Panametrics MG2DL
Panametrics MG2DL
Panametrics MG2DL
Table of Contents
Preface and Warranty
MG2 Series
910-257C March 2006
MG2 Series
March 2006 910-257C
5 Datalogger........................................................................ 5-1
5.1 Datalogger Overview .......................................... 5-1
5.2 Organizing the Datalogger .................................. 5-3
5.2.1 File Name Structure............................. 5-3
5.2.2 Identifier Structure............................... 5-3
5.3 Creating Data Files.............................................. 5-4
5.3.1 Standard Editing Commands............... 5-4
5.3.2 Creating Files From a Computer ......... 5-6
5.3.3 Creating Files From the MG2-DL ....... 5-6
5.4 Opening a File ..................................................... 5-15
5.5 Saving Data ......................................................... 5-16
5.6 Using the Review ID Mode................................. 5-17
5.7 Using Edit ID Mode ............................................ 5-18
5.8 Delete .................................................................. 5-19
5.8.1 Deleting a Range of ID#s in a File ...... 5-19
5.8.2 Deleting Selected Files ........................ 5-20
5.8.3 Deleting Stored Value ......................... 5-22
5.9 Receiving Files and Using GageViewTM............. 5-23
5.9.1 Receiving Files From a Computer....... 5-23
5.9.2 Using GageView ................................. 5-24
5.10 Statistics Reports............................................... 5-24
6 Specifications.................................................................. 6-1
MG2 Series
910-257C March 2006
MG2 Series
March 2006 910-257C
Preface
MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages (MG2, MG2-XT, MG2-DL) are
designed and manufactured as precision instruments. Under normal
working conditions, they will provide long, trouble-free service.
Warranty
Olympus NDT guarantees MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years
(twenty-four months) from date of shipment. The warranty covers
only equipment that has been used in a proper manner as described in
this instruction manual and has not been subject to excessive abuse,
unauthorized repair, or modification. DURING THIS WARRANTY
PERIOD, Olympus NDT LIABILITY IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITS
OPTION. Olympus NDT does not warrant MG2 Series Ultrasonic
Gages to be suitable for intended use, and assumes no responsibility
for unsuitability for intended use. Olympus NDT accepts no liability
for consequential or incidental damages including damage to property
and/or personal injury.
MG2 Series
910-257C March 2006
MG2 Series
March 2006 910-257C
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Panametrics-NDTTM MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages are designed for a
wide range of applications including quick spot measurements to
determine wall thickness of various structures and measurement of
corroded metal. The MG2 series includes:
Gain Adjust • •
Auto Sensitivity Gain Optimiza- • •
tion
Differential Mode • •
THRU-COAT® • •
Echo-to-Echo • •
Hi-Low Alarm • •
Internal Datalogger •
Live Waveform Option • •
USB
Note: The USB port on the MG2 and MG2-
• • •
XT is used for internal software upgrade
only.
2 BASIC OPERATION
This section demonstrates basic MG2 measurement techniques. The
unit has been shipped from the factory set up with the following
conditions.
Step 1: Plug the transducer into the connector at the top end of the
MG2 case.
3 STANDARD CALIBRATION
MEASUREMENT
3.1 Introduction
The MG2 calibration procedure adjusts the gage so that it measures
accurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at a
particular temperature. Calibration procedures include:
If the gage double beeps before returning to the Measure mode, then
an error has been made in the calibration procedure and the velocity
has not been changed. The most likely problem is that the thickness
value entered was not correct.
Step 6: Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and return
to the Measure mode. If the gage is turned off before the
[MEAS] key is pressed, the Zero value will not be updated
to the new value but instead will retain the previous value.
If the gage sounds a long beep before returning to the Measure mode,
an error has been made in the calibration procedure and the Zero value
has not been changed. The most likely cause is that the entered
thickness was not correct.
Use the steps below to calibrate for the sound velocity of the steel and
the coating.
slewing keys.
Step 9: Press [MEAS] to complete the calibration.
