Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Conventional UT
Phased Array
TOFD
Table of contents
1
Inserting and charging the battery for the first time .........................................................................................5
10 Keypad ..............................................................................................................................................................19
10.1
14.2
14.3
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5
16 Manipulating cursors (Cartesian, Angular, Gate, Extractor Box, and Extractor) ..............................................35
17 Adding cursors ..................................................................................................................................................36
18 Making measurements with gates ...................................................................................................................37
19 Customizing the Measurements bar ................................................................................................................38
20 Taking screenshots and building reports ..........................................................................................................40
21 Defining scan plan geometry (cartesian/axis reference system) .....................................................................41
21.1
21.2
Group reference.....................................................................................................................................42
21.3
32.1.1
32.1.2
32.1.3
32.1.4
TOFD scan................................................................................................................................................. 55
Copyright ................................................................................................................................................56
33.2
33.3
V1.1
1.
Make sure you have the appropriate probes, wedges, and encoder for the type of inspection you intend
to perform. You may also use the Prisma demo kit, which includes a basic set of accessories necessary to
complete the scenarios described in this document.
V1.1
2.
Unscrew the back door and insert the battery. Remove the waterproof rubber cover over the AC input
socket and connect the AC power adaptor. Before using it for the first time, the battery must be charged
for at least 6 hours; however, the unit can be used while charging.
An optional external battery charger and additional battery packs can be added in order to reduce downtime and increase productivity.
V1.1
key.
Please wait; the Prisma requires 35 seconds for a full cold-boot process.
2. At the end of the boot process the graphical user interface (GUI) appears.
3.
V1.1
4.
Drawing: UT connectors
In order to connect phased array probes, unscrew and remove the grey protective cap that covers the
I-PEX connector located on the right-hand side of the Prisma. The cap can be stored on the unit by
screwing it on the back panel of the unit, over the CE mark.
IMPORTANT
When a phased array probe is not connected to the unit, the connector protective cap must be
reinstalled in order to prevent water and dust ingress.
If the phased array probe does not have an I-PEX connector, Sonatest can supply an appropriate
adaptor.
5.
V1.1
Your Prisma will be equipped with either BNC or Lemo 1 connectors for conventional UT and TOFD
probes. Sonatest can similarly supply appropriate cables and adaptors to suit probes with other types of
connectors.
You may use either, or both, channels A and B for conventional UT or TOFD. For pulse-echo scans,
connect the probe to the Tx/Rx connector, labelled T on the case. For pitch-catch scans, connect the
transmitter probe to the Tx/Rx T connector and the receiver probe to the Rx R connector.
2. Insert a USB memory stick into USB port 1. A miniature USB memory stick is supplied, which allows the
cover to close while in use.
6.
Three USB connectors and an Ethernet connector are located on the side of the unit; protected by the
waterproof cover. The USB ports can be used to connect external memory devices, a keyboard, a mouse,
or a USB hub should you need to connect additional devices. The Ethernet port can be used for remote
session support and to drive an external display via a VNC connection. If a USB memory device is
connected to the Prisma then the user may opt to save configuration (.utcfg) and data (.utdata) files to it.
Otherwise, by default and in the absence of an external memory device, these will be saved to the 5-GB
internal memory.
V1.1
1. Press the
key to open the startup screen where you can select a user-defined or an example
configuration file.
7.
8.
V1.1
3. Press the
a.
The Internal partition is where you can save your own files.
b.
c.
9.
5. Press the
6. Press the
7. Select the appropriate file in the list using the Click Wheel
8. Press
File Extension
.utcfg
.utdata
.pdf
.png
Description
Contains the entire configuration for an inspection i.e. the probe, the wedge, the type of
scan, the position of each cursor, the layout and the color palette to use.
Contains the recorded data and everything a .utcfg file contains.
Reports created by Prisma use the PDF file format. Imported PDF files can also be
displayed by the Prisma.
Screen captures created by Prisma use the PNG image standard.
(PNG: portable network graphics)
V1.1
10
Create a configuration
The following is the procedure to create a new configuration with the help of the New Inspection Wisard.
3. Follow the instructions appearing on screen to set the parameters one by one.
4. Select the required inspection type (conventional, TOFD, or phased array) and press
on the
keypad.
V1.1
11
The number of steps required to complete a configuration depends on the option selected. A typical
sequence of steps is as follows:
OR
Press
V1.1
12
Configuration
Acquisition/Recording
Analysis
, PLAY
, and REC
1.
2.
3.
4.
