Sitescan 500S User Guide

Sitescan 500
User's Guide
Document Number: Issue 0 September 2014

Sitescan 500 user’s manual
How to contact Sonatest?

Visit our website: www.sonatest.com or contact our offices.
Sonatest Limited (International) Sonatest Inc. (America)
 Dickens Road  12775 Cogburn
Milton Keynes San Antonio, Texas
MK12 5QQ 78249
England USA
 +44 (0)1908 316345  +1 (210) 697 0335
 +44 (0)1908 321323  +1 (210) 697 0767
@ [email protected] @ [email protected]
1
Disclaimers and Notices

The following information must be read and understood by users of the Sonatest Sitescan 500
ultrasonic flaw detector and thickness gauge. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to serious
errors in test results or damage to the flaw detector. Decisions based on erroneous results can lead
to property damage, personal injury or death. Anyone using this instrument should be fully qualified
by their organization in the theory and practice of ultrasonic testing, or under the direct supervision
of such a person.
General Warnings
Proper use of the ultrasonic test equipment requires four essential elements:
 Knowledge of the specific tests or inspections and applicable test equipment.
 Selection of the correct test equipment based on knowledge of the application.
 Competent training of the instrument operator.
 This user’s guide provides instruction in the basic operation of the Sitescan 500 flaw
detector. In addition to the methods included, many other factors can affect the use of
this flaw detector. Specific information regarding these factors are beyond the scope of
this manual. The user should refer to appropriate textbooks on the subject of ultrasonic
testing and thickness gauging for more detailed information.
Specific Warnings
 The Sitescan 500 contains a high-energy, precision pulser allowing optimum test results
to be obtained by matching the pulse width to the probe characteristics. This circuitry
may be damaged by voltage spikes. It is recommended that the instrument be switched
off, or the pulser stopped (by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] key) before changing probes.
Operator Training
 Operators must receive adequate training before using this ultrasonic flaw detector.
 Operators must be trained in general ultrasonic testing procedures, and in the set-up and
performance required by each specific test or inspection. Operators must understand: Sound
wave propagation theory.
 Must understand the effects of the velocity of sound in the test material.
 Must know the behaviour of the sound wave at the interface of two different materials.
 Must have an understanding of Sound wave spread and mode conversion.
More specific information about operator training, qualification, certification and test specifications
can be obtained from technical societies, industry groups and government agencies.
2
Testing Limitations
In ultrasonic testing, information is obtained only from within the confines of the sound beam as it
propagates into the test material. Operators must exercise great caution when making inferences
about the nature of the test material outside the limits of the sound beam. The condition of
materials can vary significantly and the results can be erratic if operators don’t exercise good
judgment.
Critical Operating Factors

The following procedures must be observed by all users of the Sitescan 500 in order to obtain proper,
accurate and consistent results.
Calibration of the Sound Velocity

An ultrasonic flaw detector operates on the principle of measuring the time of flight of a burst of high
frequency sound through the test piece, as well as evaluating the amplitude of reflected or
transmitted echoes. The sound velocity of the test piece multiplies this time in order to obtain an
accurate distance or thickness reading. Since the actual sound velocity in materials can vary from the
published values, the best result is obtained when the instrument is calibrated on a reference block
made from the same material as the test piece. This block should be flat, smooth and as thick as the
maximum thickness expected of the test piece.
Users should also be aware that the sound velocity might not be constant throughout the test piece
due to effects such as heat-treating. This must be taken into consideration when evaluating the
results of ultrasonic thickness testing. The calibration should always be checked after testing to
minimize errors.
Transducer (Probe) Zero Procedure

The transducer calibration procedures must be performed as described in this manual. The
calibration block must be clean, in good condition and free of noticeable wear. Failure to perform
the transducer zero and calibration procedure will cause inaccurate thickness readings.
Flaw Detection Calibration

When performing a flaw detection test, it is important to note that the amplitude of indications is
not only related to the size of the discontinuity; the depth of a discontinuity below the test piece
surface will also have an effect on the amplitude due to characteristics of the sound beam spread
and near field zone of the transducer. In addition, the characteristics of the discontinuity such as
orientation and classification can alter the expected amplitude response. For these reasons,
calibration should be performed on test blocks made of the same material as the test piece with
artificial discontinuities within the range of size and depth in the material to be detected. The user is
again cautioned to refer to reference books which are beyond the scope of this manual.
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Effects of Temperature on Calibration

The sound velocity in test pieces and the transducer wear face changes with temperature variations.
All calibrations should be performed on site with test blocks at or near the same temperature as that
expected on the test piece, to minimize errors.
Transducer Condition
The transducer used for testing must be in a good condition, without noticeable wear of the front
surface. The specified range of the transducer must encompass the complete range of the thickness
to be tested and/or the types of discontinuities to be investigated. The temperature of the material
to be tested must be within the transducer’s specified temperature range.
Use of Couplant
Operators must be familiar with the use of ultrasonic couplant. Testing skills must be developed so
that couplant is used and applied in a consistent manner to eliminate variations in couplant thickness
which can cause errors and inaccurate readings. Calibration and actual testing should be performed
under similar coupling conditions, using a minimum amount of couplant and applying consistent
pressure to the transducer
Disclaimer of Liability
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this manual or any other
information supplied by Sonatest Limited in connection with the use, features and qualifications of
the Sitescan 500 are based on tests believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof
is not guaranteed. Before using the product you should determine its suitability for your intended
use based on your knowledge of ultrasonic testing and the characteristics of materials. You bear all
risk in connection with the use of the product. You are reminded that all warranties as to
merchantability and fitness for purpose are excluded from the contract under which the product and
this manual have been supplied to you. The Seller’s only obligation in this respect is to replace such
quantity of the product proved to be defective.
Neither the seller nor the manufacturer shall be liable either in contract or in tort for any direct or
indirect loss or damage (whether for loss of profit or otherwise), costs, expenses or other claims for
consequential or indirect compensation whatsoever (and whether caused by the negligence of the
company, its employees or agents or otherwise).
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have
been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
4
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 – 2014 Sonatest Limited. All rights Reserved
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Sonatest Limited.
Sonatest limited or its filial provides this manual “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, either express
or implied. Included but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. In NO events shall Sonatest Limited, its filial, its directors, officers,
employers or agents be liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damage, even if
Sonatest limited or its filial has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any
defect or error in this manual or product.
Specifications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informational use only, and
are subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by
Sonatest limited or its filial.
5
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product has been design to the following European Directives:
- Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (RoHS).
- Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC
- CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
- EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. However, in order to ensure the equipment meets the requirements, the
following should be read:
This is a “CLASS A” product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference. In which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
This product should not be connected to cables (i.e. probe or encoder cable) longer than three
(3) meters in length. If this is necessary, the installation may require further EMC testing to
ensure conformity.
The Sitescan 500 also complies with EN 12668-1, non-destructive testing and verification of
ultrasonic examination equipment – Part 1: Instruments. For any questions relating to the proper
use of this product, please contact your distributor or Sonatest.
6
About this guide

How this guide is organised
This guide contains the following parts:
 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

 Chapter 2: Detailed Menu Description
 Chapter 3: Flaw testing
 Chapter 4: Thickness Gauging
 Chapter 5: Standard Features
 Chapter 6: Interface connection
 Chapter 7: Optional Features
 Chapter 8: Accessories
 Chapter 9: Products Specifications
 Chapter 10: Warranty
 Chapter 11: Troubleshooting and Support
 Chapter 12: Maintenance
 Chapter 13: Index
Convention used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: information to prevent injury to yourself when

trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Information to help you complete the task
TIPS: Additional information to help you complete a task
Typography
text on screen Refer to the name of the menu, Tab or sub-menu as it
appears on the screen
(Italics) Used to emphasis comment during a procedure
[keys/Menu] Refer to the key/button to press on the unit
7
Table of Contents
Disclaimers and Notices .......................................................................................... 2
General Warnings ............................................................................................... 2
Specific Warnings ............................................................................................... 2
Operator Training ............................................................................................... 2
Testing Limitations ............................................................................................. 3
Critical Operating Factors .................................................................................... 3
Calibration of the Sound Velocity.......................................................................... 3
Transducer (Probe) Zero Procedure ...................................................................... 3
Flaw Detection Calibration ................................................................................... 3
Effects of Temperature on Calibration................................................................... 4
Transducer Condition .......................................................................................... 4
Use of Couplant .................................................................................................. 4
Disclaimer of Liability .............................................................................................. 4
Copyright5
Electromagnetic Compatibility .................................................................................. 6
About this guide ..................................................................................................... 7
How this guide is organised ................................................................................. 7
Convention used in this guide .............................................................................. 7
Typography ....................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1 : Product Introduction ............................................................................... 11
1. Welcome! .............................................................................................. 11
2. Features of the Sitescan 500 ................................................................... 11
Functional Testing Methods ............................................................................... 11
3. Front Panel ............................................................................................ 12
4. Back Panel ............................................................................................. 13
5. Key Names and functions ........................................................................ 14
6. Sitescan 500 Memory .............................................................................. 16
Reset to factory defaults: .................................................................................. 16
Chapter 2 : Detailed Menu Description ....................................................................... 18
1. Main Menu ............................................................................................. 18
Main Menu Selection ......................................................................................... 18
2. CAL Menu .............................................................................................. 19
CAL (Calibration) Tab ........................................................................................ 19
Amp (Amplifier) Tab ......................................................................................... 19
Tx (Transmitter) Tab ........................................................................................ 19
Gate 1 & Gate 2 Tab ......................................................................................... 20
Auto-CAL Tab ................................................................................................... 20
IFT (Interface Trigger) Tab ............................................................................... 20
3. MEAS Menu ........................................................................................... 21
Meas (Measurement) Tab .................................................................................. 21
Trig Tab 23
Probe Tab ........................................................................................................ 23
T-Comp (Temperature compensation) Tab .......................................................... 23
Sizing Tab ........................................................................................................ 23
DAC (Distance Amplitude Correction) Tab ........................................................... 24
TCG (Time Corrected Gain) Tab ......................................................................... 25
AVG (Amplituden Vergleichs Größe) Tab ............................................................. 26
AWS (American Welding Society) Tab ................................................................. 28
API (American Petroleum Institute) Tab .............................................................. 29
BChart Tab ...................................................................................................... 30
T-Comp (Temperature compensation) Tab .......................................................... 30
MEMORY Menu .................................................................................................... 31
PANEL Tab ....................................................................................................... 31
A-LOG Tab ....................................................................................................... 31
REF Tab 32
BChart Tab ...................................................................................................... 32
TLogging Tab ................................................................................................... 32
T-LOG Tab ....................................................................................................... 33
Grid Tab 34
Grid Plan Tab ................................................................................................... 34
UTIL Menu .......................................................................................................... 35
8
MENU Tab ....................................................................................................... 35

Waveform Tab ................................................................................................. 35
MISC Tab 36
VIDEO Tab....................................................................................................... 36
BEA (Backwall Echo Attenuator) Tab .................................................................. 36
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Tab ..................................................................... 37
P_O/P (Proportional Output Control) Tab ............................................................ 37
Encoder tab ..................................................................................................... 38
CLOCK Tab ...................................................................................................... 38
Storage & Recall of Calibration Setups .................................................................... 39
How to store a panel set? .................................................................................. 39
How to recall a panel set? ................................................................................. 41
How to delete a panel set? ................................................................................ 41
Adding NOTES to PANEL and A-LOG sets ............................................................ 42
Edit Notes Summary ......................................................................................... 43
Chapter 3 Flaw Testing ............................................................................................. 44
1. Basic Operation ...................................................................................... 44
Flaw Tester Calibration ......................................................................................... 45
Chapter 4 : Thickness Gauging .................................................................................. 51
1. Basic Thickness Gauging ......................................................................... 51
2. Thickness Gauging Calibration ................................................................. 52
3. Auto-Cal ................................................................................................ 56
4. TCG for Reliable Gauging ........................................................................ 57
5. Thickness Logging Without Grid ............................................................... 58
Record mode ................................................................................................... 58
Chapter 5 : Standard Features .................................................................................. 59
1. Distance Amplitude Curve (DAC) Operation ............................................... 59
2. Temperature Compensation .................................................................... 62
Over view 62
The Calculation ................................................................................................ 62
Configuring Temperature compensation ............................................................. 62
Using Temperature Compensation...................................................................... 63
3. Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry Mode ............................................... 64
4. Flank- Flank Measurement Mode .............................................................. 66
Overview 66
Setting up Flank - Flank Mode............................................................................ 66
Using Flank - Flank Mode .................................................................................. 67
A-LOG, A-Scan Storage ......................................................................................... 68
How to Store an A-Scan .................................................................................... 68
How to Recall an A-Scan ................................................................................... 70
How to Delete a Stored A-Scan .......................................................................... 71
How to Recall an A-Scan as a Reference Waveform ............................................. 71
Contour, Peak Echo & Hold Dynamics ................................................................. 72
5. B-Chart Measurement Technique ............................................................. 74
Overview 74
Configuring B-Chart Measurement Mode ............................................................. 74
Using B-Chart Mode .......................................................................................... 75
6. BCHART, Bchart Storage ......................................................................... 77
Chapter 6 : Interface Connections ............................................................................. 80
1. Encoder connector (COM port) ................................................................ 80
2. Composite Video .................................................................................... 80
3. Proportional Outputs ............................................................................... 82
4. USB connector ....................................................................................... 84
Chapter 7 Optional Features ..................................................................................... 85
1. Entering License Key to Activate Options .................................................. 85
2. Time Corrected Gain (TCG) Operation ...................................................... 86
3. Distance Gain Size (DGS)/Amplituden Vergleichs Größe (AVG) .................... 88
Operation ............................................................................................................ 88
Theory 89
DGS/AVG ~ Frequency, TBVEL and ERS ............................................................. 90
DGS/AVG ~ T-Loss, Ref dB and Mat dB .............................................................. 91
DGS/AVG ~ dVK, REF TYPE and REFSIZE ........................................................... 92
DGS/AVG ~ Calibration (SET SIG) ...................................................................... 94
Adjustment ...................................................................................................... 95
9
Measurement ................................................................................................... 96
4. Weld Inspection Using the American Welding Society (AWS) Menu ............. 97
5. Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections using American Petroleum Institute (API) 5UE 100
6. Grid Thickness Logging ......................................................................... 103
7. Interface Trigger (IFT) .......................................................................... 104
Immersion Testing .......................................................................................... 104
8. Backwall Echo Attenuator (BEA) ............................................................. 108
9. Split Distance Amplitude Correction (Split DAC) ....................................... 110
Chapter 8 Accessories ............................................................................................ 112
1. Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ....................................................................... 112
Battery Cautions ............................................................................................. 112
Battery Charging ............................................................................................ 113
2. Battery Charger .................................................................................... 114
Chapter 9 : Products Specifications .......................................................................... 115
Chapter 10 : Warranty............................................................................................ 118
Chapter 11 : Troubleshooting and Support ............................................................... 119
Chapter 12 : Maintenance ....................................................................................... 121
Casing 121
Screen 121
Traveling 121
Chapter 13 : Index ................................................................................................. 122
10
Chapter 1 : Product Introduction

1. Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing a Sonatest Sitescan 500!
This manual provides information for the Sonatest Sitescan 500 device. The information contain
herein allows usage of the Sitescan to its full capability in order to take advantage of its numerous
and user-friendly features.
The user guide has been designed so that people with good knowledge of basic ultrasonic non-
destructive testing may understand how to operate the Sitescan. It is crucial that users understand
the critical nature of ultrasonic non-destructive testing.
2. Features of the Sitescan 500

The Sitescan 500 is a user-friendly ultrasonic digital flaw detector and thickness gauge, which is
simple to use and provides the experienced ultrasonic operator with a full-function device that
incorporates many productivity enhancing features. All of the features of the Sitescan 500 are
accessed through a menu system using the front panel keypad and [softkey] button.
Functional Testing Methods

The Sitescan 500S supports the following ultrasonic testing methods:
 Pulse-Echo Flaw Detection

 Transmit-Receive Flaw Detection
 Time of flight measurement
 Contact or Immersion Methods
 Angle Beam (Shear Wave) Testing
 Angle Beam (Surface Wave) Testing
 Crack Diffraction Methods
 Depth of Flaw Measurement
 Single Transducer Thickness Measurement
 Dual Transducer Thickness Measurement
 Indirect Measurement of Sound Velocity in Materials
 Phase change display in un-rectified mode
 Through transmission testing
 Creep wave testing
 Pitch and catch technique
11
3. Front Panel
The front panel controls consist of a series sealed, pressure sensitive, tactile buttons that allow the
instrument settings to be changed and the movement through the menus on the screen. A more
detailed description of each button is shown below preceded by an overview of the front and back
panel:
 The above picture is for reference only. The menu and the button layout may vary
with models, nevertheless the key function remain the same.
 When the term “highlighted” is used, it refers to text with a green background (blue in
this manual) and black letters (white in this manual) which is the selected item on
your Flaw detector.
12
4. Back Panel
The back panel is where the battery pack is located. A video output can be connected to a
monitor/TV which can act as external display. The proportional output can be used to programme
the gate to distance or amplitude.
 When connecting to a PC via the USB cable, firmware and software update can be
updated.
 Post-analysis can done as well as other functions related to post test.
 For more information about the UT-lity software please refer to the manual.
13
5. Key Names and functions

Icon Function Name Short Function Description
ON/OFF Power on & off push button for switching the instrument on and off. Operates as
a toggle.
Menu The [MENU] button is used to display the 4 main menu levels (CAL, MEAS,
UTIL and MEMORY) on the right hand side of the screen. The [MENU]
button can be pressed at any time. To select the required sub-menu press the
plain grey button associated with it ([soft key] button).
Navigation These buttons move the highlighted cursor along the top of the screen left and
right to the sub menu to be selected. These are momentary buttons with no
Arrow button repeat. The parameter boxes along the right hand side of the screen change as
the sub menu is selected.
This button operates in connection with the [softkey] buttons next to

the parameter boxes to increase the value or step the selection in the positive
direction. In the case of transducer Zero or Delay, it moves the signals to the
right. This is a repeat button with acceleration to facilitate quick scrolling of the
value.
This button operates in connection with the [soft key] buttons next to
the parameter boxes to decrease the value or step the selection in the reverse
direction. In the case of transducer Zero or Delay, it moves the signals to the
left. This is a repeat button with acceleration to facilitate quick scrolling of the
value.
Soft key button The four grey buttons on the right side of the display are used to select the menu
boxes, which appear on the right side of the A-Trace. When a menu box is
selected, it will be highlighted. Pressing the button a second time will, on certain
parameters, display a drop-down list with a selection of values that can be
chosen by using the
[Up] and [down] navigation arrow buttons
Coarse/fine This button changes the size of the steps that are used to adjust the parameters;
there are two sizes: fine and coarse which are dependent on the parameter that
button is being changed. The button toggles between the two sizes and the current
state is indicated by  for fine and by  for the coarse step in the parameter
box that is being adjusted.
OK This button operates in conjunction with the memory menus to accept a store or
to accept a recall of a memory already in storage. In the print mode, [OK].
Freeze/Peak Press this button once to select freeze mode for the A-Scan display. This is a
useful feature for holding an echo for evaluation.
Help
This button selects the help menu which overlays the display.
The Help Screen displays the Instrument serial number & software version
Continue on the next Page
14
Full screen The full screen button is used to toggle between showing the A-Scan on the full
display and showing it with the menus and parameter boxes. Full display is useful
button for maximising the size of the A-Scan while performing inspections.
While in full screen mode the user can still change the gain in the normal way
and use the [Freeze/Peak] button; all other buttons are disabled.
In this mode the main parameters are shown in a grid that the user navigates by
using the [softkey] buttons next to the [up] & [down] arrows to scroll up
or down and the
[left] and [right] navigation buttons to move from left to right. Once the
required parameter has been selected it can be changed in the normal way by
pressing the [Up], [Down] button and [coarse/fine] buttons.
Step button Press to select the dB step value of amplifier gain as 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 10, 14, or 20dB.
The selected value is indicated at the top right-hand corner of the gain box,
which is always located at the bottom right side of the screen. This is a
momentary button with no repeat.
Increase gain Press to increment or decrement the gain value indicated in the gain box. This is
always located at the bottom right side of the screen. This is a repeat button
with acceleration to facilitate quick changing of the value.
Decrease gain
REF/GAIN Selects either reference or gain settings within the gain box. When reference is
selected, the increment and decrement buttons will change both the reference
and gain values together.
Single/Double This button toggles between single and double element transducers. The user
should switch the unit off or stop the pulser by pressing the [Freeze/Peak]
key before changing transducers.
Transmitter BNC or LEMO 1 connector is the transmitter and receiver socket used for single
transducers or as the transmitter only, for twin or dual transducer operation.
Receiver BNC or LEMO 1 connector is the receiver socket used for twin or dual transducer
operation.
USB A socket to connect various USB devices such as the user’s PC.
Power supply/ A socket used to connect the battery charger for recharging the battery pack. A
Battery red dot is provided on both the socket and plug to facilitate alignment. Refer to
Charger Power Supply for information on power supplies and charging of the battery
pack.
15
6. Sitescan 500 Memory
The settings of the Sitescan 500 always remain in memory when the instrument is turned off, even if
the battery pack is removed. That is, whatever the settings are just prior to turning the instrument
off will be the settings in place the next time the instrument is turned on.
At times it may be desirable to start with default settings. This is especially true when beginning a
new test procedure or going from flaw detection to a thickness gauging procedure. Otherwise, it
may be necessary to go through all of the menus to reset various functions. A reset function is
provided to facilitate the returning of all panel calibration settings to the factory defaults.
Reset to factory defaults:

Step 1: Switch the instrument ON by pressing [ON/OFF] button.
Step 1a: If you already have the unit ON, press [Menu] button
Step 2: Choose Mem sub-menu
Step 3: Chose the Panel Tab then select default all sub-menu by pressing [softkey] button next to it
once.
Step 4: To reset to the default value, press and hold the [OK] button. When resetting to factory
default settings the following dialogue is displayed allowing the user to choose imperial or metric
defaults:
16
 Before performing this procedure, be sure to save any favourite settings to memory by using
the procedure outlined in Storage & Recall of calibration setup.
 When resetting to factory default settings, the Gain=40, Gain step=1 and probe setting
= single.
17
Chapter 2 : Detailed Menu Description