MG2, MG2-
MG2-XT and
XT, and MG2- MG2-DL Only
MG2-DL Only
DL
To adjust the display contrast for the Model MG2 and MG2-XT:
• Units
• Resolution
• Min/Max
• Hold Blank
• Measure rate
• Cal Lock
• ID Overwrite (MG2-DL only)
4.5.2 Units
Changing units allows the user to change from inch measurement
units to millimeter measurement units.
To change units:
4.5.3 Resolution
Resolution allows the user to change the number of decimal points
displayed in the thickness display.
The user can select between Standard (0.001" or 0.01 mm) and Low
(0.01" or 0.1 mm).
To changing resolution:
4.5.4 Min/Max
Min/Max allows the user to put the gage in Min or Max scanning
mode. This feature allows the user to scan over an area and quickly
determine the minimum or maximum thickness.
Min Mode displays live thickness values and recalls the minimum
thickness when a LOS (loss of signal) occurs. Live thickness values
are displayed in filled-in form, and recalled min values are displayed
in outlined form. The minimum values are retained in a temporary
memory until new minimum thickness values replace them or until the
[Meas] key is pressed to reset the minimum. When Min Mode is
selected, the MG2 automatically changes to 20 Hz fast update mode.
Max Mode displays live thickness value and recalls the maximum
thickness when a LOS (loss of signal) occurs. Live thickness values
are displayed in filled-in form, and recalled max values are displayed
in outlined form. The maximum value is retained in a temporary
memory until a new maximum thickness value replaces it or until the
[Meas] key is pressed to reset the maximum. When Max Mode is
selected, the MG2 automatically changes to a 20 Hz fast update mode.
To select Min/Max:
4.5.5 Hold/Blank
Hold/Blank controls:
To change Hold/Blank:
Note: Changing to the fast update rate will greatly affect the
battery life of the MG2 Series thickness gages.
To activate ID Overwrite:
Features include:
• Beeper
• Inactive Time
• Radix
• Backlight Mode
• 36DL PLUS Output
4.6.1 Beeper
Beeper allows the user to turn the audio beeper of the MG2 Series
gages on and off. The Beeper is set to On by default and will generate
an audio beep when any key is pressed or when an alarm condition has
been detected.
4.6.3 Radix
Radix allows the user to select the display of the radix character (the
character that separates the whole and decimal part of the thickness
value). In the United States, the period (.) is used as radix (Example:
0.123"). In many other countries, the comma (,) is used (Example:
1,25 mm).
To change radix:
When the alarm is active but not above or below set points, the gage
displays an “A”. The gage displays an “L” to indicate a Low Alarm
condition and an “H” to indicate a High Alarm condition only when
set points have been violated.
Note: The Alarm Mode and the Diff Mode are mutually exclu-
sive (cannot be used at the same time). If one of these
functions is activated, it will be automatically turned off
when the other function is turned on.
To activate the High/Low Alarm:
Note: The Alarm Mode and the Diff Mode are mutually exclu-
sive (cannot be used at the same time). If one of these
function is activated, it will be automatically turned off
if the other function is turned on.
Step 4: Press the [ENTER] key and then use the [ ] key to
highlight Diff Value. Use the [ , , , and ] keys to
slew to the Diff set point.
Step 5: Press [MEAS] to return to the Measure Mode.
4.10 Resets
Resets are used to reset the operating software of the MG2 Series
gages to their factory default settings. Three resets can be performed:
Measurement, Master, and Database (MG2-DL only).
The parameters that are reset and their reset values are:
If the Live Waveform Option has been purchased, then the optional
software will already have been loaded and activated. When this
feature is activated, a Waveform tab appears in the Setup menu.
If the Live Waveform software was purchased after the unit was
initially supplied, then the Waveform Option must be activated using a
unique license name and license name code system.
Waveform Display
Step 10: Press [ , ] to choose among Full, Half Neg, Half Pos,
and RF.
Note: When the Waveform has been enabled and the Zoom
feature is turned off, the user can adjust the range and
delay of the waveform by using the [ ] or [ ] key to
change the range to the next higher or lower range set
point or the [ , ] keys to increase or decrease the
waveform delay.