Menu
Configuration summary view
3D view
Contextual help view
V1.1
13
2. Press the
3. Press
key to select the Menu bar then use the Click Wheel
to navigate.
to edit a parameter.
or
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
).
At any time you can return to the Configuration mode by pressing the
key.
You are now ready to select the Calibrate tab and start the calibration process.
V1.1
14
mode.
1. Menu
2. A-scan view
3. C-scan View
4. B-scan view
A number of alternate screen layouts can be selected from the View menu
V1.1
15
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Measurements bar
Calibration indicators
Instrument state (Acquisition, Configuration, Recording, Analysis) and battery status
Scroll bar
View layout (current in green)
Encoder position
View measures
The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
depending on the inspection type. To change the layout press
of the screen and use the
to select Select
Layout, press
and use the Click Wheel again to select the appropriate layout.
In the image above, the layout comprises one A-scan and one B-scan. This is the result of an encoded scan
of a 0 dual crystal probe over a step block. At the bottom, the colored spots represent the amplitude of
the underlying A-scan sample. The X-axis is the encoder scan axis. The Y-axis is the depth into the test
item.
Each view has its own cross-hair cursors, which can be disabled from the View tab. In drawing 16 above
the A-scan view has one gate and one Cartesian cursor (cross-hair). The B-scan view has two Cartesian
cursors. The Cartesian cursor location will report the depth (D) and true surface distance offset (SD). If
you move the cursor over a red region in the B-scan it will provide you the exact location of the flaw in
the part, regardless of the angle at which the peak signal occurs. All measurements are referenced from
V1.1
16
the wedge reference (Wedge Reference) point. The wedge reference location depends on the type of
wedge you are you using. The wedge reference is represented by the red dot in the 3D and scan plan
views displayed in Configuration mode. For more details see the Defining scan plan geometry
(cartesian/axis reference system) section.
V1.1
17
1. Press
2. Press
OR
Press the
3. Press
to navigate.
4. Press
to toggle between the different cursors of the selected view, then use the Click Wheel to
move the selected cursor (displayed in blue).
V1.1
18
10 Keypad
The keypad comprises the following areas. Details of the functionality of each button are provided in Table 2
1. Click wheel
2. Main controls to access menus, views and cursors
3. Alphanumerical keypad and shortcuts
4. Mode selection: PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, REC
5. Files save and load, use these buttons to:
a. LOAD
i. Create a new configuration (setup)
ii. Open a configuration (setup, .utcfg file)
iii. Open a report (PDF)
iv. Open a data file (.utdata file)
b. SAVE
i. Save configuration (setup, .utcfg file)
ii. Save screen capture image
iii. Create and save Inspection report
V1.1
19
Button Name
USB Keyboard
CANCEL
Escape
Cancels an ongoing value change and resets to the previous value. Exit from a popup window.
Click Wheel
---
Rotate your finger clockwise and counter clockwise to scroll up and down through a menu, to
increase/decrease a parameter value, to move cursor in view area or zoom in/out in 3D view.
Also acts as LEFT/RIGHT key to move during text entry.
UP / DOWN
ARROWS
Arrows
Moves from one menu item to another. Changes a parameter value. Moves up and down the
selected cursor or gate.
LEFT / RIGHT
ARROWS
Arrows
Moves from one menu tab to another. Moves the selected cursor or gate to left and right.
OK
Enter
MENU
VIEW
Toggles between the various views. Display the Measurements bar (in Live mode)
CURSOR
Toggles between the various cursors of the currently selected view. Also acts as Backspace
during text entry.
dB
Changes the gain value of the selected scan. If pressed and held for 3 seconds, it will
automatically adjust the gain to 80% of the selected gate (if RefAmplitude is set to 80%).
WELD
ZOOM IN/OUT
MAX / MIN
GATE
RANGE
F1 / HELP
F1
Access the Contextual Help, Quick Start Guide and User Guide Documentation.
F2 / INFO
F2
Displays the view information menu or for wizards returns to previous step or page.
F3 / SET REF
F3
PLAY/PAUSE
STOP
RECORD
Starts the recording mode permitting data to be saved on completion or termination of the
scan.
SAVE
LOAD
REJECT
---
ALARM1 &2
---
ON/OFF
&
Battery indicator
---
Powers the instrument on (Hold down) or shuts it down. Lightis green when the device is ON.
Refer to the section 27 Power LED Behaviour
Resets the encoders position to the origin, or for wizards advances to the next step or page. .
V1.1
20
11 Adjusting gain
To adjust the gain, press the
key to open the gain items and set the gain of the current scan.
