Atec Epoch-4 User Manual

ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTOR
The Panametrics-NDT™ EPOCH 4 is an advanced digital ultrasonic flaw detector that combines powerful, fully featured measurement capabilities, a comprehensive internal datalogger, and a wide range of software options to solve many demanding inspection problems.
Signal processing features include a 25 MHz bandwidth to permit testing of thinner materials, a selectable square wave pulser to optimize penetration on thick or attenuating materials, and narrowband filters to improve signal-to­noise ratio in high gain applications. The EPOCH 4 incorporates rugged packaging and a conveniently organized direct­access keypad, and offers the choice of high-resolution Liquid Crystal or Electroluminescent displays.
A large capacity datalogger allows field storage of test data that can then be transferred to the PC via its versatile GageView PRO Interface Program.
EASY AND FAST OPERATION
The EPOCH 4 with its robust packaging design, large display, and functional color-coded keypad provides easy and fast operation in difficult inspection environments.
Important keys such as Gain, Freeze, Save Thickness, Save Waveform, Enter, and Slewing Keys are grouped together for easy thumb control and one-handed operation of all critical parameter settings.
The five Function keys allow quick access to preset parameter values that can be customized by the operator.
EPOCH 4
Flaw Detectors
FEATURES
• Customizable narrowband filtering
• Selectable, tunable square wave or negative spike excitation pulser
• Light, ergonomically designed (5.7 lbs / 2.6 Kg)
• High-power NiMH battery
• Large, bright, high-resolution ELD or LCD with full/split screen views
• Automated transducer calibration
• 400” (10,000 mm) full screen range at longitudinal velocity of steel
• Superior minimum range capability (0.038” or 1 mm full scale at longitudinal velocity of steel)
• Display Freeze holds waveform and soundpath data
• Soundpath data viewable in inches, millimeters, or microseconds
• Peak Hold and Peak Memory
• RF display mode
• Alarms, threshold positive/negative, or minimum depth
• Dual Gate with Echo-to-Echo measurements
• Security Key enables remote upgrade of software options
TUNABLE SQUARE WAVE PULSER – STANDARD FEATURE
The EPOCH 4 set a new industry standard in 2001 when it was introduced with both a Tunable Square Wave Pulser and a Negative Spike Pulser. These high voltage pulsers offer the operator extensive application versatility and ease of use. The Tunable Square Wave Pulser along with Narrowband filtering produce class­leading material penetration and signal-to-noise ratios in difficult materials such as cast metals, large forgings, composites, and plastics.
Both pulsers are standard equipment on the EPOCH 4PLUS, EPOCH 4, and EPOCH 4B, and optional on the EPOCH LT.
920-005B
INTERNATIONAL VERSATILITY
The EPOCH 4’s keypad is available in English or International Symbols. Display languages are keypad selectable in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, English, and a custom user defined language.
AN AWESOME DISPLAY OF CHOICES
LCD or ELD: The EPOCH 4’s Liquid Crystal Display provides cutting edge brightness and optimum viewing of the waveform in conditions from bright, direct sunlight to complete darkness.
The Electroluminescent Display offers a fast update rate, four brightness levels, and a very high degree of sharpness.
SOPHISTICATED ALPHANUMERIC INTERNAL DATALOGGER
The EPOCH 4’s sophisticated datalogger is designed for ease of use while provid­ing a wide range of features for virtually all flaw detection and thickness gaging applications. All saved data can be or­ganized in alphanumeric file names and identifier (ID) codes that can be scrolled and reviewed on-screen. A Memo feature permits entry of additional inspection data and the Edit feature can be used to add, delete, or clear file names and ID numbers.
Save and recall inspection data sets in any combination of 500 waveforms (or instrument setups) or 10,000 thickness readings. The expandable memory option saves any combination of up to 2,000 waveforms or 40,000 thickness readings.
Datalogger File Menu
Memo Feature
ELD
GageView PRO Interface Program Viewing a B-Scan Data File
LCD
Quick Recall Feature
EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION AND TRANSFER CAPABILITIES
The optional Windows-based GageViewTM Pro Interface program adds practical collection, editing, and review capabilities to the EPOCH 4. GageView Pro is a powerful tool that collects, manages, and formats stored inspection data.
GageView Pro database tracking allows setup of inspection plans with pre-loaded calibrations, IDs, and memos. Data can be printed or easily copied and pasted into word processing and spreadsheet documents for further reporting needs. GageView Pro is compatible with the EPOCH 4, EPOCH LT, EPOCH 4B and EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detectors.