Step 4:Press [2ndF] (Gain) while viewing the Gain parameter to set
the Gain back to its default value.
Step 5: Press [MEAS] to exit the Waveform Adjust Mode with the
parameters at their adjusted values.
first gradicules (20% screen height) will be detected by the gage. The
detection threshold is not the measurement point. Measurements are
made using algorithms and DSP and are amplitude independent.
20%
20%
Note: Normally, when the gain is set to its default value the
waveform is ADC’d (Automatic Display Controlled).
This feature automatically adjusts the amplitude of the
detected backwall echo to try to keep the echo peak on
screen. Once the gain has been changed from the default
Gage Measuring First Echo Over the 20% Gradicule After the
End of the Extended Blank
Extended Blank to manually select which echoes will be used for the
Echo-to-Echo measurements. In Manaual Echo-to-Echo, the gage
detects the first backwall echo past the Extended Blank with an
amplitude greater than 20% screen height. It then measures to the next
echo past the E1 blank with an amplitude greater than 20% screen
height. The user can adjust the Extended Blank and E1 blank to make
proper detection on two successive backwall echoes.
Echo Blank Set Too Small; Gage Reading Trailing Edge of First
Backwall Echo
4.13.4 Range
Range Adjust allows the user to adjust the range of the waveform so
that the measured echoes appear on screen. Range Adjust is not
available if the Waveform Zoom Option is turned on.
4.13.5 Delay
Delay Adjust allows the user to adjust the waveform delay so that the
measured echoes appear on screen. Delay Adjust is not available if the
waveform Zoom Options is turned on.
Step 4: Press [MEAS] to exit Waveform Adjust Mode with the Delay
set at adjusted values.
4.14 B-scan
B-scan converts thickness readings to cross-sectional image profiles.
The B-scan function is used to scan over an area and look at how the
cross sectional thickness is changing. The B-scan, DB Grid, and
Optional Waveform are mutually exclusive features. Only one of
these functions can be active at a time. Activation of one of these
functions will automatically deactivate any of the others. You can save
these images (datalogger versions only) in the gage internal
• Left to right: Causes the data to start at the right of the screen and
scroll to the left and produces a B-Scan that is properly orientated
based on transducer movement.
• Right to left: Causes the data to start at the left of the screen and
scroll to the right and produces a B-Scan that is properly
orientated based on transducer movement.
Save Key: Determines what gets saved when the Save key is pressed.
Saving B-scan images can only be done with the Datalogger version
(DL) of the gages.
• THK ONLY: Will save only the current thickness reading when
the Save key is pressed.
• THK + B-scan: Will Save the Thickness and the B-scan image
when the Save key is pressed.
B-Scan Freeze Mode: Determines which thickness readings are
displayed when the [FREEZE] key is pressed during a scan.
Step 1: Press the [2nd F],[ ](SETUP) key to display the Setup
Tabs.
Once the B-scan function has been enabled, the B-scan starts drawing
the cross-sectional thickness when the transducer make contact with
the material and the first thickness reading is displayed. The B-scan
will continue to draw while displaying the live thickness at the
transducer location until one of the following events occurs:
• The user presses the [MEAS] key. The B-scan is reset and blanked
out allowing the user to start another scan.
Tip: Set the B-scan to Freeze Min if you wishes to recall the
Minimum thickness to the center of the B-scan screen
even if the minimum value moved off the B-scan screen.
Step 1: In the B-scan setup tab, set the Save Key option to “THK +
B-scan”.
Step 2: Press the Save key.
A. Pressing the Save key while the B-scan is live (currently
scrolling) saves the B-scan image and the thickness at
Transpose Grid: Allows the user to switch the position of the Row
and Columns of a 2D Grid file. This parameter has no affect on
incremental or sequential files.
Step 1: Press the [2nd F],[ ](SETUP) key to display the Setup
Tabs.
Step 2: Use the [ ] key to highlight the DB GRID Tab.