Note: If you have multiple scans (only in UT), you should select the appropriate scan by pressing
before pressing the
V1.1
key.
21
, move the gate over the peak to be maximized using the Click Wheel
, and
V1.1
22
Description
TCG/DAC/DGS
Wizard...
Encoder
Wizard...
Clear Calibrations
V1.1
23
Figures 19 and 20 show the examples of the Velocity & Zero and TCG Wizards.
V1.1
24
14 TOFD option
14.1 Creating a TOFD setup
It is possible to either load an existing configuration or use the New Inspection Wizard to create and
calibrate a new TOFD setup.
This section shows how the New Inspection Wizard is used to create a new configuration.
1. Press the
key to open the startup screen and, using the Click Wheel
V1.1
25
V1.1
once complete.
26
7. In the Geometry step, the wizard will propose a PCS derived from the values previously entered. Set the
probe to this exact distance (exit point to exit point).
8. In the Path step the wizard shows a list of parameters computed from information entered previously.
Modify the Gain, the Start Path, and the Range.
9. Make sure the lateral wave, the back wall, and the converted mode are visible. Make adjustments
accordingly and then press
10. Configure the encoder by appropriately adjusting the parameters and press
once done.
11. Modify the measurement type if desired (measurement using hyperbolic cursors is automatically
selected). Press
once done.
or
arrow keys.
or
.
3. Expand the TOFD category by pressing
V1.1
.
27
4. Modify the Ruler LW Pos parameter (it controls the white cursor in the A-scan view) to align the ruler
on the TOFD view with the first positive peak of the lateral wave.
V1.1
28
The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
appropriate to each inspection type.
To change the layout:
1. Press
tab.
to activate the Menu bar on the left of the screen and use the
V1.1
29
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
V1.1
Menu
Sectorial scan (S-scan) view
Top (amplitude %) view
End (amplitude %) view
A-scan
B-scan
30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Measurement bar
Calibration indicator
Instrument state (Acquisition, Configuration, Recording, Analysis)
Scroll bar
View layout (current view in blue)
Encoder position
View measures
The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
appropriate to each inspection type.
To change the layout:
1. Press
tab.
to activate the Menu bar on the left of the screen and use the
31
will change the A-scan angle displayed in the A-scan view. This is one advantageous feature of phased
array, i.e. it permits the interrogation of multiple beam angles in real-time.
The cross-hair cursor on the S-scan is called a Cartesian cursor. The cross-hair location will report the
depth (D) and true surface distance (SD) offset. If the Cartesian cursor is moved over a coloured region on
screen it will return the location of that position regardless of the angle at which the peak signal occurs.
All measurements are referenced from the wedge reference point. The wedge reference location
depends on the type of wedge you are you using, if any. The wedge reference is represented by the red
dot in the 3D and scan plan views used in the Configuration mode.
For more details see the Defining scan plan geometry (cartesian/axis reference system) section.
Each view has its own rulers which can be used to quickly evaluate the location of flaws.
28. Drawing: phased array analysis and acquisition layout, ruler identification
Each A-scan has independent signal gates. The gates can be positioned along the time/distance axis. Each
gate has a threshold level which if exceeded by the signal triggers a measurement, the result of which is
displayed next to the relevant gate; whenever the signal crosses the gate, a measurement is calculated
and displayed on the side of the gate. Measurements are also presented at the top of the screen.
The green triangle at the top right of the screen indicates that real-time imaging mode is active and that
ultrasonic pulses are continually being generated. Real-time data can be recorded by pressing
image frozen by pressing
V1.1
or the
32
key (once or multiple times) to select the extractor in the current view.
key (once or multiple times) to select the extractor in the current view.
4. Press
to modify the box size then use the Click Wheel to change dimensions and press
accept them.
again to
Press the
2.
3.
4.
5.
Press the
key to modify the value.
Rotate the Click Wheel to increase or decrease the focal distance.
6.
Press the
V1.1
key.
33
Description
Sensitivity/ACG Wizard
TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard
Encoder Wizard
Clear Calibrations
V1.1
34
key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate cursor in the current view.
V1.1
35
17 Adding cursors
Table 5 lists the available cursors.
Type
Description
Drawing
Gate
Gates are used to make flank and peak measurements in A-scan views.
When the gate is triggered by an echo, the peak amplitude level is
displayed, as well as its absolute position in Depth (), Surface
Distance () and Sound Path (). All Sound Path measurements use
the SCAN Travel Mode, thus measurements can either represent the
Full or Half Sound Path in the part (mm or inches), or the Full or Half
Sound Time spent in the part (s).