Before proceeding with this section, the user should be familiar with the front panel controls
described in Chapter 1(Front Panel). Furthermore it is assumed that the user has a good
understanding of the theory and practice of ultrasonic testing.
1. Main Menu
When the Sitescan 500 is switch on, the unit will perform an initial check test. And a similar screen
will appear.
During that test the screen may flick momentarily. When the test is finished the following screen
should appears:
As shown above the main menus are on the right hand side of the screen. To select a particular
menu press the [softkey] button right next of it. You can return to the main menu at any time by
pressing the [Menu] button.
Main Menu Selection

Select Cal menu to access the following items: Cal, Amp, Tx, Gate 1, Gate 2, IFT and
Auto Cal
Select Meas menu to access the following items: : Meas, Trig, Probe, Sizing,
(DAC,TCG,AVG,AWS,API), BChart and T-comp.
Select Mem menu to access the following items: Panel, A-Log, Ref, Bchart and T-Log. If
Corro&TLog is enabled TLogging,(Grid, Grid Plan)
Select Util menu to access the following items: Menu, Waveform, Misc, Video, BEA,
AGC, Prop O/P, Encoder and Clock

The Ref/Gain box always appears at the bottom right of the screen and can be changed using
the [Step], [REF/GAIN] and the [Up] and [Down] keys.
Some sub-menu have a pop-up windows sign on the left top corner. If you push
again the [softkey] button after the sub-menu is highlighted, another window will
appear.
18
2. CAL Menu
The CAL menu is the most used menu and contains those items that allow the Sitescan 500 to be
easily calibrated. For full instruction on how to perform a calibration see Flaw Testing Calibration.
CAL (Calibration) Tab

Probe zero: Used to calibrate the screen and thickness readout for zero offsets that are
inherently different for each transducer. Units are microseconds in both mm and inch modes.
Velocity: Used to calibrate the screen and thickness span readout based on the velocity of
sound in the test material. Units are meters per second in mm mode and inches per
microsecond in inch mode.
Range: Used to set the full screen width of the horizontal A-Trace in mm, inches, or
microseconds depending on the unit chosen in the UTIL menu. The range is 1mm to 10
meters (0.04 to 787.4 inches).
Delay: Used to set the delay or offset of the left side of the A-Trace for viewing of a portion of
a signal. The range is 0mm to 10 meters (0 to 787.4 inches).
Amp (Amplifier) Tab

Detect: Used to set the display mode for the desired rectification of the signals from FULL
(rectified full wave), RF ( un-rectified), -VE HW (negative half-wave) and +VE HW (positive
half-wave)
Reject: Used to remove low level noise from the A-Trace. Reject is linear and is adjustable
from 0 up to 80% of full screen height. The REJECT LED is lit when a reject is active
Tx (Transmitter) Tab
Damping: Allows you to switch between 50Ω or 450Ω damping resistor. Damping parameter
is available when Pulse mode parameter in Misc tab in UTIL menu is set to Damping.
Edge: Used to change ActiveEdgeTM parameter from 0 to 400. Edge parameter is available
when Pulse mode parameter in Misc tab in UTIL menu is set to Edge.
Max PRF: Set the maximum pulse repetition frequency that may be reduced for large values
of display range and delay. Selectable values are from 15 to 100 in 5Hz steps, from 100 to
1,000 in 50Hz steps and 1,000 to 5,000 in 100Hz steps. Lower values will reduce ghosting
and noise echoes.
19
Gate 1 & Gate 2 Tab

Set the state of the gate as follows:
OFF: Switches the gate off.
ON +VE: The alarm triggers when an echo in the gate exceeds the threshold level.
ON -VE: The alarm triggers when an echo in the gate falls below the threshold
level. Usually used to monitor for loss of back wall echo.
EXPAND: Expands the gate width to fill the horizontal display width. Only applies
to gate 1.
G1/G2 Start: set the start position of the gate relative to the initial pulse. Units are mm
or inches and range is from 0 to the full time base of the horizontal display.
G1/G2 Width: set the width of the gate. Units are mm or inches and range is from
0.15mm (0.001 inch), depending on the range selected, to the full time base of the
horizontal display.
G1/G2 Level: adjusts the alarm threshold level, which corresponds to the vertical height
on the A-Trace. Adjustable in 0.5% or 2% steps from 0% to 100% full screen height.
Auto-CAL Tab
This menu provides automatic calibration of sound velocity and transducer zero. Gate 1 is used to
select the reference echoes. See Auto-Cal for a full procedure.
Dist 1: Set the actual distance to the first or thinnest reference echo in the calibration block.
Dist 2: Set the actual distance to the second or thickest reference echo in the calibration block
G1 Start: Used to adjust the start of the gate to assure that the first and second echoes are
measured.
After pressing [OK] to accept DIST1 and DIST2. Press [OK] when ACCEPT (CAL) is
highlighted.
IFT (Interface Trigger) Tab

This menu allows the Interface Trigger parameters to be configured. See Optional Features
3. Entering License Key to Activate Options

The Sitescan software contains the optional features as standard but require a license key in order to
enable them.
License keys can be obtained for the (paid for) optional features by contacting your local distributor.
The Install Option Sub-menu can be found under the UTIL menu. Pressing the [softkey] button next
to the Install Option parameter will activate the license key entry panel as shown below:
20
Use the scroll wheel to select characters from the key map, pressing the [OK] key to add to the
currently selected character to the license key entry field.
Pressing the [MENU] key when complete will exit the license key entry panel displaying a
confirmation message whether the license key was accepted or not. If the license key is accepted the
Sitescan will return the main menu and the new option will be available in the menu system.
The Middle section of the license key entry panel shows the options that are currently enabled.
21
4. Time Corrected Gain (TCG) Operation

The Time Corrected Gain feature provides a means of creating an attenuation curve that sets the
gain in a swept manner as a function of transit time. A properly constructed TCG curve will
compensate for material attenuation and sound beam characteristics so that discontinuities of equal
relative size at different depths in the test piece will give an equal amplitude response on the
display.
Proper use of the TCG feature requires a reference block made from the same material as that being
examined, with flat-bottom or side-drilled holes of the desired size placed at depths covering the
range to be inspected. To establish a TCG curve, follow the following instructions:
Step 1: Establish the basic calibration of the Sitescan 500 using the desired transducer and the
proper reference block.
Step 2: From the MEAS menu, select Sizing tab by using [left] or [right] navigation arrow button.
Then select Sizing sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it.
Step 3: In Sizing sub-menu select the TCG parameter by press [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow
button or press the [softkey] button next to sizing sub menu again to make the pop up window
appears, choose TCG and press the [softkey] button again:
In Sitescan 500, When choosing TCG feature in Sizing sub-menu from Sizing Tab, TCG tab
will appear (See similar DAC example here)
Step 4: Go to TCG tab then select TCG mode sub-menu and use the [Up] arrow navigation button to
select DRAW. The other sub-menu will now be CURSOR and POINT.
Step 5: The TCG system is now ready to accept reference points. Position the transducer to give a
maximum echo from the first or top most reference hole in the reference block. Be careful to use a
consistent amount of coupling and transducer pressure.
Step 6: Press [softkey] button next to adjust sub-menu then Use the [Up] and [Down] navigation
arrow buttons to position the bright cursor bar over the echo from the reference hole. Press the
[OK] button to accept the point. The value of the Point sub-menu will then increment to indicate
22
the next point. As each point is entered, the gain will change to place the echoes at about 80%
amplitude as shown below:
Step 7: Repeat steps 6 and 7 for each additional reference hole in the reference block, being careful
to be consistent with the amount of coupling and transducer pressure. A maximum of 10 points can
be recorded for a TCG curve.
Step 8: Press the [softkey] button adjacent to TCG Mode sub-menu and use the [Up] navigation
arrow button to select ON mode. The TCG curve will now be displayed, the amplifier gain will now
swept, and the other sub-menu will change to CURVE and MEAS
Step 9: Use the CURVE parameter and the [Up] navigation arrow button to select ON or OFF for the
display of the TCG curve.
A TCG curve cannot be drawn while in RF display mode. It should be noted that the
range of TCG is limited only by the dynamic range of the set.
Use the MEAS parameter to display the echo height relative to Full Screen Height (FSH), percentage
of TCG Reference (%REF) or dB relative to TCG Reference.
23
5. Distance Gain Size (DGS)/Amplituden Vergleichs Größe

(AVG)
Operation
The DGS (Distance Gain Size) method, often known by its German acronym AVG (Amplituden
Vergleichs Größe), allows a theoretical model to be used for assessment of ultrasonic echoes.
The DGS/AVG method allows flaw sizing and distance compensation without requiring the large
range of reference standards for each test which would be required in order to establish a
measured DAC curve, or to set up a TCG correction.
The relative response from ‘Equivalent reflectors’ of different sizes at different distances can be
predicted mathematically from the probe effective diameter, frequency and near field length (a
function of the first two). Probe sensitivity can be calibrated from a single measurement (usually the
back wall echo)
DGS/AVG has several limitations:
 It is a predicative method, so only works in ‘standard’ configurations where the mathematical model is valid
 It must be applied with care with non-circular probe elements as we have to approximate an ‘effective
diameter’
 It does not work well on broadband probes, where the frequency is not well defined.
 It should only be applied to single element probes, as dual element probes have an inherent focus.
Corrections may be required for several factors:
 Internal time delays within the probe

 Attenuation with distance, both within the material to be tested and the reference block, if significant over
the distances involved.
 Transfer correction, e.g. if the tested material has a significantly rougher surface than the reference block
 When using an angle probe and calibrating on a curved reflector (e.g. V1 or V2 Block) a correction must be
applied.
DGS/AVG to work accurately the probe zero must be set correctly.
24
Theory
For a flat, disk shaped crystal of given frequency and size, the general beam profile can be defined in
terms of a ‘normalised’ standard curve, scaled by the Probe ‘effective diameter’ and near field
length.
2
DEFF  2
N
The near field length is defined by the equation: 4 
Where DEFF is the probe effective diameter and is the wavelength (Velocity/Frequency)
The echo height from a small (much less than sound field width) reflector will be proportional to its
size.
The echo height from a given reflector in the far field (distance from the probe greater than 2-3 Near
Field Lengths (NFL)) will be inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the probe.
It is therefore possible to define a standard relationship, knowing the basic probe parameters, which
only need be corrected for the sensitivity of the probe by measuring the response from a known
reflector.
The picture shows a ‘general’ DGS/AVG diagram plotted on logarithmic scales, Relative gain in dB,
Distance as a multiple of Near Field Length, The various curves represent the signal from an
Equivalent Reflector Size (ERS) expressed as a multiple of the effective probe diameter.
The signal from the back wall echo (‘infinite’ reflector) falls off with distance, rather than with
the square of distance.
Press [MENU] then the [softkey] button next to MEAS then select the Sizing tab. If sizing sub-menu
is set to AVG then go to AVG tab and check AVG MODE should be OFF.
25
DGS/AVG ~ Frequency, TBVEL and ERS

- Highlight and select MEAS menu (press [Menu] button then the [softkey] button next to it).
- From Sizing tab select AVG, AVG Tab should appears next to it.
- Select the AVG tab, its AVG MODE sub-menu should be OFF.
- Set FREQ and Probe type sub-menu when AVG mode sub-menu is set to OFF.
- Set NFL sub-menu and DELAY sub-menu when SET PRB is selected in AVG mode sub-menu.
It is recommended that figures from specific probe test results, rather than generic data
sheets, be used where possible, as typical manufacturing variations are sufficient to affect
the accuracy of the results.
- The desire test sensitivity (ERS) may be set now according to the probe use (this can be set later).
DELAY – Probe Delay Velocity, in meters per second
This is the velocity of compressive sound waves in the material of the probe wedge. It is
used mostly in angle probes but also in zero degree compression probes which have a delay
line. This wedge material is typically Perspex, which has a compressive sound wave velocity
of 2700 m/s.
Probe Type – Longitude wavelength or surface wavelength
 Set the type of wavelength for the velocity, in meters per second. This parameter is
used internally. It will take the same range of values as the Velocity parameter in
Cal Tab.
 This parameter MUST be entered. The Wavelength, which is calculated from this
velocity and the Probe frequency, is critical to the DGS/AVG calculations.
 By default the parameter setting is Coarse tuning (represented by >>), to set in fine
tuning (represented by >) use the [up] arrow key.
 To put it back in coarse tuning use the [right] arrow key.
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DGS/AVG ~ T-Loss, Ref dB and Mat dB

Change AVG MODE sub-menu to ‘SET ATT’. This menu allows the operator to enter attenuation
parameters relating to the materials of the Calibration Block and the item under test, these
parameters being:
T-LOSS – Transfer Loss, in dB.
This is the loss due to surface roughness, poor coupling etc between the probe and the
object under test. Generally it can be assumed that the Reference block will have a clean
surface , but this may not apply to the object under test, methods exist for measuring this,
experienced based ‘rules of thumb’ are also commonly used.
REF dB/m – Reference Material Attenuation, in dB per meter
Attenuation of ultrasound in the Reference (Calibration) block material in dB per Meter.
MAT dB/m – Test Material attenuation, in dB per meter
Attenuation of Ultrasound in the material of the object under test in dB per Meter
The REF dB/m and MAT dB/m are used where the ultrasound attenuation in these materials
is such that it would cause a disparity in signal heights between similar reflectors in these
materials. At long path lengths these factors become very important.
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DGS/AVG ~ dVK, REF TYPE and REFSIZE

Change MODE to SET REF
dVK (VK) – Curvature Correction Factor in dB
This value allows the use of a curved surface to provide a back wall echo for use as a reference
signal, thus the same reference block can be used irrespective of probe angle.
The amplitude correction factor shows by how many dB the echo from the cylindrical surface is
larger or smaller than the echo from a flat backwall, normal to the probe field axis at the same
distance.
This value is subtracted from the gain to compensate for the focusing effect of the curved reference
reflector. It should be entered as a positive or negative value as expressed in the probe data sheets.
Probe datasheets typically express thus value as VK1, for use with the K1/V1 calibration block, or
VK2 for use with the K2/V2 calibration block. These calibration blocks are specified in standards
EN12223 / DIN54122 / BS2704
It is used, in conjunction with the probe zero and the specimen velocity, to calculate the Sound field
equivalent length, this being the effective distance of the crystal to the test piece/wedge interface.
Ref Type – Reference Reflector Type
The user can select one of a number of different reference reflectors. In this implementation, these
have been derived from EN 583-2:2001 Annex B. These reflector types are:
 BWE – Back Wall Echo

 FBH – Flat Bottom Hole
 SDH – Side Drilled Hole
Reference type SDH is converted internally to the equivalent DSR diameter according to the
formulae in EN 583-2:2001 Annex B.
When using reference reflectors of type SDH, it is essential to select the correct Wavelength (L-wave
or S-wave). This is because the calculations for the equivalent DSR use the wavelength of sound that
is calculated from the Calibration Block velocity and the probe frequency.
28
Ref Size – Reference Reflector Size, diameter in mm.
The Reference Reflector Size parameter allows the user to enter the diameter of the reference
reflector. The reflector type is set using the Ref Type parameter above.
The set will automatically compensate for the varying ‘reflectivity’ of different reflector types as
specified by the Ref Type parameter. Thus a 3 mm side drilled hole should be entered as Ref Type=
SDH and Ref Size=3.0
In this implementation, a diameter of 0 (zero) is used to represent a reflector of infinite size and is
expressed as BACKWALL or INFINITE.
29
DGS/AVG ~ Calibration (SET SIG)

The calibration of the DGS/AVG system sets the Probes ‘absolute sensitivity’ based on the response
from the reference block.
Changing any parameters relating to the reference echo will invalidate the calibration, which
must then be repeated. The current version of the software does not enforce this – it is the
responsibility of the operator.
Set MODE to SET SIG
Place probe on reference block and maximise echo, select Cursor parameter by press the [softkey]
next to it then use [Up] and [Down] arrows key to centre the selection bar over the echo. Press the
[OK] key to accept the echo.
The instrument will adjust gain as necessary to get a good echo reference and then perform the
necessary sensitivity calculations; the curve will then be drawn and DGS/AVG will automatically be
switched on.
Once DGS/AVG has been switched on it is possible to adjust the curve ERS level (the instrument will
redraw the curve, but a new calibration is not required) and select the Curve, -6dB or Gate as the
measurement reference. It is also possible to make adjustments to the transfer loss parameter (T-
LOSS).
30
Adjustment
When the DGS/AVG has been calibrated it is possible to leave the DGS/AVG menus and adjust other
settings of the instrument, for example range and gate settings.
Gain may be adjusted with understanding – Changing the Gain setting will remove the correlation
with the DGS/AVG curve, so should only be done in accordance with a specification , for example to
compensate for varying material conditions (better done with the T-LOSS function).
If it is desired to change the gain to give a larger signal (for example at long range) the REF gain
should be adjusted. This will change the curve by an equivalent amount and preserve the
measurement accuracy.
Increasing Ref Gain by 6dB moves curve and preserves measurement.
Decreasing Gain by 6dB returns to original height, but loses measurement.
31
The Reference gain may be selected by pressing the [dB] Button. (DGS/AVG is only appropriate for
Single probe mode)
When the display Range or Ref Gain is changed the DGS/AVG curve will recalculate at each step. If
the settings must be changed by more than one or two steps it may be more convenient to switch
DGS/AVG off, Change Ref gain and Range etc as needed, and then switch DGS/AVG on again. This
will not invalidate the curve provided the following are not changed:
Freq, NFL, dVK, Delay, Ref (dB/m), Ref Type, Probe Type, Ref Size, (new REFERENCE Entered), Probe
Zero, Filter, Contour or Probe Angle.
The following should not be used in DGS/AVG Mode:

 Detect Modes other than Full Wave
 non-zero REJECT
 Dual probe mode
 Smoothing
 AUTO-CAL (other than for initial setup before using DGS/AVG)
 DAC
 AWS
 API or AGC
Measurement
Having set up the DGS/AVG system, it is possible to use the measurement system to calculate an
Equivalent Reflector Size for the flaw.
This is achieved by using Gate 1 to identify the flaw indication and the DEPTH measurement mode to
calculate its equivalent size. This Equivalent Size is calculated as the Test Sensitivity (ERS value)
multiplied by the Ratio of the Signal height to the DGS/AVG curve height at that distance. It is
displayed in place of the signal amplitude (%FSH) as a diameter, in mm.
It is also possible to ‘size’ the flaw in terms of dB with respect to the DGS/AVG curve. This is
achieved by increasing, or decreasing, the set gain until the peak of the flaw signal lies on the
DGS/AVG curve. The difference in Gain required can then be read directly from the displayed Gain
Value.
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6. Weld Inspection Using the American Welding Society

(AWS) Menu
The American Welding Society (AWS) menu provides a means for evaluating discontinuities when
inspecting welds in accordance with the American Welding Society’s Structural Welding Code,
ANSI/AWS D1.1-94. The user is referred to the AWS standard for full details of the method.
The AWS menu provides a convenient method of automatically calculating the “Indication Rating”
(IR) as defined by the standard. The AWS menu can be used in conjunction with the trigonometry
mode which will simultaneously indicate beam path, surface distance and depth distance at the
bottom of the graticule.
The AWS menu will not operate with either the DAC or TCG switched on:
 TCG
 AVG
 T-LOG
 DAC
 API or AGC
To set up the AWS measurements, perform the following:
Step 1: Calibrate the Sitescan 500 for weld testing and set up the trigonometry mode by following
the steps in Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry.
Step 2: From the MEAS menu, select AWS and place the MODE to SET.
Step 3: Highlight REF% by pressing the [softkey] button on the menu and set to the desired
reference level, usually 80% of full screen height.
Step 4: Place the probe on the test block and obtain the maximum signal from the reference
indication.
Step 5: Place the cursor over the indication by selecting Cursor and using the [Up] or [Down]
navigation arrow.
Step 6: With the signal maximized, press the [OK] key.
The Sitescan 500 is now calibrated to make Indication Rating measurements in accordance with AWS
D1.1-94.
33
To use the AWS mode, do the following:
Step 1: On the AWS menu, highlight AWS MODE and select MEAS.
Switching AWS ON will enable the AWS HUD at the top of the display, where the live
measurements will be displayed.
Step 2: Ensure that the gate and measurement (TRIG) function are operative and properly adjusted.
Step 3: When the AWS menu is selected and a signal is in the gate, the sub-menu boxes will show
the resulting AWS measurements as follows: IR  IL  RG  AF
(Indication Rating = Indication level – Reference Gain – Attenuation Factor)
Where:
IL: Indication Level The dB setting required to bring an indication to the reference level.
RG: Reference Gain The dB setting of the calibrated reference indication as a function of
the reference standard and probe being employed.
AF: Attenuation The attenuation factor required by the AWS standard and is: Depth in
Factor inches minus 1, multiply by 2 and then rounded to the nearest ½ dB.
IR: Indication Rating The difference in dB between the indication and the reference gain
with attenuation factor correction.
34
It is not necessary to bring the indication to the reference level to obtain the correct measurement
information as the Sitescan 500 adjusts for gain offset. However, to ensure the best accuracy of
calculation, it is advised to adjust the indication to be above 40% and below 100% of full screen
height. In addition, in the AWS mode, gain offset is shown as +/- dB from reference as opposed to
absolute gain.
Once AWS has been switch to ON mode it is no longer possible to adjust the reference gain. AWS can
be operated in full screen mode, as shown below:
With AWS active it is possible to maximise the screen height by pressing and holding the [FULL
SCREEN] key, this will remove the HUD but leave AWS active. It is possible to toggle the screen mode
in both normal and full screen modes.
35
7. Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections using American

