when the instrument is ON.

When the EPOCH XT is connected to AC power and powered ON, the battery indicator willdisplay a lightning bolt symbol instead of the standard indicator with 5 bars showingremaining battery life.

The operator may also choose to use the external battery charger, EPXT-EC, to charge onebattery, while using another in the instrument. For more information about this externalcharger, contact Olympus NDT or your local sales representative.

If the battery is used daily (or frequently), connect it to the Charger/Adapter when not in use.Whenever possible, the battery should remain connected to the EP4-MCA Charger/Adapter(overnight or over a weekend), so that it achieves 100 % of full charge. The battery must reachfull charge on a regular basis for proper capacity and cycle-life maintenance.

WARNING

The EPOCH XT Charger/Adapter is designed to charge EPOCH XT batteries only. Donot attempt to charge any other batteries. Doing so may cause an explosion and injury!Do not attempt to charge other electronic equipment. This will cause permanent damage.

16 Chapter 3

Recharge discharged batteries as soon as possible after use. Give a full recharge, as describedabove.

Store batteries in a cool and dry environment. Avoid long-term storage under sunlight or inother excessively hot places such as an automobile trunk. While in storage, fully rechargebatteries at least once every two (2) months.

3.6 Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries

EPOCH XT’s are shipped with the positive and negative contact points inside the batterycompartment to use standard alkaline C-Cell batteries. These batteries cannot be rechargedusing the EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter.

The EPOCH XT also ships with a foam block that can be inserted to hold C-Cell batteries inplace when the battery door is removed. This foam block is not required for C-Cell battery use.

The EPOCH XT automatically recognizes that alkaline C-Cell batteries are being used. Nospecial settings or adjustments are required.

Note: Never place discharged batteries in storage without a full recharge.

Managing Basic Operations 17

4. Managing Basic Operations

This chapter describes how to get started with the basic EPOCH XT operation. Topics are asfollows:

• Powering Up• The EPOCH XT Keypad• Summarizing Keypad Functions• Display Arrangement• Menu Navigation• Instrument Setup Menu• Display Setup Menu• Measurement Setup Menu

4.1 Powering Up

Pressing the [ON/OFF] key causes an initial beep.The instrument’s startup screen will appear.The instrument then goes through a series of self-tests for 45–60 seconds and starts up.

4.2 The EPOCH XT Keypad

The keypad functions have been grouped and color-coded according to function. Most majorinstrument setup parameters can be accessed by pressing the corresponding key or by pressing[2ND F] and the corresponding key.

The most commonly used keys on the keypad ([GAIN], [FREEZE], [SAVE], [ENTER],[MEAS/RESET], and the arrows) are located in a group next to the user’s left thumb. Thisarrangement is similar to the EPOCH 4 series and EPOCH LT.

18 Chapter 4

The keys on the right side of the keypad that are surrounded by the gray line, are used foraccess to their setup parameters as labeled and also as an alphanumeric keypad.

The top row of keys are the [F1] through [F5] software function keys used for direct access tovarious parameter settings.

There are three methods for adjusting instrument setup parameters in the EPOCH XT:

• Adjustment using the [ENTER] and slewing keys • Direct access adjustment using the parameter keys and F keys• Direct entry of parameter values

4.2.1 Adjustment Using Enter and Slewing KeysThese keys can be used to control all instrument functions that appear on the main screen. The[ENTER] key will toggle from one setup parameter to the next and then cycle through themagain. By pressing [2ND F] then [ENTER], the operator can go back one setup parameter.

Each setup parameter can be adjusted with the arrow keys left and right or down and up. Formost parameters, left and right provide a fine adjustment and the down and up provide a coarseadjustment. This new feature has been developed to allow more rapid adjustment ofparameters.

4.2.2 Direct Access Adjustment Using Parameter and F Keys

Most commonly used parameters have their own assigned key or a 2nd function position on theinstrument keypad. These keys allow “direct access” to the given parameter. This methodallows operators to quickly locate and activate a given instrument function for adjustment.Once a parameter has been selected, the operator may adjust its value using the slewing keys asdescribed in section 4.2.1 on page 18 or by using the preset function [F1]–[F5] keys on the topof the instrument keypad. The function keys appear below preset values for the selectedparameter.

4.2.3 Direct Entry of Parameter ValuesThe EPOCH XT rapid parameter adjustment method is called direct entry. This method shouldbe used when the operator knows the exact value to use for a selected parameter. To execute adirect entry of a value, the operator must press the appropriate parameter key, press the[ALPHA/NUM] key, enter the parameter value on the instrument’s alphanumeric keys, andthen press [ENTER].


To set the instrument range to 650 mm (an example)

1. Press the [RANGE] key.2. Press the [ALPHA/NUM] key.3. Type 6,5,0 on the alphanumeric keypad.4. Press [ENTER].

4.3 Summarizing Keypad Functions

The EPOCH XT is available with four different keypads. The most common are the Englishkeypad and the International keypad. Chinese and Japanese versions are also available.

Figure 4-1 EPOCH XT English Keypad

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Figure 4-2 EPOCH XT International Keypad

Table 3 Keys

ENGLISH INTL COLOR FUNCTION

BLUE Adjusts system sensitivity.


BLUE Locks reference gain level and allows scanning gain to be used.

GRAY Accesses instrument setup menu to control operator preferences, local settings, clock, startup screen setup, and provides instrument status information.

GRAY Accesses setup area for measurement boxes, gate setup, and software option setup.

GRAY Accesses setup menu for the instrument display and A-scan appearance.

GRAY Toggles between full-screen display mode and split-screen display mode.

BLUE Display freeze holds the displayed waveform until [FREEZE] is pressed again.

Table 3 Keys(continued)

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PURPLE Saves instrument measurements, setup parameters, and A-scans to selected file and ID.

PURPLE [MEAS/RESET] is a general purpose key to get back to the live measurement screen. Can be used to escape from menus and to accept parameter adjustments.

PURPLE [ENTER] moves from one parameter to the next and also accepts parameter adjustments.

RED [GATES] allows the operator to control both instrument gates on screen.

RED [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] activates threshold or min depth alarms for both instrument gates.

ORANGE [PULSER] toggles through pulser parameters.

ORANGE [RCVR] toggles through receiver parameters.



RED [PEAK MEM] allows continuous accumulation of peak envelope data with the live waveform.

RED [PEAK HOLD] Allows capture of A-scan while viewing live waveform on top of the captured A-scan.

YELLOW [CAL] initiates the EPOCH XT Auto-Calibration feature.

YELLOW [ZERO] adjusts the instrument’s calibrated zero position.

YELLOW [ZOOM] zooms in to Gate 1 Width.

YELLOW Adjusts the instrument’s material sound velocity.


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YELLOW Linear Reject

YELLOW Adjusts the instrument’s range according to the sound velocity setting.

YELLOW Display delay that does not affect the calibrated Zero Offset.

YELLOW Adjustment for refracted angle within the test material. Used for the angle beam sound path calculator.

YELLOW Adjusts part thickness settings. Used for the angle beam sound path calculator.



4.4 Display Arrangement

The EPOCH XT main screen can be displayed in two different modes: split screen and fullscreen A-Scan. The split-screen view simultaneously displays the live A-Scan, measurements,and all instrument setup parameters. The full-screen A-scan view displays a large A-scan,measurements, and the active setup parameter (based on the operator’s selection).

When the EPOCH XT is powered on and has completed its self test procedure, the split screenview opens to allow the operator to review the setup parameters.

BLUE With [ID] the operator can manually enter or adjust an ID within the currently active file.

BLUE Accesses the instrument’s datalogger.

BLUE [ALPHA/NUM] begins direct entry of parameter values on the live screen.

BLUE Print function allows direct printing to compatible USB printers (PCL5).


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To switch between the split-screen and full-screen A-scan views, press [2ND F], then[DISPLAY SETUP].

4.4.1 Full-Screen DisplayThe full-screen A-scan view presents the operator with a large, high-resolution A-scan, up tofive user-selected measurements, time base information, the gain setting, the velocity setting,and the active parameter as selected by the operator.

Top of the Screen

— The filename, ID, measurements, battery indicator, and units (metric, Standard, µs)are constantly displayed.

— The measurement boxes are customized by the operator. Each of the measurementlocations (up to 5) displays a symbol that lets the operator know what type ofmeasurement is being displayed.

Middle of the Screen

— The A-scan waveform is displayed.— A grid is typically displayed behind the A-scan. The operator may choose between

several grid modes based on application needs and/or preference.


— Gate measurement icons are displayed on the right side of the screen. These icons tellthe operator the measurement mode for each gate and also flash when an alarm istriggered.

— On the right side of the display and below the gate measurement icons, the instrumentdisplays flags and markers that notify the operator when options are active, when[FREEZE] is active, and other conditions.

Bottom of the Screen

— Delay (Dly) and Range (Rng) always appear under the A-scan. These tell the operatorwhere in time the display window begins and ends.

— Gain (Ref) and Velocity (Vel) are always displayed.— The active function (if not Dly, Rng, Gain, or Vel) will be displayed.— Preset values for the selected instrument parameter are displayed on the bottom of the

screen.

4.4.2 Split Screen DisplayThe split-screen display presents a condensed waveform along with all instrument setupparameters. This screen is useful when establishing the initial instrument setup as it enables aquick check of all setup information and allows rapid adjustments while viewing the live A-scan.

The instrument setup parameters have been arranged into three main columns. The left column

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contains calibration settings. The center column contains pulser settings and can be directlyaccessed using the [PULSER] key. The right column contains receiver information and can bedirectly accessed using the [RCVR] key. Gate settings are displayed below these threecolumns of setup parameters.

4.4.3 Display Flags and MarkersTo indicate when particular display functions are active, the EPOCH XT displays a set of flags,or markers, to the right of the A-scan display. The following table shows these flags andprovides a description of each.

Table 4 Display flags and markers

FLAG DESCRIPTION

This indicates that the [2ND F] key has been pressed.

Gate 1 is in Peak Measurement Mode.

Gate 2 is in Peak Measurement Mode.

Gate 1 is in Edge (or Flank) Measurement Mode.

Gate 2 is in Edge (or Flank) Measurement Mode.

Gate 1 is in First Peak Measurement Mode.

Gate 2 is in First Peak Measurement Mode.

[PEAK MEM] is active.


4.5 Menu Navigation

The three setup menus in the EPOCH XT have been designed to allow rapid access toimportant instrument setup functions. All of these menus share a general navigationphilosophy using the [ENTER] key and the up, down, left, and right arrow keys. The menus

[2ND F] [PEAK MEM] Peak Hold (Ref Echo) is active.

Display [FREEZE] is active.

The Recall Freeze is active. Press [MEAS/RESET] to deactivate.

[ZOOM] is active.

Indicates that the gate alarm has been triggered. Flashes on and off alternating with gate measurement indicator.

DAC/TVG is active.

DGS/AVG is active.

AWS D1.1/D1.5 is active.

Battery life indicator when running on battery power.

Battery indicator when running on AC adapter.

Table 4 Display flags and markers (continued)

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themselves are constructed with tabs, sublevel tabs, control groups, and parameters.

Tabs – These are used for group related functions within a setup menu. When the operatorenters a menu, there will be a row of tabs running across the top of the screen. The operatormust use the left and right arrow keys to select the desired tab. Once the proper tab has beenhighlighted, the operator must press the [ENTER] key to enter the tab.

Sublevel tabs – In some of the tabs that the operator selects, there is another sub-group of tabs.These tabs run vertically from the top to the bottom of the display. The OPTIONS tab in the[MEAS SETUP] menu and the EditPara tab in the INSTR [SETUP MENU] are examples ofthis. The operator must use the up and down arrow keys to select the desired sublevel tab. Oncethe proper sublevel tab has been highlighted, the operator must press the [ENTER] key toenter the sublevel tab.

Control Groups – The parameters inside a tab are organized into control groups containingrelated functions. These control groups are surrounded by a box to divide one control groupfrom another. The operator must use the [ENTER] key to move from a tab to the first controlgroup, then the next control group. When the last control group in a tab is active and theoperator presses the [ENTER] key, and the instrument will highlight the tab again. Theoperator may also use [2ND F], [ENTER] to move back one control group.

Parameters – These are found within the control group. When the operator selects a controlgroup with the [ENTER] key, the instrument will automatically select the first parameter inthe group. The operator uses the up and down arrow keys to select a parameter and the left andright arrow keys to adjust the parameter value. In some cases the parameter will not have fixedselections, and the operator can use the alphanumeric keys to directly enter text or values.

4.6 Instrument Setup Menu

The EPOCH XT Instrument Setup menu contains functions that the operator uses to set up theinstrument according to local requirements and based on user preference. This menu alsoallows the operator to lock instrument functions if required, check the status of theEPOCH XT, and edit the instrument startup screen (Splash Screen) with his companyinformation.

There are four individual tabs in the Instrument Setup menu. When the menu is accessed, thefirst tab General will be highlighted. The operator must use the left and right arrow keys tomove from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER]key. Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from onecontrol group to the next and the arrow keys to select and adjust parameters.

To exit the instrument setup menu, the operator should press [MEAS/RESET] or the


[INSTR SETUP] key

4.6.1 General Tab

— PulserSquare – Standard tunable square wave pulser. Spike – Locks the pulser to a narrow width to allow use with all transducers. Thissetting is used to simplify the instrument setup when the performance advantagesof the tunable pulser are not required.

— Filter GroupStandard – This accesses the standard instrument filters when the user pressesthe [RCVR] key on the live screen. Other Filter Groups – Olympus NDT produces other custom filter groups basedon customer requirements. These can be selected here. When an alternative filter

Tip: The [MEAS/RESET] key can be used to exit any EPOCH XT menu at anytime. This key returns to the live screen from any location within the instrument’s userinterface.

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group is selected, the operator will only be able to use the custom filters when the[RCVR] key is pressed on the live screen.

— Language – Standard Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian,Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, and Custom language.

— Key Beep – When Key Beep is active, the instrument will beep whenever a key ispressed.

— Alarm Beep – Toggles the alarm horn on and off.

— All Lock – When active, this function locks all keys other than [2ND F],[DISPLAY SETUP], and [ON/OFF]. A padlock symbol appears on the live screenwhen this is active.

— Cal Lock – When active, this function locks the following keys: [GAIN], [CAL],[ZERO], [RANGE], [VEL], [ANGLE], [PULSER], and [RCVR].

— Temp Cal – Used to select the automatic or manual temperature calibration.— Locale – Used to select the global location. The instrument uses this information to

properly format numeric displays (radix) and the date.— Date –Sets the instrument date.— Time – Sets the instrument time.

4.6.2 Editable Parameters (EditPara) Tab

Editable parameters are standard on all EPOCH XT instruments. With this feature the operatorcan customize the values that appear above the function [F1]–[F5] keys for the setup


parameters below. These items are listed as sublevel tabs, and each contains 1–3 control groupswith parameters.

• Gain• Gain Step – Universal setting for the coarse (up and down arrows) and fine (left and right

arrows) gain adjustment• Reject• Zero Offset• Freq (Frequency) – Pulse-width setting• Vel (Velocity)• Rng (Range)• Dly (Delay) – Display delay• Angle• Thickness• AutoXX – Customizable value for the AUTO–80% feature discussed in section 5. on

page 515 of this manual

To setup the editable parameters

1. Press the [ENTER] key to select the EditPara tab.2. Use the up and down arrow keys to select a sublevel tab for the parameters to be adjusted.3. Press the [ENTER] key to move to the control group and then use the up and down arrow

keys to select the parameter to be adjusted.4. Press the left and right arrow keys to adjust the setting.5. Press the [ENTER] key to move to the next control group or to the sublevel tabs.

Note: Parameters that contain text such as rectification cannot be adjusted. Also,parameters that are limited by hardware and/or software constraints such as dampingcannot be adjusted.

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4.6.3 Status Tab

The instrument Status tab provides the operator with useful information related to internal-temperature, battery capacity, and hardware/software versions. This information may be usedby Olympus NDT to help support the product.

4.6.4 Splash Screen Tab


The splash screen (Splash Scr) tab allows the operator to customize the EPOCH XT startupsequence. At the end of the startup sequence there is a splash screen where the informationentered here will appear. This is typically used to enter the instrument owner’s companyinformation and contact information. An example is shown below.

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4.7 Display Setup Menu

The EPOCH XT Display Setup menu contains functions that control the EPOCH XT’s displayappearance. These functions include color scheme, display brightness, and A-scan appearance.

There are two individual tabs in the Display Setup menu. When the menu is accessed, the firsttab Color will be highlighted. The operator can use the arrow keys or the [F1] and [F2] keys tomove from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER]key. Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from onesetting to the next and the arrow keys to adjust settings.

To exit the Display Setup menu, the operator should highlight one of the tabs and press the[F5] key. This will return the operator to the live screen.

Tip: The [MEAS/RESET] key can be used to exit any EPOCH XT menu at anytime. This key will return you to the live screen from any location within the instrument’suser interface.


4.7.1 Color Tab

With the Color tab the operator can set the display brightness and choose the color scheme forthe instrument. There are three color-scheme choices:

• Factory – as shown above• EL Display – similar in appearance to electroluminescent displays• Outdoor – white background to maximize visibility in sunlight as shown above

When the operator selects a color scheme, the instrument displays an example of the colorscheme within the tab.

It is important to note that the display brightness can greatly affect the instrument’s battery life.The default brightness setting is 50%.

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4.7.2 Ascan Tab

The Ascan tab is used to modify the appearance of the EPOCH XT’s A-scan to meetapplication needs or the operator’s preferences.

The available settings are listed below:

— Baseline Break – This feature modifies the appearance of the EPOCH XT’s A-scanin fullwave rectified mode. When Baseline Break is active, the instrument locates allzero cross points in the RF waveform and forces the fullwave rectified mode todisplay these zero cross points by pulling the A-scan to the baseline. This featurehelps the operator to see small defects that are close to the back surface of the testpiece, especially at large ranges.

— Live DisplayOutline – The live A-scan will be drawn as a single line.Filled – The A-scan outline is filled in with the A-scan’s color (except in RFmode). This helps to increase visibility in certain lighting conditions.

— Peak Display – This setting affects the appearance of A-scans and Peak Envelopesthat are captured with the Peak Hold and Peak Memory functions. Peak Hold capturesa single reference A-scan, and the live A-scan is displayed in the foreground. PeakMemory tracks the highest peak on the live A-scan and draws an envelope across thepeak positions.

Outline – Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are drawn as a single line.Filled – Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are filled.


— Grid Display – The EPOCH XT has four display modes for the X-Axis grid. Thesefour settings are designed to provide the operator with a convenient display mode forthe application. The modes and examples are shown below:

Grid Off – No grid lines are displayed. 0–10 appear along bottom of A-scan.

Standard – 10 equally spaced grid lines.

40 Chapter 4

SoundPath – 5 equally spaced grid lines with soundpath values.

Leg – Up to 4 grid lines showing soundpath legs (half paths) based on partthickness and angle.

— Waveform Height – The EPOCH XT always measures amplitude up to 110% full-screen height. The operator can choose to display the Y-Axis on the A-scan displayfrom 0–100% or from 0–110% FSH. Examples are shown below:


100% Grid

110% Grid

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4.8 Measurement Setup Menu

The EPOCH XT Measurement Setup menu allows the operator to choose how the EPOCH XTtakes and displays measurements. The operator uses this menu to select which measurementsto display for the application, to choose how the gates perform their measurement, and to setupspecial measurement features and options like DAC/TVG and DGS/AVG.