The Gate quick access key is
Extractor
Cartesian
Cartesian cursors are used to measure surface distance (SD) and depths
in S-scans, L-scans and A-scans.
Angular
Angular cursors are used to perform sound path measurements in Sscans and L-scans.
Extractor
Box
The Extractor Box is used to extract Top and End views from S-scans and
L-scans.
Hyperbolic
Hyperbolic cursors are used to evaluate surface distance (SD) and depth
measurements in a TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) scan. The TOFD
view is a B-scan view from a pitch-catch probe geometry. The
hyperbolic cursor is used because the depth measurement is non-linear.
V1.1
36
V1.1
37
The Measurements bar is shown at the top of the screen in PLAY mode, when a menu is not selected and
a view is selected (in PLAY mode press the
button). It can also be shown permanently in PLAY
mode by enabling the Keep Measures preference.
To select desired measures from cursors:
1. Press
if you are not already in PLAY mode.
2. Select the Measures menu and select Select Measures.
to modify it.
Each measurement item is composed of three parts; the cursor identifier, the reference point, and the
type of measurement. For example, G1 ^
2 means the true depth in the second half skip of the
peak detected in the gate number 1.
V1.1
38
The following three tables present the details of each measurement type.
Identifier
Cursor Type
Ref
Reference Point
Meas
MeasurementType
Amplitude in percent
Angular/Extractor
Cartesian
Flank
Depth
Gate
Start
Hyperbolic (TOFD)
First point of a
gate
Stop
End point of a
gate
SQ
Square Box
AB
Angular Box
DAC
Distance amplitude
curve
True
depth(considering
half-skips)
V1.1
39
V1.1
40
V1.1
41
Reference
At the beam exit point
Drawing
Phased Array
Conventional UT
V1.1
42
V1.1
43
Time-encoded scans, which are typically manual, free running scans where UT pulses are
continuously emitted.
Position encoded scans, which acquire data when the position encoder triggers the arrival at the
specified position.
1. Press STOP
3. Press
to edit the Encoding Setup parameter.
4. Select:
None for manual (free running)
Scan Axis Only for encoded (encoder triggered)
5. Configure the Encoding tab parameters appropriately for the encoder.
6. If Scan Axis Only is selected, connect the encoder to the socket marked E on the back panel of the unit.
7. Press PLAY
and select the appropriate layout.
8. If Scan Axis Only is selected, try moving the encoder/scanner to check it is functioning
9. Use the Encoder Wizard to set the encoder step and granularity.
Note: In order to connect two encoders a Y-splitter cable is used for the connector marked E.
V1.1
44
and
or
V1.1
45
Description
A-scan view
B-scan view
C-scan view
D-scan view
S-scan view
TOP
Top view
END
End view
TOFD
TOFD view
MTOP
MC
Merged C-scan
B-LOG
1.
2.
V1.1
46
Probe
Wedge
Add
Load
Delete
Wedge Type
Voltage Mono
Load
Probe Type
Report Info
Manufacturer
Site
Model
Operator
Serial
Procedure Ref
Couplant
Report Settings
Procedure Report
Report Type
Cursors Info
Inspection Info
Probe Info
Wedge Info
Scan Info
Encoder Info
DAC Info
DGS Info
3D Views Info
Warnings Info
Manufacturer
Identifiers
Job/Customer
Qualification
Identifiers
Model
Serial
Settings
X Offset
Settings
Contact Surface
Frequency
Pulse Width
Cut Angle
Advanced Settings
Connected To
Wedge Velocity LW
Advanced Settings
Diameter
Back Height
Nb Elmnt Dim 1
Front Height
Width
Length
Roof Angle
Element Layout
Save
Encoding
Probe Inset
Save
Part
Logo
Encoding Setup
Encoders Name
Material
Part Geometry
Menus
Scan Axis
Properties
Thickness
Lock Setup
Velocity LW
Short Menu
Velocity SW
Calibrate
Identifiers
Component
Serial #
Sensitivity/ACG Wizard...
Scan Distance
TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard...
Scan Step
Encoder Wizard...