Petroleum Institute (API) 5UE
The Sitescan 500 is able to assist the user in making measurements in accordance with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice for Ultrasonic Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections
using the Amplitude Distance Differential Method (ADDM). Users are referred to the publication:
“API Recommended Practice 5UE, Second Edition, June 2005”
The ADDT employs a combination of amplitude comparison and 6dB drop techniques to determine
the radial depth of an imperfection. The technique is based on the premise that radial depth of an
imperfection affects both the amplitude of the received echo signal and the differential time of flight
of the transmitted ultrasonic wave as it passes over the imperfection.
The first step is to perform a standardisation using a reference indicator such as a notch of a known
depth or a through drilled hole. It is assumed that the Sitescan had been setup with the correct
values for the transducer and specimen being used for the inspection.
From the CAL menu turn ON G1 State in Gate 1 tab and position it on the display so that it will cover
the signal that will be produced by the reference indicator; the height of the gate is not important.
Ensure that the signal will be between 5% and 100% of full screen height. From the MEAS menu, go
to Sizing tab then Select API and select PEAK by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] button three times then
capture the reference signal and the following display should be shown:
Once the desired signal is obtained press the [OK] button twice whilst the Capture parameter is
highlighted and the K factor (a derived factor for calculating depth) is calculated and displayed as
shown:
36
The Sitescan automatically goes into FREEZE mode. Pressing the [MENU] button will cancel the
calibration and return to previous screen – this will also clear the peak envelope. Pressing the [OK]
button again puts the API facility into measurement mode as shown below. The K value is displayed
but cannot be changed while in measurement mode.
To take measurements select PEAK mode by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] button three times (you
should see Peak on the low left corner), highlight Capture parameter by press the [softkey] next to
that parameter, then press [OK] button once (should change from Peak to Accept) and capture the
echo dynamic signal; once the desired signal has been captured press the [OK] button. The Di value
is calculated and displayed as shown below:
37
The Sitescan 500 is automatically put into Hold mode once a measurement has been taken. The
resulting Di value is shown highlighted in the HUD – if it was unable to calculate the Di value, dashes
are shown.
Once the measurement has been taken, pressing the [OK] button releases Hold mode. To take the
next measurement select PEAK mode by pressing the [FREEZE/PEAK] button and repeat the above
process.
It is possible to operate API when in FULL SCREEN mode. Whilst in the API menu press the [FULL
SCREEN] button; the [FREEZE/PEAK] button and the [OK] button work as expected.
With API active it is possible to maximise the screen height by turn the HUD off in meas tab, this will
remove the HUD but leave API active.
It is possible to toggle the screen mode in both normal and full screen modes. If the table is not
shown taking a measurement will show the table in order to see the result of the measurements,
once freeze mode is released the HUD will disappear again.
38
8. Grid Thickness Logging

Please see separate manual for details
Interface Trigger (IFT) for a full description.
IFT State: Turns the interface trigger ON, Set or OFF.
IFT Start: Used to set the start position of the interface gate relative to the initial pulse.
IFT Width: Used to set the width of the interface gate. Units are mm or inches and range is
from 0.15mm (0.001 inch), depending on the range selected, to the full time base of the
horizontal display.
IFT Level: Used to adjust the threshold level, which corresponds to the vertical height on the
A-Trace. Adjustable in 0.5% or 2% steps from 0% to 100% full screen height.
9. MEAS Menu
The menus in this section allow the various measurement techniques to be configured; these include
the general measurement set-up and specialist methods such as DAC, AVG, TCG, AWS and API.
Select the MEAS menu at any time by pressing the [MENU] button.
Meas (Measurement) Tab

In the measurement tab, the top selection box shows the selected measurement mode and the
remaining three selection boxes vary depending on the mode selected as follows:
Meas Mode (MONITOR): In this mode, gates 1 and 2 act as two independent monitor
gates
Meas Mode (DEPTH): In this mode, gate 1 functions as a depth or thickness monitor and
displays the depth (D:) and height (H:) of the first signal after the start of the gate that reaches
or exceeds the gate level threshold. Values are displayed in a highlighted box below the A-
Trace.
Trigger: Used to select the depth or thickness measurement to the FLANK (left edge) of the
first echo after the start of the gate or the PEAK measurement within the gate i.e. the largest
value in the gate.
39
When Head Up Display (HUD) turned ON, provides a large, Head-Up Display of the depth or
thickness reading at the top right of the A-Trace. The [Up] arrow navigation button
sequences the selections as follows:
G1-G2 E-E DEPTH TRIG
OFF OFF OFF OFF
DIST DIST DIST DIST
DIST + DIST + HEIGHT HEIGHT
DIST + DIST +
HEIGHT + HEIGHT +

+

+
When T-min is turned ON, the depth or thickness reading will freeze that last minimum or
lowest value measured. To reset, toggle the function to OFF and then ON. Only available in
DEPTH mode.
Meas Mode (E-E): In this mode, gate 1 functions as a thickness monitor and measures the
thickness between the first signal in the gate and the second signal in the gate that reaches or
exceeds the level threshold. A second bar is shown representing the blanking (see BLANK)
Meas Mode (TRIG): The Trigonometry mode is used with angle beam transducers for weld
inspection to calculate the three important measurements based on the echo position: the
Beam path distance (:), the Surface distance (:), and the Depth distance (:) from the
index point of the transducer.
Meas Mode (G1-G2): This is similar in concept to E-E mode, but uses gates 1 & 2, allowing
the thresholds for the two gate measurements to be completely independent.
Meas Mode (F-F): In this mode gates 1 and 2 take measure from one Flank to another
Flank.
When Head Up Display (HUD) turned ON, provides a large, Head-Up Display of the depth or
thickness reading at the top right of the A-Trace. The [Up] navigation arrow button
sequences the selections as follows:
G1-G2 E-E DEPTH TRIG
OFF OFF OFF OFF
DIST DIST DIST DIST
DIST + DIST + HEIGHT HEIGHT
DIST + DIST +
HEIGHT + HEIGHT +

+

+
Blanking: This function sets the blanking distance, as a percentage of the total gate width,
which is a blind zone after the first echo, after which a second echo can be measured. This
helps to eliminate undesired noise in the first echo from being measured, as thickness but will
limit the minimum thickness capability if set too large
40
Meas Mode (Angle): Take into account the angle probe value.
Hole Dia (mm): Used to select the depth or thickness measurement to the FLANK (left
edge) of the first echo after the start of the gate or the PEAK measurement within the gate
i.e. the largest value in the gate.
When Head Up Display (HUD) turned ON, provides a large, Head-Up Display of the angle
reading at the top right of the A-Trace.
Cntr Depth (mm): From the flank
41
Trig Tab
Surface: allows you to choose CONCAVE for internal surfaces or CONVEX for external
surfaces. For flat surface with no curvature this set this option OFF
½ Skip: When 1/2 Skip is ON, this parameter is used as a quick way to turn on the ½ skip
graticule which display dotted lines on the display representing half skip, full skip and skip and
Half. If ON +  is selected then the calculated values are displayed at the top of the half skip
lines.
Thick: set the thickness of the material being tested to account for multiple skips of the angled
sound beam in the test material.
Radius: Select the radius of the curvature.
Probe Tab
Angle: Set to the nominal refracted angle of the transducer to calibrate the Surface and Depth
measurements.
X_Offset: Used to enter the distance from probe emission point to front of probe case. This
is used by the TRIG function in MEAS menu to give the surface distance.
Auto Zero: option calculated automatically the zero probe, to calculate the zero probe, press
[OK] button
T-Comp (Temperature compensation) Tab

Mode (ON/OFF): Turn temperature compensation mode ON or OFF. ON activates
temperature compensation mode.it replaces the Beam Path distance (:) with a (TC:) in the
measurement line with HUD.
Calib °C: Set the value of the environment temperature of the calibration block. The units are
either in metric (°C) or in imperial (°F).
Material °C: Set the value of the temperature for material under test. The units are either in
°C metric or in °F imperial.
K: Set value for the K factor which derived during the calibration phase and used to calculate
the depth of the defect. It can be set during the measurement phase and ID display for
reference.
Sizing Tab
Sizing: can be set on None/DAC/ TCG/ AVG/
AWS/ API
Depend on the sizing technique selected: a new tab will appear next to sizing tab if the
option is installed.
42
DAC (Distance Amplitude Correction) Tab

This menu is used to create DAC curves using a series of reference echoes. Once drawn, the DAC
curve acts as an alarm threshold level for the gate where the level varies to match the attenuation
and field characteristics of the transducer and test material combination. The DAC procedure is
described fully in DAC operation.
DAC mode (OFF): Turns the DAC measurement mode off.
Split: Activates or deactivates the split DAC function where an additional DAC curve is
generated if the signal drops below 20%. See further information on Split DAC
DAC mode (Draw): Used to create the DAC curve
Cursor (adjust): Used to move the cursor over the reference echo for which a DAC point is
being set.
Point: Display only. Shows the number of points created after pressing the [OK] button.
Width: Toggles the width of the selection cursor between 25 pixels (default) and 5 pixels for
more accurate selection of peaks.
DAC mode (ON): Displays the DAC curve on the screen
Curve (DAC): Used to display the DAC curve alone, the -2/-6/-10dB, -6/-14dB, JIS or custom
reference curves.
Trigger (DAC/Gate1/Curve1/Curve2/Curve3): Depend on how the parameters trigger is

set, used to set the alarm threshold for the DAC curve, Curve 1/2/3 curve or gate 1 or +6dB.
T-Loss (dB): Used to set the transfer loss in dB due to surface condition, poor coupling etc…
DAC mode (Custom): Displays the DAC curve on the screen.
Curve (DAC, Gate 1, Cursor1,Cursor2 or Gate2): Used to display DAC

curve,Gate1 or curve1/2/3 in dB as curve reference from -20 dB to + 20 dB
Trigger: Depend on how the parameters trigger is set, used to set the
alarm threshold for the DAC curve, Curve 1/2/3 or gate 1.
T-Loss (dB): Used to set the transfer loss in dB due to surface condition,
poor coupling etc…
43
TCG (Time Corrected Gain) Tab

This menu is used to create TCG curves using a series of reference echoes. Once drawn, the TCG
curve acts as swept gain control on the amplifier to set different gain levels relative to distance. The
TCG procedure is described fully in TCG (Time Corrected Gain) Operation.
TCG Mode (OFF): turn the TCG curve off
TCG Mode (Draw): Used to create the TCG curve. Cannot be drawn in RF display mode.
Cursor: Used to move the cursor over the reference echo for which a TCG point is being set
Point: Display only. Shows the last point created after pressing the [OK] button.
Width: Used to change the width of the cursor between 10% (25 pixels, default) and 2% (5
pixels) for more accurate selection of peaks.
TCG mode (ON): Display the TCG curve. Active the TCG curve to adjust the gain. Can be
activated in TF or rectified display mode.
Curser (OFF/ON): When switched ON, the TCG curve is displayed.
TCG Meas (dB/%FSH/%REF): Used to select between dB, %FSH and %REF for
measurements
T-loss (dB): Used to set the transfer loss in dB due to surface condition, poor coupling etc…
44
AVG (Amplituden Vergleichs Größe) Tab

This menu is used to create a DGS/AVG curve allowing flaw sizing and distance compensation
without requiring the reference standards for establishing a DAC curve or to set up a TCG correction.
DGS/AVG is described fully in DGS/AVG Operation.
AVG Mode (Off): Initial mode. Turns off the display of the DGS/AVG curve.
Freq: Used to set the transducer frequency taken from its datasheet.
Probe type: Set the type of wave L-wave (longitude) or S-Wave (share) the set the reference
(test) block velocity Used to set the reference (test) block velocity in m/s.
Equivalent Reflector Size (ERS): Used to set the Equivalent Reflector Size.
AVG Mode (Set PRB): Mode used to define curvature correction and probe delay
NFL: Used to set the Near Field Length taken from the transducer datasheet
Delay: Used to set the probe delay material velocity in m/s and is used in conjunction with the
probe zero and specimen velocity to calculate the sound field equivalent length.
PED: Calculated Probe Effective Diameter – This value is for information only and cannot be
changed
AVG Mode (Set ATT): Used to set attenuation parameters
T-Loss: Used to set the transfer loss in dB due to surface condition, poor coupling etc…
Ref (db/m): Used to set the reference material attenuation in dB/m
MAT (db/m): Used to set the test material attenuation in dB/m
45
AVG Mode (Set REF): Used to define the various reference values
dVK: Used to set the curvature correction factor in dB and is taken from the transducer
datasheet.
Ref Type: Used to select the reference reflector type: Flat Bottom Hole (FBH), Side Drilled
Hole (SDH) or Back Wall Echo (BWE)
Ref Size: Used to define the size of the reference type. If REF TYPE is set to BWE, REFSIZE
is set to INFINITE
AVG Mode (Set SIG): Mode used to perform calibration
Cursor (adjust): Select than use the [Up] and [down] navigation arrow button to move the
selection over the echo and press [OK]. The Sitescan 500 will calculate the sensitivity and
draw the curve on the screen
Cursor: Used to change the width of the cursor between 10% (25 pixels) and 2% (5 pixels)
Split: Select to activate or deactivate multiple DGS/AVG curves
AVG mode (On): Mode in which DGS/AVG is on.
Trigger: Used to select either the Gate or the Curve as the measurement reference
ERS: Used to set the value of the Equivalent Reflector Size.
T-Loss: Used to set the transfer loss in dB due to surface condition, poor coupling etc…
46
AWS (American Welding Society) Tab

This menu is used when performing weld inspection in accordance with the American Welding
Society’s Structural Welding Code, ANSI/AWS D1.1-94. It provides a convenient method to
automatically calculate the Indication Rating as defined in the code. The AWS procedure is
described fully in Weld Inspection Using the AWS Tab.
AWS mode (Off): Used to set up the AWS measurement mode.
AWS mode (Set Ref): Used to set up the AWS measurement mode
Cursor (mm): Used to move the cursor over the reference echo to set the reference level.
Ref (%): Used to set the Indication Level.
Width: Toggles the width of the selection cursor between 25 pixels (default) and 5 pixels for
more accurate selection of peaks.
AWS mode (Meas): Used to make

measurements in accordance with the code.
Indication level IL (dB): The dB required

setting the indication to the reference level.
Attenuation Factor AF (dB): The attenuation
factor to correct for the depth of the indication.
Indication Rating IR (dB): The indication

rating calculated in accordance with the code.
Also the difference the IL and the reference level
with correction for attenuation.
47
API (American Petroleum Institute) Tab

This menu is used to assist users in performing tests according to the American Petroleum Institute
(API) Recommended Practice for Ultrasonic Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections using the Amplitude
Distance Differential Method (ADDM). Users are referred to the publication: “API Recommended
Practice 5UE, Second Edition, June 2005” The API procedure is described in Evaluation of Pipe
Imperfection using API 5UE
API Mode (OFF/Calib/Meas): Used to set the initial calibration of the defect.
API Mode (Cal): Used to set the initial calibration of the defect.
dr (mm): Depth of the reference indicator should be set by the user according to the size of
the reference defect
G1 start: Set the start position of the gate relative to the initial pulse. Units are mm or inches
and range is from 0 to the full time base of the horizontal display.
Capture (Ref/Accept/Peak): To accept calibration measure press [OK] key to accept the
measure and press [OK] again to get the calculated K factor value. During the measurement
Capture option will be set on Peak
API Mode (Meas): Used to set the initial calibration of the defect.
G1 start: Set the start position of the gate relative to the initial pulse. Units are mm or inches
and range is from 0 to the full time base of the horizontal display.
G1 start: Adjusts the alarm threshold level, which corresponds to the vertical height on the A-
Trace. Adjustable in 0.5% or 2% steps from 0% to 100% full screen height.
Capture (Peak): During measurement Capture option will be set on Peak automatically
48
BChart Tab
Bchart mod (Off/Timed/Encoded): Used to set up the AWS measurement mode.
BChart mod: When set in Timed the BChart is activates and begins collecting data to display
the BChart based on time.
LOS (dB): This option allows the choice between STOP and CONTINUE, it determines what
the Sitescan should do when a Loss Of Signal occurs. When set to stop the B-chart does not
recorded “no reading” values. Whereas when set to continue it does.
Speed: Allows the operator to select the update rate of the BCHART (1-50). This value loosely
represents samples per second.
N.O.S: Allows the operator to select the Number Of Samples (10-500) present in the BChart.
Bchart mode: When set in Encoded the Bchart will be activated in encoded mode. The
Sitescan must have an encoder attached to it of the data to de displayed.
Encoder: Activate or deactivate the encoder port.
Sample/Cm: Set the number of sample (0-50) taken per cm.
N.O.S: Allows the operator to select the Number Of Samples (10-500) present in the BChart.
T-Comp (Temperature compensation) Tab

Mode (ON/OFF): Turn temperature compensation mode ON or OFF. ON activates temperature
compensation mode.it replaces the Beam Path distance (:) with a (TC:) in the measurement
line with HUD.
Calib °C: Set the value of the environment temperature of the calibration block. The units are
either in metric (°C) or in imperial (°F).
Material °C: Set the value of the temperature for material under test. The units are either in °C
metric or in °F imperial.
K: Set value for the K factor which derived during the calibration phase and used to calculate the
depth of the defect. It can be set during the measurement phase and ID display for reference.
49
MEMORY Menu
Press the [MENU] button then the [softkey] button next to the MEM Menu to access the Memory
sub-menu. These Tabs allow the user to save panel settings, A-Scans (A-Log), B-Scans (Bchart) and
thicknesses (T-log) as well as recalling an A-Scan to be used as a reference (Ref).
PANEL Tab
This menu provides storage and recall of up to 450K calibration settings. The use of this feature is
described fully in Storage and Recall Of Calibration Setups.
Save Panel: Allow the user to save the panel configuration. By pressing the [softkey] button
next to save Panel sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Load Panel: Allow the user to load the panel configuration. By pressing the [softkey] button
next to load Panel sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Edit Notes: Allow the user write note associate with the panel configuration. By pressing the
[softkey] button next to Edit notes sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note
window. Press [up] and [down] navigation arrow button to select the note.
Default All Panel: By pressing [softkey] then [OK] keys Panel settings will be reset to factory
default
A-LOG Tab
This menu provides storage and recall of up to 200K A-Scans with settings. The use of this feature is
described fully in A-Log, A-scan Storage.
Save A-Log: Allow the user to save an A-Log, by pressing the [softkey] button next to save
A-log sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Load A-Log: Allow the user to load an A log. By pressing the [softkey] button next to load A-
log sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Edit Notes: Allow the user to write note associated with the A-log. By pressing the [softkey]
button next to Edit notes sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window. Press
[up] and [down] navigation arrow button to select the note.
50
REF Tab
This menu allows a waveform stored in A-LOG memory to be displayed as a reference on the display.
Before a waveform can be recalled, it must be stored in an A-LOG location as described above.
Load Ref: Allow the user to load and display a reference. By pressing the [softkey] button
next to load Ref sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Edit Notes: Allow the user to write a note associate to the A-log. By pressing the [softkey]
button next to Edit notes sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window. Press
[up] and [down] navigation arrow button to select the note.
Visible (Off/ON/Opaque): Allow the user to display or not, the reference waveform
associated with the A-log.
BChart Tab
Save Bchart: Allow the user to save a Bchart related to B-scan. By pressing the [softkey]
button next to save sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Load Bchart: Allow the user to load a BChart related to a B-scan. By pressing the [softkey]
button next to load sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window.
Edit Notes: Allow the user to write a note associate with a B-scan. By pressing the [softkey]
button next to notes sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note window. Press [up]
and [down] navigation arrow button to select the note.
TLogging Tab
Log Type (Basic/Grid): Allow 2 different types of log which are TLog or Grid Plan (optional
feature which must be activated via code)
Note that Tlogging Tab does not appears if the Corrosion and T-log
option is not activated
51
T-LOG Tab
Mode (off) : In this mode the T-log is disabled, it is possible to access the setup features of
the grid T-log mode (if feature purchased)
T-log Mode (file) : When set in Off, In this mode the T-log is disable, it is possible to access
the setup features of the grid T-log mode (if feature purchased). When mode is set to file, it
allows the user to save a thickness log in the same way an A-log or a B-log is saved.
Save T-Log: By pressing the [softkey] next to save T-Log sub-menu then press [OK] button,
another window will open and will allow the user to save a T-Log.
Load T-log: By pressing the [softkey] button next to load T-Log sub-menu, then press [OK]
button to open the open window.
Clear All (Table): used to clear all the data in the table. Press [OK] key to clear the data.
Confirm window will appear for confirmation.
Mode (Record): This menu provides storage and recall of up to 8,000 thickness readings.
Numeric and Sequential modes are available. Readings are stored under a three level code,
starting with BLOCK (1-14), followed by Location (1-2000) and NO (1-2000).
Block : Used to select the block number (1-14), this value can also be set to ALL, location
number is also set to ALL
Location : Used to select location number (1-2000) for storage or viewing of a thickness
reading.
Number: The individual thickness reading number into which a thickness reading is stored.
Increments automatically when storing a reading by pressing the [OK] button.
52
Grid Tab
Mode (off) : In this mode the Tadvan Log is disable.
Mode (file): When mode is set to file it allows the user to save a thickness log in the same
way an A-log or a B-log is saved.
Save T-log: Allow the user to load the Thickness log associate with the grid, by pressing the
[softkey] button next to save T-log sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note
window.
Load T-log: Allow the user to load the Thickness log associate with a grid, by pressing the
[softkey] button next to load T-log sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note
window.
Edit Notes: Allow the user to write a note associate with a T-Log, by pressing the [Softkey]
button to highlight Edit Notes sub-menu then press [OK] button, another window will open.
Press [up] and [down] navigation arrow button to select the note.
Mode (logging): Used to switch on T-log mode and enable logging mode
Navigate: Used to navigate the T-log grid.
Setup Notes: Allow the user to write note on the setup use for the thickness measurement,
by pressing the [softkey] button next to Setup Notes sub-menu then press [OK] button to
open the selection window. . Press [up] and [down] navigation arrow button to select the
note.
Clear All (Table): Used to clear all the data in the table. Select Clear all Table parameter by
pressing the [softkey] button next to the parameter. Then press [OK] key to clear the data.
Confirm window will appear for confirmation.
Grid Plan Tab

Load Grid Pla: Used to load grid plan use for the thickness measurement, by pressing the
[softkey] button next to Load sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the selection
window.
Save Grid Pla: Used to save the thickness plan use for thickness measurement, by pressing
the [softkey] button next to save sub-menu then press [OK] button to open the selection
window.
Setup: Allow the user to the setup of the grid plan by pressing the [softkey] button next to
Setup sub-menu then press [OK] button to open the selection window.
Store: Allow the user to store type log such as , TLog (thickness) ,T+Ascan (Tickness and A
trace).
53
UTIL Menu
Press the [MENU] button followed by the [softkey] button next to UTIL menu to select these menu
options. The items in this section allow the user to configure features such as Menu, display
preferences, Language, back wall echo attenuation (BEA), Amplitude gate correction (AGC),
proportional output configuration, encoder setup and date and time settings.
MENU Tab
Language: Selects one of 6 built in languages or a user selectable language. The built in
languages are selectable at time of ordering the Sitescan 500.
Units: Selects INCHES, µs, or METRIC measurement units. When in µs mode, the velocity
is fixed at 2000 m/s (5000in/µs) and is not adjustable.
Customize Menu: This parameter allow the user to enable or disable some menu, by pressing
the [softkey] button next to save sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note
window.
Install Option: This Parameter allow you to see which options are installed, by pressing the
[softkey] button next to install Option sub-menu, then press [OK] button to open the note
window.
Waveform Tab
Graticule: Selects graticule options from the following choices:
OFF: No graticule.
ON: A complete 100% graticule
SPARSE: A row of dots at 10% intervals.
50%: Divisions at 50% full screen height.