There are three individual tabs in the Measurement Setup menu. When the menu is accessed,the first tab Meas is highlighted. The operator must use the left and right arrow keys to movefrom one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER] key.Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from one controlgroup to the next, the up and down arrow keys to select parameters, and the left and right arrowkeys to adjust parameters.

To exit the Measurement Setup menu, the operator should press the [MEAS SETUP] key.

4.8.1 EPOCH XT MeasurementsThe EPOCH XT can display up to five (5) measurements on the live screen. The operator hasthe ability to choose which measurements to display in each of the five measurement locations.The measurement locations are shown in the screen below.

Tip: The [MEAS/RESET] key can be used to exit any EPOCH XT menu at anytime. This key returns to the live screen from any location within the instrument’s userinterface.


The EPOCH XT is capable of making several types of measurements using either Gate 1 orGate 2. The two gates are completely independent of each other unless the operator chooses totake an echo-to-echo measurement. The list of available measurements and their icons fromthe live screen are shown in the following table.

Note: If the operator chooses to leave measurement location #5 OFF in theMeasurement Setup menu, then the instrument will display measurement #4 in largenumerals. If measurement #5 is turned ON, then location #4 is split in half horizontally toaccommodate both measurements. Measurement location #5 is typically used to displayspecialized measurements for DAC/TVG, DGS/AVG, or AWS D1.1 defect sizing, but itmay be used for any measurement as needed.

Table 5 Measurements and Icons

MEASUREMENT ICON DESCRIPTION

Gate 1 THICKNESS Thickness in Gate 1. Not used with Angle.

Gate 2 THICKNESS Thickness in Gate 2. Not used with Angle.

Gate 1 SOUNDPATH DISTANCE

Soundpath (Angular) distance in Gate 1.

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Gate 2 SOUNDPATH DISTANCE

Soundpath (Angular) distance in Gate 2.

Gate 1 DEPTH TO REFLECTOR

Depth to reflector in Gate 1. Used with Angle.

Gate 2 DEPTH TO REFLECTOR

Depth to reflector in Gate 2. Used with Angle.

Gate 1 SURFACE DISTANCE

Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 1. Used with Angle.

Gate 2 SURFACE DISTANCE

Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 2. Used with Angle.

Gate 1 SURFACE DIST – X VALUE

Horizontal distance minus X-Value (distance from beam index point to front of wedge) in Gate 1. Used with Angle.

Gate 2 SURFACE DIST – X VALUE

Horizontal distance minus X-Value (distance from beam index point to front of wedge) in Gate 2. Used with Angle.

Gate 1 MINIMUM DEPTH Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 2 MINIMUM DEPTH Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 1 MAXIMUM DEPTH

Maximum Depth in Gate 1. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 2 MAXIMUM DEPTH

Maximum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Table 5 Measurements and Icons (continued)


Gate 1 CURRENT AMPLITUDE

Amplitude measurement in Gate 1. Displays as % of full-screen height (FSH).

Gate 2 CURRENT AMPLITUDE

Amplitude measurement in Gate 2. Displays as % of full-screen height (FSH).

Gate 1MAX AMPLITUDE Maximum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 2 MAX AMPLITUDE Maximum Amplitude in Gate 2. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 1MIN AMPLITUDE Minimum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 2 MIN AMPLITUDE Minimum Amplitude in Gate 2. Resets on gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/RESET] key.

Gate 1AMP TO CURVE Amplitude measurement in Gate 1. Displays echo height as a percentage of DAC/TVG curve height.

Gate 2 AMP TO CURVE Amplitude measurement in Gate 2. Displays echo height as a percentage of DAC/TVG curve height.

Gate 1 DB TO CURVE Amplitude measurement in Gate 1. Displays echo dB value compared to curve height where the curve equals 0 dB.

Gate 2 DB TO CURVE Amplitude measurement in Gate 2. Displays echo dB value compared to curve height where the curve equals 0 dB.


46 Chapter 4

4.8.2 Meas TabThe Operator uses the upper control group in the Meas tab to choose which measurements todisplay and in which location to display them on the live screen. This tab is shown below.

The lower control group in the Meas tab contains several settings that can affect themeasurements taken by the EPOCH XT. Descriptions of these settings are shown below:

• Unit – Select from Inches, Millimeters, or Microseconds.• Resolution – Select from DEFAULT or reduced time/thickness measurement resolution.

Gate 2 - Gate 1 Gate 2 thickness minus Gate 1 thickness (echo-to-echo measurement).

AWS D1.1/D1.5 WELD RATING (D)

D rating calculated for the gated echo.

FLAT BOTTOM HOLE SIZE

Flat-bottom hole (FBH) size (equivalent reflector size) for DGS/AVG evaluation.

OVERSHOOT Overshoot value in dB comparing echo height to DGS/AVG curve.



• Amp Resolution – The EPOCH XT measures amplitude to 0.25% FSH. The operatormay change this to 0.5% or 1% if desired.

• Calibration – The EPOCH XT allows the operator to perform an angle-beam calibrationusing either the Sound Path to a reflector or the Depth to a reflector as the knownreference.

• X Value – This is the distance from the Beam Index Point on a wedge to the front of thewedge. When using “Gate 1 Surface Dist – X Value” or “Gate 2 Surface Dist – X Value”measurements, this number is the correction that is used for the displayed measurement.

• Curved Surface Correction (CSC) – This is a standard feature on all EPOCH XTinstruments. This feature is used when inspecting with an angle beam transducer on asurface that is curved in the direction of the sound path. This feature corrects thehorizontal distance and depth to reflector measurements based on part thickness and outerdiameter. This function currently works on the outer diameter only.

• Outer Dia. – User entered value for Curved Surface Correction calculations.• Trigger – Choose between Internal, External, and Single. For most applications, this

setting should be left on “Internal”.

4.8.3 Gates Tab

The Gates tab allows the operator to set up measurement modes for Gate 1 and Gate 2. Gate 1and Gate 2 can be used independently as required by the operator, or Gate 2 can track the echoin Gate 1 allowing Gate 1 to act as an interface gate. The selections within the Gates tab aredetailed below:

48 Chapter 4

• Gate2 Tracking: This is typically used for taking echo-to-echo thickness measurements.The operator can setup Gate 1 and Gate 2 on the display with a specific distance betweenGate 1 Start and Gate 2 Start. When Gate 2 Tracking is active, this distance will bemaintained between an echo breaking Gate 1 and Gate 2 Start.

• Gate1 Measurement Mode and Gate2 Measurement Mode: As discussed in section4.4.3 on page 28, the EPOCH XT allows three different measurement modes for eachgate. The three modes are Peak, First Peak, and Edge (also known as FLANK). Thefollowing screens show examples of the three modes:


• Gate1 RF Setup and Gate2 RF Setup: When the EPOCH XT rectification is set to RF,

50 Chapter 4

the operator has three choices for Gate Positioning: Positive, Negative, or Dual Gate. InPositive mode, the gate will appear above the baseline. In Negative mode, the gate willappear below the baseline. In Dual Gate mode, the gate will be mirrored above and belowthe baseline.

4.8.4 Options TabThe Options tab allows the operator to set up software features and options like DAC/TVG,DGS/AVG, and AWS D1.1/D1.5. Details regarding these software features/options are foundin section 10. on page 133 of this manual. The Options tab is shown in the screen as follows:

Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver 51

5. Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver

This chapter describes how to adjust the EPOCH XT’s Pulser/Receiver. The topics are asfollows:

• Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain)• Using the AUTO–XX% Feature• Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain• Pulser Adjustment• Receiver Adjustment• Custom Filter Sets

5.1 Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain)

To adjust the system sensitivity

1. Press [GAIN].2. Use one of the three adjustment methods to adjust the gain setting:

— Arrow Keys – up and down for coarse adjustment, left and righT for fine adjustment.— Function Keys – Jump to preset values defined in EditPara.— Direct Entry – Press the [ALPHA/NUM] key, enter the desired gain value on the

keypad, and press [ENTER].

Note: The total system sensitivity is 110 dB.

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5.2 Using the AUTO–XX% Feature

The AUTO-XX% feature was formerly known as the AUTO–80% feature in the EPOCH 4Series. The default setting for AUTO-XX% in the EPOCH XT is 80% full-screen height(FSH). Using the EditPara feature described in section 4.6.2 on page 32 in this manual, theoperator can adjust the value to meet his application needs. In the remainder of this section,AUTO–XX% will be described as AUTO–80% for simplicity.

The AUTO–80% feature is used to quickly adjust the instrument’s gain (dB) setting to bringthe gated peak echo to 80% FSH. AUTO–80% is especially useful for bringing the echo from areference indication to 80% FSH to establish the instrument’s Reference Gain Level (Seesection 5.2 on page 52).

You can use the AUTO-80% feature to bring an echo to 80% FSH in either Gate 1 or Gate 2.

To use AUTO–80% with Gate 1

1. Press the [GATES] key.2. Use the arrow keys or the direct entry method to position the gate over the desired echo. It

is not necessary for the echo to break the gate threshold.3. Press [F5]. The highest peak within the gate will be brought to 80% FSH automatically by

adjusting the instrument’s gain setting.

To use AUTO–80% with Gate 2

1. Press the [GATES] key twice. This selects Gate 2.2. Use the arrow keys or the direct entry method to position the gate over the desired echo. It

is not necessary for the echo to break the gate threshold.3. Press [F5]. The highest peak within the gate will be brought to 80% FSH automatically by

adjusting the instrument’s gain setting.tt

Note: You can use AUTO–80% when an echo exceeds the desired amplitude.The echo can be either above or below 80% FSH. If a signal is very high inamplitude (above 500% FSH), then it might be necessary to activate the AUTO–80% function more than once. To do this, the operator simply presses the [F5] keyagain.


5.3 Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain

To establish the current system gain as the reference (base) level, press [2ND F], [GAIN][REF]. This is useful for inspections that require the establishment of a reference gain leveland then the addition or subtraction of scanning gain.

After accessing the reference gain function, the gain display will read: REF XX.X + 0.0 dB.You can now add or subtract scanning gain as needed independent of the reference level.

To add scanning gain, use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment (default 6 dB)and the left and right arrow keys for fine adjustment.

While using the reference gain and scanning gain, the following functions are also available:

• [F1] (Add) key – Adds the scanning gain to the reference gain and deactivates thereference gain feature.

• [F2] (Scan dB) key – Toggles the scanning gain from the active level to 0.0 dB (referencelevel) allowing a direct amplitude comparison to the reference indication.

• [F3] (Off) key – Exits the reference gain function without adding the scanning gain to thebase instrument gain.

5.4 Pulser Adjustment

The pulser settings in the EPOCH XT are accessed by pressing the [PULSER] key on theinstrument keypad. Alternatively, the operator may press the [ENTER] key as needed to reachthe pulser parameter settings. The pulser setup parameters are:

• Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)• Pulser frequency selection (pulse width)• Pulse energy• Damping• Test mode

Pressing the pulser key multiple times will access the functions listed above in the same order.

5.4.1 Pulse-Repetition FrequencyPulse-repetition frequency (PRF) is a measure of how often the transducer is being pulsed bythe electronic circuitry in the EPOCH XT. PRF is typically adjusted based on the test method

54 Chapter 5

or test piece geometry. For parts with long sound paths, it is necessary to lower the PRF toavoid wrap-around interference that results in spurious signals on the display. For applicationswith rapid scanning, it is often necessary to use a high PRF rate in order to assure that smalldefects will be detected as the probe moves past the part.

The EPOCH XT allows the operator to adjust the PRF from 10 Hz to 1000 Hz in steps of either10 Hz (fine adjustment with left and right arrow keys) or 50 Hz (coarse adjustment with up anddown arrow keys). The operator may also use the direct entry method to set the PRF.

When the PRF setting is selected, the operator may press the [F1] (Optimum) key. Theinstrument will select the optimal PRF for the instrument range (RNG) setting. This optimumsetting is for typical applications. It might be necessary for the operator to adjust from thissetting.

5.4.2 Pulser Frequency Selection (Pulse Width)Pulser Frequency Selection, which sets the Pulse Width, is applicable only when the PulserSquare selection is active in the General tab of the [INSTR SETUP] menu. This frequencyselection is designed to tune the square-wave pulser to obtain the best performance from thetransducer being used. In general, the best performance is achieved by tuning the PulserFrequency as close to the center frequency of the transducer being used as possible.

Note: The EPOCH XT is a “single-shot” instrument. This means that theinstrument acquires, measures, and draws the complete A-scan with each pulse ratherthan using multiple acquisitions to construct a full waveform. The measurement rate inthe EPOCH XT is always equal to the PRF rate unless the operator is using a multiplexer.

Note: Actual results could vary due to the test material and/or variation in thetransducer-center frequency. It is recommended trying various settings with a transducerand test piece to maximize ultrasonic performance.


5.4.3 Pulse EnergyThe EPOCH XT operator can adjust the pulse energy from 50 V to 475 V in increments of25 V. Because of this flexibility in adjustment, the operator only uses the necessary level ofenergy to perform the test while also providing a very high power pulser for the most difficultmaterials.

To maximize instrument battery life and transducer life, it is recommended that the operatoruse lower energy settings when the application permits it. For most applications, the energysetting does not need to exceed 200 V.

5.4.4 DampingThe damping control lets the operator optimize the waveform shape for high resolutionmeasurements via an internal resistive circuit. There are four damping settings:

• 50 ohms• 63 ohms• 150 ohms• 400 ohms

Selecting the correct damping setting fine tunes the EPOCH XT in order to operate with aparticular transducer selection. Depending on the transducer being used, the various dampingsettings either improve near-surface resolution or improve the instrument’s penetration power.

To select a damping option

1. Press [PULSER] to access the damping parameter.2. Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through the four

available damping selections.

Tip: Generally, the lowest ohm setting increases the system damping andimproves near-surface resolution, while the highest ohm setting decreases systemdamping and improves the instrument penetration power.

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5.4.5 Test ModeThe EPOCH XT can operate in three test modes:

Pulse-Echo mode: Single element transducers. Use either transducer connector.

Through mode: Two separate transducers, typically on opposite sides of the test specimen.Use the red-transducer connector as the transmitter.

Dual mode (Pitch and Catch): One connector acts as a transmitter; the other acts as areceiver. The red-transducer connector is designated as the transmitter.

To select a Test mode

1. Press [PULSER] to access the test mode parameter. 2. Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through the three

selections.

5.5 Receiver Adjustment

The receiver settings in the EPOCH XT are accessed by pressing the [RCVR] key on theinstrument keypad. Alternatively, the operator may press the [ENTER] key as needed to reachthe receiver parameter settings. The receiver setup parameters are:

• Digital filters• Waveform rectification

Pressing the receiver key multiple times will access the functions listed above in the sameorder.

5.5.1 Digital FiltersThe EPOCH XT has a total instrument bandwidth of 26.5 MHz at –3 dB. The instrument hasseveral broadband, narrow-band, and high-pass digital filter settings. These are designed to

Note: To compensate for the one-way soundpath in Through mode, theEPOCH XT does not divide transit time by two when calculating thicknessmeasurements.


allow the instrument to provide the dynamic range (dB) required by EN12668-1 and also toimprove the instrument’s signal-to-noise ratio by filtering out unwanted high and/or lowfrequency noise outside of the test frequency spectrum.

The Digital Filter setting is accessed by pressing the [RCVR] key on the instrument keypad.The available settings are:

• 2.0 MHz to 21.5 MHz (broadband 1)• 0.2 MHz to 10.0 MHz (broadband 2)• 0.2 MHz to 1.2 MHz• 0.5 MHz to 4.0 MHz• 1.5 MHz to 8.5 MHz• 5.0 MHz to 15.0 MHz

— 8.0 MHz to 26.5 MHz (high-pass)

In most cases, the operator should select either a broadband filter or a narrowband filter thatcovers the frequency of the transducer being used. For example, with a 5 MHz transducer theoperator should use either one of the broadband settings or the 1.5 to 8.5 MHz setting. Due tothe shifting of the frequency spectrum in most materials, it might be necessary to adjust thefilter settings to maximize instrument performance. Every material is different, and theoperator must optimize the receiver settings based on the application.

5.5.2 Waveform RectificationThe EPOCH XT can operate in one of four different rectification modes:

• Full-wave• Half-wave positive• Half-wave negative• RF (unrectified)

The RF mode is not active while operating in DAC mode or Peak Memory.

To select a waveform rectification mode

1. Press [RCVR] once to display the current screen rectification. This is highlighted anddisplayed at the bottom of the screen.

2. Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through thedifferent waveform rectification modes.

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5.6 Custom Filter Sets

As discussed in section 4.6.2 on page 32 of this manual, the EPOCH XT is capable of storingcustom filter sets that are developed at a customer’s request by Olympus NDT. For moreinformation, contact Olympus NDT.

Managing Special Waveform Functions 59

6. Managing Special Waveform Functions

This chapter describes how to manage special waveform functions. The topics are as follows:

• Reject• Peak Memory• Peak Hold• Display Freeze

6.1 Reject

The REJECT function eliminates unwanted, low-level signals from the display. TheREJECT function is linear and adjustable from 0% to 80% FSH. Increasing the reject leveldoes not affect the amplitude of the signals above the reject level.

To access the REJECT function

1. Press [2ND F], [VEL] [REJECT].2. Use the function keys, arrow keys, or the direct entry method to set the reject level.

The reject level is displayed as a dashed horizontal line on the instrument display (or two linesin the case of the RF Display mode). See following screens:

Note: The REJECT function can be used in RF Display mode.

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6.2 Peak Memory

The [PEAK MEM] function enables the display to capture and store on the screen theamplitude of each display point. The display updates each pixel if a signal of greater amplitudeis acquired. When a transducer is scanned over a reflector, the signal envelope (echo dynamicas a function of transducer position) is held on the screen. In addition, the current, livewaveform is displayed at the appropriate place within the echo envelope.

This function is useful when it is necessary to find the peak from an indication during an angle-beam inspection. An example is shown as follows:

Managing Special Waveform Functions 61

To activate Peak Memory

1. Press [PEAK MEM]. A P symbol appears at the right side of the display to indicate thatthe function is active.

2. Scan over a reflector to acquire the echo envelope. 3. Press [PEAK MEM] again to turn off the peak memory function.

6.3 Peak Hold

The Peak Hold function is similar to Peak Memory as it captures the current screen that isdisplayed on the EPOCH XT when the function is accessed. The difference is that with PeakHold, the captured waveform is frozen on the screen and will not update even if the livewaveform exceeds the frozen waveform’s amplitude.

Peak Hold is useful when an operator wants to obtain a waveform from a known sample andcompare it to a waveform from an unknown test piece. Similarities and/or differences in thewaveforms can be noted to help determine the unknown material’s acceptability status.

Note: The [PEAK MEM] function cannot be activated in the unrectified, RFdisplay mode.

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To activate Peak Hold

1. Obtain an echo on the EPOCH XT screen that you want to capture.

2. Press [2ND F], [PEAK MEM] [PEAK HOLD]. This captures the screen and still allowsviewing of the live waveform. A PH appears on the right side of the A-scan displayindicating that the function is active.