Step 3: Use the [ ] Key to enter the DB GRID Setup menu.
Step 4: Use the [ and ] to select a parameter and the [ and
] to adjust the setting.
Step 5: Press the [MEAS] key to return to the Measure mode and
save the adjusted settings.
Note: The user can jump to the beginning of the file by press-
Step 2: Press the [2nd F], [ ] (ID#) again to enter the ID# EDIT
screen. A cursor appears in the current ID# and the [ , ,
, ] keys can be used to edit to any location in the
active file.
Step 3: Press the Measure key to return to the Measure screen at the
new ID# location or press [2nd F], [ ] (ID#) to go back to
Review mode at the edited ID# location.
To view the inserted or appended ID# location in a file, enter the ID#
Review screen by pressing [2nd F], [ ] (ID#). Use the [ , , ,
] keys to highlight the reverse video cell. Press [ENTER]. The grid
will be displayed in an Expanded Linear format, and the inserted ID#
can be viewed. Press [Enter] again to switch back to the normal DB
Gird view.
Inserted
ID#
5 DATALOGGER
Two important features of the MG2-DL are the internal datalogger and
USB communication. The operation of the datalogger and data
transmission are discussed in this section.
Topics include:
• Datalogger Overview
• Organizing the Datalogger
• Creating Data Files
• Opening a File
• Saving Data
• Using ID# Review Mode
• Using ID# Edit Mode
• Deleting a File
• Receiving Files and Using the GageView Interface Program
• Statistics Reports
• File Name
• Identifier
• Units (in or mm)
• LOS (Loss of Signal)
• Differential Mode
• Differential Reference Value
• Alarm Mode
• Alarm Status
• Alarm Set Points
• Minimum or Maximum Mode
• Minimum or Maximum Reading
• Velocity
• Resolution
• Transducer Setup Number and Information
• Coating Thickness (when THRU-COAT® is active)
You can store a maximum of 8,000 thickness values at any one time in
the MG2-DL.
When stored data is loaded into a computer and later recalled back to the
gage, each measurement is always uniquely identified by the file name
and ID number where it was initially stored.
5.3.3.1 Incremental
After a starting ID number (up to 10 alphanumeric characters) has been
entered, the gage automatically increments to the subsequent ID
numbers using the following incrementing rules:
• Only that portion of an ID number consisting of digits and letters
(no punctuation marks) beginning with the right-most character
1:
Initial 1
2
3
.
.
.
Limit 9
2:
Initial ABC
ABD
ABE
.
.
.
ABZ
ACA
ACB
.
.
.
Limit ZZZ
3:
Initial ABC*12*34
ABC*12*35
ABC*12*36
.
.
.
Limit ABC*12*99
4:
Initial 001
002
003
.
.
.
009
010
.
.
.
Limit 999
5:
Initial 1A
1B
1C
.
.
.
1Z
2A
2B
.
.
.
Limit 9Z
Step 3: Use the [ ] key to highlight the file name and press [ ]
to enter a file name using the [ , , , ] editing
function. Press [ENTER].
Step 7: Use the [ ] key to enter the start ID number using the
editing function keys [ , , , ]. Press [ENTER].
5.3.3.2 Sequential
Step 3: Use the [ ] key to highlight the file name. Press the [ ]
Step 7: Use the [ ] key to enter the Start ID# using the [ , ,
, ] editing function. Press [ENTER].
Step 8: Use the [ ] key to enter the End ID# using the [ , ,
, ] editing function. Press [ENTER].
continues until the ID number that refers to the last column and last row
is reached.
How is a grid used? A grid structure may associate one dimension of the
grid (for example, the columns) with the physical parts whose wall
thickness is to be measured. The particular measurement points on each
part are then associated with the other dimension of the grid (that is, the
rows).
Alternatively, the rows and columns of a grid may refer to a two
dimensional map of measurement points on the surface of one part. In
this case, a different grid is made for each part.
To create a 2-D Grid file, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press [2ndF][ ](File) to display the File Tabs.
