Frequently Asked Questions |
Can the gauges be used on materials other than steel ?
Yes. Although the
majority of applications require the gauges to be used on steel,
however the gauges can be used on a variety of other materials by
either entering the known velocity of sound into the gauge in metres or inches
per second, or by calibrating the gauge with a known thickness of
the material under test. Typical examples include, aluminium,
copper, grey cast iron, magnesium, nickel, mild steel, tool steel,
stainless steel, tungsten, monel, inconel, phosphor bronze and
brass.
Do I need to change the sound
velocity on the gauge when measuring different materials
?
Yes, otherwise an incorrect reading will be shown.
For the Velocity Table
click here. These are also listed in the manual supplied
with the gauge.
If only a few measurements are to be taken on
a material other than Steel, it may be easier to leave the
calibration set for Steel and convert the readings by multiplying by
the Conversion Factor for the material being
measured;
True Reading =
Reading x Conversion Factor
Conversion factors are listed in
the Velocity Table. This method avoids unnecessary
re-calibration.
What product training
do I need ?
That will depend on your requirements. The
operation of the Cygnus Instruments range of products is
straightforward and measurements can be taken by a competent
operator with minimal training. If however you need to provide
certified readings then you may need to have specific training to
comply with your customers requirements.
How does Multiple Echo ultrasonic thickness gauging
work ?
For this information please see our technology
pages.
What is the warranty period
for Cygnus gauges ?
Three years for the instrument
and ancillaries.
90 Days for the probe.
Does the gauge need to be calibrated ? If so, how
often ?
All Cygnus gauges are calibrated for steel
when they are manufactured and the calibration can be adjusted to
suit the type of material under test. Certificates of calibration
are issued at the factory and the gauges can be returned for
recalibration at the customer’s request. For example, every 12
months when the equipment can be tested, checked and recalibrated
using equipment traceable to national standards.
The European Standard BS EN 15317 'Characterization and verification
of ultrasonic thickness measuring equipment' recommends all
gauges to be subject to an annual Performance Check to ensure
correct operation. All new Cygnus gauges are manufactured in
accordance with this standard.
What
make of batteries do you reccommend ?
Cygnus recommend Everready Engergizer batteries for all gauges that require disposable
batteries.
I am having difficulty
getting thickness readings ?
Assuming the batteries
are good the next thing to check is if the Probe Membrane is fitted
correctly, has enough couplant behind it and is not damaged or worn.
There are instruction on Probe Membrane care on the Technical Downloads page.
A correctly fitted membrane is essential for optimum gauge operation.
Gain Settings. Some Cygnus gauges have a Gain Setting in their menu;
- If
the Gain in too low then getting readings will be difficult or
impossible.
- If the Gain is too high then the gauge may display
standing readings when the probe is not in contact with the material
surface.
To correctly set the Gain follow these simple steps;
- 1. Make sure the probe face is clear of couplant
and is not touching any surface.
- 2. Set the gain to a high value (i.e. 12).
- 3. Observe the thickness display - If you see
more than one flashing bar or a thickness value then reduce the
gain by 1 and look again.
- 4. You now should have reduced the gain so the
gauge is consistently displaying one flashing bar only.
- 5. The Gain has now been correctly set.
Can I measure through
more than 6mm (5/16") of coating ?
There is a special feature
called 'Deep Coat' that can allow Cygnus gauges to measure metal
thickness through up to 20mm (3/4") of coating. Please contact Cygnus for
details of how this feature can be enabled on certain gauges. Please
note however the ability to measure through thick coatings depends
entirely on the type of coating, we can not guarantee the gauge will
measure through every type of coating.
Can I use non Cygnus probes on my Cygnus gauge
?
Only Cygnus probes should be used with Cygnus
gauges. The specifications of Cygnus probes is carefully controlled
to ensure optimum performance from your Cygnus gauge. Using non
Cygnus probes may cause incorrect or unsatisfactory operation.
What certification does Cygnus
Instruments have ?
The company has BS EN ISO 9001:2000
certification for the design, development, manufacture and repair of
ultrasonic measuring equipment and associated accessories.
If you still can't find the answer
to your question, please click
here to send us your enquiry or call us on 1 410-268-9771 directly. We are more than happy to help
you.
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