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)

• Fast minimum 60 Hz display update rate

• 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 [phone] • 800 225-8330 in North America
e-mail: [e-mail]

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