3. Select the captured waveform to view as a single trace by pressing [F1], or as a filled-intrace by pressing [F2].

4. Press [2ND F], [PEAK MEM] [PEAK HOLD] again to shut off Peak Hold.

6.4 Display Freeze

The Display Freeze function holds or freezes the information on the screen at the moment the[FREEZE] key is pressed. Once the Freeze function is activated, the pulser/receiver of theEPOCH XT becomes inactive and does not acquire any further data. A F symbol appears onthe right side of the screen indicating that the function is active.

The Freeze function is useful when storing waveforms as it holds the current A-scan allowingthe transducer to be removed from the test piece. Once the display is frozen, the operator canuse a variety of instrument functions. These include:

• Gate Movement – Used to position the gate(s) over area(s) of interest to obtainmeasurement data.

• Gain – Used to amplify signals of interest or to reduce the amplitude of signals when highscanning gain values are being used.

• Range, Delay, and Zoom – The EPOCH XT time base can be manipulated to focus onareas of interest. The total instrument range may not be increased.

• Datalogger• Printing

When Freeze is active, the following parameters cannot be changed/accessed:

• Zero (Offset)• Range (cannot be increased)• Pulser/Receiver settings other than Gain

To disable the Freeze function and return to normal operation, press [FREEZE] again.

Gates 63

7. Gates

This chapter describes how to use the gates in the EPOCH XT. The topics covered are asfollows:

• Positioning Gates 1 and 2• Gate Measurement Modes• Taking Thickness Readings• Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings• Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer• Measuring Signal Amplitude• Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode• Using the Zoom Feature• Gate Alarms

7.1 Positioning Gates 1 and 2

The EPOCH XT has two independent flaw gates. Both gates can be used to take thicknessmeasurements with straight-beam transducers, sound-path measurements with angle-beamtransducers, measure signal amplitude, measure time-of-flight in microseconds, or to triggerthreshold and minimum-depth alarms. The gates may also be used together to take echo-to-echo thickness measurements.

Gate Positioning is controlled using the [GATES] key.

To access the Gate 1 controls, the operator must press the [GATES] button once. The operatorcan then use the [ENTER] key or the [F1]-[F3] keys to access Gate Start (1-Start), Gate Width(1-Width), and Gate Level (1-Level). The [F5] key controls the AUTO–XX% functiondiscussed in section 5.2 on page 52 of this manual.

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To access the Gate 2 controls, the operator must press the [GATES] button twice. If Gate 2 isnot turned on, the operator can press the [F4] key to turn it on and then use the [ENTER] keyor the [F1]–[F3] keys to access Gate Start (2-Start), Gate Width (2-Width), and Gate Level (2-Level). The [F5] key controls the AUTO–XX% function discussed in Section 5.2 on page 52of this manual.

To adjust the position of a gate, the operator must access the appropriate gate function and usethe arrow keys or the direct-entry method to move the gates. The up and down arrow keysallow rapid adjustment in coarse increments and the left and right arrow keys allow fineadjustment.

7.2 Gate Measurement Modes

See section 4.4.3 on page 28 in this manual for details regarding the three gate-measurementmodes available for each gate (Peak, First Peak, Edge).

7.3 Taking Thickness Readings

To take a thickness reading with Gate 1

1. In [MEAS SETUP] > Meas tab – The operator must select Gate 1 Thickness as one of theactive measurements in the 5 measurement display locations. Typically, this would bedisplayed in measurement location 4, and location 5 would be turned off.

2. In [MEAS SETUP] > Gates tab – The operator must set up the Gate 1 Measurementmode to Peak, First Peak, or Edge as required by the application.

3. On the live screen – The operator must position Gate 1 over the echo of interest. The echodoes not need to break the gate for Peak measurements. It must break the gate for FirstPeak or Edge measurements.

To take a thickness reading with Gate 2, the previous steps are the same but the Gate 2 controlsare used and the Gate 2 Thickness Measurement must be selected.

7.4 Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings

The operator can take echo-to-echo thickness measurements with the EPOCH XT whenever itis required for an application. This is a standard feature in the EPOCH XT.

Gates 65

To take an Echo-to-Echo thickness measurement

1. In [MEAS SETUP] > Meas tab – The operator must select Gate 2-1 as one of the activemeasurements in the 5 measurement display locations. Typically this would be displayedin measurement location 4 and location 5 would be turned off.

2. In [MEAS SETUP] > Gates tab – The operator must setup the Gate 1 and Gate 2Measurement modes to Peak, First Peak, or Edge as required by the application. Theseare typically the same for both gates, but this is not required.

3. On the live screen – The operator must position Gate 1 over the first echo of interest andGate 2 over the second echo of interest. The echo does not need to break the gate for thepeak measurements. It must break, however, the gate for First Peak or Edgemeasurements.

The operator can choose to activate Gate 2 Tracking in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Gatestab. As discussed in section 4.4.3 on page 28 of this manual, this function allows Gate 2 Startto track the position of an echo in Gate 1 to maintain the preset blanking period between Gate 1Start and Gate 2 Start.

7.5 Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer

During an angle-beam inspection, you can obtain accurate and reliable soundpath informationusing the EPOCH XT’s high-resolution distance calculator.

If a refracted angle is entered into the EPOCH XT and the operator has chosen Soundpath,Surface Distance, and Depth measurements to be displayed in the measurement displaylocations, then the instrument will automatically display all angular soundpath componentsonce the operator places the gate over the echo of interest (see following screen).

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The soundpath leg indicator is displayed in the lower-right corner of the instrument display.The first number indicates gate number, “L” means leg, and the second number indicatessoundpath leg. Examples: 1L2 means “Gate 1 Leg 2”, 2L2 means “Gate 2 Leg 2”. In order toproperly display the soundpath leg and the depth to reflector, the operator must enter the properpart thickness. This is accomplished by pressing [2ND F], [ANGLE] [THICKNESS] andentering the value.

The screen also displays the soundpath leg as part of the A-scan grid. This is set up in the[DISPLAY SETUP] menu > Ascan tab as detailed in section 4.6.2 on page 32 of this manual.

7.6 Measuring Signal Amplitude

When estimating discontinuity size, the instrument is adjusted so that a particular gain settingand screen height represent the echo amplitude produced by a known size reflector in areference standard. In general, a signal with a smaller amplitude could indicate a smallerreflector and a signal with higher amplitude could indicate a larger reflector than the referencestandard.

To measure signal amplitude, the operator must select either Gate 1 Current Amplitude or

DepthSurface distance Soundpath

Leg Indicator

Amplitude

Gates 67

Gate 2 Current Amplitude as a displayed measurement in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meastab depending on which gate will be used for the measurement.

The EPOCH XT can also display Min amplitude and Max amplitude measurements for eachgate. If the operator wishes to use these measurements for inspection, they can be activated aswell. These measurements track the minimum and maximum measurements in the gate and arereset by adjusting the gate, gain, pulser/receiver, or by pressing the [MEAS/RESET] key.

The Gate Measurement Mode will affect how the EPOCH XT measures signal amplitude:

— Peak mode: Amplitude measurement made on highest peak in gate Signal does not have to break gate threshold

— First Peak mode: Amplitude measurement from first peak in gate Signal must break gate threshold

— Edge mode: Amplitude measurement from highest peak in gate Signal must break gate threshold

Once the operator has set up the displayed measurements and the gate measurement modes, theoperator needs to position the gate over the echo of interest. The echo-amplitudemeasurement(s) will be displayed. The following screen shows some amplitude measurementsalong with a part thickness to reflector measurement (defect depth).

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7.7 Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode

The EPOCH XT is capable of displaying time-of-flight (TOF) soundpath data for an echo thatbreaks Gate 1 or Gate 2. Time-of-flight is the location of the reflector in terms of microseconds(µs).

When the time-of-flight mode is activated by going to the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meas tab> Unit = “us”, all distance measurements in the EPOCH XT will be displayed in microsecondvalues instead of inches or millimeters.

Time-of-flight mode does not divide the reading by two. The entire time-of-flight through thetest piece in both directions is displayed.

As a reminder, when taking thickness measurements, the EPOCH XT must divide the productof material velocity and time-of-flight by two in order to calculate the thickness of the part. Ifthis were not done, then the unit would display twice the actual thickness because the soundenergy would pass through the part twice.

Current amplitude

Max amplitude

Min amplitude Thickness

Gates 69

7.8 Using the Zoom Feature

To zoom in on an indication, position Gate 1 over the area of interest and press [2ND F],[RANGE] [ZOOM]. The instrument automatically uses screen delay to bring the point thatcorresponds to the gate start to the left side of the screen and also adjusts the displayed range tomatch the gate width. The new range equals the unzoomed gate width. The lowest achievablevalue of the expanded range is equivalent to the minimum range of the instrument at thecurrent material-velocity setting.

Zoom is especially useful in certain flaw detection applications. For example, when detectingbranches of cracking such as intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC), the inspector’sjob can be complicated by the geometry of the test specimen and also by the specificcharacteristics of the defect itself. In instances where the pipe counterbore is close to the weldroot, it is possible to have three signals that all appear quite close to each other (the weld root,the counterbore, and the crack itself). Use the Zoom function to improve the visual resolutionof the EPOCH XT display so that each individual signal can be more easily identified.

When evaluating a crack signal, the inspector’s attention is usually focused on the leading edgeof an indication. By observing the number and location of small peaks along the leading edgeof the signal, it is possible to make some assumptions regarding the presence and location ofdifferent branches of cracking. Use the Zoom function to get a much more detailed view of anindication and to make better judgements regarding flaw location and depth.

Zoom is useful when inspecting particularly large or thick components when detail is lost dueto using long screen ranges. Use the Zoom function to look at small sections of the test piecewithout disturbing the instrument’s original calibration.

7.9 Gate Alarms

The EPOCH XT features a variety of alarm configurations for Gate 1 and Gate 2. In RF mode,these alarms can be used in Positive, Negative, or Dual Gate modes. The three types of gatealarms are Positive Threshold, Negative Threshold, and Minimum Depth.

7.9.1 Threshold AlarmsThreshold alarms can be set on Gate 1 and/or Gate 2.

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To set a threshold alarm on Gate 1

1. Press the [GATES] key and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to position thegate over the desired area.

2. Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS]. The alarm options are now displayed above thefunction keys.

3. Press [F2] for positive logic or [F3] for negative logic. A positive logic alarm is triggeredwhen a signal breaks the gate threshold. A negative logic alarm is triggered when a signaldrops out of the gate threshold. Gate 1 and Gate 2 can both be set to either positive ornegative logic.

When the operator sets a threshold alarm on Gate 1 or Gate 2, the appearance of the tick marksat the end of the gate will change. For positive logic alarms, the tick marks will point upwardand for negative logic alarms they will point downward.

To setup a threshold alarm on Gate 2, the operator must follow the steps above with theexception of pressing [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice to access Gate 2 alarms.

To deactivate an alarm, the operator must access the gate alarm control and press [F1].

7.9.2 Minimum-Depth AlarmThe EPOCH XT is equipped with a minimum-depth alarm that is triggered whenever thecurrent thickness reading falls below an operator defined level. The minimum depth alarm maybe used either with a single gate or with two gates in Echo-to-Echo Measurement mode.

7.9.3 Minimum Depth Alarm with a Single GateMinimum depth alarms can be set on either Gate 1 or Gate 2.

To set a minimum depth alarm on Gate 1

1. Press the [GATES] key and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to position thegate over the desired area. Be sure the Gate Start position is set to cover a range below theminimum-depth alarm value.

2. Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] to display the alarms in the function boxes at thebottom of the screen. Press [F4] to activate the minimum-depth alarm.

3. Use the arrow keys to set the desired minimum value. The range of minimum-depth valuesis limited by the Gate Start and Gate Width settings. This minimum-depth alarm valuemust be greater than the Gate Start value and less than the Gate Width value. Once

Gates 71

activated, a marker appears on the gate to indicate the current setting. Any indication thatexceeds the gate threshold to the left of the marker will trigger the alarm.

4. Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] followed by the [F1] key to turn off the alarm.

7.9.4 Minimum-Depth Alarm with Gate 2 TrackingYou may use the minimum-depth alarm when making echo-to-echo thickness measurementswith Gate 2 tracking as well. Whenever Gate 2 Tracking is active (located in [MEAS SETUP]menu > GATES tab) all Gate 2 settings (Start, Width, Depth, and Min Depth AlarmThreshold) are relative to the position of the echo in Gate 1. Gate 2 will move side-to-side,tracking the position of an echo in Gate 1. When you set up a minimum-depth alarm on Gate 2with Gate 2 tracking activated, the value for the alarm threshold is the distance from Gate 1Start or the distance from the echo being measured by Gate 1.

To setup a minimum depth alarm on Gate 2

1. Press the [GATES] key twice and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to positionGate 2 over the desired area. Be sure the Gate 2 Start position is set to cover a rangebelow the minimum- depth alarm value.

2. Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice to display the Gate 2 alarms in the functionboxes at the bottom of the screen. Press [F4] to activate the minimum-depth alarm.

3. Use the arrow keys to set the desired minimum value. The range of minimum-depth valuesis limited by the Gate 2 Start and Gate 2 Width settings. This minimum-depth alarmvalue must be greater than the Gate 2 Start value and less than the Gate 2 Width value.Once activated, a marker appears on the gate to indicate the current setting. Any indicationthat exceeds the gate threshold to the left of the marker will trigger the alarm.

4. Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice followed by the [F1] key to turn off thealarm.

7.9.5 Alarm-Condition StorageWhen an alarm is active on a gate, the gate indicator will flash between the measurement modeicon and a red A symbol. Alarm conditions are stored in the EPOCH XT data logger. All savedIDs with an active alarm display A1 for Gate 1 alarm and/or A2 for Gate 2 alarm.

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Calibrating the EPOCH XT 73

8. Calibrating the EPOCH XT

This chapter describes how to calibrate the EPOCH XT. Calibration is the process of adjustingthe unit so that it measures accurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at aparticular temperature. You must adjust the Zero (Offset) and Velocity parameters of theEPOCH XT during calibration. Zero (Offset) (sometimes referred to as probe delay)compensates for the dead time between the firing of the main bang and the entry of the soundinto the test piece. The unit must be programmed with the correct Velocity setting so that itmatches the material velocity of the test piece.

The EPOCH XT has an advanced Auto-Calibration feature, which provides for a fast and easycalibration process. The following section details the procedure to calibrate the EPOCH XTwhen using the four basic transducer configurations: straight beam, delay line, dual element,and angle beam.

Calibration is explained in detail in following sections:

• Getting Started• Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer• Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer• Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer• Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer

Note: Do not use the Auto-Calibration feature when the EPOCH XT is in thefollowing modes: Microsecond time-of-flight, DAC, or TVG.

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8.1 Getting Started

Until you are completely comfortable operating the EPOCH XT, we recommend that a basicreview and setup procedure be used prior to starting the actual calibration. The split-screenfeature of the EPOCH XT is useful for this as it lets you simultaneously view the waveformdisplay and all instrument calibration data.

To setup the EPOCH XT before calibrating

1. Press [2ND F], [DISPLAY SETUP] to select the split-screen display.

2. Press [2ND F], [VEL] [REJECT] to set the reject level to 0%. Press [F1] or use theslewing keys to adjust the value to zero.

3. Press [GAIN] to select an initial gain value that is appropriate for the calibration andadjust the value by using the direct access function keys or the slewing keys. If theappropriate gain level is unknown, set the initial gain at 20 dB and adjust it as necessaryduring calibration.

4. Press [VEL] to enter an approximate velocity for the test material and adjust the valuewith the function keys or the slewing keys. If the velocity value is unknown, find a valuefor the material being tested in Appendix C—Sound Velocities—of this manual.

5. Press [RANGE] to set the range and then adjust the value using the function keys or theslewing keys.

6. Press [2ND F], [ANGLE] [THICKNESS] to set the material thickness to 0.00 in or 0.00mm. Press [F1] or use the slewing keys to adjust the value to zero.

7. Press [ZERO] to set the zero offset value to 0.00 sec. Press [F1] or use the slewing keys tobring the initial pulse to the left side of the instrument screen.

8. Press [ANGLE] to enter the correct refracted angle for the probe (0 for a straight beam or90° probe, 45 for a 45° probe, etc.) Use the function keys to access preset values or adjustin 0.1° adjustments using the slewing keys.

9. Once the transducer is coupled to the block, adjust the pulser and filter settings to create aclean A-scan. Press [PULSER] multiple times to allow access to the various pulserfunctions. Press [RCVR] to go directly to the filter settings. Adjust each function with thefunction keys or the slewing keys.

Note: Refer to section 5.4 on page 53 and section 5.5 on page 56 in thismanual for information on adjusting the Pulser Receiver.


8.2 Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer

Use Olympus NDT transducer (part number A109S-RM), with a frequency of 5.0 MHz and anelement diameter of 0.50 in (13 mm) to perform the sample straight-beam calibration. Thecalibration requires a test block with two known thicknesses made from the material to bemeasured. Ideally, the two thicknesses should represent thicknesses that are both below andabove the expected thickness of the material being inspected.

For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel test block (part number2214E). The steps measure 0.100 in, 0.200 in, 0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.

To calibrate using a Straight-Beam transducer

1. Follow the initial setup procedure outlined above. Connect the transducer to anappropriate cable and then connect the cable to either of the transducer posts on theEPOCH XT.

2. Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying theEPOCH XT is in the Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at anypoint, press [CAL] again.

3. Couple the transducer to the THIN calibration block step. For this example, the transduceris coupled to the 0.200 in step (depending on the frequency of the contact transducer beingused, it might be impossible to obtain a proper reading on very thin material).

4. Position Gate 1 so that the first backwall echo from the known thickness step is exceedingthe gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is at approximately80%.

Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to metric units, the calibration process is exactly thesame, except that the entries below will be in millimeters rather than inches.

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Figure 8-1 Calibrating for a thin block using a straight-beam transducer

5. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan. Once a steady reading isachieved, press [ZERO]. The screen freezes and a popup box appears on the screen. Usethe alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the test sample. For thisexample, press [0] [.] [2] [0] [0], or [.] [2]. The entry appears in the popup box. If youenter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear theentry and then type the correct thickness. Press [F1] to continue.


Figure 8-2 Entering a thin standard value

6. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration block step. In this example, the transduceris coupled to the 0.500 in step.

7. Position Gate 1 so that the first backwall echo from the known thickness step is exceedingthe gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately80%.

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Figure 8-3 Calibrating for a thick block using a straight-beam transducer

8. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan. Once a steady reading isachieved, press [CAL], then [VEL]. The screen freezes and a popup box appears again onthe screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the testsample. For this example, press [0] [.][5] [0] [0], or [.] [5]. The entry appears in the popupbox. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple timesto clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.


Figure 8-4 Entering a thick standard value

9. Press [F2] to calculate and complete the calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocityparameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echodisplays on the screen.

.