Step 7: Use the [ ] key to enter the Start COL using the [ , ,
, ] editing function. Press [ENTER].
Step 8: Use the [ ] key to enter the End COL using the [ , ,
Step 9: Use the [ ] key to enter the Start ROW using the [ , ,
, ] editing function. Press [ENTER].
Step 10: Use the [ ] key to enter the END ROW using the [
] editing function. Press [ENTER].
Step 13: Use the [ and ] keys to select Done or Cancel. Press
[ENTER].
Step 4: Press [2ndF][ ](ID#) to view the content of the new ID#,
or press [MEAS] to return to Measure mode at the new ID#
location.
5.8 Delete
6 SPECIFICATIONS
7 THEORY OF OPERATION
MG2 Series Gages operate on the dual transducer "pulse-echo"
principal, timing the reflection of high frequency sound waves from
the far wall of the test piece. This technique, derived from sonar, has
been widely applied to nondestructive testing.The frequency range
used by the gage does not travel well through air, so a coupling liquid
such as glycerine or gel is used between the face of the transducer and
the test piece. The sound waves generated by the transmit side of the
transducer are coupled into the test piece, travel through it, and are
reflected back from the opposite side. The reflected sound waves or
echoes are coupled into the receive side of the transducer where they
are converted back into electrical signals. The gage precisely
measures the time interval between the excitation pulse and the first
echo signal and subtracts a zero offset value representing transducer
delay. The result is multiplied by the velocity of sound in the test
material, V, and divided by two to compensate for the two-way sound
path. The final result, X, is the thickness of the test material.
t V
X = ----------
2
The microprocessor performs the arithmetic described above to
produce the thickness value. This value along with various gage status
indicators is sent to the LCD display.
8 APPLICATION NOTES
b. Transducer Positioning/Alignment
For proper sound coupling the transducer must be pressed firmly
against the test surface. On small diameter cylindrical surfaces such as
pipes, hold the transducer so that the sound barrier material visible on
the probe face is aligned perpendicular to the center axis of the pipe.
See the illustration below.
c. Calibration
The accuracy of measurements is only as good as the accuracy and
care with which the gage has been calibrated. It is essential that the
velocity and zero calibrations be performed whenever the test material
or transducer is changed. Periodic checks with samples of known
thicknesses are recommended to verify that the gage is operating
properly.
d. Taper or Eccentricity
If the contact surface and the back surface are tapered or eccentric
with respect to each other, the return echo becomes distorted and the
accuracy of measurement is diminished.
1. Sound Scattering
Sound scattering in some materials (notably certain types of cast
stainless steel, cast irons, and composites) occurs when sound
energy is scattered from individual crystallites in the casting or
from dissimilar materials within the composite. This effect
reduces the ability to discriminate a valid return echo from the
back side of the material and limits the ability to gauge the
material ultrasonically.
2. Velocity Variations
A number of materials exhibit significant variations in sound
velocity from point-to-point within the material. Certain types of
cast stainless steels and brass exhibit this effect due to a
relatively large grain size and the anisotropy of sound velocity
with respect to grain orientation. Other materials show a rapid
change in sound velocity with temperature. This is characteristic
of plastic materials where temperature must be controlled in
order to obtain maximum precision in the measurement.
3. Sound Attenuation
Sound attenuation or absorption in many organic materials, such
as low density plastics and rubber, occurs when sound is
attenuated very rapidly at the frequencies used in normal
ultrasonic thickness gauging. Therefore, the maximum thickness
that can be measured in these materials is often limited.
Transducer Selection
Couplant Selection
Maximum
Couplant Type Recommended
Temperature
B Glycerine 200ºF/90ºC
C Gel 200ºF/90ºC
e. Using the Fast mode with the Freeze function may help in
obtaining measurements as quickly as possible.
f. Note that a corrosion gage is not designed for flaw or crack
detection, and cannot be relied upon to detect material
discontinuities. A proper evaluation of material
discontinuities requires an ultrasonic flaw detector such as
the Panametrics-NDTTM Epoch series used by a properly
trained operator. In general, unexplained readings by a
corrosion gage merit further testing with a flaw detector.
g. For further information on the use of dual element
transducers in corrosion gaging, or for information on any
aspect of ultrasonic testing, contact Panametrics-NDT.
h. Often, performance on hot, corroded materials will be
considerably improved by the use of the Gain Adjust
procedure or the Material Sensitivity Optimization
procedure. High temperature couplants are generally less
efficient than those used at lower temperatures, so the MG2
will work better when sensitivity is adjusted or optimized to
accommodate high temperature conditions.