DAC (Distance Amplitude Correction) TVG (Time Varied Gain)
STANDARD SOFTWARE
DAC (Distance Amplitude Correction)
Calculates signal amplitude as a percentage or dB difference of the DAC curve level (ASME, ASME-3, or JIS). Same size reflectors peak along the curve independent of their location. An alarm can be activated when a gated signal breaks the curve.
TVG (Time Varied Gain) TVG with 40 dB dynamic range corrects for distance/amplitude variations due to material attenuation and beam spreading. Reference echoes are brought to a standard full screen level of 80%.
SOFTWARE OPTIONS
CSC (Curved Surface Correction) Corrects sound path information when using an angle beam transducer to inspect a curved surface circumferentially.
Spotweld Overlay The Weld Overlay feature allows on­screen comparison of the live waveform with a stored reference waveform. The Stamping feature permits stored weld data to be stamped “good”, “undersized”, “stick”, or two other operator defined conditions. (PN: EP4/SPOTWELD)
Floating Gate
Automatically varies Gate Level by -6 dB or -12 dB of the gated backwall echo. Results in consistency of edge-depth measurements by making readings at the same relative amplitude. (PN: EP4/FG)
Interface Gate
Powerful tool for immersion applications where the water path distance between the transducer and front surface of the part is continually changing. Maintains the Interface Echo (between the water and the front surface of the part) on the left side of the EPOCH 4’s display. (PN: EP4/IG)
AWS D1.1 and D1.5
Provides a dynamic reflector “indication rating” for various AWS weld inspection applications. This allows for a more efficient inspection by eliminating manual calculations. (PN: EP4/AWS)
Wave Analysis
Used to select particular points along an RF waveform and then obtain a timing/thickness measurement and also a dB difference between the two points. Applications include measuring the scale/ oxide buildup on the inner diameter of boiler tubes. (PN: EP4/WAVE)
DGS/AVG – Now set-up on board!
Flaw sizing technique that permits echo signals to be evaluated using DGS/AVG diagram associated with a particular type of probe and material. The DGS/AVG diagram shows the relationship among echo height, flaw size, and distance from the transducer. (PN: EP4/DGS/AVG)
Expanded Memory
Increases datalogger capacity from 500 waveforms/10,000 thickness readings to 2,000 waveforms/40,000 thickness readings. (PN: EP4/ MEM)
High PRF (1,000 Hz)
Increases the PRF rate of the EPOCH 4 and is useful for higher scanning speed inspections. The high PRF software fixes the PRF at 1 KHz. (PN: EP4/HPRF)
Low PRF (30 Hz)
Reduces or eliminates “wrap-around” noise by setting the PRF to a fixed 30 Hz. This feature is often necessary when inspecting materials that are highly attenuating or have long sound paths. (PN: EP4/LPRF)
Auto-Freeze
Provides the ability to automatically freeze the A-Scan waveform when a gate alarm has been triggered. (PN: EP4/AUTOFREEZE)
B-scan
Generates an easy to understand cross­sectional profile view of an inspected part. Excellent for corrosion mapping of pipes, boilers, and storage tanks. This view can be used to visually verify acquired thickness measurements and also highlight areas with critically thin thickness values. Contact Olympus NDT for a detailed brochure on the B-Scan option. (PN: EP4/BSCAN)
GageView Pro
A powerful software that collects, manages, and formats stored inspection data. (PN: GAGEVIEWPRO-KIT-SERIAL)
API 5UE: Allows defect sizing accord­ing to API Recommended Practice 5UE. Uses the Amplitude Distance Differential Technique (ADDT) to measure the size of potential defects during the prove-up process of OCTG pipe. The measurement process is simple and repeatable since all ADDT variables are captured from a Peak Memory envelope. (PN: EP4/API5UE)
Advanced DAC/TVG: Calculates signal amplitude as a percentage or dB level compared to a DAC curve or a reference echo amplitude fixed with Time Varied Gain. DAC versions include ASME, ASME 3, JIS, and Custom. Contains several key features including: dynamically adjustable DAC curves, switchable DAC & TVG views, 80%-20% DAC/TVG, a flexible TVG table, and custom DAC warning curves. (PN: EP4/ADT)
EPOCH 4 SPECIFICATIONS*
MEASUREMENTS
Sensitivity: 110 dB Max and Reference level sensitivity feature with 6 dB or
0.1 dB selectable resolution
Auto Transducer Calibration: Automated calibration of transducer Zero Offset and/or Velocity.