8.3 Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer

The sample delay line calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDTtransducer part number V202-RM, with a frequency of 10.0 MHz and an element diameter of0.25 in (6 mm). The calibration requires a test block with two known thicknesses, made fromthe material to be measured. Ideally, the two thickness measurements are both below and

Note: It is possible to use the Auto-Calibration feature on a single test blockof known thickness. You can use multiple backwall echoes instead of coupling onboth a thin step and a thick step. You can leave the transducer coupled on the thinstep, move the gate over to one of the multiple backwall echoes, and enter the correctsoundpath thickness (2, 3, 4, etc. multiple of the first backwall echo) during thevelocity portion of the calibration.

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above the expected thickness of the material to be inspected.

For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel-test block, partnumber 2214E. The steps measure 0.100 in, 0.200 in, 0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.

To calibrate using a Delay Line Transducer

1. Follow the initial setup procedure outlined in section 7.2 on page 64. Connect thetransducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer post on theEPOCH XT. With a zero offset of 0.000 µs, the main bang (or excitation pulse) shouldappear on the left side of the screen. Increase the zero offset until the main bang moves offthe left side of the screen and the interface echo from the end of the delay-line tip appearson the screen. Verify that the echo represents the end of the delay by tapping your fingeron the end of the couplant-coated delay line. This dampens the signal and the echo shouldjump up and down on the screen. Use the zero offset to move this echo to the left side ofthe screen so that it is barely visible.

2. Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol will appear to the right of the A-scan, signifying theEPOCH XT is in the Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at anypoint, press [CAL] again.

3. Couple the transducer to the THIN calibration block step. For this example, the transducerwill be coupled to the 0.100 in step.

4. Position Gate 1 so that the first backwall echo from the known thickness step is exceedingthe gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.

Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units, the calibration process isexactly the same, except that the entries below will be in millimeters, rather than inches.

Note: Ensure that it is the first backwall echo being gated, not a multiple echofrom the end of the delay-line tip.


Figure 8-5 Calibrating for a thin block using a delay-line transducer

5. Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box appears onthe screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the testsample. For this example, press [0] [.] [1] [0] [0]. The entry appears in the popup box. Ifyou enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clearthe entry and then type the correct thickness.

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6. Press [F1] to Continue.7. The display returns to the live A-scan. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration

block step. For this example, the transducer is coupled to the 0.500 in step.8. Position Gate 1 so that the first backwall echo from the known thickness step is exceeding

the gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.


Figure 8-7 Calibrating for a thick block using a delay line transducer

9. Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a pop-up boxappears again on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact knownthickness of the test sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [5] [0] [0]. The entry appears inthe pop-up box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] keymultiple times to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.

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10. Press [F2] to calculate and complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (offset) and Velocityparameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echo isdisplayed on the screen.

8.4 Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer

The sample delay line calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDTtransducer (part number DHC711-RM) with a frequency of 5.0 MHz and an elementdiameter of 0.25 in (6 mm). The calibration requires a test block with two knownthicknesses made from the material being measured. Ideally, the two thicknesses

Note: It is possible to use Auto-Calibration on a single test block of knownthickness. You can use multiple backwall echoes instead of coupling on both a thinstep and a thick step. You can leave the transducer coupled on the thin step, andinstead move the gate over to one of the multiple backwall echoes and then enter thecorrect soundpath thickness (2, 3, 4, etc. multiple of the first backwall echo) duringthe velocity portion of the calibration.


should represent thicknesses that are both below and above the expected thickness ofthe material to be inspected. For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel test block (part number 2214E). It has steps measuring 0.100 in, 0.200 in,0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.]

The zero offset value of dual-element transducers can vary significantly at extremetemperatures. If the temperature changes more than a few degrees from the temperature atwhich the zero offset value was established, recheck its value. If thickness measurements are tobe made over a wide temperature range, we strongly recommend the use of Olympus NDTdual transducers that are designed for high- temperature applications and that have built-indelay lines with a stable sound velocity that does not change significantly with temperature.Specific recommendations are Olympus NDT D790-SM and D791 dual element transducers.

To calibrate using a Dual Element transducer

1. Follow the initial setup procedure outlined in section 7.2 on page 64. Connect thetransducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer posts on theEPOCH XT. Change the test mode to Dual. Also, when using a dual-element transducer,the Gain setting is generally set very high so that the leading edge of the backwall echoesappear as nearly vertical lines on the screen. The leading edge is then used when makingthickness measurements. For this reason, the EPOCH XT should be set to Edge Detectionmode.

Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units, the calibration process isexactly the same, except that the entries below will be in millimeters, rather than inches.

Note: Due to the acoustic characteristics of dual transducers, a nonlinearity in thedistance calibration occurs as the thickness of the material decreases. The point ofmaximum sensitivity is determined by the “roof angle” of the particular dual transducer.We recommend that the distance calibration is carried out using a step block that coversthe range of interest. Be careful when interpreting thickness readings made outside thecalibrated range. The EPOCH XT does not have V-Path Correction; therefore, there mightbe some nonlinearity within the calibrated range depending on the minimum thicknessused in the calibration process.

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2. Press [CAL]. A Calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying theEPOCH XT is in the Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at anypoint, press [CAL] again.

3. Couple the transducer to the THIN calibration block step. For this example, the transducerwill be coupled to the 0.100 in step. As noted above, a higher Gain setting is required toproduce a clean leading edge of the signal. Do not be concerned with the jagged peaks ofthe echo. Concentrate on the leading edge only.

4. Position Gate 1 so that the leading edge of the backwall echo from the known thicknessstep is exceeding the gate threshold. A thickness reading appears in large text above theA-scan.

Figure 8-9 Calibrating for a thin block using a dual-element transducer

5. Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box appears onthe screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the testsample. For this example, press [0] [.] [1] [0] [0]. The entry appears in the popup box. Ifyou enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clearthe entry and then type the correct thickness.


Figure 8-10 Entering a Thin Standard Value

6. Press [F1] to continue.7. The display returns to the live A-Scan. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration

block step. For this example, the transducer is coupled to the 0.500 in step.8. Position Gate 1 so that the leading edge of the backwall echo from the known thickness

step is exceeding the gate threshold. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.

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Figure 8-11 Calibrating for a thick block using a dual-element transducer

9. Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup boxappears again on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact knownthickness of the test sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [5] [0] [0]. The entry appears inthe popup box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] keymultiple times to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.



10. Press [F2] Calculate to complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocityparameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echo isdisplayed on the screen.

8.5 Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer

The sample angle beam calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDTtransducer part number A430S-SB with a frequency of 2.25 MHz and an element diameter of0.625 in x 0.625 in. The transducer is mounted on a 45° wedge, part number ABWS-6-45. Werecommend using either an ASTM E-164 IIW Type I or a U.S. Air Force IIW Type IIcalibration block for this calibration procedure. The steps below use Olympus NDT IIW Type Icarbon-steel calibration block, part number TB7541-1.

To calibrate using an Angle Beam transducer

1. Follow the initial setup procedure outlined in section 7.2 on page 64. Connect thetransducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer post on theEPOCH XT.

2. Enter the correct refracted angle for the transducer/wedge combination. For this example,enter 45°.

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3. Enter the approximate shear-wave velocity of the material being inspected. For thisexample using carbon steel, enter a velocity of 0.1280 in/µs (3251 mm/µs if working inmetric units).

4. Enter an appropriate range for the test block being used. For this example, enter a range of10.000 in (250.00 mm if working in metric units).

Review sections 8.5.1 to 8.5.4 for the following procedures:

— Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP)— Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta)— Calibrating for Distance— Calibrating for Sensitivity

8.5.1 Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP)

To locate the BIP

1. Couple the probe to the test block at the “0” mark.

Figure 8-13 Reference block displaying the “0” mark

2. Manipulate the probe until a high-amplitude signal appears on the screen after the mainbang. This is the reflection from the large arc of the block that is located on the Type Iblock at 4 in (100 mm).

Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units in each procedure listedabove, the calibration process is exactly the same, except that the entries below willbe in millimeters, rather than inches.


3. Move the probe forward and backward to bring the echo to its maximum amplitude(peak). Make sure the echoes do not exceed 100%. Reduce the Gain setting if necessary.

Figure 8-14 Locating the beam index point

4. Hold the probe stationary once you have peaked up the signal and mark the side of thetransducer wedge directly over the “0” mark on the block. This is the BIP – the point atwhich the sound leaves the wedge and enters the material with maximum energy.

8.5.2 Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta)The refracted angle of the probe should already have been entered in the EPOCH XT in the

Note: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aidin finding the BIP. Press [PEAK MEM] to turn on the feature. This feature drawsand collects the echo envelope of the signal while also drawing the live waveform.Match the live waveform with the maximum point corresponding to the previouslyaccumulated echo-dynamic curve. Refer to the following figure for a detailedschematic of using the Peak Memory feature to find the BIP. Press [PEAK MEM]again to turn off the feature.

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initial steps of the calibration procedure. Although the wedge may be marked 45°, for example,the actual refracted angle could be slightly different due to the properties of the test material orthe amount of wear on the wedge. It is necessary to verify the actual angle. This ensures thatthe EPOCH XT’s soundpath calculations are accurate.

To verify the refracted angle

1. Position the probe over the appropriate angle mark on the block, which is 45° in thisexample.

Figure 8-15 Verifying the refracted angle

2. Move the probe backward and forward to “peak up” the echo coming from the largecircular hole in the side of the block. The circular hole may be filled with Plexiglas®, butthe procedure is the same.

3. Hold the probe stationary once you have peaked up the signal. Note the degree mark onthe block that lines up with the BIP, which you marked on the side of the wedge in theprevious step. This is the actual refracted angle (Beta) for this particular transducer andwedge in steel. If this value for Beta differs from the value entered previously, enter thecorrected angle now using the [ANGLE] key and the slewing keys.

Tip: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aidin finding the peak of the signal.


8.5.3 Calibrating for Distance

The ASTM E-164 IIW Type I Block, which has a crescent cut in the side, produces echoes at4 in (100 mm) and 9 in (225 mm) on the screen. The U.S. Air Force IIW Type II Block, whichhas a large cutout in the side, produces echoes at 2 in and 4 in on the screen. The procedure tofollow uses the Olympus NDT IIW Type I carbon steel calibration block, part numberTB7541-1.

We recommend that the EPOCH XT’s Range parameter be set to 10 in (250 mm) for this step.Regardless of whether a Type I or Type II Calibration block is used, this should ensure that theechoes from the block are visible on screen.

To calibrate for distance

1. Couple the probe to the block so that the BIP is directly over the “0” mark on the ASTMtest block (or the Air Force block). Do not move the transducer from this point during thisstep.

2. Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying theEPOCH XT is in Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at any point,press [CAL] again.

3. Position Gate 1 so that the echo reflection from the 4 in. arc (this should be the first largeecho after the main bang) is exceeding the gate threshold.

4. Adjust the Gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately 80%. A thicknessreading appears in large text above the A-scan.

Note: This step differs depending on which type of IIW calibration block is used.

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Figure 8-16 Calibrating for distance

5. Press [ZERO] (OFFSET) once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup boxappears on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known soundpathdistance for this arc. For this example, press [4] [.] [0] [0] [0]. The entry appears in thepopup box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multipletimes to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.



6. Press [F1] to continue. The display returns to the live A-scan. 7. Position Gate 1 so that the echo from the 1 in crescent is exceeding the gate threshold.

This echo is generally located at approximately the ninth or tenth screen division and isusually the 3rd echo after the main bang.

8. Adjust the Gain setting so that this echo amplitude is approximately 40%. A thicknessreading appears in large text above the A-scan.

Note: Another echo might be present on the screen at approximately theeighth or ninth screen division. Disregard this echo as it is usually the result of beamspreading and sound bouncing off the side of the block. Ensure Gate 1 is not overthis echo.

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Figure 8-18 Adjusting the gain

9. Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup boxappears again on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact knownsoundpath distance for this crescent. For this example, press [9], [.], [0], [0], [0]. If youenter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear theentry and then type the correct thickness.



10. Press [F2] to calculate and complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocityparameters adjust automatically, and the correct soundpath readings of any gated echoesare displayed on the screen.

8.5.4 Calibrating for SensitivityThe final step in the angle beam calibration is to calibrate for sensitivity. This lets you set up areference gain level.

To calibrate for sensitivity

1. Couple the probe to the IIW calibration block so that the transducer is aimed at the0.060 in diameter side-drilled hole, which is used as a reference reflector.

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Figure 8-20 IIW calibration block with 0.060 in diameter drilled hole

2. Move the probe forward and backward until you have “peaked up” the return signal fromthe hole (that is, found the maximum amplitude). Do not confuse the reference reflectorecho from the side of the block.

3. Adjust the system sensitivity (Gain) up or down once the echo is peaked up to bring thereference reflector signal to a predetermined reference line on the screen. In this example,the echo is brought to 80% of full-screen height.

4. Press [2ND F], [GAIN] [REF] to lock in the reference-gain level and add/subtractscanning gain separately.

5. Press the function keys once the reference-gain functions are activated to select betweenadding or subtracting in 0.1 dB or 6.0 dB increments.

Tip: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aid infinding the peak of the signal.


Figure 8-21 Locking the reference gain to add/subtract scanning gain

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Managing the Instrument Datalogger 101

9. Managing the Instrument Datalogger

This chapter contains describes how to manage the EPOCH XT’s internal datalogger.Olympus NDT has designed the datalogger for ease of use and a wide range of file types andfeatures for flaw detection and corrosion thickness gaging requirements. It includes thefollowing capabilities:

— Data organized by file and identifier (ID) codes— Alphanumeric filenames and identifier (ID) codes— File Description, Inspector ID, and Location Note field for every file— File types similar to corrosion thickness gages:

Incremental FilesSequential FilesSequential Files with Custom Point2-D Matrix Grid Files 2-D EPRI2-D Matrix Grid Files with Custom Point3-D Matrix Grid FilesBoiler Files

— Ability to edit files and add and delete IDs, rename files, clear file contents, anddelete files

— On-screen review of all file contents— File summary screen for measurement review without A-scan and Setup— Ability to transfer data between the EPOCH XT and a PC or printer

The titles for the following sections are as follows:

— Datalogger Storage Capacity— Datalogger Menu

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— Creating Data Files— Data File Types— Opening Data Files— Saving to Data Files— File Summary and Review— Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration)— Reporting— Report Header Setup— Printing— Instrument Resets

9.1 Datalogger Storage Capacity

The EPOCH XT datalogger is designed to store the following information every time theoperator presses the [SAVE] key:

— File name— Identifier (ID) code— Alarm conditions— Gate measurement modes— Soundpath leg for each gate— 0 to 5 measurements – Instrument saves all active measurements selected by the

operator to display on the instrument screen.— A-scan waveform— Peak Memory envelope or Peak Hold waveform, if active— Complete setup parameters— Flag status ([FREEZE], [ZOOM], [PEAK MEM], etc.)— Active software feature(s) (DAC/TVG, DGS/AVG, AWS D1.1/D1.5)

The EPOCH XT datalogger can store up to 10,000 IDs with the information listed above. Alldata is stored for every ID that the operator chooses to save.


9.2 Datalogger Menu

The EPOCH XT’s Datalogger menu is accessed by pressing [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. This willbring the operator to a tabbed menu similar to the [DISPLAY SETUP], [MEAS SETUP], and[INSTR SETUP] menus discussed in this manual. The EPOCH XT Datalogger menu has fourtabs organizing datalogger functions: Open, Create, PageSetup, and Resets. These tabs willbe covered in detail in the sections to follow. When the operator first enters the datalogger, theoperator sees a screen similar to the screen below:

9.2.1 Creating Data FilesThe operator must create a data file before any information can be stored in the EPOCH XT.This can be done onboard, or the file(s) can be created in the GageView Pro Interface Programand downloaded to the instrument. To create files onboard the instrument, the operator mustenter the Datalogger menu and access the Create tab shown in the following illustration:

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On this screen the operator performs the following operations:

— Chooses file type to create— Enters a file name – File names in the EPOCH XT are 8 characters— Enters an ID prefix – ID prefixes in the EPOCH XT are up to 11 characters— Creates IDs based on the file type selected— Enters a File description, if desired— Enters an inspector ID (Ins Id), if desired— Enters a location note (LOC-NT), if desired

Once the operator has entered all of the desired information in the Create tab, the operator canpress [F1] (Create) to create the data file and place it in the instrument’s list of available filesshown in section 9.2 on page 103 of this manual.

9.2.2 Data File TypesThe EPOCH XT allows the operator to create many file types based on applicationrequirements. The file types that are available are similar to the EPOCH 4 series of UltrasonicFlaw Detectors and to the 37DL Plus Corrosion Thickness Gage from Olympus NDT. Thefollowing sections provide information about each file type.

9.2.2.1 INCREMENTAL

After entering a starting ID number (up to 11 alphanumeric characters in the ID Prefix and up


to 10 alphanumeric characters in the ID number itself), the EPOCH XT will automaticallyincrement the subsequent ID numbers using the following incrementing rules:

— Only that portion of an ID number consisting of digits and letters (no punctuationmarks) beginning with the right-most character and extending leftward to the firstpunctuation mark or to the left-most character (whichever comes first) can increment.

— Digits are cycled 0, 1, 2, ..., 9, 0, etc. The 9 to 0 transition is done only afterincrementing the character to the left. Letters are cycled A, B, C, ..., Z, A, etc. The Zto A transition is done only after incrementing the character to the left. In either case,if there is no character to the left or if the character to the left is a punctuation mark,then the ID number cannot increment.

— If an ID number cannot increment, then after a reading is saved, an error beep soundsand the momentary message CANNOT INCREMENT is shown on the displayabove the function keys. Subsequent saves overwrite readings if the operator does notmanually change the ID number first.

Note: To make the instrument increment through a range of numbers several digitswide while beginning with a single digit ID number, the maximum number of digitpositions must be entered initially using leading zeroes. See Figure 9-1 on page 106.

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Figure 9-1 Example of automatically generated incremented ID number series

To create an Incremental file

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Incremental (INC) file type. To continue,

press [ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].


5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Starting ID. To continue, press [ENTER].7. Enter file header information, if desired.8. Press [F1] to Create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has

been placed in the file list, the operator can use the file for data storage.

9.2.2.2 Sequential

A sequential file is defined by a starting and an ending ID number. The resulting file isinclusive of the starting and ending points and all points in between.

Table 6 Example of start ID# = ABC123

Start ID# = ABC123End ID# = ABC135

Resulting file would contain the following list of ID numbers:ABC123ABC124ABC125...ABC135

Table 7 Example of start ID# = XY-GY

Start ID# = XY-GYEnd ID# = XY-IBResulting file would contain the following list of ID numbers:XY-GYXY-GZXY-HA...XY-IB

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To create an Sequential File

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential SEQ file type. To continue, press

[ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the up and down arrow keys to enter the desired increment step.7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press

[ENTER].8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].9. Enter file header information if desired.10. Press [F1] to Create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has


9.2.2.3 Sequence with Custom Point

A sequential file with Custom Points is defined by a starting and an ending ID number plus aseries of custom points. The resulting file is inclusive of the starting and ending points and allpoints in between. In addition, multiple measurements per ID number location are assignedusing the assigned custom points.

The following example describes measurements along a pipe or tube where at each ID numberlocation you can take measurement at top, bottom, left, and right of the pipe.


You can enter up to 20 custom points. The total number of characters in an ID with CustomPoints is 19.

