ISonic 2008

ISonic 2008 - Portable 8-Channel
Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector and Recorder

Inspect and Backup

GENERAL

Simply connect all necessary probes and position encoder and fit into a scanner

Portable 8-Channel Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector and Recorder

Affordable Portable AUT Solution
Single Channel and Multi-Channel Inspection
Manual, Semiautomatic, and Automatic Scanning
Built-In Encoder Port� 2 Probe Terminals per Channel
Parallel / Sequential Pulsing Receiving and Recording
A-, B-, CB-Scan, Amplitude / TOF and Coupling Strip, TOFD
100% Raw Data Recording
Built-In Remote Control Feature
Enhanced Signal Evaluation for Live and Frozen A-Scans
Corrosion Profiling and Flaw Detection and Imaging
Up To 20m Length of One Standard Single or Multi-Channel Record
Playback A-Scans for All Recorded Data
Defect Sizing and Pattern Analysis
Compliance with ASME and RBIM Procedures
Huge Data Storage Capability
Large Bright High Resolution Color Touch Screen
Built-In VGA Output, USB and LAN Interface

ISONIC 2008 uniquely combines functionality and mobility of high performance portable digital ultrasonic flaw detector with recording, imaging, and data processing capabilities of smart computerized multi-channel inspection system
ISONIC 2008 resolves a variety of ultrasonic inspection tasks:

A-Scan-based inspection using conventional pulse echo, back echo attenuation, and through transmission techniques
Single Channel Straight Line Scanning and Recording:

Thickness Profile B-Scan imaging and recording is performed through continuous capturing of wall thickness readings along probe trace
B-Scan cross-sectional imaging and recording of defects for longitudinal and shear wave inspection is performed through continuous measuring of echo amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probe trace
CB-Scan horizontal plane-view imaging and recording of defects for shear, surface, and guided wave inspection is performed through continuous measuring of echo amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probe trace
TOFD Inspection - RF B-Scan and D-Scan Imaging

Multi-Channel Straight Line Scanning and Strip Chart Recording:

Multi-Channel Thickness Profile B-Scan imaging and recording is performed through continuous capturing of wall thickness readings along probes trace
Multi-Channel Combined TOFD and Pulse Echo Weld Inspection and Recording is performed through continuous capturing of TOFD RF A-Scans and pulse echo channels amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probes trace parallel to the weld
Multi-Channel Pulse Echo Flaw Detection for shear, surface, and guided wave inspection is performed through continuous measuring of echo amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probes trace

For Single and Multi-Channel Straight Line Scanning and Recording it may be used:

Time-based mode (built-in real time clock)
True-to-location mode (built-in incremental encoder interface)

XY-Scanning and Recording with C-Scan and B-Scan imaging is also possible if using optional USB interface to multi-axis mechanical encoder and appropriate software package

For all types of Straight Line Scanning and XY-Scanning records A-Scans are captured for each probe position along probe trace and may be played back and evaluated off-line at postprocessing stage. This unique feature makes it possible off-line defect characterization through echo-dynamic pattern analysis

Thickness Profile B-Scan Data recorded during Straight Line Scanning is presented in the format compatible with various Risk Based Inspection and Maintenance procedures

ISONIC 2008 has practically unlimited capacity for storing of:

Single A-Scans accompanied with corresponding instrument settings
Ultrasonic signal spectrum graphs (FFT) accompanied with corresponding RF A-Scans and instrument settings
Various A-Scans sequence records along with corresponding Thickness Profiles, B-Scans, CB-Scans, TOFD Maps, strip charts depending on mode of operation selected; each record is accompanied with corresponding instrument settings

ISONIC 2008 complies with requirements of National and International Codes:

ASME Section I - Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 - Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
ASME Section VIII, Division 2 - Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels. Alternative Rules
ASME Section VIII Article KE-3 - Examination of Welds and Acceptance Criteria
ASME Code Case 2235 Rev 9 - Use of Ultrasonic Examination in Lieu of Radiography
Non-Destructive Examination of Welded Joints - Ultrasonic Examination of Welded Joints. - British and European Standard BS EN 1714:1998
Non-Destructive Examination of Welds - Ultrasonic Examination - Characterization of Indications in Welds. - British and European Standard BS EN 1713:1998
Calibration and Setting-Up of the Ultrasonic Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) Technique for the Detection, Location and Sizing of Flaws. - British Standard BS 7706:1993
WI 00121377, Welding - Use Of Time-Of-Flight Diffraction Technique (TOFD) For Testing Of Welds. - European Committee for Standardization - Document # CEN/TC 121/SC 5/WG 2 N 146, issued Feb, 12, 2003
Non-Destructive Testing - Ultrasonic Examination - Part 5: Characterization and Sizing of Discontinuities. - British and European Standard BS EN 583-5:2001
Non-Destructive Testing - Ultrasonic Examination - Part 2: Sensitivity and Range Setting. - British and European Standard BS EN 583-2:2001
Manufacture and Testing of Pressure Vessels. Non-Destructive Testing of Welded Joints. Minimum Requirement for Non-Destructive Testing Methods - Appendix 1 to AD-Merkblatt HP5/3 (Germany).- Edition July 1989

TECHNICAL DATA

A-SCAN

Conventional single channel pulse echo and through transmission A-Scan-based inspection

640X480 pixels A-Scan display with physical dimensions 130 x 90 mm (5.12" x 3.62") of working area is largest one for the plurality of portable ultrasonic flaw detectors
Innovative bi-polar square wave pulser with tunable pulse duration and amplitude provides optimal probe driving enhancing ultrasound penetration for various materials characterized either by high or low grain, sound attenuation, and the like
High frequency probe may not be destroyed occasionally upon connecting to instrument's firing output even if duration or amplitude of bi-polar square wave initial pulse is improper thanks to probe damage prevention circuit automatically limiting energy transmitted to the probe's crystal
32-Taps FIR band pass digital filter with controllable lower and upper frequency limits optimizes signal to noise ratio for various probes, materials, and inspection tasks
46 dB dynamic range 20 dB/�s maximum slope multiple curve DAC/TCG may be created using up to 40 data points to correct distance - amplitude variations of ultrasonic signals
Both theoretical and experimental DAC may be activated either through keying in dB/mm (dB/") factor or through sequential recording echo amplitudes from variously located equal reflectors
DAC/TCG may be applied to rectified A-Scans (positive, negative, and full wave) and to RF A-Scans as well
Built-in DGS data base for standard probes is unlimitedly expandable
Thanks to extended dynamic range signals significantly exceeding the A-Scan height (up to 199.9%) may be evaluated without dropping Gain
Whilst A-Scan is frozen managing of Gain and Gates settings is still allowed and provides bringing signals to necessary evaluation level and performing required evaluation
Dual Ultrasound Velocity Measurement Mode extremely simplifies resolving of sound path distances for dissimilar materials adjacent to each other whereas different values of ultrasound velocity are valid for corresponding signals appearing on the same A-Scan
RF display mode combined with frequency domain signal analysis enhances capabilities of the instrument for materials characterization, bond inspection, testing of dissimilar materials, defect pattern analysis, and probes evaluation
Optional data logger organizes and manages database files capable to store up to 254745 thickness readings each and organized as 2D matrix. In database every thickness reading is accompanied with corresponding raw data A-Scan and instrument setup. Automatic creating of MS Excel thickness spreadsheet meets requirements of various Risk Based Inspection and Maintenance (RBIM) procedures

SINGLE CHANNEL

Thickness Profile

Thickness Profile imaging and recording is performed through continuous capturing of thickness readings along probe trace:

Both time-based (real time clock) and true-to-location (built-in incremental encoder interface) mode of data recording are supported
Complete sequence of A-Scans is recorded along with thickness profile
Off-line evaluation of thickness profile record is featured with:

Sizing of thickness damages at any location along stored image: remaining thickness, thickness loss, and length of damage
Play-back and evaluation of A-Scans obtained during scanning
Off-line reconstruction of thickness profile image for various Gain and/or Gate settings
Automatic conversion of thickness profile B-Scan data into MS Excel� thickness spreadsheet meeting requirements of various Risk Based Inspection and Maintenance (RBIM) procedures

Typical Application: Corrosion characterization

B-Scan cross-sectional imaging and recording of defects for longitudinal and shear wave inspection is performed through continuous measuring of echo amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probe trace:

B-Scan

Both time-based (real time clock) and true-to-location (built-in incremental encoder interface) mode of data recording are supported
Complete sequence of A-Scans is recorded along with B-Scan defects images
Off-line evaluation of B-Scan record is featured with:

Sizing of defects at any location along stored image - coordinates and projection dimensions
Play-back and evaluation of A-Scans obtained during scanning
Defects outlining and echo-dynamic pattern
Reconstruction of B-Scan defects images for the various Gain and/or Reject settings
DAC / DGS B-Scan normalization

Typical Applications: Pulse echo inspection of welds, composites, metals, plastics

CB-Scan

CB-Scan horizontal plane-view imaging and recording of defects for shear, surface, and guided wave inspection performed through continuous measuring of echo amplitudes and reflectors coordinates along probe trace:

Both time-based (real time clock) and true-to-location (built-in incremental encoder interface) mode of data recording are supported
Complete sequence of A-Scans is recorded along with CB-Scan defects images
Off-line evaluation of CB-Scan record is featured with:

Sizing of defects at any location along stored image - coordinates and projection dimensions
Play-back and evaluation of A-Scans obtained during scanning
Defects outlining and echo-dynamic pattern analysis
Reconstruction of CB-Scan defects images for various Gain and/or Reject settings
DAC/DGS CB-Scan normalization

Typical Applications: Long range pulse echo of annular plates and pipes, for pitting, stress corrosion, etc; weld inspection, surface wave inspection

TOFD

TOFD Inspection - RF B-Scan and D-Scan Imaging

Both time-based (real time clock) and true-to-location (built-in incremental encoder interface) mode of data recording are supported
Averaging A-Scans whilst recording as per operator's selection
Complete sequence of RF A-Scans is recorded along with TOFD map
Off-line evaluation of TOFD Map is featured with:

Improvement of near to surface resolution through removal of lateral wave and/or back echo record
Linearization and straightening
Play-back and evaluation of A-Scans obtained during scanning
Increasing contrast of TOFD images through varying Gain setting and/or rectification
Defects pattern analysis and sizing
Zoom of TOFD Map and A-Scans

Typical Applications: weld inspection

MULTI CHANNEL

Multi-Channel Pulsing Receiving

ISONIC 2008 comprises 8 identical UDS 3-6 pulsing-receiving channels. Most of parameters such as gain, filter settings, pulse duration, display mode, delay, range, ultrasound velocity, etc are individually calibrated per channel. Just firing level (the amplitude of initial pulse) and PRF (pulse repletion frequency) are common for all channels. Every channel may drive either single or dual element probe or probe pair through 2 probe terminals

Every channel has its own signal digitizer (A/D Converter)

Highest scanning speed may be achieved through simultaneous (parallel) pulsing, receiving, signal digitizing, and recording by up to 8 channels. Measures avoiding cross talking to be taken while placing simultaneously fired probes on the object under test - the probes must be well separated

Most compact probes placement on the object under test with complete avoiding of cross talking is provided through pulsing, receiving, signal digitizing, and recording channels separately in time in a sequence loop (sequentially). Sequential pulsing-receiving also saves battery life

Various color combinations may be used for each channel A-Scan. This provides easy distinguishing between channels for multiple A-Scan observations

Two types of calibration files created by ISONIC 2008 may contain settings either for single channel or for all 8 channels simultaneously

Multi-Channel Recording

Multi-channel record includes few strips of the following types:

TOFD
Map
Amplitude/TOF Pulse Echo
Coupling

Strips may appear in any combination created by an operator according to inspection procedure. Positioning of the probes in the scanner relatively to each other - offset - to be keyed in at pre-scanning stage to align the strips

256 gray levels TOFD strip represents sequence of RF A-Scans whereas brightness of points for each horizontal line is modulated according to corresponding signal level

Main use TOFD strip is recording of TOFD channels data for weld inspection. TOFD strip is also useful for recording some applications where obtaining of RF B-Scan is necessary

256 Colours Palette Map Strip represents sequence of A-Scans whereas colour of points for each horizontal line is coded according to corresponding signal level