1/2 SKIP: Sparse with vertical dotted lines representing the ½ skip, full skip and 1½ skip
distances. Press [Up] navigation arrow again to get the ½ skip lines with calculated distances shown.
Smooth (OFF/Smooth/Fill): When SMOOTH is selected the signal is displayed as an
envelope. When FILL is selected the area under the trace is filled.
54
MISC Tab
Tx mode (damping/Act Edge): When Pulse Mode is set to damping. Damping parameter in Tx
tab (From Cal main menu) will either be 50 or 400 Ohm.When set in to Act Edge, Edge
parameter in Tx tab (From Cal main menu) can be set from 0 to 400.
Click (OFF/Keys): When set on Keys, a beep will sound to confirm each button press.
Alarm (Mute/Audible): When set to audible, a buzzer sounds during any gate alarm.
Keylock (active/Inactive): Allows the user to lock out the keys on the unit to stop inadvertent
changes. When set to ACTIVE the [FULL SCREEN] button switches between freeze, peak,
hold and keylock.
VIDEO Tab
Colour: Selects one of eight colour schemes (signal, Menu, highlight) for the display. The
colour schemes are as follow:
- Green, Blue, Black (default)
- Black, Black, White
- White, Black, White
- Yellow, Black, Yellow
- Yellow, Black, White
- Yellow, Yellow, Blue
- Green, Green, Blue
- White, Black, Blue
Brightness (0-20): Controls the display brightness. The level selected affects the battery
life. A value of 1 gives 16 hours, 10 gives 12½ hours and a value of 20 will give 9 hours of
operation, assuming the battery is in good condition at 22°C.
ExternVideo (ON/OFF): Enable of disable the Video output. When ON, the video output is
NTSC only and the frequency refresh rate is cadenced at 60Hz.
BEA (Backwall Echo Attenuator) Tab

BEA Mode (OFF): turn the Backwall Echo Attenuation mode OFF.
BEA mode (Draw): set the Backwall echo attenuation in Draw mode.
Cursor: In Draw mode, this is used to adjust the cursor so that it covers the area on the
display that corresponds to the backwall. The cursor starts from the right hand side of the
display and is made wider by using the [Down] navigation arrow button and made narrower by
using the [Up] navigation arrow button. The attenuation is reduced by the selected ATTEN
value for the width of the cursor.
BEA mode (ON): turn the Backwall Echo Attenuation mode ON
Atten: In ON mode this is used to select the level of attenuation to apply to the backwall. The
value can be selected between 0dB and the REF gain value to a maximum of 40dB.
Curve (OFF/Amplification/Reference): Used to display a line representing the amount of

attenuation applied
55
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Tab

Automatic Gain Control feature is generally used in thickness logging. By setting a percentage of full
screen height (% FSH – default 50%) and ensuring that the signal is breaking gate 1, the gain will be
adjusted automatically to bring the signal height to the user defined value subject to an adjustable
tolerance (±% TOL).
AGC mode (ON/OFF): Turn AGC ON of OFF
% FSH: Choose the screen height, between 10% and 90%, to which the user wants the gain to
be adjusted.
±% Tol: Choose the tolerance on the % FSH to stop the AGC “hunting” due to signal height
jitter. The range can be set between 5% and 20% FSH
How to Use AGC?
 Set Gate 1 at on +ve, to a height about 10% or 20% FSH and ensure that the signal will cross the
gate.
 Ensure that MEAS mode is anything but MONITOR
 Set the %FSH parameter to the signal height required.
 Enable AGC by changing AGC Mode to ON.
 For poor surface conditions, adjust the ±% TOL to increase the tolerance of variation in the signal
before the gain is adjusted.
 When a signal is present in Gate 1 and a suitable measurement mode is selected the gain will be
automatically adjusted to bring the signal to the specified height on the screen.
 When the Sitescan 500 is switched on the AGC is turned OFF.

 The gain value that is last set by AGC remains when AGC is switched off.
 If the gate level is above the user defined %FSH, AGC is internally inhibited.
P_O/P (Proportional Output Control) Tab

This menu controls the analogue and digital proportional outputs. Two outputs are provided. The
outputs are active when the associated gate is triggered and are updated at the PRF.
O/P1 can be set as follow: Off/Depth 1/Depth 2/E1-E2/Level 1/Level 2/L1-L2/Alarm 1

for more details on those option see proportional output section.
O/P 2 can be set as follow: Off/Depth 1/Depth 2/E1-E2/Level 1/Level 2/L1-L2/Alarm
1 for more details on those option see proportional output section.
Cal: Allows the user to change the voltage on the proportional outputs between 0V and 10.2V.
The default value is 10.0V
56
Encoder tab
Encoder: When set in manual the user will be able to the selected value set
the resolution of the encoder as well as the direction of the encoding. When set
in Auto the encoder resolution will be set a 14.40 clicks and Bchart option has
to be set on encoded.
EncoderCal: Allow the user to Calibrate the encoder.
EncoderRes: The selected value set the resolution of the encoder.
Dist (mm): Scanning distance in mm or inch.
Count: count the distance travelled by the encoder.

Direction (FWD/BKWD): Set the scanning direction.
CLOCK Tab
Clock (set): When this parameter is on Set the time and date are setup. Press the [softkey]
button next to that parameter then [OK] button to change the time or the date.
Display (Off/ON): this option will display or Disable the time and date at the bottom of the
display.
Clock (Date): Used to set the current date.(Selected by pressing the [softkey] button next
to Clock , then [Up] navigation arrow button)
Date: Used to set the current day.
Month: Used to set the current month.
Year: Used to set the current year.
Clock (Time): Used to set the current time. (Selected by pressing the [softkey] button next
to SET , then [Up] navigation arrow button)
Hours: Used to set the current hour in 24 hour format
Mins: Used to set the current minutes.
57
Storage & Recall of Calibration Setups

After the Sitescan 500 has been properly calibrated for a particular testing scheme, it is possible to
store all of the panel settings for subsequent recall when performing the same test at a later time.
Although the last panel settings are “remembered” by the Sitescan 500’s memory, this feature is
useful when the instrument is being used for many different tests requiring substantially different
panel calibration settings.
In addition to the panel settings, a freeform note can be stored with the panel set that includes
provision for a label, an operator name or number, a location identifier, and a transducer identifier.
It is possible to store up to 450K sets of panel settings; each assigned a set number.
How to store a panel set?

Step 1: Press [Menu] Button follow by the [softkey] button next to Mem menu.
Step 2: Use the [left] and [right] buttons to highlight the Panel Tab.
If it is desired to store Notes with the Panel settings, see the description
for entering notes.
Step 3: Select Save sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it, then press [OK] button.
If the USB cable is connected to the PC, the storage will not be available as shown in
the picture above.
Step 4: Once the [OK] button has been pressed a window will appears as shown below.
58
Step 5: Use [up] and [down] arrows keys to select [create a new file] Press the [OK] Button to save
the panel settings.
Step 6: The screen as shown below should appear. Enter the details for the panel to be saved.
 If you just want to update an existing panel, select the desired panel and press [OK]
button.
 If a notes entry has been not record with the panel setting, create a note as described
below, then re-save the panel setting as describes above.
59
How to recall a panel set?

Step 1: Press [Menu] Button follow by the [softkey] button next to Mem menu.
Step 2: Use the [left] and [right] navigation arrow buttons to highlight the Panel Tab.
Step 3: Select Load sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it, then press [OK] button.
If the USB cable is connected to the PC, the storage will not be available as shown in the picture
above.
Step 4: Once the [OK] button has been pressed a window will appears as shown below.
Step 5: Use the [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons to highlight the desired Panel
configuration file.
Step 6: Press [OK] button to load the file.
How to delete a panel set?

Step1: Follow the step from 1 to 5 of How to recall a panel set.
Step 2: Press [Fuel screen] button to delete the file.
60
Adding NOTES to PANEL and A-LOG sets

When storing panel calibration settings or waveforms, it is often useful to add some notes to the set
so it can later be identified, or to help the user recall the correct set. This is possible in the PANEL
and A-LOG tabs by using the NOTES sub-menu.
When a panel calibration or waveform is to be stored, first calibrate the instrument as desired, or
capture the waveform by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] button. Then select the NOTES sub-menu by
pushing the [Softkey] button next to it and notice the window shown below overlays the display
area.
The LABEL line is display in UT-lity program to allow quick identification. The OPERATOR, LOCATION
and PROBE lines can also be edited or modified.
The [left] and [right] navigation arrow buttons are used to move the cursor from right to left along
a line of text.
The [up] and [down] navigation arrow buttons are used to go between different rows (i.e. between
OPERATOR, LOCATION, PROBE and NOTES).
To delete a character position the cursor at the right hand side of the character you want to delete
then use [freeze/peak] button to switch to edit mode. With [up], [down], [left] or [right]
navigation arrow buttons select the backspace sign (<-) then push [OK] button.
Please note that when you reach the maximum character allowance, the only way to erase any
character will be to use the [full screen] button which will Clear all the characters
To insert a character/space, position the cursor between the characters then use [freeze/peak]
button to switch to edit mode. With [up], [down], [left] or [right] navigation arrow buttons select
the character you want to insert then push [OK] button.
Once the desired notes have been added or edited, press [Freeze/peak] button to exit the edit
mode.
61
Edit Notes Summary

The following sections provide a summary of the navigation techniques needed to edit notes using
either the front panel keypad. In this case we assume the file note has already been saved
Press to bring up the editing boxes as follows:

Edit a NOTES:
 Use the [up] and [down] navigation arrow buttons to move
the cursor vertically along the row.
 If you are NOT in the character map press [freeze/peak]
to Switch.
 Use the [right], [left], [up] or [down] buttons to
highlight a character from the map.
 Press [OK] button to write a character to a line.
Allow you to select the character when highlighted
Select [OK]
Allow you to change between upper case and lower case letter
shift [Help]
Allow you to switch between lines and the character map
Switch
[Freeze/peak]
Erase the entire line
clear all [Full
screen]
Exits back to the PANEL or A-LOG menu. Store the calibration set to save the
EXIT [Menu] notes.
62
Chapter 3 Flaw Testing

1. Basic Operation
Reliable flaw detection requires three important considerations:
 Proper transducer selection.

 An accurate reference block of the same material as that being tested with reference holes
representing the orientation and sensitivity desired.
 Proper calibration of the instrument.
Transducers used for flaw detection are usually of the narrow band variety to provide the best
possible sensitivity to the anticipated discontinuities. In some cases, broadband varieties are chosen
to optimize near or far surface resolution – the ability to separate discontinuities from the front
surface or back surface echo. In either case, the frequency is chosen so that the wavelength in the
material is optimized for the orientation and size of expected discontinuities. The single element
contact transducer is used for general-purpose flaw detection. The angle beam transducer is used
for weld inspection, which is covered in Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry mode. Other specialty
transducers including dual and surface wave can be used but these topics are beyond the scope of
the manual.
The next requirement for reliable flaw detection is a calibration or reference block. This block
should be made of the same material as the parts to be inspected. In other words, it should have
the same sound velocity and attenuation characteristics. The calibration block should have surfaces
that mimic the parts to be inspected so that attenuation and sensitivity characteristic is similar.
Most importantly, the calibration block should have a series of fabricated discontinuities
representing those expected to found in the test piece. That is, the size and orientation of the
fabricated discontinuities should match the expected natural discontinuities in the test piece. In
some cases this may mean flat bottom holes perpendicular to the test surface, side drilled holes
parallel to the testing surface, or in some cases, narrow notches representing planar surfaces parallel
or perpendicular to the testing surface. Fabricated discontinuities must also be placed near the front
and back surface of the calibration block to verify resolution of the transducer and instrument
setting combination.
Finally, it is necessary to establish the proper calibration of the Sitescan 500 in order to assure
reliable flaw detection.
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Flaw Tester Calibration

The essence of this calibration is to set the pulser, amplifier and gate parameters to provide the
necessary sensitivity and resolution. The Sitescan 500 has an automatic calibration technique that
sets the necessary parameters by using a calibration block that has known thicknesses; see Auto-Cal
for details.
Units shown in the procedure are in meters. For inch units, select IN in Units sub-menu
located in Menu Tab from the UTIL menu and use the corresponding values for the
parameters.
Alternatively a manual method can be used to perform the calibration and the following are the
essential steps for basic flaw detection:
1. Select the appropriate single element contact transducer and calibration block that matches the material
and expected discontinuities under test.
2. In the Cal Tab, select the proper value for the Range and Delay sub-menu so that several echoes from
the expected material depth can be viewed.
3. From the Amp tab, set Detect sub-menu to RF.
4. Use the [Double/Single] button to set the transducer to Single (if a dual probe is used, set it to
Double).
5. Couple the transducer to the calibration block and obtain an echo from a fabricated discontinuity or the
back surface and adjust the Gain to set the peak of the echo to about 80% screen height.
6. From Tx tab, adjust the Width sub-menu parameter so as to obtain the maximum amplitude from the
echo while optimising the symmetrical shape of the echo. The proper echo shape is as shown below:
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7. Press the [Menu] button then press the [Softkey] adjacent to UTIL menu. Use [left] and [Right]
navigation arrow buttons to select Misc Tab. From Misc tab set Tx mode to Act Edge in order to
obtain the desired echo shape and width for the near surface resolution desired. Check the resolution
on a fabricated discontinuity in the calibration block that is near the front surface.
8. From the Amp Tab and set the Detect sub-menu to FULL.
9. Adjust the Gain to set a reference Echo from mid thickness of the calibration block to about 80%
amplitude.
10. Press [menu] button then press [softkey] button next to MEAS menu. From Meas Tab, set Meas
Mode sub-menu to G1-G2 and the Trigger sub-menu to PEAK.
11. From the Gate 1 Tab, set the Gate 1 sub-menu to ON +VE and adjust the Start, Width and Level
so that the Gate1 covers the first echo. From the Gate 2 Tab set the Gate2 sub-menu to ON +VE
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and adjust the Start, Width and Level so that it covers an echo that is a known multiple of echoes
from the first.
For instance if a 20mm thick calibration block was being used the Gate 1 would be set on the 1st
backwall echo and Gate 2 on the 6th backwall echo giving a distance between them of 95.34mm as
shown below:
12. The distance between the echoes is shown in the G-G measurement at the bottom of the
display (in this case 95.34 mm). It is unlikely that the value will be exactly correct as the
velocity of sound in the material will not match one of the preset values. Select a velocity
that is close to the material then adjust it so that the exact distance is obtained as shown
below:
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13. Next the calibration needs to take account of the distance between the transducer crystal and the front
face of the transducer by setting the correct Probe Zero value: From the Meas Tab change the Meas
MODE to DEPTH.
14. From Gate 2 tab change Gate 2 sub-menu parameter to OFF. From the Gate 1 tab change the
Start, Width and Level values so that the gate covers the 6th peak.
15. The distance measurement is shown at the bottom of the display (in this case 121.65 mm). From the
CAL tab adjust the Probe Zero value until the correct distance is set (in this case the correct value is
120 mm)
16. As a final check move the gate across the other echoes to ensure that the distances are correct. To
check if the distances are correct, change the Start and Level from Gate 1 tab.
Now that the Sitescan 500 has been calibrated, it can be used to perform inspections tasks using any
of the techniques described in the following sections.
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 To set any parameters manually such as velocity. Press and hold the [OK] button for 1
second then use the wheel [up] or [down] arrows keys to adjust manually the velocity
or the range.
tuning (represented by >) use the [>>] key.
 For weld inspection using an angle beam transducer, follow the instructions in Wield
Inspection Using Trigonometry Mode.
 For storage and printing of A-Scans, refer to A-LOG, A-scan Storage.
Perform the following steps to configure a basic flaw detection mode for the Sitescan 500.
Units shown in this procedure are in Metric units. For Inches units, press [Menu]
button, choose UTIL menu press [softkey] button next to UNITS sub-menu to
highlight it then press [up] or [Down] navigation narrow button and use the
corresponding values for the parameters.
Step 1: Select a suitable transducer, preferably a 5MHz, 10 mm diameter narrow band.
Step 2: Select an appropriate calibration block with at least three known thickness sections covering
the range to be inspected and made from the same material as the test piece.
Step 3: When making a quick adjustment on a menu parameter, press the [coarse/fine] button until
the double arrow appears next to the parameter name. This establishes the fast scroll using the
[Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons.
Step 4: In Cal Tab, (press [menu] button then select MEAS menu by pressing [sotftkey] button) set
the following parameters:
 Probe Zero sub menu = 0.000 (can be left alone)

 Velocity sub menu = should be set to the specimen material velocity
 Rage sub menu = 125 mm (or other suitable value to cover the test range of interest)
 Delay sub menu = 0.000
 Gain = 50
Step 5: In Amp Tab, set the following parameters:
 Detect sub menu = FULL

 Reject sub menu = 0
Step 6: In Tx Tab, set the following parameters:
 Damping sub-menu= 50 Ω
 Max PRF = 150
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Step 7: In Gate 1 Tab, set the following parameters:
 State = ON +VE
 Start = 10
 Width = 50 (or other suitable value to convert the test range of interest)
 Level = 50
Step 8: In Gate 2 Tab, set Gate 2 sub-menu to OFF
Step 9: Meas Tab (press [menu] button then select MEAS menu by pressing [sotftkey] button), set the
following parameters:
 Meas Mode = Depth

 Trigger = Flank
 HUD = Off
 T-Min = Off
To change the value in the sub-menu, use [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons.
The Sitescan 500 is now configured for basic detection. To calibrate your probe, use an appropriate
calibration block, adjust the GAIN parameter to establish the correct sensitivity. Adjust other
parameters as necessary to optimise the calibration. For more features details of the Sitescan 500,
see Flaw testing.
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Chapter 4 : Thickness Gauging

1. Basic Thickness Gauging
Accurate and reliable thickness gauging requires three important considerations:
 Proper transducer selection

 An accurate reference block of the same material as that being tested.
 Proper calibration of the instrument.
There are three types of transducers used in ultrasonic thickness gauging, all employing the straight
or longitudinal beam method. The single element contact transducer is used for general purpose
thickness gauging where material thickness is generally expected to be above 2.5mm. The delay line
contact transducer is used for measuring thin material down to 0.5mm where the surfaces are clean
and parallel.
The dual element contact transducer is used for moderately thin materials down to about 1.0mm
where the surfaces may be irregular and not necessarily parallel. The dual transducer is most
commonly used for corrosion thickness inspection where its ability to obtain echoes from a pitted
surface is superior. Nevertheless, dual transducer inspection on corroded materials is nowhere near
as accurate as single element and delay line inspection, due to the nature of the material under test.
In addition, the dual element transducer usually incorporates a slight included angle on both
transmit and receive side, resulting in a small non-linearity of the measurements. For this reason,
dual transducer thickness testing is usually calibrated and performed over a limited thickness range.
Regardless of the type of transducer used, it is important that it be specifically designed for thickness
gauging. This means that it must have broadband or highly damped characteristics that provide a
sharp leading edge. Otherwise, amplitude variations of the signals can cause half-wavelength errors
due to smaller “build-up”
The next requirement for thickness gauging is a calibration or reference block. This block should be
made of the same material as the components to be inspected. In other words, it should have the
same sound velocity and attenuation characteristics. The calibration block should have parallel
machined surfaces representing the thickness range to be inspected. Although two thicknesses
representing the minimum and maximum values are sufficient for calibration, it is recommended
that the calibration block have four sections covering the range anticipated. This will allow for
verification of the calibration.
It is possible to calibrate the Sitescan 500 using a generic test block and only one known sample
thickness of the material under inspection. This is a less desirable method because there is no way
of verifying the calibration. With this method, the calibration would first be performed on the
generic test block, which would have three to four sections covering the expected thickness range.
Essentially, calibrating on the generic block would set the transducer zero point. Then the Sitescan
500 Velocity would be adjusted on the known sample of the test material until the thickness readout
matched the known thickness. This established the sound velocity for the test material.
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2. Thickness Gauging Calibration

Finally, it is necessary to establish the proper calibration of the Sitescan 500 in order to assure
accurate and reliable thickness testing. The essence of this calibration is to set the pulser and
amplifier characteristics to provide sharp leading edges on the echoes. The following are the
essential steps for basic thickness gauging:
1. Select the appropriate broadband transducer and calibration block that matches the material under test.
2. In the Cal menu, select the proper Range and Delay so those echoes from the range of thickness can be
viewed.
3. From the Amp menu, set the Freq to the nominal value of the transducer and set the detection mode to
RF.
4. Use the [double/single] button to select Single for delay line and single element transducers and Double
for dual element transducers.
5. Couple the transducer to a mid-range thickness section on the calibration block and obtain an echo.
6. From the Tx tab, adjust the Width parameter so as to obtain the maximum amplitude from the echo while
maintaining a symmetrical shape to the echo.
7. From the Util menu, go to Misc tab then adjust the Tx mode to ActiveEdge™ (Act Edge) if using a single
element transducer. Adjust the value to reduce the width of the TX pulse. This is not necessary for dual or
delay line transducers.
8. Repeatedly adjust both the TX WIDTH and the EDGE parameters until the echo shape is optimized.
9. From the AMP menu, set the DETECT parameter to either –VE HW or +VE HW, depending on which half
of the RF provides the best half-cycle as determined in step 7 above.
10. Adjust the gain to set the echo at about 80 %FSH and increase the REJECT parameter to remove any
undesirable noise from the baseline.
11. From the GATE1 menu, set the gate to ON +VE and adjust the START and WIDTH so that the gate
encompasses the thickness range of interest. Place the transducer between the thin and thick area on the
calibration block to verify proper coverage. Adjust the LEVEL parameter to about 30 %FSH.
12. From the MEAS menu, set the MODE parameter to DEPTH and the TRIGGER parameter to FLANK.
13. If desired, set the T-MIN parameter to ON so that the thinnest reading obtained will be held in the display.
Reset by using the [up] or [Down] buttons.
14. If desired, set the HUD parameter to ON to display the thickness in a large window at the top right of the
graticule.
15. To calibrate the Sitescan 500 for thickness readings, follow the steps outlined in Auto-Cal. Alternately, you
can use an iterative process from the CAL menu of setting the ZERO on the thinnest calibration block
sample and the VELOCITY on the thickest sample. Using this technique, you must repeat ZERO to
VELOCITY several times until the two values are correct.
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When using a delay line transducer, there are two modes of measurement:
 Interface to first return echo

 Multiple echo mode which usually measures from the first to the second return echoes after the
interface echo.
1. Follow steps 1-10 above.