To create a Sequential with Custom Points file

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger Menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential with Custom Points

(SEQ+CPT) file type. To continue, press [ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the up and down arrow keys to enter the desired increment step.7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press

[ENTER].8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].9. Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custom

point into the list below the entry box.

Table 8 Example of starting ID# = XYZ1267

Starting ID# = XYZ1267Ending ID# = XYZ1393

Custom Points = TOPBOTTOMLEFTRIGHT

Resulting file would contain the following list of ID numbers:XYZ1267TOPXYZ1267BOTTOMXYZ1267LEFTXYZ1267RIGHTXYZ1268TOPXYZ1268BOTTOMXYZ1268LEFT...XYZ1393RIGHT

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10. To enter another Custom Point, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and pressinsert. Repeat until all custom points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2][PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a custom point.

11. When all custom points have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.12. Enter file header information, if desired.13. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has


9.2.2.4 2-D Matrix Grid

A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a 2-D or 3-D matrix.Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension.

A 2-D (two-dimensional) sequence begins with the ID number that refers to the first columnand the first row. Then the column (or row) increments one value at a time until the sequencereaches the last column (or row) value while the other dimension value stays constant. At thispoint, the other dimension increments from its first to its next value. This continues until theID number that refers to the last column and last row is reached.

Note: Either the columns or the rows can be selected to increment first. Refer tothe following figure.


How is a grid used? A grid structure may associate one dimension of the grid (for example, thecolumns) with the physical parts whose wall thickness is to be measured. The particularmeasurement points on each part are then associated with the other dimension of the grid (forexample, the rows). See Figure 9-2 on page 112.

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Figure 9-2 One grid for 75 identical parts

Alternatively, the rows and columns of a grid may refer to a 2-D map measurement points onthe surface of one part. In this case, a different grid is made for each part. SeeFigure 9-3 onpage 113.

Measurement Location

ID Number

Row

Column


Figure 9-3 Different named grid for each part

To create a 2-D Grid File

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2-D Grid 2D file type. To continue, press

[ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press

[ENTER].7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].

Name: ElbowRows: 01 thru 10Columns: A thru EID‘s: Elbow/A0 thru Elbow/E10

Name: TeeRows: 1 thru 4Columns: 1 thru 3ID‘s: Tee/11 thru Tee/34

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8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].9. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].10. Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press

[ENTER].11. Select the Increment Order (Row or Column). To continue, press [ENTER].12. Enter file header information if desired.13. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has

been placed in the file list the operator can use the file for data storage.

9.2.2.5 2-D EPRI

The 2-D EPRI file type is the same as the standard 2-D Grid file type except for a minorchange in the way alpha characters increment:

14. Standard 2-D Grid File: Refers to the standard incrementing columns that start at A andextend past Z. Example: Start Column: A; End Column: AD; Column Result: A, B, C...X,Y, Z, AA, AB, AC, AD.

15. EPRI 2-D Grid File: Refer to custom incrementing columns that start at A and extendpast Z. Example: Start Column: A; End Column: CC; Column Result: A, B, C...Z, AA,BB, CC.

9.2.2.6 2-D MATRIX GRID WITH CUSTOM POINT

A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a 2-D or 3-D matrix.Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension. See 2-D Matrix Gridin section 9.2.2.4 on page 110 in this manual for more information.

Custom Points allow multiple readings per grid ID number to be assigned.


To create a 2-D Grid with Custom Points file

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2-D Grid with Custom Points (2D+CPT)

file type. To continue, press [ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press

[ENTER].7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].9. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue press [ENTER].10. Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press

[ENTER].11. Select the Increment Order (Row or Column). To continue, press [ENTER].

Table 9 Example of 2-D matrix grid with custom point

Start Column AEnd Column J(Start Grid

Coordinate = A01)Start Row 01End Row 17 (End Grid

Coordinate = J17)Custom Points = LEFTCENTERRIGHTResulting file would

contain the following list of ID Numbers:

A01LEFTA01CENTERA01RIGHTA02LEFT...J17RIGHT

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12. Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custompoint in the list below the entry box.

13. To enter another custom point, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and pressinsert. Repeat until all custom points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2][PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a custom point.

14. When all custom points have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.15. Enter file header information, if desired.16. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has


9.2.2.7 3-D MATRIX GRID

A 3-D Matrix grid is a sequence of multipart ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a3-D matrix. Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension.

A 3-D (three-dimensional) sequence begins with the ID number that refers to the first column,the first row and the first point. Then the point (or column, or row) increments one value at atime until the sequence reaches the last point (or column, or row) value while the other twodimension values stay constant. At this point another dimension increments from its first to itsnext value. This continues until the ID number that refers to the last column, last row and lastpoint is reached. You can select either columns, rows or points to increment first and one of theremaining two selections to increment second.

How is a 3-D grid used? A 3-D grid structure may associate two dimensions of the grid (forexample, the columns and rows) with the physical coordinates on the part whose wallthickness is to be measured. The particular measurement points on each part are thenassociated with the third dimension of the grid. This scenario allows multiple readings to bestored at each grid coordinate.


To create a 3-D Grid file

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens. ([ID] .)2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 3-D Grid (3D) file type. To continue, press

[ENTER].4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Point (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Point (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press

[ENTER].9. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].10. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].

Table 10 Example of 3-D grid

Start Col = AEnd Col = FStart Row = 1End Row = 4Start Point = XEnd Point = Z

Resulting file would contain the following list of ID numbers:

A1XA1YA1ZA2X...A4ZB1XB1Y...F4Z

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11. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].12. Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press

[ENTER].13. Select which ID component with increment first. To continue, press [ENTER].14. Select which ID component with increment second. To continue, press [ENTER].15. Enter file header information, if desired.16. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has


9.2.2.8 Boiler

A Boiler file is a special file type designed specifically for boiler applications. A commonmethod for identifying a thickness measurement location is by a 3-D approach. The firstdimension is Elevation, which refers to the physical distance from the bottom to the top of theboiler. The second dimension is Tube Number, which refers to the number of boiler tubes thatneed inspection. The third dimension is the Custom Point, which refers to the actual thicknessreading location at the specified elevation on the specified tube. When these three dimensionsare combined, a single ID number is formed to precisely identify the exact location of eachthickness reading. For example:


To create a Boiler file

1. Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.2. Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.

Table 11 Example of Boiler

Elevations = 10ft-, 20ft-, 45ft-. 100ft-

Start Tube = 01End Tube = 73Custom Points = L,C, R

(left, center, right)

The resulting file would contain the following list of ID numbers:

10ft-01L10ft-01C10ft-01R10ft-02L...10ft-73R20ft-10L...100ft-73C100ft-73R

(This example assumes that you have chosen to increment the custom points first, tube number second, and elevation third. You can choose alternate incrementing methods.)

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3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Boiler (BOILER) file type. To continue,press [ENTER].

4. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].5. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].6. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Tube. To continue, press [ENTER].7. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Tube. To continue, press [ENTER].8. Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press

[ENTER].9. Select which ID component with increment first. To continue, press [ENTER].10. Select which ID component with increment second. To continue, press [ENTER].11. Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custom

point into the list below the entry box. 12. To enter another custom point edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press

insert. Repeat until all Custom Points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2][PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a custom point.

13. When all custom point have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.14. Enter the first elevation with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the elevation

into the list below the entry box. 15. To enter another elevation, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press insert.

Repeat until all Elevations are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2][PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a elevation.

16. When all elevations have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.17. Enter file header information, if desired.18. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has


9.2.3 Opening Data FilesThe EPOCH XT lists all files that have been created or downloaded to the instrument in a listwithin the Datalogger menu > Open tab. This screen provides the operator with a list of files,their file type (INC, SEQ, 2D, etc.), the date and time of creation, and any file headerinformation that was entered when the file was created.

The screen below shows the Open tab:


The highlighted file “TEST” is an Incremental file. To open this file, the operator sim-ply needs to press the [F1] (Open) key. This will bring the operator back to the livescreen and the active file will now be “TEST”. This is illustrated as follows:

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Once the file has been opened, the operator may begin saving data by pressing the [SAVE] key.The EPOCH XT will attempt to save data to the ID displayed. In most cases the ID will notalready contain data. However, in some cases the ID will already contain saved information. Ifthis happens the EPOCH XT will display the prompt below to warn the operator and to ask ifthe existing data should be overwritten.

When there is an active file open and the operator presses the ID key, four choices aredisplayed above the function keys:

— First – Jumps to the first ID in the active file.— Last – Jumps to the last ID in the active file.— Find – The operator is able to enter an ID number and have the instrument search for

it within the active file. If it is located, the instrument will jump there.— Insert – The operator is able insert a new ID within the active file. If the operator

attempts to insert an ID when there is no active file, the EPOCH XT will display amessage “No Survey Selected” at the bottom of the display.

Note: The Open function does not recall any instrument setup or calibration to thelive screen. This function simply opens the selected file so the operator may save data.


9.2.4 Saving to Data FilesThe EPOCH XT allows the operator to save data whenever there is an active file (survey) andan ID has been entered. Files are created in the Datalogger menu as described in section 9.2.1on page 103 of this manual or in GageView Pro and then transferred to the EPOCH XT.

In order to save data within a file, the operator must press the [SAVE] key. If there is no activeID then the instrument will display the error message “No active ID” at the bottom of thedisplay. The operator must have an active file (survey) and an ID entered before saving data.

When the operator presses the [SAVE] key, the EPOCH XT saves the following information:

— Filename— ID— Up to 5 measurements (operator selected)— A-scan waveform— All instrument setup parameters— Alarm information— Any display flags— Gate Measurement mode icons— Leg Indicators for both gates— Any displayed Peak Memory envelopes or Peak Hold A-scans— Software feature/option setups

9.2.5 File Summary and ReviewThe EPOCH XT allows the operator to review inspection data and calibrations on theinstrument. There are two main methods for this: File Summary and File Review.

— File Summary shows the operator a table that lists IDs and all saved measurements ineach ID location. This view does not show the instrument setup or the A-scan. Thisfeature is typically used to review data files where the inspector is primarily interestedin thickness measurements. This function is also used to review saved measurementsfor other applications since the EPOCH XT is capable of storing many measurementtypes and up to 5 measurements may be saved within each ID.

— File Review is typically used to review instrument setups (calibrations) and toexamine captured A-scans along with measurements, software option/features, echoenvelopes, etc. This view displays everything that has been saved with each ID withinthe selected file.

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To access File Summary and File Review, the operator must enter the Datalogger menu >Open tab and then select the file to review. This is shown in the screen below:

To enter the File Summary screen, the operator must press the [F3] key (Summary). To enterthe File Review screen, the operator must press the [F2] key (Contents).

The File Summary screen is shown below:

Each set of two rows in the File Summary screen represents data from one ID. In the example


above there are 5 saved IDs: ID001, ID002, ID003, ID004, and ID005. Each ID was savedwith 4 measurements listed in separate columns with their measurement icon. For each ID, theunit (in., mm, µs) is also displayed in the fourth column, upper row.

Within this view, the operator has the option to [F1] [CLEAR], [F2] [DELETE], and [F5][CANCEL]. [CLEAR] will remove all ID data from the file. [DELETE] will delete the entirefile, and [CANCEL] will return the operator to the previous screen.

The File Review screen is shown below:

This window is scrollable using the up and down arrow keys. The left and right arrow keys areused to jump from one ID to the next. Alternatively, the operator can use the [F1] (First), [F2](Last), and [F5] (Find) functions to jump to particular areas within the file. This is usefulwhen many IDs have been saved within a file. The [F4] (Clear) function will clear the datafrom the selected ID. The ID itself will remain so new data can be saved in that location.

The full file review screen for the example file shown in the screen above has been combinedand displayed below. The entire instrument setup and all other data are displayed for operatorreview.

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9.2.6 Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration)To recall a stored instrument setup (calibration), the operator must access the File Reviewscreen discussed in section 9.2.5 on page 123 of this manual (previous section).

Once the operator has selected the file of interest and entered the File Review screen, theoperator must select the ID that contains the instrument setup to be recalled. The File Reviewscreen is shown below:


The operator must locate the proper ID by using the left and right arrow keys or the [F1](First), [F2] (Last), and [F5] (Find) functions to jump to particular areas within the file. Theoperator then presses [F3] (Recall).

Once the file has been recalled, the operator will be brought back to the main instrument screenand the instrument setup will be displayed. The setup is not active. The state of the display isnow RECALL FREEZE. An R flag indicates this to the operator. To return to the live screen,the operator must press the [MEAS RESET] key. See following screen:

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At this point, the EPOCH XT’s stored setup has been recalled, and the operator may begin touse the instrument. It is always recommended that the operator recheck the calibration as probeand wedge wear, temperature changes, and other factors can affect the accuracy of thecalibration.

9.3 Reporting

The EPOCH XT has been designed to allow the operator to create basic reports on theinstrument and print them out in the field over the instrument’s USB host port. In order togenerate on onboard report, the operator must be able to set up the Report Header, setup theprinter output, and have access to a PCL5 compatible USB printer.

9.3.1 Report Header SetupThe operator can set up the report header in the Datalogger menu > PageSetup tab. TheDatalogger menu is accessed by pressing [2ND F], [ID]. The PageSetup tab is illustrated asfollows:


All of the header titles and data can be customized by the operator. The information displayedabove is just an example. The information in the header will be placed at the top of the reportsthat are printed from the instrument.

9.3.2 PrintingThe EPOCH XT is designed to directly print to any PCL5 compatible USB printer. Theoperator must set up the printer in the Datalogger menu > PageSetup tab shown below:

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The operator may choose between PCL Laser or PCL Inkjet printer types. Draft Modeallows the operator to print with less ink/toner if desired. The operator may also choose to printin color or black and white.

Reports may be printed either from the live A-scan screen or from the File Review and FileSummary areas by pressing [2ND F], [ALPHA/NUM] [PRINT]. If the operator prints fromthe live screen, a preview that looks like the file review screen will appear first. An examplereport is shown as follows:


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9.3.3 Instrument ResetsThe EPOCH XT can be reset to factory parameters if needed. The instrument resets are locatedin the Datalogger menu > Resets tab. There are three choices available:

— Parameters – Resets all instrument setup parameters to factory settings.— Database – Clears the instrument datalogger.— Editable Parameters – Returns all function-key presets to factory defaults.

Software Features and Options 133

10.Software Features and Options

The EPOCH XT comes standard with DAC/TVG and has two onboard software options:DGS/AVG and AWS D1.1/D1.5. These features are accessed within the [MEAS SETUP]menu under the Options tab. The screen below shows this location:

10.1 Defining Active/Inactive Options

All of the available options are listed in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab. If an optionis active in the instrument, then the operator will be able to highlight it and see the option setupparameters on the right side of the tab. If the option is not active, the instrument will display ared line through the option, and the option will not be available.

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The software options can be added to the EPOCH XT at an additional cost. This activation canbe performed at the factory before the instrument is shipped or it can be done remotely with anaccess code. You must contact Olympus NDT to have access codes generated. These codes areentered in the [INST SETUP] menu > Status tab shown as follows:


10.2 DAC/TVG

10.2.1 DescriptionA Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC) curve is used to plot amplitude variations of signalsfrom reflectors of the same size, but at different distances from the transducer. Normally, thesereflectors produce echoes of varying amplitude due to material attenuation and beam spread asthe sound beam travels through the part. The purpose of the DAC curve is to graphicallycompensate for material attenuation, nearfield effects, beam spread, and surface roughness.

After plotting a DAC curve, reflectors of the same size as those used for creation of the curveproduce echoes that peak along the curve despite different locations within the test piece.Similarly, reflectors that are smaller than those used to create the curve fall below the level,while larger reflectors exceed the curve level.

When a DAC curve is created in the EPOCH XT, the instrument also creates a Time-VariedGain (TVG) setup. TVG is used to compensate for the same factors as DAC, but thepresentation is different. Instead of drawing a curve across the display that follows thereference reflector peaks downward as sound is attenuated, the TVG setup amplifies the gainas a function of time (distance) to bring the reference reflectors to the same screen height (80%FSH).

The EPOCH XT DAC/TVG feature allows the user to toggle between DAC and TVG views inmany of its modes, giving freedom to use both techniques during a single inspection. When the

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operator switches from DAC to TVG view, the DAC curves are displayed as TVG lines acrossthe screen. The Time-Varied Gain effectively amplifies the signals across the time base tomake the DAC curves appear as straight lines across the screen.

Users can customize DAC/TVG setups to their unique application requirements using theflexible DAC/TVG software feature for the EPOCH XT. The DAC/TVG feature incorporatesseveral DAC/TVG modes that adhere to ASME, ASME-3, and JIS sizing codes. The softwareoffers direct control of gain, range, zero offset, and delay, as well as scanning gain and transfercorrection. In addition, the DAC/TVG option provides new features such as 20%–80% DACcurves, customizable DAC curves, and a user-defined TVG table to meet advanced and uniqueinspection needs.

10.2.2 Option Activation and Reference CorrectPrior to the activation of any options associated with DAC/TVG, the instrument must beproperly calibrated to the material being inspected. The DAC/TVG option is located under the[MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab. To begin the activation process, enter the[MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab, highlight DAC/TVG and press the [ENTER] key. Usethe arrow keys or the function keys to highlight the desired DAC/TVG function. An exampleof this is shown as follows:

The user may also choose to apply a feature known as reference correction REF CORRECTto the digital analysis of the live A-scan and DAC/TVG option. The reference correctionfeature, when activated, allows full gain manipulation of either the live echo peaks or the DACcurve while providing the % amplitude or dB comparison of the actual peak-to-curve ratio. In


this way, the operator can use scanning gain, while maintaining an accurate digitalmeasurement of the ratio of the gated peak to the DAC curve for sizing purposes. The gatedecho amplitude is corrected back to the Reference Gain level for amplitude evaluationcompared to the DAC curve.

Once the operator has selected the type of DAC/TVG setup for his application, the operatormust press the [MEAS RESET] key to return to the live A-scan screen to begin DAC/TVGsetup.

In the sections below, all DAC/TVG modes are covered. The DAC/TVG setup procedure is thesame for all modes with the exception of TVG table. The setup will be covered in detail in theASME / ASME III section to follow. Any differences in the procedure to set up otherDAC/TVG modes will be discussed in the pertinent section for that particular mode.

10.2.3 ASME & ASME—3 DAC/TVGThe ASME DAC mode is a single DAC curve drawn from peak to peak on referencereflectors. The ASME III mode draws three DAC curves: one main curve from peak to peak onthe reference reflectors and two warning curves at –6 dB and –14 dB compared to the maincurve.

10.2.4 ASME III DAC Setup ExampleOnce the operator has entered the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab and selectedASME III as the DAC/TVG mode, the operator must press [MEAS/RESET] to return to thelive instrument screen. The instrument screen will appear as follows:

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To capture DAC points, the operator must move Gate 1 to the echo, press [F5] (AUTO–80%)to bring the echo to 80% FSH, and press [F1] to capture the point. The screen below shows thefirst point captured. An “×” symbol has been placed on the echo peak.

The screen as follows shows the EPOCH XT display when the second point has been captured:


The instrument has drawn the three DAC curves from the first point to the second. Theoperator has used the AUTO–80% function to bring the second point to 80% full-screenheight. This assures that the point is captured accurately because amplitude resolution is betterat greater echo heights. This also pushes the first captured echo over 110% FSH so the MainDAC curve and the –6 dB warning curve extend downward to the second point from off-screen.