Main use Map Strip is recording of pulse echo inspections using either longitudinal, shear, surface, or guided waves

Amplitude / TOF Pulse Echo Strip represents peak amplitude and time of flight for signals matching with Gate and exceeding it's threshold level

Position of Amplitude Line on the strip is proportional to the signal height. Echo amplitude equal or exceeding 100% of A-Scan height brings Amplitude Line trace to full strip width level

Width of gray Time of Flight (TOF) Rectangle is proportional to the signal position in the Gate. For signals, which's time of flight measurement point matches with the Gate end width of gray TOF Rectangle is equal to the full strip width

For defects signals followed by strong geometry echoes Amplitude Line may represent either first or maximal signal amplitude depending on operator's choice while width of gray Time of Flight (TOF) Rectangle will represent position of the first signal crossing gate level

Amplitude / TOF Pulse Echo Strip may be used for thickness/corrosion profiling and for various flaw detection tasks

Coupling Strip is formed through comparing amplitude of reference signal with the gate threshold. Green Sufficient Coupling record is provided for signals exceeding gate threshold; red Insufficient Coupling record is provided in opposite case

Both time-based and true-to-location strip chart creating is available. For true-to-location strip chart forming it is used built-in incremental encoder interface.

Observation of A-Scan is possible for every channel whilst scanning. Strip accompanied with A-Scan is marked with         . To observe A-Scan related to another strip it is necessary just to click on the strip selected

Position of each probe along scanning line is taken into account while forming strip chart through use of appropriate offset values keyed in at pre-scanning stage. Thanks to such feature the same defect detected by different probes will be indicated at the same longitudinal position in each corresponding strip

Complete sequences of A-Scans for each strip are recorded during scanning making ISONIC 2008 inspection fully compatible with ASME 2235-9 Code Case for radiography replacement and other national and international codes. Upon scanning is completed strip chart accompanied with the entire raw data and instrument settings may be stored into a file

Postprocessing of Multi-Channel Scanning Data

Postprocessing is featured with:

Previewing and scrolling of whole strip chart
Recovery of A-Scans for each channel through simple placement of cross-hair cursor above channel's strip

Composing combination of simultaneously visible strips

Conversion of any Map Strip into Amplitude / TOF Pulse Echo Strip and reversal

Varying Region of Interest (Gate) settings for every Amplitude / TOF Pulse Echo Strip
Marking defects and generating of Strip Chart Inspection Report
Postprocessing each strip individually using applicable technology either TOFD, CB-Scan, or Thickness Profile including full scope of suitable procedures such as defects sizing, snap-shoots, off-line Gain correction, filtering, etc

Converting combination of few strips into thickness, distance or amplitude C-Scan with further C-Scan analysis

REMOTE CONTROL

Remote Control & Data Aquisition

Usual Solution - Use of Umbilical

Usually multi-channel inspection is performed with use of manual, semiautomatic, or automatic scanner carrying all probes and position encoder, which are connected to the instrument using long umbilical. This conventional way may be implemented with use of ISONIC 2008, which is capable to drive probes and position encoder through up to 50 meters umbilical

So far use of umbilical was accepted by NDT community an no-alternative solution despite low reliability, problems with signal to noise ratio, heavy weight and high cost

Alternative Solution Available for ISONIC 2008

An alternative to heavy, noisy, and expensive long umbilical is available at last. Thanks to low weight and compact size ISONIC 2008 may be easy fitted into a scanner and connected to probes and position encoder using short umbilical. In that case full remote control of ISONIC 2008 and observation of A-Scans and strip chart in real time may be performed through a PC. Communication between ISONIC 2008 instrument and remote PC may be provided using cheap and reliable crossover Ethernet cable of up to 200 meters length. It is important that there is no need in special software to be installed in the remote PC just standard Windows XP or Vista operating system

Optional software and hardware drivers for control of automatic scanner motor are available

ADVANCED NDT LIMITED,
Orchard House, Orchard Close, Severn Stoke, Worcester, UK    WR8 9JJ
Telephone: 44 (0) 1905 371460         ***  Fax:   44 (0) 1905 371477
E-Mail:  sales@advanced-ndt.co.uk ***  Website:   www.advanced-ndt.co.uk