Reject: 0% to 80% of full scale in 1% increments
Units: English, Metric, or Microseconds
Material Velocity: 0.025 to 0.6000 in/
μsec (635 to 15240 m/S)
Range: Standard 0.038 inch to 400 inch (1 mm to 10,000 mm)
Refracted Angle: Fixed settings of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 70°, or variable from 10° to 85° in 0.1° resolution
Peak Memory: Simultaneous display of live A-scan at 60 Hz update rate and peak envelope of A-scan display.
Peak Hold: Freezes Peak Memory echo envelope for waveform comparison with live A-scan.
Pulser Type, User Selectable: Tunable square wave, negative spike excitation.
Pulse Energy: Low (100 V), Medium (200 V), High (300 V), and Max (400 V)
Damping: 50, 63, 150, and 400 ohms
Rectification: Full Wave, Half Wave
Positive or Negative, and unrectified RF settings
Analog Bandwidth: 0.05 MHz to 25 MHz at –3 dB
Filters: Broadband, Narrowband, or Custom Selectable Low and High Pass Filters
Test Modes: Pulse Echo, Dual, or Through Transmission
Alarms: Selectable threshold positive/ negative or minimum depth modes
DISPLAY
Display: 320 pixels (W) X 240 pixels (H), ELD or LCD screens
Display Update Rate: Minimum 60 Hz
POWER SUPPLY
Power Requirements: AC Mains: 100-120 VAC, 200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Battery: Internal Rechargeable NiMH battery pack rated at 12 V at 4000 mAH
Battery Operating Time: ELD, 7 hours nominal. LCD, 10 hours nominal. 2 hour typical Recharge Time.
OUTPUTS
High Speed Parallel Port: Allows rapid communication to external devices and B-scan encoder communication.
Analog Output: Keypad selectable voltage output of depth or amplitude data
VGA Output Port: Connects to standard VGA monitor or A/V projector.
RS-232 Communications Port: Allows interfacing with PCs and printers. Max Baud Rate 38.4.
GENERAL
Keypad: English or International symbols
Languages: Available in keypad selectable
languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and a user-defined custom language.
Transducer Cable Connectors:
Fits BNC or Number 1 Lemo
Dimensions: (ELD) 11.15” H x 6.55” W x 2.6” T (LCD) 11.15” H x 6.55” W x 2.4” T
Weight: 5.7 lbs. (2.6 Kg) with battery
Operating Temperature:
ELD/ -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) LCD/ 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F) depending on battery and display
®
PC Requirements: PC running minimum Microsoft® Windows® XP®, Microsoft Windows 2000
®
Warranty: One year warranty, battery not included. Optional second year warranty available.
STANDARD INCLUSIONS
EPOCH 4 Advanced Microprocessor­Based Ultrasonic Flaw Detector. Includes:
• EP4/MCA Mini Charger Adapter
• EP4/BAT Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Battery
• EP4/CAL-NIST NIST Calibration Certificate
• EP4/MAN Instruction Manual
• EP4/TC Transport Case
• EP4/PS Stainless Steel Pipe Stand
• EP4/HS Hand Strap
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
EP4/SC Shipping Hard Shell Case
EP4/BAT-AA Alkaline Battery Pack
EP4/EC External Stand-Alone Charger
EP4/RPC Rubber Protective Carrying Case
EP4/PR Printer: 110-120 V
EP4/PRE Printer: 230-240 V
EP4/DP-E Display Protectors (ELD)
EP4/DP-L Display Protectors (LCD)
EP4/C-15VGA-6 VGA Cable
EP4/C-25PRL-6 Parallel Port Cable
EP4/C-9FAT-6 Serial Port Cable
GAGEVIEWPRO-KIT-SERIAL Interface program including serial cable
Printed 9/2005 © 2005 Olympus NDT, All Rights Reserved. *All specifications are subject to change without notice. Panametrics, Panametrics-NDT and the Panametrics-NDT logo are trademarks of Panametrics Inc. Other company or product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
Olympus NDT, Inc.
48 Woerd Ave, Waltham, MA U.S.A. TEL 781-419-3900 • 800 225-8330 in North America e-mail: info@panametrics-ndt.com
WWW.PANAMETRICS-NDT.COM
Loading...