While the operator is capturing DAC points (after 2 have been captured), the operator has theoption to:

— [F2] (Delete) – Deletes the last captured point.— [F3] (Erase) – Erases the entire DAC setup.— [F4] (Done) – Completes the DAC setup.

The following screen shows the DAC setup after 5 points have been captured. All points werebrought to 80% FSH before capture.

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If the operator would like to continue from the point and capture additional points, the operatormay increase the instrument range or increase the display delay to view echoes further out intime. If the setup is complete, then the operator presses [F4] (Done) to complete the setup. Theinstrument will return to its base gain and display the DAC setup. This is shown below:

Now that DAC is active, the instrument has some special settings available for operatoradjustment:


— Amp to Curve” and “dB to Curve” – The operator may now use Amplitude-to-Curveand dB-to-Curve measurements. These are activated in the [MEAS SETUP] menu >Meas tab. See section 4.8.1 on page 42 for more details. These measurements canalways be selected by the operator, but they will not display measurements unless aDAC/TVG or DGS/AVG curve is on-screen. In the screen above, the Gate 1 Amp-to-Curve measurement is active in measurement location 5.

— TVGView [F1] key – The operator may press [F1] to activate the TVG view for theactive DAC/TVG setup. The TVG view for the setup above is shown below:

— The DAC curves have become TVG lines across the screen.— DACGain above [F2] – This is a gain setting that affects the DAC curves and the

onscreen echoes allowing amplitude comparison at code compliant screen levelsacross the time base. More details are given in section 10.2.5 on page 142.

— GainStep above [F3] – This setting selects the step (0.1, 1, 3, 6, 12 dB) for the DACGAIN adjustment.

— NextDAC above [F5] – With this setting the operator can cycle through the availableDAC curves (if more than one is available) for amplitude comparison with on-screenechoes.

While DAC/TVG is active, the operator has full control of the Range, Delay, and Zoomsettings. With this the operator can focus on areas of interest within the DAC setup. Thefollowing screen shows a reduced range with delay:

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10.2.5 Gain Adjustment OptionsThe DAC/TVG software features three separate types of gain adjustment for each DAC/TVGsetup. These gain adjustments allow for better inspection precision, easy manipulation ofcurves and live peak information, and transfer correction.

In order to quickly find and identify potential defects, it is commonly required by code toincrease the gain (scanning gain) on the EPOCH XT from the Reference (calibration) Gain forscanning purposes. However, once a potential defect is identified, this gain is usually removedto view the reflector at REF Gain level, set at calibration. The DAC/TVG software for theEPOCH XT is fully capable of adding temporary scanning gain for inspection purposes. Thisscanning gain only affects the live A-scan and does not adjust the level of the DAC curve(s) setup on screen.

To add temporary scanning gain

1. Press the [GAIN] key.2. Use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment or the left and right arrow keys for

fine adjustment to bring the scanning gain to the desired level. The scanning gain isdisplayed at the lower-left area of the screen.

3. Once the desired scanning gain level is set, the operator may press [GAIN] and use theScan DB function key ([F2]) to toggle between the base (reference) gain or the adjustedscanning gain.

4. Scanning gain is disabled by pressing [GAIN] and then [F3] (Off).


The screen below shows an ASME DAC setup with 3 dB of scanning gain added:

When reference correction is active, the digital comparison between a captured reflector andthe DAC curve will be accurate even with scanning gain applied to the inspection provided thatthe gated echo is not saturated. The screen below shows the same setup as above but withReference Correction active. Notice that the scanning gain has been removed from thedB-to-Curve measurement in location 5. The instrument compares the echo height to the DACcurve, compensates for the added scanning gain, and reports the true-amplitude comparison

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.

10.2.6 Curve Adjustment Gain—Also Called “DAC Gain” or “TVG Gain”

The overall gain level of the entire DAC curve and TVG line setup can be adjusted higher orlower from the Reference Gain. Most inspection codes do not permit reflectors to be sizedbelow 20% of FSH. Therefore, to inspect beyond a certain depth/sound path time within a part,it is necessary to raise the gain of both the live A-scan and the DAC curve to continue theinspection. This is accomplished on the EPOCH XT using the DAC Curve Adjustment Gain.

This gain adjustment is displayed below the live A-scan next to the Delay setting at all times.

To adjust the gain

1. Press the [F3] (GainStep) key to choose the increment of the gain adjustment desired.2. Press the [F2] (DACGain) key and use the up and down arrows to adjust the Curve

Adjustment Gain by the selected increment either positive or negative.

The screen below shows a DAC setup with DAC gain in use to provide accurate echoamplitude measurement by placing the echo close to 80% FSH.


10.2.7 Transfer CorrectionTransfer Correction is an adjustment in the Reference Gain setting during calibration of theinstrument, and is typically added when the surface conditions between a calibration block andtest piece are different. The coupling conditions on the test surface can often cause signal lossafter calibrating a DAC curve, which results in inaccurate comparisons of the test reflectorswith the calibrated DAC curve. The EPOCH XT can easily adjust for this potential differenceby adding transfer correction to the calibrated base gain after completing the DAC curve setup.

To add transfer correction to a completed DAC curve

1. Press the [GAIN] key.2. Use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment or the left and right arrow keys for

fine adjustment to bring the scanning gain to the desired level for Transfer Correction. Thescanning gain is displayed at the lower left area of the screen.

3. Once the desired scanning gain is displayed, press the Function Key [F1] (ADD) to addthe scanning gain to the base gain and to apply the transfer correction.

10.2.8 JIS DACThe Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) DAC mode is designed to meet the requirements of JISZ3060. The JIS DAC curve setup is identical to the standard DAC/TVG setup. However, thereare some minor functionality differences when compared to other DAC/TVG modes:

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— Only the main DAC curve is viewable in TVG mode.— Any of the six curves can be used to trip the alarm when in the JIS DAC mode.

Additionally, you can set the alarm to positive or negative. To select which curve willbe used as the alarm reference level, first activate JIS DAC and then use the [F5]function key to select which curve to use for the alarm threshold. The selected curveappears as a double thickness line. Once a curve has been selected, an alarm can beactivated and set to be either positive or negative threshold detection by pressing[2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] and following the prompts.

10.2.9 20%–80% DAC OptionThis DAC/TVG mode incorporates a combination of the DAC curve and TVG techniques. Formost sizing and inspection codes that utilize a DAC curve, the inspector cannot interrogate apotential defect that does not rise above 20% of FSH. In the past, scanning gain is added toinspect these defects that appear further into a part and only reflect below 20%. The necessarygain adjustment is then noted to calculate the flaw size.

The 20%–80% DAC feature takes advantage of the TVG functionality of DAC/TVG to createa DAC curve that only falls between 20% and 80% screen height. Any echo that falls below20% FSH during setup has 12 dB added to it automatically. A new DAC curve section startingat 80% FSH is created. This setup divides the screen into 12 dB DAC Gain regions. The DACGain is displayed based on the location of the gated echo in time.

The setup procedure for the 20%–80% DAC is the same as the ASME & ASME III setupdescribed earlier. The only difference is that the operator cannot use the AUTO–80% function


during the setup. The instrument automatically compensates for falling-echo amplitude oncean echo is captured below 20% screen height.

Once the 20%-80% DAC curve is completed, the operator can toggle between DAC and TVGviews, manipulate Range, Delay, Zero (Offset) and Angle, and also to add necessary scanninggain or transfer correction. 20%–80% DAC also incorporates the reference correctionfunctionality, if desired.

10.2.10Custom DAC Curves OptionThe DAC/TVG software option for the EPOCH XT features a customizable DAC curve setupthat allows operators to define up to three additional reference curves from the primary curveat varying levels from –24 dB to +10 dB. The Custom DAC Curves option is ideal for uniquesizing inspections and procedure development. The Custom DAC Curve function also allowsthe option of either a straight-line connection or a curved, polynomial connection of each pointof the DAC curve to meet various international or customer-specific requirements.

To activate and set up the customized curves

1. Enter the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab.2. Select DAC and press the [ENTER] key. Select the Custom DAC mode.3. Select the curve type – Polynomial (curved) or Straight-line segments.4. Select the Number of Warning Curves that will be used in addition to the Main Curve (for

example, if three (3) curves are activated, the operator will see 4 curves in total).5. Set the dB level for each warning curve compared to the main curve.6. Press [MEAS/RESET] to return to the live screen and begin to capture DAC points.

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The Custom DAC/TVG setup and functionality are the same as ASME & ASME III discussedearlier in this section. The following screen shows a completed Custom DAC/TVG.

Once the Custom DAC Curve points have been captured and completed, the operator has fullcapability to toggle between DAC and TVG views, manipulate Range, Delay, Zero (Offset),and Angle, and also to add necessary scanning gain, curve gain adjustment or transfercorrection. The TVG view of any Custom DAC Curve includes the user-defined referencecurves as well as the primary DAC curve. Custom DAC Curve also incorporates the referencecorrection functionality, if desired.


10.2.11 TVG Table OptionDAC/TVG’s TVG Table option for the EPOCH XT is a powerful tool designed to facilitatemanual definition of TVG setups, including gain manipulation, fine gain adjustment, and TVGpoint addition or deletion. The TVG Table option is the only feature in DAC/TVG that isexclusively TVG and does not toggle between a DAC and TVG view. The TVG Table functionof the EPOCH XT visually displays the slope of the change in gain across the defined screenrange using a line, allowing the operator to easily visualize the relationship between theindications and any custom gain modifications made during the TVG Table setup. TheEPOCH XT TVG Table function has a number of primary uses.

10.2.11.1 Immersion Inspection

One of the main uses for the TVG Table function is in immersion setups. A standard TVGcurve can be created using a reference block to aid in flaw sizing prior to immersioninspection. However, the interface echo during an immersion inspection can be very high inamplitude, which can severely decrease the near-surface inspection capabilities of theinstrument. Using a TVG Table, the operator can manually adjust the gain in the screen rangeright around the interface echo to suppress the effects of the interface echo. Other echoes nearthe surface are then easier to see and size.

10.2.11.2 Manual TVG Setup

In many circumstances, a part must be inspected for flaws using a TVG curve to determine therejectability of any flaws found within the part, but the part is too large or expensive to have a

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reference block of equal size and composition. The TVG Table feature allows the operator tomanually add points along the TVG curve and manipulate the gain slope across the screenrange to create an accurate TVG curve without a reference block (typically this isaccomplished using the DGS diagram that corresponds to the particular material andtransducer being used).

10.2.11.3 Highly Attenuating Material

In many highly attenuating materials, such as many composites, it takes a large amount of gainto successfully penetrate to the backwall of a particular part. This high level of gain can causesignificant noise in nearer areas of the part and completely obscure any potential defects in thebeginning half of the inspected material. A TVG Table can be used to modify the gainthroughout the part to allow for clear visibility of the backwall for thickness measurement andclearer inspection of near-surface reflectors. An initial gain can be established and a slopedefined to ramp the gain up from the interface of the part to the backwall.

10.2.12TVG Table SetupThe TVG Table option can be used simply to define a TVG curve using a test block and sizereflectors without ever entering and/or editing specific TVG points. This operation is similar toany of the DAC setups described earlier in this section.

To activate and define the TVG Table feature of DAC/TVG, including customized TVG point setup

1. Enter the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab. 2. Select DAC and press the right arrow key.3. Select TVG Table and press the [MEAS/RESET] key to return to the live screen.4. The operator may now begin capturing points using Gate 1 and the [F1] key. This is

shown in progress in the following screen:


Alternatively, the operator can press the [F5] (Edit) key to enter the TVG Table:

The previous screen shows the live A-scan with an empty TVG Table below it.

To build a TVG Table

1. Press [F1] (Add) to add a point to the TVG Table. This will become Point No. 1.2. Press [ENTER] to select the position adjustment. The instrument shows depth in time-of-

flight (TOF) and in the selected unit (in. or mm). These are tied together for adjustment

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purposes. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor across the top of the screen to the firstTVG point.

3. Press [ENTER] to select the gain adjustment (dB from REF). Use the arrow keys to adjustthe gain from REF setting. A TVG line will appear on the screen as a visual reference toshow the gain level. In relation to the TVG line, the Y-Axis scale is 0 dB to 110 dB, or thetotal dynamic range of the TVG system.

4. The operator may continue to Add or Insert points as needed to complete the TVG Table.The following screen shows a TVG Table with 19 points. The operator can setup as manyas 50 points.

5. The TVG Table displays each point (from left to right on the screen) in sequential orderfrom top to bottom in the table. The point’s corresponding soundpath time (in µs), distancemeasurement (in inches or millimeters, if applicable), and gain level is displayed acrossthe screen.

6. At any time during the TVG Table setup, the operator may press [F5] (Exit) to return tothe live screen with the TVG Table in its current state. This allows Range, Delay, Zero(Offset), etc., to be adjusted as needed. The operator can then press [F5] (Exit) again toreturn to the TVG Table setup.

7. Once the TVG Table has been created, the operator must press [F5] (Exit), followed by[F4] (Done). This completes the setup and locks the table. It cannot be edited further. Anillustration of a completed TVG Table follows in two screens. This setup is designed topermit good near- and far-surface resolution by minimizing the initial pulse size and thebackwall echo size. This setup also permits easy monitoring of the backwall echoamplitude using Gate 2.


10.3 DGS/AVG

10.3.1 DescriptionThe Onboard DGS/AVG option in the EPOCH XT permits complete DGS/AVG setups to beperformed on the instrument. With the DGS/AVG method the operator can size defects basedupon a calculated DGS/AVG curve for a given transducer, material, and reflector size. This

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method requires that the operator only have one reference reflector in order to create a DGScurve for flaw sizing. This is much different than the DAC or TVG method that requires thatthe operator have representative defects at various depths within a part in order to create acurve for flaw sizing.

In order for the operator to setup DGS/AVG curves on the instrument very quickly,Olympus NDT has developed a transducer library that is stored in the instrument’s memory.This library contains the entire Atlas Series European specification transducers as well asseveral other transducers that are commonly used by inspectors. The library includes fivecategories:

1. Straight Contact (includes protected face)2. Angle Beam Transducers3. Dual Transducers4. Custom Straight Contact5. Custom Angle Beam

All required data for building DGS/AVG curves is stored in the instrument’s memory for eachtransducer in the library. If an operator would like to use a probe that is not in the defaultlibrary, he/she can enter the required transducer characteristics in the GageView Pro InterfaceProgram and download them to the EPOCH XT. Probes that are downloaded to the instrumentappear in the Custom Transducers section of the Transducer library.

The Onboard DGS/AVG option provides the operator with rapid setup times and easy flaw sizeevaluation. This software option has been designed to meet the requirements of EN 583-2:2001. It is extremely important that the operator be familiar with this specification andothers, and is qualified according to local standards to properly use this instrument function.Since the curves used for defect sizing are calculated based upon many variables, a properinstrument setup is required for accurate results.

10.3.2 Option ActivationBefore activating the DGS/AVG option, the operator must properly set up the EPOCH XT’sPulser/Receiver settings for the transducer that will be used. The operator should also performan instrument calibration.

To activate the DGS/AVG option after the instrument is properly setup and calibrated

1. The DGS/AVG option is activated in the EPOCH XT’s [MEAS SETUP] menu > Optionstab. The operator must select DGS, press the [ENTER] key, and press [F2] (On).


2. The operator must then choose the transducer and reference reflector that will be used forthe DGS AVG setup. The operator can navigate through the Transducer library easily. a) Under Probe Type, the operator must select the proper library. For the example used

in this manual, we have selected Library Straight Beam. Press down to continue.b) Under Probe List, the instrument will display all probes in the selected library. The

operator must scroll through the list and select the probe. Press down to continue.c) Under Reflector Type, the operator will find all of the potential reference reflectors

for the chosen probe. For straight beam and dual probes, the available reflectors are:

Backwall Side-drilled hole (SDH) – The operator must enter the reflector size.

For angle beam probes, the available reflectors are: K1-IIW Block Arc – If this option is selected, the operator will be prompted toenter a Delta Vk value later in the setup procedure. This value comes from theDGS Diagram for the selected probe. K2-DSC Block Arc – If this option is selected, the operator will be prompted toenter a Delta Vk value later in the setup procedure. This value comes from theDGS Diagram for the selected probe. Side-Drilled Hole (SDH) – The operator must enter the reflector size. Flat-Bottom Hole (FBH) – The operator must enter the reflector size.

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3. The operator must now adjust several DGS/AVG setup parameters so the instrument candraw the curves accurately. A screen of this menu is shown as follows:

DeltaVk (not shown above, used for Angle-Beam Setup) – Correction value forangle beam transducers. This value is located on the DGS/AVG diagram for theselected transducer.DeltaVt – Transfer Correction. This value is used to compensate in amplitudedifferences as a result of coupling variation (surface condition) from the


calibration block to the test piece. EN 583-2:2001 provides methods forcalculating transfer correction.Registration Level – This is the height of the main DGS/AVG curve. The curverepresents the amplitude from a flat-bottom hole with a diameter of theRegistration Level at different depths. This is usually equal to the critical flawsize for the application.Warning Level – This is the position of the secondary DGS/AVG “warning”curve compared to the position of the main DGS/AVG curve. If this value is setto zero, the warning curve will be turned off.AcvSpecimen – This is the attenuation value in dB/m for the test piece(specimen). In some cases, it is necessary to calculate the relative attenuationwithin the test piece and enter the value here.AcvCalBlock – This is the attenuation value in dB/m for the calibration block. Insome cases, it is necessary to calculate the relative attenuation within thecalibration block and enter the value here.

The operator must use the up and down arrow keys to move from one parameter to thenext. The left and right arrow keys are used for adjusting the individual settings.When this is complete, the operator must press the [MEAS/RESET] key to continue.

4. Capture the reference reflector.

Note: Trained operators must be aware of when it is necessary to apply values toAcvSpecimen and AcvCalBlock. These values affect the shape of the DGS/AVG curveand will, therefore, affect the accuracy of defect sizing. A suggested method for themeasurement of relative attenuation can be found later in this manual.

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After pressing [MEAS/RESET] at the DGS/AVG Setup menu, the operator will be brought tothe live A-scan screen similar to the previous screen. The operator must bring the echo fromthe reference reflector to 80% full-screen height and press the [F1] (Ref) key to capture theecho. Once the reference echo has been captured, the instrument will adjust the gain as neededand draw the DGS/AVG curves on the screen. This is shown in the following screen:


In the view above, the instrument range has been adjusted to properly position the DGS/AVGcurves on the screen. This screen shows the main DGS/AVG curve and a warning curve at –6 dB.

10.3.3 Relative Attenuation MeasurementThere are several methods for measuring the ultrasonic attenuation within a material. Often theprocedure is designed to measure absolute attenuation in a material. This usually requires animmersion test setup and a time-consuming set of measurements. For the purpose of flawsizing with the DGS/AVG method, it may be suitable in many conditions to measure relativeattenuation in your test piece or calibration block as needed. This section outlines one methodof relative attenuation measurement that is simple and has been found to be generally effective.There might be more suitable methods available. The operator must decide the mostappropriate method to arrive at the values for AcvSpecimen and AcvCalBlock based on theapplication and local requirements.