2. From the MEAS menu, set the MODE to E-E for echo to echo measurement. You will notice that a second
gate bar appears below gate 1 and that its start point is slightly to the right of gate 1. This is the Blocking
gate explained below.
3. For measuring from interface to first echo, position the start of gate 1 before the interface echo. Using the
BLANK parameter in the MEAS menu, position the start of the second gate just after the interface echo but
before the thinnest expected first echo.
4. For measuring multiple echoes after the interface, position the start of gate1 just after the interface echo.
Using the BLANK parameter in the MEAS menu, position the start of the second gate just after the first
echo but before the thinnest expected second echo.
5. The BLANK parameter determines the blanking or starting position of the second gate relative to the
starting position of gate1. This prevents noise and spurious echoes associated with the interface or first
echo from terminating the measurement and producing a false reading.
For storage and printing of thickness readings, refer to Thickness Gauging.
72
Perform the following steps to establish a basic thickness-gauging mode for the Sitescan 500.
Units shown in this procedure are in Metric units. For Inches units, press [Menu]
button, choose UTIL menu by pressing [softkey] button next to UNITS sub-menu to
highlight it then press [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow button and use the
corresponding values for the parameters.
Step 1: Select a suitable transducer, preferably a broadband, 5MHz, with a 10mm diameter.
Step 2: Select an appropriate calibration block with at least three known thickness sections covering
the range to be inspected and made from the same material as the test piece.
Step 3: When making a quick adjustment on a menu parameter, press the [coarse/fine] button until
the double arrow appears next to the parameter name. This establishes the fast scroll using the
[Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons.
Step 4: In the Cal tab, set the following parameters:

 Probe Zero sub-menu = 0.00 (can be left alone)
 Velocity sub-menu = should be set the specimen material velocity.
 RANGE sub-menu = 125 (or other suitable value to cover the test range of
interest.)
 DELAY sub-menu = 0.000
 GAIN = 50.0
Step 5: In the Amp tab, set the following parameters:

 DETECT sub-menu = +VE HW
 Reject sub-menu = 0
Step 6: In Tx tab, set the following parameters:

 Damping sub-menu = 50
 PRF sub-menu = 150Hz
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Step 7: In the Gate 1 tab, set the following parameters:

 STATE sub-menu = +VE
 START sub-menu = 10
 WIDTH sub-menu = 50 or other suitable value to cover the test range of interest.
 LEVEL sub-menu = 25.0
Step 8: In the Meas Tab, set the following parameters:

 MODE sub-menu = DEPTH
 TRIGGER sub-menu = FLANK
 HUD sub-menu = ON
 T-MIN sub—menu = OFF
Step 9: Calibrate the thickness readout on the selected calibration block using the procedure in
Auto-Cal.
The Sitescan 500 is now configured for basic thickness gauging. Adjust parameters as necessary to
optimize the calibration. For more in-depth features of the Sitescan 500, see : Thickness Gauging.
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3. Auto-Cal
Auto-CAL is an automated calibration feature for thickness gauging applications or when measuring
depth to an indication in flaw testing.
In order to achieve proper calibration for measuring time-of-flight in ultrasonic testing, two factors
must be known; the velocity of sound in the material under test, and the offset of the transducer
caused by wear face and phase shifts.
Conventional thickness calibration technique usually requires setting the zero (offset) and span
(velocity) using an iterative technique. This means alternately placing the transducer on a thin
sample to set the zero and a thick sample to set the span. This process is repeated several times
until both readings are correct. The reason for this is that raising the span will also raise the zero.
The A-CAL feature automates this process so that only two readings are required, one on the thin
sample and one on the thick sample. The Sitescan 500 then calculates the correct offset and span
factors and sets the velocity and zero. Any time the test material is changed (velocity) or the
transducer is changed (zero); this procedure must be repeated. Using this procedure will result in
quicker calibration of the instrument and more accurate measurements.
The A-CAL calibration procedure is as follows:
1. Select a test block of the same material as that being inspected, with reference thickness covering the
minimum to maximum thickness expected in the test parts. The difference between the thick sample and
the thin sample should be no less than five to one.
2. From the Cal menu, select Cal tab and adjust the Range and Delay so that the thin and thick reference
echoes show on the display.
3. From the Cal menu, select Gate1 tab and place the Gate1 sub-menu in ON +VE. Adjust the START and
WIDTH of the gate to encompass the echoes from the thin and thick samples.
4. From the Meas menu, select Meas Mode and place it to Depth.
5. From the Cal menu, select the Auto-Cal tab.
6. Select DIST1 using the adjacent [softkey] button. Adjust the value using the [up] and [down] buttons to
the known thickness of the thin sample.
7. Place the transducer on the thin reference sample and obtain an echo. Adjust the gate start if necessary to
obtain distance readout of the echo.
8. Press the [OK] button to log the echo.
9. Select DIST2 using the adjacent [softkey] button. Adjust the value using the [up] and [down] buttons to
the known thickness of the thick sample.
10. Place the transducer on the thick reference sample and obtain an echo. Adjust the gate width if necessary
to obtain distance readout of the echo.
11. Press the [OK] button to log the echo.
12. Select ACCEPT CAL using the adjacent [softkey] button.
13. Press the [OK] button. The transducer zero and velocity will now be adjusted.
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The DIST1 and DIST2 values can be stored when the calibration information in PANEL and A-LOG
functions are stored. This overcomes the need to set these values and gate positions every time a
calibration is desired. Once established, all that is required is to obtain each echo and press [OK],
and then press [OK] on ACCEPT CAL and the instrument is calibrated.
If a delay transducer is used set DIST1 to 0.0 and use the interface echo as the thin reference echo.
The instrument will then set the transducer zero to compensate for the delay line.
Once calibrated, it might be desirable to record the velocity and zero values from the CAL menu for
future reference.
Note that this is a convenient method for determining the velocity of sound in an unknown material.
Once the Sitescan 500 is calibrated on a known material, all that needs to be known is one fixed
thickness point and the velocity can be determined.
4. TCG for Reliable Gauging

As previously mentioned, reliable thickness gauging requires that the shape of the echoes be
consistent with sharp leading edges. When measuring the thickness of material with higher than
normal attenuation to ultrasonic energy or a wide thickness range, it is difficult to maintain proper
characteristics of the echoes. One way to overcome this is to use the Time Corrected Gain feature of
the Sitescan 500. TCG can improve the reliability of thickness gauging by increasing the amplitude of
echoes from thicker sections of the test material so as to maintain the correct detection threshold
on the leading edge. The objective is to equalize the amplitude of echoes over the entire thickness
range to be expected.
To set up the TCG feature, refer to TCG Operation.
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5. Thickness Logging Without Grid

A Sitescan 500 without the Corrosion and Grid option will have certain options disabled.
It is not possible to load user specified notes, sequence text or old readings into the Sitescan. On top
of this, it is not possible to store A-Scans with thickness readings.
It is however still possible to configure 1D and 2D grids within Utility software but no on the device.
It’s possible to input a PLAN NAME and PLAN DESCRIPTION, make adjustments to the grid size,
increment direction and make use of the HIGH and LOW ALARMS.
The T-LOG configuration panel with basic setting see T-log section for more details
Record mode
Record mode is an extension of the 1D grid mode. It can only be configured using UT-lity as with
previous readings the Sitescan requires the text to be downloaded to the DFD and does not provide
any method of inputting sequence text on the DFD.
Once an inspection plan has been configured and sequence text downloaded to the Sitescan, T-LOG
MODE can be switched to record. Below shows an example of the T-LOG record mode table:
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Chapter 5 : Standard Features

1. Distance Amplitude Curve (DAC) Operation
Distance Amplitude Correction curves (DAC) act as monitoring gate triggering thresholds to
compensate for attenuation and sound beam characteristics. When properly established, the DAC
curve will provide consistent alarming from discontinuities of equal relative size at different depths
in the test piece. Functionality is provided to automatically draw 6dB and 14dB or 6dB and 12dB
reference curves below the calibrated curve.
It should be noted that since the DAC function only provides a dynamic alarm threshold capability,
the dynamic range is limited to about 16dB. Therefore, for materials that attenuate more than 16dB
over the depth range of interest, DAC should not be used. Instead, the Time Corrected Gain (TCG)
function may be more applicable.
See TCG Operation for the use of the Time Corrected Gain feature.
Proper use of the DAC feature requires a reference block made from the same material as that being
range to be inspected. To establish a DAC curve, follow the following instructions:
proper reference block. From the Meas menu, go to Sizing tab. Select Sizing option by pressing the
[softkey] button next to it, select the DAC feature in Sizing sub-Menu.
In Sitescan 500, When choosing DAC feature in Sizing sub-menu from Sizing Tab, DAC tab will
appear (See details here)
Step 2: Go to DAC tab then press the [softkey] next to DAC mode sub-menu,
Step 3: select Draw by using [up] and [down] navigation arrow button, press [OK] again to enter
draw mode. The other parameters will now be Cursor and Point.
When in the DAC Mode sub-menu, only press the [down] navigation arrow button to turn the
DAC off. This will erase any logged echoes.
Step 4: The DAC system is now ready to accept reference points. Position the transducer to give a
maximum echo from the first or topmost reference hole in the reference block. Be careful to use a
Step 5: Use the [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons to position the bright cursor bar over the
echo from the reference hole.
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Step 6: Press the [OK] button to accept the point. A small square will appear as a reference point
on the display showing the peak of the signal just recorded.
be recorded for a DAC curve.
Step 8: Press [softkey] button adjacent to DAC MODE sub-menu and use the [down] navigation
arrow button to select ON mode. The DAC curve will now be displayed and the other sub-menu will
change to Curve and T-Loss.
Step 9: Use the Curve sub-menu and the [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow button to select the DAC
reference curve available in the drop down list as shown below:
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Step 10: Use the Trigger parameter to select the alarm trigger from Gate 1, the DAC curve, or any of
the additional curves listed in the curve parameter above that are currently selected.
The Transfer Loss (T-Loss) parameter allows an increase of decrease of gain without change the
main gain. This is useful when the transfer loss occurs due to surface condition, poor coupling etc…
To turn off the DAC feature, select the DAC Mode parameter from DAC tab by press [OK] button and
display the drop-down list then select OFF by using [Up] or [Down] arrow key. Finally press [OK]
button to turn the DAC off.
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2. Temperature Compensation
Over view
The Sitescan 500 provides, as a standard option a “temperature compensation feature” (T-COMP) to
enable measurements to be corrected for a temperature disparity between a calibration block and
the actual material under test. This feature can be found under the MEAS menu group.
The temperature compensation feature does not operate in trigonometric measurement mode due
to the correction required for change in refractive index of wedge material. It allows users to
calibrate and measure accurately between -250 °C and 1000 °C.
The Calculation
The calculation used to correct the beam path measurement in the Sitescan is shown below:
Corrected_Beam_path = TOF * V [1-K (T1-T0)]
Where:
- TOF is time of Flight

- V is the calibrated velocity
- K is the temperature coefficient of the material
- T0 is the temperature at calibration
- T1 is the measured
Configuring Temperature compensation

Temperature compensation provides 3 configurable parameters (Cal °C, MAT °C and K). These must
be set correctly to enable the feature to accurately compensate the measurements:
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Both Temperature parameters and the coefficient parameter are converted when changing to
imperial units (where temperature is assumed to be in Fahrenheit). A popup list containing values to
quickly select temperature values are available.
Once this feature has been set up, measurements are automatically corrected and shown in both
the measurement lines and the HUD.
Using Temperature Compensation

Once the calibration procedure has been carried out, temperature compensation can be switched
on. When temperature compensation mode is switched on it should be noted that a flag is placed in
the information line to indicate to the user that Temperature Compensation is active.
Additionally, as the beam path is corrected instead of the (-> :), TC is shown. This is again to highlight
to the user that they are viewing temperature corrected values.
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3. Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry Mode

The trigonometry mode provides a convenient method for measuring the location of discontinuities
when inspecting welds with angle beam transducers. Essentially, the trigonometry mode uses the
thickness gauging features of the Sitescan 500 to calculate the surface distance and depth to a
discontinuity from the actual beam path measured. This is accomplished by calibrating the trig
mode with the actual refracted angle of the transducer being used.
Additionally, the thickness of the test piece must be established in the menu in order to calculate
depth and surface distance when using multiple skips in angle beam testing. The measurements
being calculated are depicted in the following diagram:
D Angle
Thickness
B1
B2
These measurements are displayed below the A-Trace on the Sitescan 500 as follows:
Beam path distance (B) from the central exit point on the transducer to the discontinuity,
the sum of B1 and B2 in double skip mode.
Surface distance (S) from the central exit point on the transducer to a point directly above
the discontinuity on the test piece. By entering the distance from the Front of the Probe to the
emission point in the PROBE menu, this distance may be displayed relative to the front of the probe,
which is usually more convenient.
Depth distance (D) from the surface on which the transducer rests to the discontinuity.
Depending on the measurement technique being used there is an additional value displayed on the
right of the measurement bar as shown below:
The example shows above the normal height value as a percentage of full screen; in this case 85%. If
DAC is being used then the user has the choice of displaying either dB, %FSH or %DAC. If DGS/AVG is
being used then ERS is displayed in the right hand side.
It is important to note that discontinuities in welds can be discontinuous and can extend over a
distance. The measurements made will, therefore, be close approximations to the discontinuity if
the user properly calibrates the Sitescan 500 and uses care to locate the desired peak amplitude
signal to which a measurement is made.
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To calibrate and use the trigonometry mode, follow the following instructions:
Step 1: Using a suitable IIW or other calibration block, measure and establish the central sound
beam exit point and actual refracted angle for the transducer being used.
Step 2: Establish the zero and velocity (span) for the transducer and material under test using the
Auto-CAL procedure described in Auto-Cal. Use a suitable calibration block that has two drilled holes
representing the thin to thick range of thickness expected in the test piece. In the MEAS menu set
the value of TRIGGER sub-menu to PEAK. As in any ultrasonic thickness measuring method, it is
important that the calibration be performed using a calibration block of the same material as that
being inspected. Alternately, if you know the velocity of sound in the test piece, you may calibrate
using the A-CAL method on a different material and then set the velocity parameter.
Step 3: From Cal Menu, go to Gate1 set the G1 START and G1 WIDTH to encompass the desired
testing region.
Step 4: From the Main menu (press [Menu] button), select MEAS and place the MEAS MODE to TRIG
in MEAS tab.
Step 5: Set the TRIGGER parameter by pressing the [softkey] next to it then set it to PEAK.
Step 6: in the Probe Tab, select the ANGLE parameter by press the [softkey] next to it and use the
[up] and [down] navigation arrow buttons, set the refracted angle of the transducer measured in
step 1 above.
Step 7: Select the THICK parameter and using the [up] and [down] navigation arrow buttons dial in
the thickness of the test piece. You may have to readjust this parameter if the test piece had varying
thickness and you are using a multiple skip mode of angle beam testing.
Step 8: When measuring a discontinuity, position the transducer so as to obtain the maximum
amplitude signal before recording the readings. A typical TRIG mode display is shown below.
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4. Flank- Flank Measurement Mode

Overview
This measurement mode, called Flank to Flank (F-F) measures the distance between the first rising
flank through gate 1 and the second rising flank through gate 2. This mode is designed for use within
the Thickness Measurement area of NDT.
Setting up Flank - Flank Mode

In order to use the F-F Measurement Mode the user must first calibrate the Sitescan unit correctly. It
is imperative that calibration is carried out before F-F Mode is used.
Gate 2 is controlled automatically by the Sitescan based on the initial calibration and the positioning
of Gate 1 along with a couple of parameters described below:
The G2 start parameter is replaced with a choice of discrete options (compared with the normal
Gate Start parameter). These options control where the BLANKING should start from.
The default is the start point of gate 1 (G1 Start).
The G2 width parameter is standard and simply defines the width of the gate.
The Blanking parameter refers to the number of millimetres of blanking required. It is possible to set
this parameter to AUTO (as shown above); this allows the Sitescan to calculate where the gate
should be positioned to capture the ‘next’ (repeat) echo.
Gate 2’s level parameter is controlled automatically by the Sitescan. It is designed to be

proportionally at same height that Gate 1 is to the echo passing through it.
On a correctly calibrated unit is should be possible to draw Gate 1 across the whole screen and then
to begin taking measurements between the first and second Backwall echoes. It is however more
practical to position Gate 1 and set its width and height correctly according to the situation in hand.
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 It should be noted that automatic levelling of Gate 2 is dependent on the peak echo
through Gate 1, thus if there is a number of echoes traversing Gate 1, the
measurement will be taken from the first rising flank, but the amplitude (for
calculating the correct height of Gate 2) will be taken from the peak within that gate
(which might not be the same echo).
 Some user experience with NDT products is assumed when using this measurement
mode.
Using Flank - Flank Mode

The screenshots below shows a measurements being taken between gates in Flank to Flank Mode
on a piece of steel of different thicknesses.
The screenshots above show two distinctly different measurements, however the user has not had
to adjust Gate 2 between the left and the right examples. It has been automatically moved into
position – it can be noted here the difference in gate height. As described earlier the level of the
Gate 2 is dependent on ratio the level of Gate 1 to the amplitude of the echo passing through the
Gate 1 – this same ratio is used on the amplitude of the echo passing through Gate 2 to determine
the level of gate 2.
It is possible to use this measurement mode in TLOG mode.
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A-LOG, A-Scan Storage

The A-LOG feature provides for storage, recall and printing of A-Scans with all of the instrument
settings. Up to 200K A-Scans and their settings can be stored. This feature is useful to record an
indication for later review or for printing a hardcopy. In addition, recalling an A-Scan and its settings
will allow for easy follow-up inspection of the same indication on the test piece. Simply unfreeze the
display after recalling and the Sitescan 500 is ready to repeat the same inspection. Be sure to use
the same transducer that was used for the original recording.
How to Store an A-Scan

1. Establish the basic calibration of the Sitescan 500 using the desired transducer and the proper reference
block.
2. Obtain a desired echo from a discontinuity or reference block.
3. From the MEM menu, select the A-LOG tab.
4. Select Save sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it and then press [OK] buttons to open
the save window.
5. When you are ready to save the A-log file, press [OK] button. A save window will appears as shown below:
Optionally press the [freeze peak] button to freeze the display before storing it.
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6. Be careful not to store over a valid location unless you desire to erase what is there and replace it with the
current A-Scan and settings. if you do want to overwrite the previous A-scan the following dialogue is
displayed:
7. Use the [Up] or [Down] arrows key to select the location to store the A-Scan.
8. Pressing the [OK] button opens the NOTES window to allow the input of notes for the stored A-Scan
and its settings.
9. When finished adding notes, press the [Menu] button to save the A-Scan and return to A-Log tab.
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How to Recall an A-Scan

1. From the MEM menu, select the A-LOG tab.
2. Select the Load A-Log sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it following by [OK] button
and use the [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons to select the desired A-log file to be recalled.
3. Select the the A-log file then press [OK] button twice to recall the waveform and instrument settings.
This may take a couple of seconds at which time the display will be in FREEZE mode.
 The label of the A-LOG is displayed at the bottom of the display.