9 MAINTENANCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
The case, keypad and display window may be cleaned with a damp
cloth and mild detergent if necessary. Do not use strong solvents or
abrasives.
9.2 Transducers
The ultrasonic transducers or probes used with the MG2 are rugged
devices that need little care. They are not indestructible, however, and
a little attention to the following items will result in the longest
transducer life:
Do not twist or pull the cable at the point where it connects to the
transducer. These precautions are particularly important for all
transducers other than the models that have field-replaceable cables.
If the message "Do--" will not go away when the [ZERO] key is
pressed, make sure a Panametrics-NDT transducer is plugged in. If so,
the transducer may be defective. Try another one if possible, or try a
different cable. If no transducers will permit the "Do--" message to be
removed, there is probably a problem in the pulser/receiver assembly
of the gage.
Step 1: Wipe off any couplant from the transducer and press
[2ndF],[CAL ZERO]. If a number between 3000 and 7500 is
displayed along with the "Zero" flag, both the transducer
and pulser/receiver assembly are working. Go to Step 2.
Otherwise go to Step 6.
Step 2: Make sure you have sufficient couplant especially on rough
or curved surfaces.
Step 3: Try the same transducer on a smooth, flat surfaced test
sample.
Step 4: If the tests above all pass, but measurements still cannot be
made, try Gain Adjust or Material Sensitivity (MG2-XT and
MG2-DL). If measurements still cannot be made, try a
different type of transducer with greater sensitivity in the
thickness range in which you are working.
Step 5: If another transducer of the same type is available, use it to
make measurements and to do Step 1. If this works, then the
original transducer is defective. Otherwise, the pulser/
receiver assembly is probably defective.
Step 6: If the above tests indicate that there is a problem with the
gage or transducer, then the unit(s) may be returned to
Panametrics-NDTTM for repair or replacement. If the above
tests indicate that the gage and transducer are good, the test
9.7 Tests
The MG2 Series TESTS screen, shown below, includes two tests of
gage performance:
Step 1: From the Main screen, press [2ndF][ ] and use the [ ]
arrow to move across the top of the screen to the TESTS tab.
Step 1: From the Main screen, press [2ndF][ ] and use the [ ]
arrow to move across the top of the screen to the TESTS tab.
Step 2: Press the [ ] arrow to select VIDEO TEST and then press
ENTER or [2ndF][ ] to abort the test. Determine visually
that video pixels are functional by observing if white spots
occur in the screen test display.
Step 3: Press ENTER to Exit to the TESTS screen.
APPENDIX I: SOUND
VELOCITIES
The following table presents a tabulation of the ultrasonic velocity in a
variety of common materials. It is provided only as a guide. The actual
velocity in these materials may vary significantly for a variety of
reasons, such as: composition, preferred crystallographic orientation,
porosity, and temperature. Therefore, for maximum accuracy,
establish the sound velocity in a given material by first testing a
sample of the material.
References
1. W.P. Mason, Physical Acoustics and the Properties of Solids, D.
Van Nostrand Co., New York, 1958.
2. E.P. Papadakis, Panametrics - unpublished notes, 1972.
3. J.R. Fredericks, Ultrasonic Engineering, John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York, 1965.
4. D. L. Folds, "Experimental Determination of Ultrasonic Wave
Velocities in Plastics, Elastomers, and Syntactic Foam as a
Function of Temperature", Naval Research and Development
Laboratory, Panama City, Florida, 1971.
5. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Chemical Rubber Co.,
Cleveland, Ohio, 1963.