Note: Equivalent flat-bottom-hole size measurement is being used. This isestablished in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meas tab. The operator may also use theOvershoot (OS) measurement to compare echo height to the DGS/AVG curve in dB.Transfer Correction (DeltaVt) is adjustable on the live screen. Registration Level (Reg) isadjustable on the live screen.

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Measurements:

Vg = Gain difference between two successive backwall echoes (d and 2d)

Ve = From DGS/AVG diagram. Gain difference on backwall curve from d to 2d

Calculations:

Vs = Vg - Ve [mm]

Sound Attenuation Coefficient Vs / 2d * 1000 [dB/m]

10.4 AWS D1.1/D1.5

10.4.1 OverviewThe AWS D1.1 Software Option for the EPOCH XT has been created to assist operatorsperforming inspections covered under the American Welding Society D1.1 (or D1.5) StructuralWelding Code for steel. This code provides inspectors with a method to classify discontinuitiesfound in welds using ultrasonic inspection. This code uses the following formula to develop anindication rating for a reflector found during an inspection:

A – B – C = D

A = Discontinuity Indication Level (dB)

B = Reference Indication Level (dB)

C = Attenuation Factor: 2*(soundpath in inches – 1 in.) (dB)

D = Indication Rating (dB)

The AWS D1.1 inspector must take the Indication Rating (D) that is calculated based on A, B,and C to an “Ultrasonic Acceptance – Rejection Criteria” table produced by the AWS in orderto classify the severity of the discontinuity that has been located. As an inspection isperformed, the operator is required to develop an AWS report that lists the values for allvariables listed above as well as transducer information, discontinuity length and location, andthe inspector’s overall evaluation of the discontinuity.

For further details regarding the test equipment, methods, interpretation, and classificationrequirements for these inspections, please refer to the AWS D1.1 Code Book.

Δ

Δ

Δ Δ Δ

α Δ=


10.4.2 AWS D1.1 and the EPOCH XTOlympus NDT has developed the AWS D1.1 Software Option for the EPOCH XT with thegoal of simplifying inspector tasks and lowering the overall inspection time. This isaccomplished by having the EPOCH XT perform some required calculations automaticallyand also by permitting the inspector to document discontinuities in the EPOCH XT’sdatalogger for reporting purposes.

The EPOCH XT can also transfer inspection data to the GageView Pro Interface Program toaid in report generation. This program allows the inspector to view the instrument’s setupparameters, the waveform generated by a discontinuity, the discontinuity’s soundpath andlocation information, and all values for the AWS D1.1 formula variables.

10.4.3 Operating the AWS D1.1 SoftwareThe first step in operating the EPOCH XT for AWS D1.1 inspections is to calibrate theinstrument for the transducer and test conditions. For information on the Angle BeamCalibration of the EPOCH XT, see the calibration section of this manual or the appropriateguidelines from the American Welding Society.

The AWS D1.1 Software Option is activated in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab asshown below:

When AWS D1.1 is activated, the function keys on the EPOCH XT will take the followingassignments:

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• [F1]: REF – The operator can store the REF B dB value from a reference reflector.• [F2]: No Function.• [F3]: No Function.• [F4]: Scan dB – The operator can toggle the scanning gain between an operator-selected

value and zero dB.• [F5]: AUTO–80 – The operator can bring a gated signal to 80% FSH.

After activation, the operator must set a REF B value in order to begin an inspection. Thisnumber represents the gain level necessary to bring the echo from a reference reflector to 80%full-screen height (FSH). The reference reflector will often be a side-drilled hole in thecalibration block used for the angle beam calibration. Other reference reflectors may be usedprovided that they meet AWS requirements for these inspections

In order to store a REF B value, the operator must gate the echo from the reference reflectorand bring the echo to 80% FSH. This can be done by pressing the [GAIN] key and adjustingthe gain with the up and down arrow keys, or by pressing [F5] to automatically adjust the gainto bring the echo to 80% FSH. Once the echo has the appropriate amplitude, press [F1] to storethe value.

10.4.3.1 Adding Scanning Gain

AWS codes require that an operator enter a certain amount of scanning gain to the REF B dBvalue. In doing so the operator can locate flaws that may be smaller or deeper into the testpiece than the reference flaw. By pressing the [GAIN] key, the operator can enter the amount


of scanning gain necessary to perform the inspection as outlined by the AWS Code. Once thescanning gain has been set up, the operator can press the [F4] key to toggle the scanning gainon and off as necessary.

When a discontinuity has been located within the test piece, the EPOCH XT will provide theoperator with a D value corresponding to the discontinuity. However, in order to display a Dvalue, the gated echo must peak at an amplitude less than 110% FSH. Often, the operator willsimply have to press the [F4] key to turn off the scanning gain and to bring the echo peak ontothe screen. In some cases, further gain adjustments may be necessary.

10.4.3.2 Calculating A and C Values

When a gated echo, whose peak is below 100% FSH, is present, the EPOCH XT willautomatically calculate the A and C values necessary to provide a D value to the operator. ForA, the EPOCH XT automatically calculates the required dB value to bring the gated echo to80% FSH. To calculate C, the EPOCH XT uses the data in the soundpath calculator to generatean attenuation factor.

Note: In order for this calculation to be accurate, the operator must enter thecorrect thickness for the test piece. The EPOCH XT will display the value for D in themeasurement box chosen for the AWS D1.1 Rating. This is setup in the [MEAS SETUP]menu > Meas tab. An example of this is seen in the following illustration

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.

10.4.3.3 Documentation

By pressing the [SAVE] key on the EPOCH XT, the operator can now save the datafor this discontinuity in the EPOCH XT Datalogger. At the bottom of an ID savedwith AWS D1.1 active, the operator will see the values for A, B, C, and D. This data isviewable in the File Review Window.

Note: While using the EPOCH XT and the AWS D1.1 Software Option, it is theresponsibility of the operator to take into account any inspection conditions that couldcause variation in the displayed Indication Rating (D value). It is the responsibility of theoperator to interpret the meaning of echo indications and reported D values correspondingto these indications properly.

Cable Assembly 165

Appendix A: Cable Assembly

166 Appendix A

Sound Velocities 167

Appendix B: Sound Velocities

The table below lists the ultrasonic velocity in a variety of common materials. This is only aguide. The actual velocity in these materials might vary significantly due to a variety of causes,such as composition, preferred crystallographic orientation, porosity, and temperature. Formaximum accuracy, establish the sound velocity in a given material by first testing a sample ofthe material.

Table 12 Ultrasonic Velocities in a Variety of Common Materials

Material V (in./µsec) V (m/sec)

Acrylic resin (Perspex) 0.107 2730

Aluminum 0.249 6320

Beryllium 0.508 12900

Brass, naval 0.174 4430

Copper 0.183 4660

Diamond 0.709 18000

Glycerin 0.076 1920

Inconel® 0.229 5820

Iron, Cast (slow) 0.138 3500

Iron, Cast (fast) 0.220 5600

Iron oxide (magnetite) 0.232 5890

Lead 0.085 2160

168 Appendix B

Lucite® 0.106 2680

Molybdenum 0.246 6250

Motor oil (SAE 20/30) 0.069 1740

Nickel, pure 0.222 5630

Polyamide (slow) 0.087 2200

Nylon, fast 0.102 2600

Polyethylene, high density (HDPE) 0.097 2460

Polyethylene, low density (LDPE) 0.082 2080

Polystyrene 0.092 2340

Polyvinylchloride, (PVC, hard) 0.094 2395

Rubber (polybutadiene) 0.063 1610

Silicon 0.379 9620

Silicone 0.058 1485

Steel, 1020 0.232 5890

Steel, 4340 0.230 5850

Steel, 302 austenitic stainless 0.223 5660

Steel, 347 austenitic stainless 0.226 5740

Tin 0.131 3320

Titanium, Ti 150A 0.240 6100

Tungsten 0.204 5180

Water (20°C) 0.0580 1480

Zinc 0.164 4170

Zirconium 0.183 4650

Table 12 Ultrasonic Velocities in a Variety of Common Materials (continued)

Material V (in./µsec) V (m/sec)

Sound Velocities 169

References

1. Folds, D. L. “Experimental Determination of Ultrasonic Wave Velocities in Plastics,Elastomers, and Syntactic Foam as a Function of Temperature.” Naval Research andDevelopment Laboratory. Panama City, Florida, 1971.

2. Fredericks, J. R. Ultrasonic Engineering. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1965.3. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Cleveland, Ohio: Chemical Rubber Co., 1963.4. Mason, W. P. Physical Acoustics and the Properties of Solids. New York: D.Van Nostrand

Co., 1958.5. Papadakis, E. P. Panametrics - unpublished notes, 1972.

170 Appendix B

Glossary 171

Appendix C: Glossary

Table 13 Glossary

Term Definition

Acoustic Impedance A material property defined as the product of sound velocity (C) and the material’s density (d).

Acoustic Interface The boundary between two media of different acoustic impedance.

Acoustic Zero The point on the CRT display that represents the entry surface of the specimen.

Amplifier An electronic device that increases the strength of a signal fed into it by obtaining power from a source other than the input signal.

Amplitude Referring to an indication on the CRT screen, the vertical height of an indication measured from the lowest to the highest point on the indication. In wave motion, the maximum displacement of the particles of the material.

Angle Beam Transducer A transducer that transmits or receives the acoustic energy at an angle to the surface to set up shear waves or surface waves in the part being inspected.

172 Appendix C

A-scan Pulse-echo format wherein the CRT display shows the pulse travel time in the horizontal direction (left to right) representing the corresponding sound paths. The vertical direction (bottom to top) displays the maximum value of the acoustic pressure echo amplitude received by the probe.

Attenuation The loss in acoustic energy that occurs between any two points of travel. This loss may be due to absorption, reflection, and other phenomena.

Attenuation (M.L.A.) The loss of sound pressure in a travelling wavefront caused by the scattering of some of the wave’s sound pressure by the grain structure and/or porosity of the medium, and by absorption, a conversion of sound energy into heat.

Back or Backwall Echo The echo received from the side of the specimen opposite the side to which the transducer is coupled. This echo represents the thickness of the specimen at that point.

Background Noise Extraneous signals caused by sources within the ultrasonic testing system and the material being tested.

Beam Index Point The point on the base of an angle beam probe’s wedge from which the sound leaves the wedge and enters the specimen.

Cal Block Velocity Material sound velocity for the calibration block.

Couplant A material (usually a liquid or gel) used between the transducer and the test specimen to eliminate air from this space and thus facilitate the passage of sound waves into and out of the specimen.

Critical Defect Either the largest tolerable defect or the smallest intolerable defect. The critical defect size is usually given by a specification or code.

Table 13 Glossary (continued)

Term Definition

Glossary 173

Cross Talk An unwanted condition affecting dual element transducers in which acoustic energy travels from the transmitting crystal to the receiving crystal by routes other than the intended path through the material.

Damping (Control) A variable resistance across the pulser circuit output which shapes the excitation pulse. Typically it is used to change pulse characteristics to optimize either penetration (low damping) or near surface resolution (high damping).

Note: High damping = Low damping ohms (50 Ω)Low damping = High damping ohms (400 Ω)

Damping Material Any gel, rubber-like substance, or other material which, when used in the transducer, results in a shorter ringing time of the piezoelectric crystal.

Decibel (dB) A unit which compares levels of power. Two power levels P1 and P2, are said to differ by n decibels when: n = 10

log10

This unit is often used to express sound intensities. In this case, P2 is the intensity of the sound under consideration and P1 is the intensity of some reference level.In the case of the displayed voltages on a cathode ray tube screen, the relationship becomes:

n = 20 log10

Delay Control Subcircuit of the sweep generator that allows a variably adjustable time period from the sending of the trigger pulse to the start of the sweep across the CRT.

Detectability The ability of a test system (instrument and transducer) to detect or “see” a given size reflector. This is also known as “sensitivity.”


Term Definition

P2P1------⎝ ⎠⎛ ⎞

V2V1------⎝ ⎠⎛ ⎞

174 Appendix C

Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC)

A method of flaw evaluation that uses a test block with a known size reflector at varying known distances from the transducer. This allows you to plot a curve on the CRT screen that represents the amplitude of that size reflector throughout a given distance range. This curve compensates for the loss of energy due to beam spreading and attenuation.

Dual-Element Probe A probe containing two piezoelectric elements, one which transmits and one which receives.

Dynamic Range The ratio of maximum to minimum reflective areas that can be distinguished on the cathode ray tube (usually based on decibel ratios).

Electronic Zero The point in time when the pulser fires the initial pulse to the transducer and the point on the cathode ray tube screen where the electron beam leaves the baseline due to the initial pulse signal coming from the transmitter.

First Critical Angle The minimum incident angle in the first medium at which the refracted longitudinal wave is eliminated from the test specimen.

Flaw A discontinuity that may be undesirable but does not necessarily call for rejection.

Frequency The number of complete cycles undergone or produced by an oscillating body in one second.

Gain Used in electronics with reference to an increase in signal power; usually expressed as the ratio of the output power (for example, of an amplifier) to the input power in decibels.

Gain (Control) Selects the amount of calibrated gain (dB) available within the instrument. Usually consists of a coarse gain control (additions at 20 dB increments), and a fine gain (additions at 1 or 2 dB increments).


Term Definition

Glossary 175

Gate An electronic baseline display used to electronically monitor portions of the displayed range with reference to distance or amplitude.

Hertz (Hz) The derived unit of frequency defined as the frequency of a periodic phenomenon of which the period is one second; equal to one cycle per second. Symbol Hz. 1 Kilohertz (KHz) = 103 cycles per second1 Megahertz (Mhz) = 106 cycles per second.

Horizontal A The smaller length (if rectangular) of the actual crystal. The software will compute the affective length automatically.

Immersion Testing A test method, useful for testing irregularly shaped parts, in which the part to be tested is immersed in water (or other liquid) so that the liquid acts as a couplant. The search unit is also immersed in the liquid, but not in contact with the part being tested.

Incidence, Angle of The angle between a sound beam striking an acoustic interface and the normal (that is, perpendicular) to the surface at that point. Usually designated by the Greek symbol α (alpha).

Indication The signal displayed on the screen signifying the presence of a sound wave reflector in the part being tested.

Indication (Defect) Level The number of decibels of calibrated gain which must be set on the instrument to bring the indication (defect) echo signal to peak at the reference line on the screen.

Initial Pulse (IP) The pulse of electrical energy sent by the pulser to the transducer.

Leg In angle beam testing, the path the shear wave travels in a straight line before being reflected by the opposite surface of the material being tested.


Term Definition

176 Appendix C

Linearity, Vertical or Amplitude

The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system indicating its ability to respond in a proportional manner to a range of echo amplitudes produced by specified reflectors.

Linearity, Horizontal or Distance

The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system indicating its ability to respond in a proportional manner to a range of echo signals, produced by specified reflectors, variable in time, usually a series of multiple back reflections.

Longitudinal Wave Mode of wave propagation characterized by particle movement parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Main Bang Term used to describe the Initial Pulse Voltage.

Mode Conversion Changing a portion of a sound beam’s energy into a wave of a different mode due to refraction at incident angles other than zero degrees. In NDT, this usually involves conversion of longitudinal waves into shear waves or surface waves.

Peaking Up Maximizing the height of any indication displayed on the CRT screen by positioning the main axis of the sound beam directly over the reflector.

Penetration The ability of the test system to overcome material loss attenuation, that is, the ability of the sound beam to by-pass small reflectors such as grain boundaries and porosity in the specimen.

Piezoelectric Elements A family of materials (such as lead metaniobate, quartz, lithium sulfate) that possess the characteristic ability to produce: a) A voltage differential across their faces when deformed by an externally applied mechanical force, and b) A change in their own physical configuration (dimensions) when an external voltage is applied to them.

Probe Another name for transducer or search unit

Pulse Repetition Rate or Pulse Repetition Frequency

The frequency with which the clock circuit sends its trigger pulses to the sweep generator and the transmitter, usually quoted in terms of pulses per second (pps).


Term Definition

Glossary 177

Range The distance represented by the entire horizontal CRT screen display.

Receiver That circuit of a flaw detector that receives both the initial pulse voltage from the transmitter and the returning echoes (as voltages) from the transducer. By passing these incoming signals through certain subcircuits, the signals are rectified, filtered and amplified with the results send to the screen for display.

Reference Echo The echo from a reference reflector.

Reference Level The number of decibels of calibrated gain which must be set on the instrument to bring the reference reflector signal to peak at the reference line on the screen.

Reference Line A predetermined horizontal line (usually dictated by specifications) on the screen representing some percentage of total screen height, at which reference echoes and indication echoes are compared.

Reference Reflector A reflector of known size (geometry) at a known distance, such as a flat-bottom hole.

Refraction, Angle of The angle of sound reflection in the wedge which is equal to the angle of incidence (also in the wedge.) The angle of reflectance is measured from the normal to the reflected sound beam.

Registration The minimum detectable flaw size.

Reject (Control) Also known as suppression, it limits the input sensitivity of the amplifier in the receiver. “Grass” or scattering noise can be reduced or eliminated from the screen by its use. On most analog instruments it also destroys the vertical linearity relationship between echo heights.

Resolution The ability of the test system (instrument and transducer) to distinguish reflectors at slightly different depths.


Term Definition

178 Appendix C

Scanning Level The number of dB’s of calibrated gain above the reference level added to insure seeing potentially significant reflectors at the end of the V-path in a weld inspection.

Second Critical Angle The minimum incident angle in the first medium at which the refracted shear wave leaves the body of the test specimen.

Sensitivity The ability of the test system (instrument and transducer) to detect a given size reflector at a given distance.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio The ratio of amplitudes and indications from the smallest defect considered significant and those caused by random factors, such as grain scattering or instrument noise.

Single Element Probe A probe containing only one piezoelectric element, which is used to both transmit and receive sound.

Skip-Distance In angle beam testing, the surface distance which represents one V-path of sound in the material.

Sound Beam The characteristic shape of the ultrasonic wave sent into the material.

Sound Path Distance The distance from the transducer beam index point to the reflector located in the specimen, measured along the actual path that the sound travels. Sometimes referred to as angular distance in angle beam testing.

Straight Beam Probe (Normal Beam Probe)

A probe which transmits the sound into the material perpendicular to the entry surface.

Surface Wave Mode of wave propagation characterized by an elliptical movement of the particles (molecules) on the surface of the specimen as the wavefront moves forward, this movement penetrating the specimen to a depth of one wavelength.


Term Definition

Glossary 179

Through Transmission A test method in which the vibrations emitted by one search unit are directed toward, and received by, another search unit. The ratio between quantity of vibration sent and received is a measure of the integrity, or quality of the material being tested.

Time Varied Gain (TVG) Circuit that automatically adjusts gain so that the echo amplitude of a given size reflector is displayed at a constant screen height regardless of the distance to that given size reflector.

Transducer A device that transforms one form of energy into another.

Transmitter Circuit of the flaw detector that sends the initial pulse voltage to both the transducer and receiver.

Ultrasonic Of or relating to frequencies above the human audible range; e.g., above 20,000 cycles/sec. (Hertz).

Ultrasonics Study of pressure waves which are of the same nature as sound waves, but which have frequencies above the human audible limit, i.e., above 20,000 cycles/sec. (Hertz).