 To return to normal testing mode with recalled settings press the [Freeze/Peak]
button.
Alternately, you may review or add some notes stored with each A-LOG to determine which set you
want to recall. Go to A-log tab then select Note sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it
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How to Delete a Stored A-Scan

 From the MEM menu, go to A-Log Tab then select the Load A-Log feature.
 When Load A-log is highlighted press [OK] button. The list of available saved scan is the same
as that for saving an A-Scan.
 Use the Scroll-Wheel to select the A-Scan to delete then press the [Full screen] button; a
dialogue is displayed asking you to confirm the deletion:
How to Recall an A-Scan as a Reference Waveform

1. In order for a reference waveform to be recalled, the required trace must first be stored into an A-LOG
store.
2. From the Mem menu, select the Ref tab.
3. Select the Load Ref sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it. When the window appears,
use the [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow buttons to select a file.
4. Press the [OK] button to display the reference waveform on the graticule. The reference waveform will be
a different colour as compared to the real time waveform, depending on which display colour is chosen.
5. To remove the reference waveform from the screen, set the visible sub-menu to OFF by press the
[softkey] button next to it then and use the [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow buttons to set the value
to OFF.
 When the reference is recalled, no setting parameters are changed. Therefore, if the
RANGE or DELAY are changed, the reference signal will not match the real time
waveform. This means that the RANGE and DELAY used for storing the reference
waveform in A-LOG must match that used for the comparison of real time signals to
the reference waveform.
 The reference waveform cannot be displayed in video colours 0 and 1 (All white and all
yellow).
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Contour, Peak Echo & Hold Dynamics

Contouring is a technique that enables the significant echoes to be enhanced by extending the
trailing edge of the echoes thus making them appear wider than they actually are making the
Sitescan 500 operate more like an older analogue flaw detector. Only the trailing edge is modified
so that depth measurements using FLANK and PEAK are not affected. From the Amp tab in CAL
menu, select CONTOUR as shown below:
Change the value until the required shape is achieved, the measurement values do not change:
During flaw testing it is sometimes difficult to determine the exact peak of a discontinuity echo due
to its geometry, coupling and surface anomalies and part geometry. The Sitescan 500 incorporates a
Peak feature that, while activated, stores all of the signal excursions on the display using a fill
technique.
In addition to providing an effective method of capturing peak echo information, the Peak mode is
useful for crack tip diffraction methods in angle beam weld inspection. In the case of crack tip
diffraction, the extent of a crack type discontinuity can be inferred by the positional excursions of
the signal as it reflects from both tips of a crack. Thus, as the transducer is moved past the
indication, the signals will be “filled-in” on the display and the resultant width of the envelope or
“echo dynamic pattern” will infer the crack length.
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To use the echo dynamic pattern feature, position the transducer just off one side of the indication.
Press the [freeze/peak] button three times to activate the Peak mode which is indicated by a box-
displaying Peak below the graticule. Move the transducer past the indication to fill-in the envelope
pattern. In the case of angle beam testing, it is advisable to rotate the transducer slightly and move
it from side to side while moving forward past the indication. This will assure the capturing of all
amplitude and distance information. An example of peak echo mode capture is shown below:
The envelope can be changed between outline as shown above and filled-in by selecting the SMOOTH
parameter and switching between SMOOTH and FILL.
To return the display to normal mode, press the [freeze/peak] button twice more. This will erase the
envelope pattern and return the instrument to the instantaneous mode of display. While the display
is showing the dynamic echo pattern, it is possible to record the A-Scan as indicated in A-Log, A-scan
Storage.
Hold mode is similar to freeze mode except that it stores the current display waveform as a
reference trace and leaves the live waveform active. This is a quick and useful way to make
comparisons between echoes:
Hold mode can be activated by pressing the [freeze/peak] button four times. Pressing the
[freeze/peak] again will return the Sitescan 500 to its normal mode of operation.
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5. B-Chart Measurement Technique

Overview
The Sitescan 500 provides B-chart functionality as an extension to the Grid thickness Logging mode.
The Sitescan units do provide an encoder input, so the B-chart can be time-based or encoded bases.
A B-chart can be used to graphically show an internal wall profile.
Configuring B-Chart Measurement Mode

The B-Chart option can be found under the Meas menu group and provides 3 user configurable
options:
When B-Chart Mode is setting up on Time: The LOS (Loss of Signal) Mode can be switched between
OFF and Continuous. This parameter determines what happens when the signal is lost during
acquisition. When set to Off the B-Chart stops collecting data and effectively pauses it.
When set to Continuous and there is no signal present “No Reading‟ values are stored for that
sample – leaving blanks in the B-Chart.
The speed parameter refers to the update rate (sample rate) of the B-Chart, measured in “Samples
per Second”.
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The N.O.S parameter refers to the “Number of Samples‟ stored in the B-Chart; 500 is the maximum,
with one pixel line per sample.
Once the above parameters have been chosen, the B-chart will appear below if the transducer is set
on the measured surface. It is possible to adjust the Speed and N.O.S with BChart mod switched on,
however due to the B-Chart dependence on the values the B-Chart is cleared. The LOS Mode can be
changed without clearing the B-Scan.
Using B-Chart Mode

Switching BChart mod to Time or Encoded causes the screen to be resized, creating a half-size A-Scan
and showing the B-Chart panel at the bottom. The B-Chart panel depth represents the range of the
A-Scan, with the time-based aspect displayed across the width.
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The minimum thickness (depth) in the currently shown B-Chart is displayed in the bottom left
corner. Shown above is an example B-Chart. The user is expected to select an appropriate scanning
speed related to the Speed parameter.
Setting the LOS MODE to Stop, when the user wants to stop or pause scanning, one should simply
remove the transducer from the scanning surface.
Shown below is a scan of a similar surface with the range reduced to 50mm (compared to 100mm on
the previous example). This shows a slightly more detailed B-Chart, highlighting the importance of a
correct calibration and setup.
It is possible to use the FREEZE mode functionality to FREEZE the B-Chart as well as the A-Scan and
measurements, as shown below:
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6. BCHART, Bchart Storage

The storage functionality in the Sitescan 500 has been extended to support the storage of B-Chart.
The extended functionality has been implemented into Utility in order to allow the B-Chart to be
read out and display, stored or added to a report.
The other B-Chart Tab, found under the Mem menu group, allows storage of B-chart in the same way
that A-Scans are stored.
Simply FREEZE the display or make use of the LOS mode is set to OFF and remove the transducer
from the scanning surface and navigate to the B-Chart tab. Press the [softkey] key next to the Save
Bchart option item which will activate the popup list as shown below:
If you want to create a new file press [OK] to create and save a file (the [MENU] key can be used to
exit the list and cancel the store procedure) when [create a new file] is highlighted.
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It is possible to overwrite a location – the Sitescan will ask for confirmation from the user before
writing the data to memory.
The [FREEZE/PEAK] key can be used to delete the currently selected store.
In accordance with the A-Scan storage functionality it is possible to store notes with each B-Chart, as
shown below:
Once complete pressing the [Menu] key will store the B-Chart to the Sitescan memory.
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The storage success can be checked by viewing the list of stores again:
It is also possible to review the stored B-Chart on the Sitescan in the same way that an A-Scan can be
reviewed. It is not possible to load a B-Chart as a reference trace though and like the A-Scan review
the B-Chart is lost once freeze mode is released.
Below shows the B-Scan after recall:
It should also be noted that the waveform is blank – no waveforms are stored with the B-Scan.
Once freeze mode is released the B-Scan is cleared and the A-Scan waveform is re-enabled.
See section Configuring B-Chart Measurement Mode for details on setting up the B-chart
measurement mode.
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Chapter 6 : Interface Connections

1. Encoder connector (COM port)
The Encoder connector on the Sitescan 500 allows for communication between the instrument and
the probe. The Encoder connector port is the D-shaped connector at the bottom.
The pin configuration of the encoder is as follow:
Pin # Signal Name description

1 Din 1 Digital Input 1
2 Din 2 Digital Input 2
3 Vcc +5V output, 500 mA max.
4 Analog In +/- 5 V input
5 Acquisition Enable
6 Dout 1 Digital output, +/- 25 mA max
7 RX RS232/485
8 TX RS232/485
9 Encoder 1 Phase A Differential Input Encoder Phase A
10 Encoder 1 Phase B Differential Input Encoder Phase B
11 Encoder 2 Phase A Differential Input Encoder Phase A
12 Encode 2 Phase B Differential Input Encoder Phase B
13 Keyway
14 Dout Digital output +/- 25mA
15 Gnd Ground
There is no cable available for the 25-pin RS232 port.
2. Composite Video
The composite video output is for connecting the Sitescan 500 to a compatible video monitor or
projector. The composite video connector is the second connector from the top with one centre pin.
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By Default the video output is disabled, if you want to enable the external video. Press the [menu]
button located on the front of the device. You should have this menu:
Step 1: From there, choose Util menu by press the [softkey] button next to it
Step 2: use [left] navigation arrow button to select video Tab.
Step 3: When the video tab is highlighted as shown below:
Step 4: Press the [softkey] button next to External Video menu to highlight it.
Step 5: use [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow button to enable or disable the external video signal
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3. Proportional Outputs
The Sitescan 500 has two proportional outputs (located at the back of the unit) which can be
independently configured.
Both proportional outputs can be used to output the following readings:
Proportional Output 1 (O/P_1) Proportional Output 2 (O/P_2)

Off Off
Alarm 1 (Alarm signal trigged by gate 1)* Alarm 2 (alarm signal trigged by gate 2)*
L1-L2 (difference between the amplitude of signal through gate 1 and gate 2)
Level 2 (gate 2) Level 2 (gate 2)
Level 1 (gate 1) Level 1 (gate 1)
E1-E2 (distance between gate 1 and gate 2 readings)
Depth 2 (gate 2) Depth 2 (gate 2)
Depth 1 (gate 1) Depth 1 (gate 1)
Alarm 1 is only available on proportional output 1 and alarm 2 is only available on proportional
output 2
The choice of which reading to output is made using [Up] and [Down] arrow navigation button
when the O/P_1 or O/P_2 parameters in the Prop_O/P tab are highlighted in the UTIL menu.
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The proportional outputs are updated at the currently selected PRF.
The voltage of the outputs is controlled by the CAL parameter in the Prop_O/P feature in the UTIL
menu. This allows the voltage to be varied between 0V and 10.0V. The calibration voltage applies to
all proportional outputs.
It is the small upper connector with 4 pins; the top 2 pins are used for the proportional outputs. The
ground is achieved using the outer case of the connector.
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4. USB connector
There is a 6-pins connector under the black cover on the rear of the Sitescan 500 as shown below:
This connector is used to connect the flaw detector to a PC using a modified USB cable; this allows
information to be transferred to the computer using Sonatest’s program UT-lity.
If the software is not installed but the drivers are installed and the Sitescan is connected, it’s possible
to have access to the unit’s content via a window.
For more detail on how to use UT-lity and software update procedure.
Please refer to the software manual
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Chapter 7 Optional Features

1. Entering License Key to Activate Options
The Sitescan software contains the optional features as standard but require a license key in order to
enable them.
License keys can be obtained for the (paid for) optional features by contacting your local distributor.
The Install Option Sub-menu can be found under the UTIL menu. Pressing the [softkey] button next
to the Install Option parameter will activate the license key entry panel as shown below:
Use the scroll wheel to select characters from the key map, pressing the [OK] key to add to the
currently selected character to the license key entry field.
Pressing the [MENU] key when complete will exit the license key entry panel displaying a
confirmation message whether the license key was accepted or not. If the license key is accepted the
Sitescan will return the main menu and the new option will be available in the menu system.
The Middle section of the license key entry panel shows the options that are currently enabled.
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2. Time Corrected Gain (TCG) Operation

The Time Corrected Gain feature provides a means of creating an attenuation curve that sets the
gain in a swept manner as a function of transit time. A properly constructed TCG curve will
compensate for material attenuation and sound beam characteristics so that discontinuities of equal
relative size at different depths in the test piece will give an equal amplitude response on the
display.
Proper use of the TCG feature requires a reference block made from the same material as that being
range to be inspected. To establish a TCG curve, follow the following instructions:
proper reference block.
Step 2: From the MEAS menu, select Sizing tab by using [left] or [right] navigation arrow button.
Then select Sizing sub-menu by pressing the [softkey] button next to it.
Step 3: In Sizing sub-menu select the TCG parameter by press [Up] or [Down] navigation arrow
button or press the [softkey] button next to sizing sub menu again to make the pop up window
appears, choose TCG and press the [softkey] button again:
In Sitescan 500, When choosing TCG feature in Sizing sub-menu from Sizing Tab, TCG tab
will appear (See similar DAC example here)
Step 4: Go to TCG tab then select TCG mode sub-menu and use the [Up] arrow navigation button to
select DRAW. The other sub-menu will now be CURSOR and POINT.
Step 5: The TCG system is now ready to accept reference points. Position the transducer to give a
maximum echo from the first or top most reference hole in the reference block. Be careful to use a
Step 6: Press [softkey] button next to adjust sub-menu then Use the [Up] and [Down] navigation
arrow buttons to position the bright cursor bar over the echo from the reference hole. Press the
[OK] button to accept the point. The value of the Point sub-menu will then increment to indicate
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the next point. As each point is entered, the gain will change to place the echoes at about 80%
amplitude as shown below:
be recorded for a TCG curve.
Step 8: Press the [softkey] button adjacent to TCG Mode sub-menu and use the [Up] navigation
arrow button to select ON mode. The TCG curve will now be displayed, the amplifier gain will now
swept, and the other sub-menu will change to CURVE and MEAS
Step 9: Use the CURVE parameter and the [Up] navigation arrow button to select ON or OFF for the
display of the TCG curve.
A TCG curve cannot be drawn while in RF display mode. It should be noted that the
range of TCG is limited only by the dynamic range of the set.
Use the MEAS parameter to display the echo height relative to Full Screen Height (FSH), percentage
of TCG Reference (%REF) or dB relative to TCG Reference.
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3. Distance Gain Size (DGS)/Amplituden Vergleichs Größe

(AVG)
Operation
The DGS (Distance Gain Size) method, often known by its German acronym AVG (Amplituden
Vergleichs Größe), allows a theoretical model to be used for assessment of ultrasonic echoes.
The DGS/AVG method allows flaw sizing and distance compensation without requiring the large
range of reference standards for each test which would be required in order to establish a
measured DAC curve, or to set up a TCG correction.
The relative response from ‘Equivalent reflectors’ of different sizes at different distances can be
predicted mathematically from the probe effective diameter, frequency and near field length (a
function of the first two). Probe sensitivity can be calibrated from a single measurement (usually the
back wall echo)
DGS/AVG has several limitations:
 It is a predicative method, so only works in ‘standard’ configurations where the mathematical model is valid
 It must be applied with care with non-circular probe elements as we have to approximate an ‘effective
diameter’
 It does not work well on broadband probes, where the frequency is not well defined.
 It should only be applied to single element probes, as dual element probes have an inherent focus.
Corrections may be required for several factors:
 Internal time delays within the probe

 Attenuation with distance, both within the material to be tested and the reference block, if significant over
the distances involved.
 Transfer correction, e.g. if the tested material has a significantly rougher surface than the reference block
 When using an angle probe and calibrating on a curved reflector (e.g. V1 or V2 Block) a correction must be
applied.
DGS/AVG to work accurately the probe zero must be set correctly.
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Theory
For a flat, disk shaped crystal of given frequency and size, the general beam profile can be defined in
terms of a ‘normalised’ standard curve, scaled by the Probe ‘effective diameter’ and near field
length.
2
DEFF  2
N
The near field length is defined by the equation: 4 
Where DEFF is the probe effective diameter and is the wavelength (Velocity/Frequency)
The echo height from a small (much less than sound field width) reflector will be proportional to its
size.
The echo height from a given reflector in the far field (distance from the probe greater than 2-3 Near
Field Lengths (NFL)) will be inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the probe.
It is therefore possible to define a standard relationship, knowing the basic probe parameters, which
only need be corrected for the sensitivity of the probe by measuring the response from a known
reflector.
The picture shows a ‘general’ DGS/AVG diagram plotted on logarithmic scales, Relative gain in dB,
Distance as a multiple of Near Field Length, The various curves represent the signal from an
Equivalent Reflector Size (ERS) expressed as a multiple of the effective probe diameter.
The signal from the back wall echo (‘infinite’ reflector) falls off with distance, rather than with
the square of distance.
Press [MENU] then the [softkey] button next to MEAS then select the Sizing tab. If sizing sub-menu
is set to AVG then go to AVG tab and check AVG MODE should be OFF.
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DGS/AVG ~ Frequency, TBVEL and ERS

- Highlight and select MEAS menu (press [Menu] button then the [softkey] button next to it).
- From Sizing tab select AVG, AVG Tab should appears next to it.
- Select the AVG tab, its AVG MODE sub-menu should be OFF.
- Set FREQ and Probe type sub-menu when AVG mode sub-menu is set to OFF.
- Set NFL sub-menu and DELAY sub-menu when SET PRB is selected in AVG mode sub-menu.
It is recommended that figures from specific probe test results, rather than generic data
sheets, be used where possible, as typical manufacturing variations are sufficient to affect
the accuracy of the results.
- The desire test sensitivity (ERS) may be set now according to the probe use (this can be set later).
DELAY – Probe Delay Velocity, in meters per second
This is the velocity of compressive sound waves in the material of the probe wedge. It is
used mostly in angle probes but also in zero degree compression probes which have a delay
line. This wedge material is typically Perspex, which has a compressive sound wave velocity
of 2700 m/s.
Probe Type – Longitude wavelength or surface wavelength
 Set the type of wavelength for the velocity, in meters per second. This parameter is
used internally. It will take the same range of values as the Velocity parameter in
Cal Tab.
 This parameter MUST be entered. The Wavelength, which is calculated from this
velocity and the Probe frequency, is critical to the DGS/AVG calculations.
tuning (represented by >) use the [up] arrow key.
 To put it back in coarse tuning use the [right] arrow key.
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DGS/AVG ~ T-Loss, Ref dB and Mat dB

Change AVG MODE sub-menu to ‘SET ATT’. This menu allows the operator to enter attenuation
parameters relating to the materials of the Calibration Block and the item under test, these
parameters being:
T-LOSS – Transfer Loss, in dB.
This is the loss due to surface roughness, poor coupling etc between the probe and the
object under test. Generally it can be assumed that the Reference block will have a clean
surface , but this may not apply to the object under test, methods exist for measuring this,
experienced based ‘rules of thumb’ are also commonly used.
REF dB/m – Reference Material Attenuation, in dB per meter
Attenuation of ultrasound in the Reference (Calibration) block material in dB per Meter.
MAT dB/m – Test Material attenuation, in dB per meter
Attenuation of Ultrasound in the material of the object under test in dB per Meter
The REF dB/m and MAT dB/m are used where the ultrasound attenuation in these materials
is such that it would cause a disparity in signal heights between similar reflectors in these
materials. At long path lengths these factors become very important.
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DGS/AVG ~ dVK, REF TYPE and REFSIZE

Change MODE to SET REF
dVK (VK) – Curvature Correction Factor in dB
This value allows the use of a curved surface to provide a back wall echo for use as a reference
signal, thus the same reference block can be used irrespective of probe angle.
The amplitude correction factor shows by how many dB the echo from the cylindrical surface is
larger or smaller than the echo from a flat backwall, normal to the probe field axis at the same
distance.
This value is subtracted from the gain to compensate for the focusing effect of the curved reference
reflector. It should be entered as a positive or negative value as expressed in the probe data sheets.
Probe datasheets typically express thus value as VK1, for use with the K1/V1 calibration block, or
VK2 for use with the K2/V2 calibration block. These calibration blocks are specified in standards
EN12223 / DIN54122 / BS2704
It is used, in conjunction with the probe zero and the specimen velocity, to calculate the Sound field
equivalent length, this being the effective distance of the crystal to the test piece/wedge interface.
Ref Type – Reference Reflector Type
The user can select one of a number of different reference reflectors. In this implementation, these
have been derived from EN 583-2:2001 Annex B. These reflector types are:
 BWE – Back Wall Echo

 FBH – Flat Bottom Hole
 SDH – Side Drilled Hole
Reference type SDH is converted internally to the equivalent DSR diameter according to the
formulae in EN 583-2:2001 Annex B.
When using reference reflectors of type SDH, it is essential to select the correct Wavelength (L-wave
or S-wave). This is because the calculations for the equivalent DSR use the wavelength of sound that
is calculated from the Calibration Block velocity and the probe frequency.
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Ref Size – Reference Reflector Size, diameter in mm.
The Reference Reflector Size parameter allows the user to enter the diameter of the reference
reflector. The reflector type is set using the Ref Type parameter above.
The set will automatically compensate for the varying ‘reflectivity’ of different reflector types as
specified by the Ref Type parameter. Thus a 3 mm side drilled hole should be entered as Ref Type=
SDH and Ref Size=3.0
In this implementation, a diameter of 0 (zero) is used to represent a reflector of infinite size and is
expressed as BACKWALL or INFINITE.
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DGS/AVG ~ Calibration (SET SIG)

The calibration of the DGS/AVG system sets the Probes ‘absolute sensitivity’ based on the response
from the reference block.
Changing any parameters relating to the reference echo will invalidate the calibration, which
must then be repeated. The current version of the software does not enforce this – it is the
responsibility of the operator.
Set MODE to SET SIG
Place probe on reference block and maximise echo, select Cursor parameter by press the [softkey]
next to it then use [Up] and [Down] arrows key to centre the selection bar over the echo. Press the
[OK] key to accept the echo.
The instrument will adjust gain as necessary to get a good echo reference and then perform the
necessary sensitivity calculations; the curve will then be drawn and DGS/AVG will automatically be
switched on.
Once DGS/AVG has been switched on it is possible to adjust the curve ERS level (the instrument will
redraw the curve, but a new calibration is not required) and select the Curve, -6dB or Gate as the
measurement reference. It is also possible to make adjustments to the transfer loss parameter (T-
LOSS).
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Adjustment
When the DGS/AVG has been calibrated it is possible to leave the DGS/AVG menus and adjust other
settings of the instrument, for example range and gate settings.
Gain may be adjusted with understanding – Changing the Gain setting will remove the correlation
with the DGS/AVG curve, so should only be done in accordance with a specification , for example to
compensate for varying material conditions (better done with the T-LOSS function).
If it is desired to change the gain to give a larger signal (for example at long range) the REF gain
should be adjusted. This will change the curve by an equivalent amount and preserve the
measurement accuracy.
Increasing Ref Gain by 6dB moves curve and preserves measurement.
Decreasing Gain by 6dB returns to original height, but loses measurement.
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The Reference gain may be selected by pressing the [dB] Button. (DGS/AVG is only appropriate for
Single probe mode)
When the display Range or Ref Gain is changed the DGS/AVG curve will recalculate at each step. If
the settings must be changed by more than one or two steps it may be more convenient to switch
DGS/AVG off, Change Ref gain and Range etc as needed, and then switch DGS/AVG on again. This
will not invalidate the curve provided the following are not changed:
Freq, NFL, dVK, Delay, Ref (dB/m), Ref Type, Probe Type, Ref Size, (new REFERENCE Entered), Probe
Zero, Filter, Contour or Probe Angle.
The following should not be used in DGS/AVG Mode:

 Detect Modes other than Full Wave
 non-zero REJECT
 Dual probe mode
 Smoothing
 AUTO-CAL (other than for initial setup before using DGS/AVG)
 DAC
 AWS
 API or AGC
Measurement
Having set up the DGS/AVG system, it is possible to use the measurement system to calculate an
Equivalent Reflector Size for the flaw.
This is achieved by using Gate 1 to identify the flaw indication and the DEPTH measurement mode to
calculate its equivalent size. This Equivalent Size is calculated as the Test Sensitivity (ERS value)
multiplied by the Ratio of the Signal height to the DGS/AVG curve height at that distance. It is
displayed in place of the signal amplitude (%FSH) as a diameter, in mm.
It is also possible to ‘size’ the flaw in terms of dB with respect to the DGS/AVG curve. This is
achieved by increasing, or decreasing, the set gain until the peak of the flaw signal lies on the
DGS/AVG curve. The difference in Gain required can then be read directly from the displayed Gain
Value.
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4. Weld Inspection Using the American Welding Society

(AWS) Menu
The American Welding Society (AWS) menu provides a means for evaluating discontinuities when
inspecting welds in accordance with the American Welding Society’s Structural Welding Code,
ANSI/AWS D1.1-94. The user is referred to the AWS standard for full details of the method.
The AWS menu provides a convenient method of automatically calculating the “Indication Rating”
(IR) as defined by the standard. The AWS menu can be used in conjunction with the trigonometry
mode which will simultaneously indicate beam path, surface distance and depth distance at the
bottom of the graticule.
The AWS menu will not operate with either the DAC or TCG switched on:
 TCG
 AVG
 T-LOG
 DAC
 API or AGC
To set up the AWS measurements, perform the following:
Step 1: Calibrate the Sitescan 500 for weld testing and set up the trigonometry mode by following
the steps in Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry.
Step 2: From the MEAS menu, select AWS and place the MODE to SET.
Step 3: Highlight REF% by pressing the [softkey] button on the menu and set to the desired
reference level, usually 80% of full screen height.
Step 4: Place the probe on the test block and obtain the maximum signal from the reference
indication.
Step 5: Place the cursor over the indication by selecting Cursor and using the [Up] or [Down]
navigation arrow.
Step 6: With the signal maximized, press the [OK] key.
The Sitescan 500 is now calibrated to make Indication Rating measurements in accordance with AWS
D1.1-94.
116
To use the AWS mode, do the following:
Step 1: On the AWS menu, highlight AWS MODE and select MEAS.
Switching AWS ON will enable the AWS HUD at the top of the display, where the live
measurements will be displayed.
Step 2: Ensure that the gate and measurement (TRIG) function are operative and properly adjusted.
Step 3: When the AWS menu is selected and a signal is in the gate, the sub-menu boxes will show
the resulting AWS measurements as follows: IR  IL  RG  AF
(Indication Rating = Indication level – Reference Gain – Attenuation Factor)
Where:
IL: Indication Level The dB setting required to bring an indication to the reference level.
RG: Reference Gain The dB setting of the calibrated reference indication as a function of
the reference standard and probe being employed.
AF: Attenuation The attenuation factor required by the AWS standard and is: Depth in
Factor inches minus 1, multiply by 2 and then rounded to the nearest ½ dB.
IR: Indication Rating The difference in dB between the indication and the reference gain
with attenuation factor correction.
117
It is not necessary to bring the indication to the reference level to obtain the correct measurement
information as the Sitescan 500 adjusts for gain offset. However, to ensure the best accuracy of
calculation, it is advised to adjust the indication to be above 40% and below 100% of full screen
height. In addition, in the AWS mode, gain offset is shown as +/- dB from reference as opposed to
absolute gain.
Once AWS has been switch to ON mode it is no longer possible to adjust the reference gain. AWS can
be operated in full screen mode, as shown below:
With AWS active it is possible to maximise the screen height by pressing and holding the [FULL
SCREEN] key, this will remove the HUD but leave AWS active. It is possible to toggle the screen mode
in both normal and full screen modes.
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5. Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections using American

Petroleum Institute (API) 5UE
The Sitescan 500 is able to assist the user in making measurements in accordance with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice for Ultrasonic Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections
using the Amplitude Distance Differential Method (ADDM). Users are referred to the publication:
“API Recommended Practice 5UE, Second Edition, June 2005”
The ADDT employs a combination of amplitude comparison and 6dB drop techniques to determine
the radial depth of an imperfection. The technique is based on the premise that radial depth of an
imperfection affects both the amplitude of the received echo signal and the differential time of flight
of the transmitted ultrasonic wave as it passes over the imperfection.
The first step is to perform a standardisation using a reference indicator such as a notch of a known
depth or a through drilled hole. It is assumed that the Sitescan had been setup with the correct
values for the transducer and specimen being used for the inspection.
From the CAL menu turn ON G1 State in Gate 1 tab and position it on the display so that it will cover
the signal that will be produced by the reference indicator; the height of the gate is not important.
Ensure that the signal will be between 5% and 100% of full screen height. From the MEAS menu, go
to Sizing tab then Select API and select PEAK by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] button three times then
capture the reference signal and the following display should be shown:
Once the desired signal is obtained press the [OK] button twice whilst the Capture parameter is
highlighted and the K factor (a derived factor for calculating depth) is calculated and displayed as
shown:
119
The Sitescan automatically goes into FREEZE mode. Pressing the [MENU] button will cancel the
calibration and return to previous screen – this will also clear the peak envelope. Pressing the [OK]
button again puts the API facility into measurement mode as shown below. The K value is displayed
but cannot be changed while in measurement mode.
To take measurements select PEAK mode by pressing the [Freeze/Peak] button three times (you
should see Peak on the low left corner), highlight Capture parameter by press the [softkey] next to
that parameter, then press [OK] button once (should change from Peak to Accept) and capture the
echo dynamic signal; once the desired signal has been captured press the [OK] button. The Di value
is calculated and displayed as shown below:
120
The Sitescan 500 is automatically put into Hold mode once a measurement has been taken. The
resulting Di value is shown highlighted in the HUD – if it was unable to calculate the Di value, dashes
are shown.
Once the measurement has been taken, pressing the [OK] button releases Hold mode. To take the
next measurement select PEAK mode by pressing the [FREEZE/PEAK] button and repeat the above
process.
It is possible to operate API when in FULL SCREEN mode. Whilst in the API menu press the [FULL
SCREEN] button; the [FREEZE/PEAK] button and the [OK] button work as expected.
With API active it is possible to maximise the screen height by turn the HUD off in meas tab, this will
remove the HUD but leave API active.
It is possible to toggle the screen mode in both normal and full screen modes. If the table is not
shown taking a measurement will show the table in order to see the result of the measurements,
once freeze mode is released the HUD will disappear again.
121
6. Grid Thickness Logging

Please see separate manual for details
122
7. Interface Trigger (IFT)

The Sitescan 500 has an interface trigger allowing the unit to be used for immersion testing, testing
using a water jet as a couplant or testing using water filled wheel probes. The interface trigger is an
additional gate that is dedicated to the interface trigger functionality.
Immersion Testing
A major disadvantage in contact testing is the difficulty in maintaining constant coupling when
scanning the probe across a test surface as well as the need for couplant to be spread across the
specimen. When amplitude methods of flaw size estimation are being used this can lead to
fluctuation in amplitude of flaw echoes of ± 2 dB even under the best contact conditions during
scanning.
Where a critical test is required, constant coupling can only be achieved by using the immersion
method, where the test specimen is immersed in a tank of water or by use of water filled wheel
probes.
In both cases a longitudinal probe is immersed in the water so that the sound travels from the probe
through the water and into the test specimen (via a rubber tyre in the case of the water filled wheel
probe).
Problems associated with immersion testing

With the ultrasonic flaw detector calibrated for steel, the display is typically as below:
as the speed of sound in water is 1483 m/sec, it is approximately 4 times slower in water
than in steel; so that the first interface echo will appear on the screen at 4 times the actual
water gap, followed by repeat echoes of this water gap later in time (water multiples).
123
It is therefore essential that the water gap chosen be over a 1/4 of the steel test specimen's
maximum thickness to ensure that the water / steel interface echo does not repeat before the first
back wall echo from the specimen.
It should also be realised that the near zone is 4 times longer in water than in steel. Where possible
to avoid near zone fluctuations it is advisable to test at a sufficient water gap which will fully contain
the near zone fluctuation, giving more dependable far zone beam characteristics within the test
specimen.
Any slight up and down movement of the probe is quadrupled in effect on the screen of the flaw
detector so that the echoes move right and left alarmingly when the probe is hand held. The
increased directionality of the beam in water results in large amplitude variations when the beam is
the slightest bit off normal to the test surface.
Because of this the probe is always held in a manipulator, usually on a vertical column which can be
moved across the tank mechanically, attached to a bridge which is moved along the tank length.
If the probe is scanned at a fixed distance from the test specimen surface, the water path can be
delayed off screen leaving the material thickness only, on the screen for observation as show below:
A gate can then be placed between the Interface Echo and the 1st Backwall Echo, to monitor for
flaws in the material.
This system only works if the test specimen surface is flat and perfectly horizontal to the bridge, but
should the test surface slope or change in height, further delay adjustment is necessary due to the
increase or decrease in the water gap. A similar problem occurs if the wheel probe is pressed
against the test specimen with different forces as this deforms the tyre and changes the length of
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the water path. This is extremely time consuming and is very difficult to ensure that the test
specimen is flat and only allows the testing of very simple specimens; this is where Interface Trigger
comes in.
To overcome unwanted gate triggering during testing caused by fluctuation in the water gap, an
interface trigger is incorporated into the Sitescan 500.
The user is able to set the gate in terms of position in time, amplitude and width; once these settings
have been made the user can switch IFT on and off at will. The gate is typically set across the spike
that is the interface echo whilst there is no delay, so that the probe interface, interface echo and the
back wall is displayed as shown below:
Once IFT has been switched on, the display will begin at the rising flank of the signal at the position
that it crosses the gate and as it is a dynamic gate it takes into account the fluctuations due to
differing water path lengths and irregularities in the surface of the test specimen. The display below
shows IFT in an active mode and triggered (note “IFT” in the lower right hand corner):
125
If the interface trigger is lost for any reason for instance moving beyond the end of the test specimen
or lifting the wheel probe off the specimen the trigger stops, the trace freezes and a message is
displayed on the screen as shown below:
When IFT state is ON, “IFT” is displayed in the lower side of the screen.
To un-freeze the display the signal selected for the interface trigger must exceed the gate or IFT
could be turned off.
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8. Backwall Echo Attenuator (BEA)

The backwall echo attenuator allows the gain to be independently adjusted over a defined area of
the A-Scan. To enable the backwall echo attenuator, select the UTIL main menu followed by the BEA
tab. By changing the BEA MODE to DRAW displays a solid block on the right hand side as shown below:
Select CURSOR by pressing the [softkey] button and use the [Up] and [Down] navigation arrow
buttons to select the area over which the attenuator will be applied as shown below:
Once the required area has been selected, change the MODE to ON. The attenuator is switched on
and a line is drawn on the screen showing where the attenuator becomes active as shown below:
127
Once the backwall Echo attenuator is ON the size of the attenuator can be changed by adjusting the
ATTEN parameter. The maximum area over which the backwall attenuator can be active is 50% and
the maximum attenuation is the same as the available gain up to a maximum of 40dB.
128
9. Split Distance Amplitude Correction (Split DAC)

Distance Amplitude Correction curves act as monitoring gate triggering thresholds to compensate
for attenuation and sound beam characteristics. When properly established, the DAC curve will
provide consistent alarming from discontinuities of equal relative size at different depths in the test
piece. Functionality is provided to automatically draw 6dB and 14dB or 6dB and 12dB reference
curves below the calibrated curve.
It should be noted that since the DAC function only provides a dynamic alarm threshold capability,
the dynamic range is limited to about 16dB. Therefore, for materials that attenuate more than 16dB
over the depth range of interest, DAC should not be used. Instead, the TCG function may be more
applicable. See TCG Operation for the use of the Time Corrected Gain feature.
Proper use of the DAC feature requires a reference block made from the same material as that being
range to be inspected.
To establish a Split DAC curve, follow the instructions:
 Establish the basic calibration of the Sitescan 500 using the desired transducer and the proper
reference block. From the MEAS menu, go to Sizing tab to select the DAC feature.
 Set Split parameter to ON allowing up to 3 DAC curves, complying with EN 583-2:2001
 Select the DAC Mode parameter by pressing the [softkey] button then use the [up] and [down]
keys to select the select Draw then press [OK] to enter draw mode. The other parameters will
now be Cursor and Point.
 The DAC system is now ready to accept reference points. Position the transducer to give a
maximum echo from the first or topmost reference hole in the reference block. Be careful to
use a consistent amount of coupling and transducer pressure.
 Use the Scroll-Wheel to position the bright cursor bar over the echo from the reference hole.
 Press the [OK] button twice to accept the point. The Point parameter will then increment to
indicate the next point. A small square will appear as a reference point on the display showing
the peak of the signal just recorded.
129
 Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each additional reference hole in the reference block, being careful to
be consistent with the amount of coupling and transducer pressure. A maximum of 10 points
can be recorded for a DAC curve.
 Use the curve parameter and [up] or [down] arrow to select the DAC reference curve, the DAC
curve along -2/-6/-10 or -6/14 curves or custom curves. These additional curves are
automatically generated; references curves provide a method for helping to evaluate
discontinuities smaller than those in reference block.
 Use the trigger parameter to select the alarm trigger from Gate 1, the DAC curve or any additional
curves listed in the curve parameter above that are currently selected.
 If Depth measurement is switched on with the DAC feature, the depth mode display below the A-trace
will show the distance to the echo peak and the relative amplitude to the DAC reference curve in dB.
The relative dB display is the dependent on the Ref gain setting, but not the Gain
setting
With the split DAC mode active, if the reference echoes drop below 20% FSH another DAC curve
will be generated at that point boosting the gain by 14 dB each time, for up to 3 split DAC curves.
To turn the DAC feature off, select DAC mode from the DAC tab with [Softkey] button, then press
[Up] or [Down] key to choose OFF parameter as shown above
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Chapter 8 Accessories
1. Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Battery Cautions
Misuse of Lithium-ion batteries may result in the following hazards: smoke, fire, or battery rupture.
Misuse can also cause other battery damage or degradation of battery performance
 Use and charge only the specified Sonatest battery pack with the Sitescan 500. Only the
Sonatest battery pack is tested and approved for use with the Sitescan 500. Using third-
party or counterfeit battery packs may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
 Use and charge only the specified Sonatest battery pack with the Sitescan 500. Only the
Sonatest battery pack is tested and approved for use with the Sitescan 500. Using third-
party or counterfeit battery packs may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
 DO NOT hammer or otherwise impact the battery. Do not use the battery if it has been
severely impacted or dropped, or if the battery has been subjected to heavy pressure.
Battery damage may not be visible on the outside of the case. Even if the surface of the
battery does not show cracks or any other damage, the cells inside the battery may
rupture or catch fire.
 NEVER use or leave battery pack in areas with temperatures above +60°C. High
temperature build-up in the battery, such as could occur near fires or stoves, inside a
sun-heated car, or by setting the battery in direct sunlight may cause the battery to
rupture or catch fire. Excessive temperatures may also degrade battery performance or
shorten battery life.
 DO NOT expose the battery to rain, snow, seawater, or any other liquids. Do not charge
or use a wet battery. If the battery gets wet, be sure to wipe it dry before using. The
battery by itself is not waterproof.
 NEVER incinerate a used battery pack since internal battery gas may cause a rupture or
explosion.
 NEVER solder the battery terminals, or modify the battery pack. This may cause heat
generation, and the battery may rupture, emit smoke or catch fire.
 Use the battery only with the Sitescan 500 for which it is specified. Never use a battery
with any other equipment, or for any purpose that is not specified in this instruction
manual.
131
 If fluid from inside the battery gets in your eyes, blindness can result. Rinse your eyes
with clean water, without rubbing them, and see a doctor immediately.
 Immediately stop using the battery if it emits an abnormal odour, heats up, or is
discoloured or deformed. If any of these conditions occur, contact Sonatest.
 Immediately wash, using clean water, any part of the body that comes into contact with
fluid from inside the battery.
 NEVER put the battery in a microwave oven, high-pressure container, or in an induction
heating cooker. This could cause overheating, a fire, or cause the battery to rupture.
 Always use the battery within the specified temperature range for the Sitescan 500 (-
10°C to +55°C) and the battery itself (-20°C to +60°C). Using the battery out of its
specified temperature range will reduce the battery's performance and battery life.
Please note that the specified temperature range of the battery may exceed that of the
Sitescan 500. In such cases, the Sitescan 500 may not work properly because it is out of
its operating temperature range.
 Shorter battery life could occur if the battery is left fully charged, completely discharged,
or in an excessive temperature environment (above +45°C) for an extended period of
time. If the battery must be left unused for a long time, it must be detached from the
Sitescan 500 after discharging. You may use the battery until the battery indicator
shows half-capacity, and then keep it safely in a cool dry place with the temperature
between -20°C to +25°C. If the battery pack is not going to be used for a long time it
must be periodically charged every 4 months; failure to do so will render the battery
inoperable and it will need to be returned to Sonatest for re-charging. If a number of
spare battery packs are in use the easiest way to maintain optimum conditions is to
rotate the battery packs so that when one is discharged it is swapped with a fully
charged one.
Battery Charging
 Only use the CH700-P charger to charge the battery. Using any other charger may
cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
 NEVER charge the battery pack in areas with extremely high temperatures, such as
near fires or stoves, inside a sun-heated car, or in direct sunlight. In such
environments, the safety/protection circuit in the battery will activate, causing the
battery to stop charging.
 DO NOT charge or leave the battery in the battery charger beyond the specified
time for charging. If the battery is not completely charged by the specified time,
stop charging and remove the battery from the battery charger. Continuing to
charge the battery beyond the specified time limit may cause a fire, overheating, or
the battery may rupture.
 NEVER insert the battery charger into the Sitescan 500 or battery if it is wet or
soiled. This could corrode the battery charger terminals or damage the charger. The
charger is not waterproof.
 DO NOT charge the battery outside of the specified temperature range: O°C to
+40°C. Sonatest recommends charging the battery at +20°C. The battery may
heat up or rupture if charged out of the specified temperature range. Additionally,
battery performance or battery life may be reduced.
When fully charged, the battery pack should enable the unit to be operated for 16 hours
when the brightness is at level 1 in the VIDEO tab under UTIL menu, for 12½ hours with a
brightness of 10 (the default) or for 9 hours with a brightness of 20. The battery pack can
be charged while mounted to the Sitescan 500 by use of the connector on the front panel.
Alternately, the battery pack can be charged separate from the by using its own connector
shown above allowing continued operation of the Sitescan 500 with the use of multiple
battery packs.
132
2. Battery Charger
When shipped the battery has only a nominal charge and must be fully charged before being used
for the first time.
The Sonatest CH700-P battery charger shown below is suitable for use with main supply from 100 to
240 volts AC. The LED on the charger illuminates to indicate power on. When the battery level is
low the LED will glow red. When the battery level is almost full the LED will glow yellow. When the
battery level is full the LED glows green. The output voltage from the charger is 16.4 Volts DC. The
output current when charging is a constant 2.0 Amps. The part number for a battery pack is 212174.
The CH700 is a battery charger only. Any attempt to use it to power a Sitescan 500,
without a battery fitted, WILL damage your CH700-P battery charger.
133
Chapter 9 : Products Specifications

(Subject to change without notice)
Features Details
Enclosure Size H=145mm x W=255mm x D =145 mm (5.7 in x 10 in x
5.7 in)
Weight 2.5 Kg (5.5 Lbs) with battery
Environmental Operating Temperature -10 degree C to 55 degree C (-14 degree F to 131

degree F)
Storage Temperature -40 degree C to 75 degree C (-13 degree F to 167
degree F)
Relative Humidity 5 to 95%, non-condensing
IP rating Designed to meets IP67
Data acquisition Pulse rate Frequency (P.R.F) Adjustable 5 to 1000 Hz (selectable in 5 Hz

steps).External sync also available
Resolution Up to 0.01 mm (0.001 in) for distance or 1% FSH for
amplitude measurement. Large display of
measurement at top of A-Scan display. Measurement
mode selectable between peak and flank.
Test range 0 - 5mm (0.25 in) up to 0 - 10000 mm (400 in) at steel
velocity (5930 m/s or 19455f/s). Variable in 1,2,5
sequence or continuously in 1mm.
Velocity 1000 to 10000 m/s continuously variable.
Probe zero 0 to 999.999 μs, continuously variable.

Delay Calibrated delay from 0 -10000 mm in 0.05 mm steps
(0-787.4in. in 0.002 in steps) at steel velocity
Backwall Echo Attenuation 0- 40dB attenuation.
(option)
Reject (Selectable) Up to 80% linear reject (removes baseline noise
without affecting indication amplitude).
OR
Up to 50% suppress reject (increase zero offset and
reduces amplitude of all echoes).
LED warning light when selected.
Measurement Units metric (mm) or Inch (in)
Measurement Modes Mode 1 Signal Monitor, Gate alarms can be active but no
measurements are display
Mode 2 Depth and amplitude of the 1st signal gate
Mode 3 Echo-to-Echo distance measurement (single gate)
Mode 4 Trigonometric display of beam path, surface distance

and depth of indication from the inspection surface
together with echo amplitude, curved surface
correction for convex and concave, X-OFFSET for probe
index. Half skip indication on screen.
Mode 5 Gate to Gate distance measurement. (Independent
gates).
Mode 6 Flank to Flank
Mode 7 Beam Angle calculated from beam path, hole radius
and hole centre depth
System Linearity Vertical linearity 0.5% Full Screen Height (FSH).
Horizontal linearity ±0.2% Full Screen Width (FSW).