Statistics
Data File Size
Max Phys. Enc. Speed
Measures
Select Measures
- Measurement 1 to 6
Location Ref
Weld Geometry
Weld
HAZ
Root Gap
(Weld geometry)
Calibration Block
Cal. Block Type
Cal. Block Serial #
V1.1
47
Scan
Scan (continued)
Add
Delete
Scan Type
Gain
Gain
Reference Gain
Set Reference Gain
Software Gain
Auto FSH%
Reference Amplitude
Acquisition Area
Resolution
Start Angle
Stop Angle
Angle
Start Path
Range Path
Stop Path
Zero
Wave Mode
Travel Mode
Focusing
Number of Active Element
Double Resolution
RX
Select Layout
Signal Rectification
View Orientation
Digital Filter
Add Cursor
Analog filter
Palette Properties
Sub-Sampling
View Palette
Rejection
Palette Position
Reject Threshold
Smoothing
Contouring
Averaging
Depth/Amp Mode
Depth/Path Mode
Acq. Freq
Data Gate
Probe Connect
Reference Gate
Probe TX/RX
Elements
IFT Culling
Rulers
Depth/Path Mode
Statistics
Beams Quantity
Grids
Samples Quantity
Path Resolution
Frame Start
Cursor
Name
Focal Distance
Type
Data Extraction
IFT Active
Focalisation
TOFD
View
Zoom
Geometry
Probe/Wedge 1
Color
W1 Index Offset
Position
W1 Scan Offset
W1 Rotation
Level/Threshold
PCS
Depth (Start/Stop)
Straightening
Encoding Area
- Activate Straightening
Focal Law
- Show Indicators
Angle
Media Browser
- LW Trig. Tolerance
Sound Path
Display
- LW Trig. Threshold
Gate Start/Stop
System
LW Removal
- Activate LW Removal
- LW Removal Indicator
- LW Removal Factor
- LW Zone Start
- LW Zone Range
TX
Gate Width
Measures
Prefs
Network
Support
Alarm
Gate Alarm
Delete Cursor
PRF
V1.1
48
Axis Content
Amplitude
Sound path
B-scan
Scan
Sound path
C-scan
Scan
Surface distance
D-scan
Index
Sound path
S-scan
Surface distance
Depth
Top
Scan
Surface distance
End
Scan
Depth
TOFD
Scan
Depth (non-linear)
V1.1
49
Status
BLUE
Charging
OFF
Status
Battery critical (0% to 20%)
YELLOW
GREEN
Status
BLUE
Charging
GREEN
Charged
V1.1
50
28 Color palettes
Palette Names
Color Gradient
3 level threshold
ABF Amplitude
Aeronautic
Cubic Law
Fire Ice
Rainbow
Spectrum
Thermal
Greyscale
TOFD
Table 12: List of color palettes
V1.1
51
V1.1
52
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
V1.1
53
Description
1 (red dot)
5V TTL, Trig-Sync
Output, Gate 1
8(center pin)
Power return
Ground
V1.1
54
32 Definitions
32.1 Scan types
The Type parameter on the Scan tab allows the user to select between Sectorial, Linear, Mono, and TOFD
scans. Scans can be configured to be either pulse-echo (PE) or pitch-catch (PC), with the exception of
TOFD which is always pitch-catch. The scan types are described in the following sections.
32.1.1 Sectorial scan
The sectorial scan, also called azimuthal scan or more commonly S-scan, is a cross-sectional image of the
inspected volume. It represents an angular coverage of the volume under the probe.
32.1.2 Linear scan
The linear scan, or L-scan, is represented on screen as a parallelogram view, directly under the probe or at
a specific angle. The L-scan is created from multiple A-scans from different exit points, but with the same
beam angle. A small group of elements are activated in order to generate each beam (focal law) and the
group of activated elements is cycled along the elements array for each subsequent beam.
32.1.3 Mono scan (conventional UT)
Mono scan refers to the conventional A-scan representation acquired using a single element or pair of
elements in the case of a dual probe. The A-scan is a waveform representing the amplitude of the
ultrasound signal as a function of time or propagation distance. Events in the A-scan , or echoes, occurs
when the ultrasound wave packet encounters a discontinuity, which may be a defect, such as a crack, or
may be due to the intrinsic geometry of the item inspected.
32.1.4 TOFD scan
The time-of-flight-diffraction (TOFD) scan involves a pitch- catch arrangement of conventional UT probes
from which the data is displayed using a greyscale B-scan to encode multiple A-scans.
V1.1
55
V1.1
56
Warning: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
The authority to operate this equipment is conditioned by the requirement that no modifications will be
made to the equipment unless the changes or modifications are expressly approved by Ascend
Communications, Inc.
This product contains a fully certified Bluetooth module (FCC ID : T9J-RN42).
The Prisma also complies with EN 12668-1:2010, Non-destructive testing and verification of ultrasonic
examination equipment Part 1: Instruments.
V1.1
57