V-Path The angular distance sound travels, measured from the top surface of the material to the bottom, and reflecting back up to the top surface.

Vertical B The larger length (if rectangular) of the actual crystal. The software will compute the “affective length” automatically.

Wavelength The distance between like points on successive wavefronts; i.e., the distance between any two successive particles of the oscillating medium that are in the same phase. It is denoted by the Greek letter λ (lambda).


Term Definition

180 Appendix C

EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical Specifications 181

Appendix D: EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical Specifications

Table 14 Instrument Technical Specifications

EPOCH XT Technical Specifications

Description

Acceptance Criteria Symbol Units Min Typical Max

Technical Specific-ationTest

Parameter

Condition and Comment

EN12668-1

INSTRUMENT

Size In 10.91x7.35x2.79

Weight w/battery lbs 4.5

Storage Temp w/battery °C -20 60

wo/battery °C -40 70

Operating Temp

w/battery °C -30 50

Warmup period

@25°C min 30

Power supplies

Battery (main)

External power

182 Appendix D

Voltage range for battery operation

LiON battery

V 9 10.8 12

NiMH battery

10 12 14

6 xC pack alkaline battery

6 9 9.5

6 xC pack NiMH battery

6 7.2 8.4

Voltage range with external power supply

V 23.5 24 24.5

Power consumption

W 6 7 11

Environment-al protection

IP67

Shock resistivity

Tests to be performed

TBD

Vibration Tests to be performed

TBD

Battery Operating Time

LiON battery (Smart)

hour 9.5 10 10.5

NiMH hour 5

6 xC cell alkaline

hour 2

6 xC cell NiMH

hour 2.3

Stability after warmup time

After 30 min.

9.3.2

Amplitude <|±2| % 0.5 0.5 1 |±1|

Time of Flight

<|±1| % 0.02 0.02 0.05 |±5|

Table 14 Instrument Technical Specifications (continued)


Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Stability against temperature variation

8.2 <|±5| %/10°C

0 0.5 1 |±2.5|

8.2 <|±1| %/10°C

0.002

0.05 0.03 |±5|

Stability against voltage variation

Amplitude 9.3.4 <|±2| % 0.5 0.5 0.5 |±1|

Time of flight

9.3.4 <|±1| % 0.002

0.002 0.05 |±0/5|

Low battery warning

No warning w/C-cell batteries

yes

Type of Sockets

Probe connection

BNC/LEMO

I/O interface USB client/host

Alarm outputs

16-pin LEM conn

External power supply

Minipower jack

Switch-craft 712A

Case VALOX Plastic

Documentation Technical reference manual

Transmitter

Shape Square wave pulse



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

184 Appendix D

Frequency band

MHz 1

MHz 2

MHz 4

MHz 5

MHz 10

MHz 12.5

MHz 20

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.1

(F=1.0 MHz) Energy=50VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.2

Energy=475V; Damp=50

8.3.4 Fig.3

Energy=475V; Damp=400

8.3.4 Fig.4

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.5


8.3.4 Fig.6

Energy=475VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.7

Energy=475VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.8

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.9


8.3.4 Fig.10



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Energy=475VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.11

Energy=475VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.12

Transmitter (cont.)

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.13


8.3.4 Fig.14

Energy=475VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.15

Energy=475VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.16

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.17

(F=10.0 MHz)

Energy=50VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.18

Energy=475VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.19

Energy=475VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.20

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.21

(F=12.5 MHz)

Energy=50VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.22

Energy=300Damp=50

8.3.4 Fig.23

Energy=300Damp=400

8.3.4 Fig.24



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

186 Appendix D

Spectrum for square

Energy=50VDamp=50

8.3.4 Fig.25

(F=20.0 MHz)

Energy=50VDamp=400

8.3.4 Fig.26

Energy=300Damp=50

8.3.4 Fig.27

Energy=300Damp=400

8.3.4 Fig.28

Transmitter (cont.)

Damping 50

63

150

400

Energy V 50

V 100

V 150

V 200

V 300

V 400

V 475

Pulse Repetition Frequency

8.3.2 Hz 10 Opti-mum

1000



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω


Pulse Repetition Frequency in Manual Mode

Range<80µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 999.9

1000 1000.1

1000

Range<200 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 529.9

540 540.1 540

Range<500 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 259.9

260 260.1 260

Range<1000 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 139.9

140 140.1 140

Range<2000 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 69.9 70 70.1 70

Range<30000 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 39.9 40 40.1 40

Range<4000 µS

8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 29.9 30 30.1 30

Operating modes

Pulse-Echo test mode

Dual test mode

Through test mode

Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse

Pulse voltage Damping =50 ; energy=475V;freq=1MHz;PRF=10 Hz

9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 275 250 225 250±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%

Effective output impedance

8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

188 Appendix D


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 15 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 275 250 225 250±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 8 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 3 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω



9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 225 250 275 250±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%

Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse (cont.)


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 18 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 225 250 275 250±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

190 Appendix D


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 3 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 270 295 330 300±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 12 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 15 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%




Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω



9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 270 295 330 300±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 3 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 270 295 330 300±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 15 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

192 Appendix D


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 15 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%


9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 270 295 330 300±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%



9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 29 32 35 32±10%

Pulse rise time

9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 3 <25

Pulse duration

9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 45 50 55 50±10%


8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 24 30 36 30±20%

Receiver

Crosstalk damping from transmitter to receiver

8.4.2 >=80 dB 83 90 92 >80



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω

Ω


Accuracy of calibrated attenuator

Fine gain attenuator

9.5.4 <|±1| dB -0.2 0 0.2 |±0.5|

Course gain attenuator

9.5.4 <|±2| dB |0.1| |0.2| |0.33| |±1.5|

Amplifier Frequency

Filter 0.2 MHz-1.2 MHz

Lower frequency range

9.5.2 TI MHz 0.2

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 0.57

Upper frequency range

9.5.2 fµ MHz 1.21

Center frequency range

9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 0.49 0.48

Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS f MHz 1.02 1.0

Amplifier Frequency (cont.)

Filter 0.5 MHz-4 MHz


9.5.2 TI MHz 0.47

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 2.25


9.5.2 fµ MHz 4.06


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 1.39 1.4





Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Δ

Δ

194 Appendix D


9.5.2 TI MHz 1.49

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 4.85


9.5.2 fµ MHz 8.46


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 3.55 3.6




9.5.2 TI MHz 4.80

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 9.89


9.5.2 fµ MHz 14.86


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 8.45 8.45

Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS f MHz 10.00 10




9.5.2 TI MHz 7.9

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 15


9.5.2 fµ MHz 26.4



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Δ

Δ



9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 14.44 14.6

Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS f MHz 18 18.0

Filter 2.0 MHz-21.5 MHz - Broadband


9.5.2 TI MHz 1.87

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 6.6


9.5.2 fµ MHz 21.0


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 6.27 6.3


Filter 2.0 MHz - ”Axle Inspection FR”


9.5.2 TI MHz 1.69

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 2.22


9.5.2 fµ MHz 2.74


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 2.16 2.2.



Filter 3.0 MHz -”Axle Inspection FR”



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Δ

Δ

Δ

196 Appendix D


9.5.2 TI MHz 2.8

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 3.42


9.5.2 fµ MHz 4.04


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 3.37 3.4


Filter 5.0 MHz -”Axle Inspection FR”


9.5.2 TI MHz 4.25

Max frequency

9.5.2 fmax MHz 5.04


9.5.2 fµ MHz 6.53


9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 5.27 5.2


Dynamic Range



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Δ

Δ


Fo= 0.5 MHz Filter 0.2 MHz-1.2 MHz

8.4.4 >=100 dB 120 106


8.4.4 >=100 dB 117


8.4.4 >=100 dB 114

Fo= 8.45 MHz


8.4.4 >=100 dB 115

Fo= 14.6 MHz


8.4.4 >=100 dB 109


8.4.4 >=100 dB 109

Fo= 2.2 MHz Filter 2.0 MHz

8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120


8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120


8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120

Equivalent Input Noise



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

198 Appendix D


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

38.4 44.1 72


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

25.3 46.6


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

26.7 49.3

Fo= 8.45 MHz


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

29.1 50

Fo= 14.6 MHz


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

33.5 56


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

28.5 49.2


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

29.5 30.9


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

27.4 35.6


9.5.3 <80 nin nVHz

27.6 33.2

Dead Time After Transmitter Pulse



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

ν

ν

ν

ν

ν

ν

ν

ν

ν



8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.27 1.00 2.0


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.27 1.00


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.25 0.27

Fo= 8.45 MHz


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.28 1.00

Fo= 14.6 MHz


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.54 1.00


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.28 0.54


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.02 0.25


8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.04 0.25

Receiver Input Impedance

Dual Mode, Through Mode

Rmax@Gain=Max

|Rmax-Rmin|/Rmax=R_D<=0.1@F=4MHz

8.4.5 Rmax 461 464 R_D<=0.05

Rmax@Gain=Min

8.4.5 Rmin 461 464

Cmax@Gain=Max

|Cmax-Cmin|/Cmax=C_D<=0.15@F=4MHz

8.4.5 Cmax pF 104 105 C_D<=0.075

Cmax@Gain=Min

8.4.5 Cmin pF 103



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω

200 Appendix D

P/E Mode

Rmax@Gain=Max

|Rmax-Rmin|/Rmax=R_PE<=0.1@F=4MHz

8.4.5 <=0.1 Rmax 152 162 R_PE<=0.1

Rmax@Gain=Min

8.4.5 Rmin 152 162

Cmax@Gain=Max

|Cmax-Cmin|/Cmax=C_PE<=0.15

8.4.5 <=0.15 Cmax pF 128 132 C_PE<=0.075

Cmax@Gain=Min

8.4.5 Cmin pF 128 132

Monitor

Number of Gates

2

Alarm Logic Off

Pos

Neg

Mindep

Alarm Warning

Beeper, alarm outputs, visual

Audio

Gate measurement points

edge

peak

first peak



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

Ω

Ω


Start (gate) Steel longitud-inal velocity

mm 0 within range

12700

Steel longitud-inal velocity

in 0 within range

500

µS 0 within range

4500

Width (gate) Steel longitud-inal velocity

mm 0.12 within range

12700

Steel longitud-inal velocity

in 0.005

within range

500

µS 0.04 within range

4500

Zoom Full screen width

mm 1.82 12700

in 0.072

500

µS 0.63 4500

Gates with Adjustable Threshold

Switching hysteresis with adjustable threshold

Filter 2.0 MHz-21.5 MHz for Gate 1, Gate 2

8.5.3 <|±2| % 0.25 0.5 <|±1.0|

Hold time for switched output

PRF=10 Hz

8.5.4 ±20%TS mS 101.25 100

PRF=1000 Hz

8.5.4 ±20%TS mS 0.9854 1

Gates with Fixed Threshold



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

202 Appendix D

Switching hysteresis with fixed threshold

No analog output

8.5.2 N/A

Impedance of proportional gate output

8.6.1 N/A

Linearity of proportional gate output

8.6.2 N/A

Frequency of proportional gate output

8.6.3 N/A

Noise of proportional gate output

8.6.4 N/A

Influence of signal position within the gate

8.6.5 N/A

Effect of pulse shape on proportional gate output

8.6.6 N/A

Rise, fall, and hold time

8.6.7 N/A

Display

Type Active, color QVGA

Full and split screen

Display dimensions

mm 74.76Hx101.28W

in 2.943Hx3.987W



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Resolution Number of pixels

320x240

Backlight Yes

A-scan display

Linearity of vertical display

All meas w/ Gain= 40 dB

Filter 0.2 MHz - 1.2 MHz

9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|


9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|


9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|


9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|


9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|


9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

Filter 2.0 MHz

9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

Filter 3.0 MHz

9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

Filter 5.0 MHz

9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

Linearity of base time

Filter 2.0 MHz - 21.5 MHzAll ranges

9.6 <|±1| % 0 0 0.1 <|±0.5|

Display jitter

Amplitude 9.3.3 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 <|±1|



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

204 Appendix D

Position 9.3.3 <|±1| %FSW 0 0.002 <|±0.1|

Measurement Resolution

Soundpath 0.001-999.99

mm 0.01

1000.0-9999.9

mm 0.1

10000.0-12700

mm 1

0.001-99.999

in 0.001

100.00-500.00

in 0.01

0.001-99.999

µS 0.001

100.00-999.99

µS 0.01

1000.0-4500.0

µS 0.1

Temporal Resolution

tA1 Filter 2.0 MHz - 21.5 MHz

8.4.7 ns 130 135 144

tA2 8.4.7 ns 150 135 161

Display width (range)

Steel Longitud-inal Velocity

mm 1.82 within range

12700

in 0.072 within range

500

µS 0.63 within range

4500



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Display Delay

Steel Longitud-inal Velocity

mm -57.7 within range

12700

in 2.272 within range

500

µS -20 within range

4500

Automatic calibration

Zero offset and velocity

Yes

Material velocity

Resolution 0.0001 in/S

in/µS 0.025 0.6

Resolution 1 m/S

m/S 635 15240

Trigonometry

Angle of refraction

Resolution 0.1

grad 10 85

Increments grad 0.1

Thickness to Calc. Sound Reflec. Path data

mm 0 635

in 0 25

Pipe outside Diameter

with Curved Surface Correction SW option

mm 10 7620

in 0.4 300

Image Processing



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

206 Appendix D

Reading to be displayed

For Gate1, Gate 2

0 4 5

Time of Flight

Yes

Sound path difference

Yes

Surface distance

Yes

Depth position

Yes

Amplitude in % curve

Yes

Amplitude in dB

with Reference gain

Yes

Alarm For Gate1, Gate 2

Yes

Evaluation curve (DGS)

Yes

Evaluation curve (DAC/TVG)

Yes

Legs calculations

Change of grid lines and leg indicator for each gate

Yes

Signal Display Mode

A-scan and envelope

outline

filled

Signal Processing

Screen freeze Yes

Peak memory Yes



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


A-scan compare

with Peak Hold

Yes

Envelope mode

with Peak Memory

Yes

Peak hold Yes

Zoom A-scan on full screen width

Yes

Status information

Yes

Dialog languages

11

Function lock Yes

Amplitude Evaluation

DAC Distance Amp. Correction

8.4.6 <|±1.5| dB

Number of reference echoes

2 - 50

Dynamic range

For TVG dB 0 110

Slope max dB/µS 0 600

DGS Distance Gain Sizing

Yes

Number of probes

Straight beam

ea 13

Angle beam

ea 37

Dual ea 14

Custom program-able w/ GageView SW

ea 14



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

208 Appendix D

Amplitude Evaluation (cont.)

Reference reflectors

Backwall

Side drilled hole

K1-IIW Block Arc

K2-DSC Block Arc

Flat Bottom Hole

Attenuation correction

Yes

Transfer correction

Yes

Quadrant correction (Delta Vk)

Yes

DAC Mode Yes

Curve Evaluation curve

Yes

TVG Depth compen-sation

Yes

Additional curves

3

Curve offset Yes

Data Processing

A2D conversion

Sample frequency

MHz 100



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Storage of data

Yes

Number of data sets

Waveforms/Thickness

10000

Content of datasets

A-scan + identifiers + setup + readings

Dataset description

Alpha-numeric

String length (dataset name)

8

Data Processing (cont.)

Identifier 20

Description 32

Inspector ID 32

Location notes

32

Date and time Yes

Measurement Results

Sound path (TOF)

For Gate 1, Gate 2

Yes

Trigono-metrical values

Select-able

Amplitude Select-able

Function list For Gate 1, Gate 2

Yes

Test report Yes

Interfaces



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1

210 D

Beeper For Gate 1, Gate 2

Yes

Digital Interface

USB Host USB Host port

Yes

USB Client USB Client port

Yes

Gate Alarm OutputsGate 1, 2, and Combined

Two gates standard

Yes

Additional Tests for Digital Ultrasonic Instruments

Linearity of time-base

Filter 8.0 MHz - 25.0 MHz all ranges

8.7.2 <|±1.5| % 0 0.1 0.2 |±0.5|


(Fo=MHz)

Digitization sampling error

Rect. Mode: RF and FULL (all filters)

8.7.3 <|±5| % 0.5 1.5 2.5 |±5|

Response time (does not depend on the filter settings by design)

PRF=10 Hz

8.7.4 Manuf. Spec

mS 100 1/PRF±10%

PRF=100 Hz

8.7.4 Manuf. Spec

mS 10

PRF=1000 Hz

8.7.4 Manuf. Spec

mS 1



Description



Parameter


EN12668-1


Figures

Figure D-1

Figure D-2

212 D

Figure D-3

Figure D-4


Figure D-5

Figure D-6

214 D

Figure D-7

Figure D-8


Figure D-9

Figure D-10

216 D

Figure D-11

Figure D-12


Figure D-13

Figure D-14

218 D

Figure D-15

Figure D-16


Figure D-17

Figure D-18

220 D

Figure D-19

Figure D-20


Figure D-21

Figure D-22

222 D

Figure D-23

Figure D-24


Figure D-25

Figure D-26

224 D

Figure D-27

Figure D-28

Parts List 225

Appendix E: Parts List

.

Table 15 EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Part Description

EPXT-BH-UEL EPOCH XT Flaw Detector with BNC Connectors, HW I/O, US power supply, English keypad, and Lithium Ion battery

Table 16 Items Included with the EPOCH XT (spares can be purchased)

Part Description

EPXT-BAT-LEPXT-BAT-N

Lithium Ion batteryNiMH battery

EP4-MCA-X Mini Charger Adapter (“X”= Power Cord Configuration)

EPXT-CELL C-Cell Battery Foam Block

EPXT-MAN Instruction Manual

EPXT-TC Plastic Transport Case

EPXT-PS Stainless Steel Pipe Stand

EPXT-HS Hand Strap

226 E

Table 17 Instrument Software Options

Part Description

EPXT-AWS AWS Weld classification software

EPXT-DGS-AVG Onboard DGS/AVG option

Table 18 GageView PRO Interface Program and Accessories

Part Description

GAGEVIEW-PRO-KIT-USB

GageView PRO Interface Program

GAGEVIEW-PRO GageView PRO Interface Program (software only)

Table 19 Optional Hardware Accessories

Part Description

EP4P-C-USB-6 USB Connection Cable

EPXT-SEAL-KIT Replacement seals for battery and office connection doors

EPXT-EC External Stand-Alone Charger

EPXT-RPC Rubber Protective Carrying Case

EPXT-SS Sunshade

EPXT-CH Chest Harness

EPXT-DP Screen Protective Cover (Qty. 10)

EPXT-BNC-CAPS Set of two (2) BNC Connector Caps

EPXT-LEMO-CAP Rubber Cap for LEMO Transducer Connectors

EPXT-HWIO-B HW I/O Option with BNC Connector Plate

EPXT-HWIO-L HW I/O Option with LEMO Connector Plate

Parts List 227

EPXT-C-16HW-6 HW I/O Cable, 6’

EPXT-C-16HW-20 HW I/O Cable, 20’

EPXT-C-25PRL-6 Parallel Port Cable (25 pin to 25 pin)

Table 19 Optional Hardware Accessories (continued)

Part Description

228 E

Documentation Comments 229

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