Amplifier Accuracy ± 0.1dB
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Others features ActiveEdge™ Used to improve the pulse shape and improve near-
surface resolution.
Rectification Full wave, positive or negative half-wave and
unrectified RF.
Gate Monitor Two fully independent gates for echo monitoring and
thickness measurement. Start and width adjustable
over full range of unit, amplitude variable from 0 to
100% FSH. Bar presentation. Positive or negative
triggering for each gate with audible and visual alarms.
Gate resolution is 5 ns
Gate Expansion Expands range and delay to cover the area set by Gate
1 start and width controls.
Gate Monitor Delay Selectable 0.6 seconds delay on gate 2 negative
monitor tracking.
Display Freeze For capturing the current waveform (A-scan) image for
off-line processing.
Active Peak Memory Retains all the A-scan on screen for echo dynamic
pattern determination, with active A-scan display in
separate colour.
Waveform smoothing Gives a smooth signal envelope, simulating analogue
equipment. 3 options available (None, fill and smooth)
Contour Trailing-Edge slew rate control to reduce half cycles in
rectified modes. Selectable from 1 of 6 levels
AGC Automatic Gain Control automatically sets the signal to
a level between 10-90% FSH with tolerance between 5-
20% accuracy.
DAC Distance Amplitude Curve defined by up to 10 points
and digitally drawn on screen. DAC curves meet
requirements of EN 1714, JIS and ASME standards,
selectable between -2, -6, -10, -12 and -14dB.
Amplitude read out selectable between % DAC or
relative dB.
TCG (option) Time Corrected Gain, also known as Swept Gain. 40dB
dynamic range greater than 30dB per microsecond and
up to 10 points may be used, setting all signals initially
to 80% FSH.
AWS (option) Built in software for evaluation of defect indications in
accordance with AWS D1.1 structural weld code.
AVG/DGS (option) Automatic calculation from probe data.
API (option) Flaw sizing complying with API 5UE
Interface Trigger (IFT)- Unlock the interface trigger gate controls, which hold
(option) off the A-scan acquisition and display until an interface
echo is detected with a specific range
Auto-Cal Provides automatic calibration from two echoes.
Notes Alphanumeric labelling for panel and A-log allows the

user to enter Notes for storage with panel settings and
A-scans.
Keylock Prevents accidental alteration of parameters.
Help Key For instant operator guidance on using the Sitescan

Series. Shows software and hardware information
Reference Waveform This menu displays a waveform from one of the A-log
stores as a reference or fingerprint display in a colour
different from the active display highlighting
differences from the reference.
Clock Sets time and date. Built in battery-backed RTC keeps
time and date. Visible on status line, always store with
Panels, A-logs, etc
135
Internal memory 4 GByte storage available
Receiver Connector type BNC or LEMO 1 (factory option)
gain range 0 to 110 dB, adjustable in 0.5,1,2,6,10,14 and 20dB

steps. Direct access to gain control at all times
Input Impedance 50 or 400 Ohm damping selectable
Pulser Connector type BNC or LEMO 1 (factory option)
Number of channel 1
Test mode Pulse echo and transmit/receive. Single crystal, Double

crystal and Pitch and catch
Pulse voltage 100V - 450V
Pulse shape -VE spike and Square wave
Pulse width From 30 to 2,500 ns duration
Rise/fall times <5ns into 50 Ohms at 200V (width adjustable in 2% of

nominal width. Min=1 ns, Max=40ns)
Thickness Logging Can store up 440,000 thickness readings configured
either by Block/Location/Number mode or pre-
programmable work sheets in sequential mode.
Readings can be exported to MS Excel using optional
software.
Panel memory Can store up to 450,000 panels for retaining
calibrations.
A-scan memory 200,000 waveforms can be printed or transferred to a
PC using optional UT-lity software.
Display Size 116.16 x 87.2 mm (4.57 x 3.43 in)
screen resolution 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) TFT
A-scan resolution 400 x 510 Pixels (460 x 620 Pixels in Full screen)
Update rate 60 Hz
Colour 9 colours options with variable brightness.
I/O ports Video output Standard option ( NTSC)
Front USB compatible with 1.1 version, Type A. Internal storage

shown as memory device
Encoder Connection D-SUB connector
Battery & Power supply Battery Type Lithium Ion battery pack
Number of battery 1
battery Life 16 hours typical
Recharge time 3-4 hours (battery can be charge separately)
Output power 14.4V - 5A/hours

Charger 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
Language Support User selectable English, French, German, Russian, ,Chinese (modern),
Spanish (other available on request)
Calibration standard EN12668-1 2010
Standards - Vibration to 514.5-5 Proc 1 Annex C Fig 6

- Shock 516.5 Proc 1 15g/6mms
- Explosive atmospheres: MIL-STD 810G
- Methos 511.5, procedure I
136
Chapter 10 : Warranty
Warranty/Defects after Delivery: Immediately upon receipt of the goods the buyer is required to
check the goods carefully and thoroughly. In order to benefit from the guarantee, any defect in the
product should be immediately reported in writing to Sonatest.
Sonatest will make good by repair or by the supply of a replacement or by equivalent adjustment of
the price at our sole option, any defects which under proper use appear in the goods within the
period of twenty four (24) calendar months after the goods have been delivered and which arise
solely from faulty design, material or workmanship, provided that the goods are carefully packed
and promptly returned by you, free of charge, to the Sonatest works unless otherwise arranged.
Said goods should be covered while in transit to us and must be accompanied by a written
statement detailing the precise nature of the fault and the operating conditions under which the
fault occurred. The repaired goods will be returned by Sonatest free of charge.
Save as in this Clause herein before expressed Sonatest shall not be under any liability in respect of
defects in goods delivered or for any injury damage or loss resulting from such defects and our
liability under this Clause shall be in lieu of any warranty or condition implied by law as to the
quality, fitness or merchantability for any particular purpose of such goods.
You are reminded that all warranties as to merchantability and fitness for purpose are excluded from
the contract under which the product and this manual have been supplied to you. The sellers’ only
obligation in this respect is to replace such quantity of the product proven to be defective.
Neither the seller nor the manufacturer shall be liable either in contract or in tort for any direct or
indirect loss or damage (whether for loss of profit or otherwise), costs, expenses or other claims for
consequential or indirect compensation whatsoever (and whether caused by the negligence of the
company, its employees or agents or otherwise).
137
Chapter 11 : Troubleshooting and Support

Q1 – My Sitescan Unit does not start when press [Power] button?
 Make sure the battery is fully charged and connected to the Sitescan.
 If the battery is flat or not fully charge connect the charger which came with the unit.
 Remove and refit battery then try to turning ON and Off again.
 If the above does not work send it back for repair.
Q2 – When the unit is turned off the led on the charger is Red/amber slid. What does this means?
 The battery is charging
Q3 – My battery life is very short despite having charge it for 3-4 hours?
 When you received the unit for the first time, it is strongly recommended to complete
a full charge and discharge cycle.
 Try if applicable to charge the battery with another CH700-P charger
 If you do not have a spare charger, try with another battery. If the battery life is
longer, the battery is faulty.
Q4 – Why my battery will not lasting very long after only few months of use?
 Apart from the obvious reasons (it too old or has been mistreated), the other reason
may be in the way you charge it.
 If a battery is never allowed to fully charge then discharge, it will become
“uncalibrated”. To prevent that, ensure that every month or so, you should fully
charge and then fully discharge the battery.
Q5 – There is a warning or error messages display on the screen?
Most of the warning messages and some error messages are a result of incorrect
method of operation or trying to use incompatible ranges or features. If that’s not
the case try a factory reset.
Q6 – Memory does not store or recall data?
 Using the CLOCK tab check the time settings. If it incorrect then set the time and Date.
 If the time and date will not keep when the unit is switch off or you get DATA error
message try restoring factory defaults.
 If factory default does not work, send the unit to back for repair.
138
Q7 – I have a permanent or intermittent freeze (no response)?
 Try a factory reset.

Q8 – I have a Low level or no signal with the A-scan?
 Try a different cable and probe.

 Is the single/double mode correct?
 Does the probe is connected to TX?
Q9 – Nothing, faint or faulty (snowy) display?

 Connect the unit to a PC and reprogram the unit using UT-LITY.
 If factory default and reprogramming the unit do not work, send the unit to back for
repair.
Q10 – My Device isn’t listed in COM port
 Make sure the device is booted in Flash Loader mode

 Try unplugging the USB cable from the PC and plug it back again.
Q11 – An error prompt is shown while updating the firmware or software:
 Unplug the USB cable from the PC (DFD updater will go back to step 1)
 Restart the device by holding the [ON/OFF] button for 5 sec to switch it off,
then push once again to switch on (the screen may stack black but that’s
normal).
 Plug the USB cable back to the PC and start the update procedure form the
start.
Q12 – I need more support where and how can I contact you?
 Please contact your local distributor for additional support or training

 Additionally you can visit our website: www.sonatest.com
 Or can e-mail us at [email protected]
 For more details please see contact details page
139
Chapter 12 : Maintenance
Casing
 Do not put the flaw detector near a source of electromagnetic noise, which could
disrupt data acquisition.
 If you have carpets in your work place, be careful about electrostatics shocks.
 Clean the Flaw detector as often as possible and make sure that oils, dust or couplant
do not damage the unit. Do not use abrasive or chemical cleaning agents which will
damage the surface of the instrument.
 Protect the unit from adverse weather conditions.
Screen
 Do not use an abrasive cloth or brush to wash the screen, instead use a clean, lint-
free cloth.
 Do not use a sharp object (pen, pencil) to point flaws or details on the screen.
 Do not store or leave the unit where the screen will be exposed to direct sunlight for
a long period of time.
Traveling
 Make sure the unit is not subject to excessive shocks or impact while travelling.
 If you are going abroad with the unit, make sure to have the battery fully charged or
the power adapter handy, as some airport administrations may ask you to power on
the unit in front of them.
 Do not travel with a probe or any external peripherals connected to it
 Make sure the unit is compatible with the voltage/current in the country you are
travelling to.
140
Chapter 13 : Index
A-CAL Menu, 4 Coupling, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 43, 44, 45, 56, 70, 71, 75, 88,
ActiveEdge, 36 94, 95
ActiveEdge™, 36 Crack Diffraction, 11
Adjustment, 79 Critical Operating Factors, 3
AGC, 2, 21 CSC (Curved Surface Correction), 2
AGC (Automatic Gain Control), 2, 21 Cursor, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 20, 27, 43, 70, 81, 94
A-Log, 2, 15, 16, 26, 27, 41, 52, 54, 55 Curve, 8, 9, 10, 11, 43, 44, 45, 70, 71, 72, 73, 78, 79, 80,
A-Scan Storage, 3, 33, 52 94, 95
Memory Menu, 2, 15 DAC, 2, 5, 8, 10, 43, 44, 45, 48, 72, 81, 94, 95
American Welding Society, 12, 81
dB, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 45, 48, 71, 73, 75, 76, 80, 82, 83,
Amplifier, 3, 9, 29, 36, 71
88
Amplifier Menu, 2, 3
Default, 0, 8, 9, 12, 21, 50, 97
angle, 5, 7, 28, 33, 48, 49, 56, 57, 72, 74, 76
Delay, 3, 10, 35, 36, 37, 41, 74, 89, 90
Angle, 11, 80
Delete a panel set:, 25
API, 5, 13, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86
Delete a Stored A-Scan, 55
Menu, 2
Depth Distance, 5, 48, 81
A-Scan, 15, 33, 42, 52, 53, 55, 57, 92 Depth of Flaw, 11
Attenuation, 8, 10, 12, 19, 20, 28, 35, 41, 43, 70, 72, 75, Detect, 80
82, 93, 94 DGS, 10, 11, 48, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80
AVG, 5, 10, 72, 73, 74, 79, 80 DGS/AVG, 2, 3, 10, 11, 48, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80
AWS, 5, 12, 14, 81, 82, 83 Diffraction, 56
AWS Menu, 2 Disclaimer of Liability, 4
Backwall, 2, 20, 31, 50, 76, 89, 92, 93 Disclaimers and Notices, 2
Basic Flaw Testing, 28 Discontinuity, 3, 48, 49, 52, 56
Battery, 0, 20, 96, 97, 98 Dual Element, 35, 36, 72
Battery Charging, 4, 97 Dual Probe, 80
BEA(Backwall Echo Attenuator), 3, 19, 20, 92 Dynamic, 43, 57, 71, 90, 94
Beam, 3, 11, 5, 7, 28, 33, 35, 43, 48, 49, 56, 57, 70, 73, Echo Dynamic, 56, 57, 85
81, 89, 94 Edit Notes, 27
Beam Path Distance, 5, 48 Summary, 42
Block, 3, 10, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 49, 72, 75, 76, Effects of Temperature on Calibration, 4
92 Electromagnetic Compatibility, 5
CAL, 2, 3, 4, 29, 36, 38, 40, 41, 49, 56, 67, 80, 84 Envelope, 19, 56, 57, 85
Menu, 2 Evaluation of Pipe Imperfections using API 5UE, 84
Calibration, 3, 4, 0, 3, 4, 13, 15, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, Factory Default, 0
33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 49, 50, 52, 67, 70, 75, Far Field, 73
76, 78, 85, 94 Far Surface, 28
Calibration Menu, 2 Flank, 50, 51, 90
Certification, 2 Flaw Detection, 3, 11, 2
Charge, 96, 97, 98, 102 Flaw Detection Calibration, 3
Charger, 97, 98 Flaw Detector, 2, 3, 11, 56, 68, 88, 89
Clock, 22 Flaw Testing, 28
CLOCK Menu, 2, 22 Flaw Testing Calibration, 3, 33
Composite Video, 64, 65 Focus, 72
Concave, 7 Freeze, 5, 52, 86, 91
Connector, 64, 67, 68, 97 Frequency, 3, 73, 74
Contact, 6, 11, 28, 35, 88, 97 Front Panel Controls, 12
Contour, 56, 80 Front Surface, 4, 28
Controls, 12, 20, 21 full screen, 3, 4, 13, 19, 21, 48, 81, 83, 84, 86
Convex, 7 Full Screen, 71
Corrosion, 35 Function, 11, 0, 5, 6, 7, 8, 43, 70, 72, 79, 82, 94
Couplant, 4, 88 Functional Testing Methods, 11
141
Gain, 9, 20, 21, 36, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, Planar, 28
92, 93 Point, 5, 7, 8, 9, 35, 37, 41, 44, 48, 49, 50, 70, 94
Gate, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13, 21, 29, 32, 36, 37, 40, 41, 43, 45, 50, Power Supply, 96
51, 78, 79, 80, 82, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94 PRF, 38, 67
Gate 1, 2, 4, 32, 36, 39, 40, 84 PRINT Menu, 2
Gate 2, 2, 4, 30 Printing, 4, 33, 37, 52
Gates, 5, 6, 51 Probe, 2, 7, 10, 48, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 82, 88,
Ghosting, 3 89, 90, 91
Handshake, 64 PROBE Menu, 7
Hardcopy, 52 Probe Zero, 10, 72, 76, 80
Help, 26 Problems associated with immersion testing, 88
HUD, 36, 39, 82, 83, 86 Pulse, 2, 11, 3, 4, 13, 36
IFT (Interface Trigger), 4, 90, 91 Pulse Repetition Frequency, 3
Immersion, 11, 88 Pulse-Echo, 11
Immersion Testing, 3, 88 Qualification, 2
Included Angle, 35 Range, 3, 4, 3, 4, 13, 21, 29, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41,
Interface Connections, 64 43, 49, 55, 70, 71, 72, 74, 79, 80, 94, 97
Interface Trigger (IFT), 4, 88 Recall, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 52, 53, 54, 55
Level, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 50, 51, 78, 81, 82, 83, Recall a panel set:, 3, 25
97, 98 Recall an A-Scan, 3, 54
Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 96 Recall an A-Scan as a Reference Waveform:, 3, 55
Location, 16, 17, 23, 48, 53 Recall Key, 53
Longitudinal, 35, 88 REF, 3, 2, 9, 11, 16, 20, 55, 71, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81
Main Menu, 2 REF, Reference Waveform Comparisons, 3
Main Menu Selection, 2 REF/GAIN, 2, 80
MEAS, 2, 5, 7, 21, 32, 36, 37, 39, 40, 43, 49, 70, 71, 73, Reference, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 28, 35, 40,
41, 43, 44, 52, 55, 70, 71, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81,
81, 82, 84, 94
82, 83, 84, 94, 95
MEAS Menu, 2, 5
Reference Block, 3, 28, 35, 43, 44, 52, 70, 71, 72, 75, 76,
Measurement, 11, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 19, 21, 31, 37, 48, 50,
78, 94, 95
51, 72, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86
Reject, 3, 36
Measurement Menu, 2, 5, 6
Reset, 0, 5, 36
Memory, 2, 0, 15, 16, 23, 52, 53, 54, 55
Reset to factory defaults:, 1
Menu Tree, 2
Resolution, 28, 29
Metric, 0, 33, 38
RS232, 64
Microseconds, 3
Scroll-Wheel, 53, 55, 94
MISC, 20
Sensitivity, 11, 28, 29, 72, 73, 78, 80
MISC Menu, 2, 20
Shear, 11
Mode, 2, 11, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20, 21, 29, 33, 36, 37,
Shear Wave, 11
38, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 56, 57, 71, 80, 81, 82,
Single Probe, 80
83, 85, 86, 90, 94
Size, 3, 11, 28, 42, 43, 70, 72, 73, 77, 80, 88, 93, 94
Mode Conversion, 2
Skips, 7, 48
Multiple Echo, 37
Sound Field, 10, 73, 76
Near Field, 3, 10, 72, 73
Sound Velocity, 3, 4, 11, 4, 28, 35
Notes, 26, 27, 42, 53, 54
Specifications, 2, 69
O/P, 2, 66, 67 Start, 0, 4, 5, 6, 13, 37, 40, 50
Operator Training, 2 State, 4
Orientation, 3, 28 Storage, 23
Outputs, 21, 66, 67 Storage & Recall of Calibration Setups, 3, 15, 23
P_O/P Proportional Output Control Menu, 21 Store, 23, 27, 42, 52, 53, 55
Panel, 11, 12, 13, 0, 2, 15, 23, 26, 27, 41, 42, 69, 97 Store a panel set, 3
Parameter, 12, 21, 33, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45, 49, 50, 52, 54, Store An A-Scan, 3, 52
55, 57, 67, 69, 70, 71, 74, 77, 78, 84, 93, 94 Surface, 2, 3, 11, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 21, 28, 35, 45, 48, 56,
Pipe, 13, 84 72, 75, 76, 81, 88, 89, 90, 96
142
Surface Wave, 11, 28 Ultrasonic Testing, 2, 3, 4, 11, 40

TCG, 5, 9, 10, 41, 43, 70, 71, 72, 81, 94 USB, 12, 68
Temperature, 4, 96, 97 Use of Couplant, 4
Temperature Variations, 4 UTIL, 2, 3, 19, 29, 33, 38, 66, 67, 69, 92, 97
Test Blocks, 3, 4, 35, 40, 81
Valid, 53, 72, 86
Testing Limitations, 3
VEL, 38
Thickness Gauge, 2, 11
Velocity, 2, 3, 10, 19, 31, 35, 38, 40, 41, 49, 73, 74, 76
Thickness Gauging, 35, 36, 39
Velocity of Sound, 2, 3, 31, 40, 41, 49
Threshold, 4, 5, 8, 13, 41, 43, 94
Time Corrected Gain, 2, 41, 43, 70, 94 Video, 2, 20, 55, 64, 97
Time of Flight, 3, 11, 84 VIDEO Menu, 2, 20
Time-of-Flight, 40 Warranty, 102
T-Log Water Path, 89, 90
Menu Numeric Mode, 16 Wave, 2, 11, 3, 74, 84
Menu Sequential Mode, 17 Wavelength, 28, 35, 73, 74, 76
Training, 2 Wedge, 74, 76
Transducer Condition, 4 Weld, 5, 12, 28, 33, 48, 56, 81
Transmit-Receive, 11 Weld Inspection, 3, 5, 12, 28, 33, 48, 56, 81
Transmitter, 2, 3 Weld Inspection Using the AWS Menu, 3, 12
Trigger, 2, 4, 45, 50, 88, 90, 91 Weld Inspection Using Trigonometry Mode, 28, 33, 81
TX, 2, 3, 36 Width, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 20, 36, 40, 50, 56, 73, 90
Zero, 3, 4, 35, 40, 41, 49, 74, 77, 80
Ultrasonic, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 13, 35, 40, 41, 49, 72, 84, 88
143

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Sitescan 500

Document Number: Issue 0 September 2014

How to contact Sonatest?

Sonatest Limited (International) Sonatest Inc. (America)

 Dickens Road  12775 Cogburn

Milton Keynes San Antonio, Texas

MK12 5QQ 78249

 +44 (0)1908 316345  +1 (210) 697 0335

 +44 (0)1908 321323  +1 (210) 697 0767

Disclaimers and Notices

Critical Operating Factors

Calibration of the Sound Velocity

Transducer (Probe) Zero Procedure

Flaw Detection Calibration

Effects of Temperature on Calibration

- Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

- Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC

- CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC

About this guide

 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Convention used in this guide

DANGER/WARNING: information to prevent injury to yourself when

NOTE: Information to help you complete the task

TIPS: Additional information to help you complete a task

MENU Tab ....................................................................................................... 35

Chapter 1 : Product Introduction

2. Features of the Sitescan 500

Functional Testing Methods

 Pulse-Echo Flaw Detection

5. Key Names and functions

This button operates in connection with the [softkey] buttons next to

Continue on the next Page

Reset to factory defaults:

Step 2: Choose Mem sub-menu

Chapter 2 : Detailed Menu Description

Main Menu Selection

AGC, Prop O/P, Encoder and Clock

CAL (Calibration) Tab

Amp (Amplifier) Tab

Gate 1 & Gate 2 Tab

IFT (Interface Trigger) Tab

3. Entering License Key to Activate Options

4. Time Corrected Gain (TCG) Operation

5. Distance Gain Size (DGS)/Amplituden Vergleichs Größe

DGS/AVG has several limitations:

Corrections may be required for several factors:

 Internal time delays within the probe

DGS/AVG to work accurately the probe zero must be set correctly.

DGS/AVG ~ Frequency, TBVEL and ERS

DELAY – Probe Delay Velocity, in meters per second

Probe Type – Longitude wavelength or surface wavelength

DGS/AVG ~ T-Loss, Ref dB and Mat dB

T-LOSS – Transfer Loss, in dB.

REF dB/m – Reference Material Attenuation, in dB per meter

Attenuation of ultrasound in the Reference (Calibration) block material in dB per Meter.

MAT dB/m – Test Material attenuation, in dB per meter

DGS/AVG ~ dVK, REF TYPE and REFSIZE

dVK (VK) – Curvature Correction Factor in dB