EPOCH 4PLUS Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors

 

The new EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detector features a multi-color LCD and a host of new features to meet challenging inspection requirements. It combines powerful flaw detection and measurement capabilities, extensive data storage and the ability to transfer detailed inspection data to the PC via high-speed USB port.

EPOCH 4 Plus

The EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detector incorporates all of the advanced signal processing features of the industry proven EPOCH 4 model, including a 25MHz RF bandwidth to permit testing of thin materials, narrowband filters to improve signal-to-noise in high gain applications, a negative spike pulser for applications requiring higher frequencies and a selectable square wave pulser to optimize penetration on thick or highly attenuating materials.

 

New EPOCH 4PLUS features include a USB communications port, Echo-Echo in RF mode, Interface Gate in RF mode, Automatic or Manual Polarity Detection in RF mode, EMAT transducer capability and Backwall Echo Attenuator. In addition, the Memory/Datalogger has an improved storage capacity with a combination of 6,400 waveforms/calibrations and 128,000 thickness readings. An External Trigger In/Out feature permits pulser input from a synchronized external device, allowing a higher degree of positional accuracy. A new EPOCH 4PLUS Interface Program provides advanced standard features such as a live screen capture mode, color selection palette, high-speed data transfer and database backup/restore. This program is fully compatible with the EPOCH 4/4B, and can receive files from the EPOCH III/IIIB.

 

Download pdf Brochure (518 kb)

 

STANDARD FEATURES

  • Customizable narrowband filtering

  • Selectable, tunable square wave

  • Negative spike excitation pulser

  • Light, ergonomically designed (5.7 lbs/2.6 kg)

  • Fast, minimum 60Hz adjustable electronics update rate

  • High-power NiMH battery

  • Large, multi-color LCD with full/split screen views

  • Dynamic waveform color variation changes waveform color based on flaw or minimum depth alarm conditions

  • Display Freeze holds waveform and soundpath data

  • Automated transducer calibration

  • 400 in (10,000 mm) full screen range at longitudinal velocity of steel

  • Superior minimum range capability (0.038 in or 1mm full scale at longitudinal velocity of steel)

  • Soundpath data viewable in inches, millimeters, or microseconds

  • Peak Hold and Peak Memory

  • Alarms, threshold positive/negative or minimum depth

  • Dual gate with Echo-to-Echo measurements

  • Echo-to-Echo in RF mode

  • Interface gate in RF mode

  • Automatic or Manual Polarity Detection in RF mode

  • EMAT transducer capability

  • External Trigger In/Out

  • Memory/Datalogger stores a combination of 6,400 waveforms/calibrations or 128,000 thickness readings

  • Security Key enables remote upgrade of software options

OUTPUTS

  • USB communication with PC

  • High-speed parallel port

  • VGA output for large viewing on a monitor

  • Analog port for direct output of amplitude or thickness measurement

Multi-Color LCD with a Waveform That Dynamically Changes Color

The EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detector's color display provides high contrast viewing of the waveform from bright, direct sunlight to complete darkness. Its Dynamic Waveform Color Variation changes the color of the waveform based on user-selected alarm conditions. For example, the waveform can change color real-time when an echo breaks a flaw gate threshold or when a user-defined minimum depth value is reached indicating out-of-specification conditions.

 

Optional GageView Pro Interface Program

The optional GageView Pro interface program helps manage and format stored inspection data for high-speed transfer to the PC. Data can be printed or easily copied and pasted into word processing files and spreadsheets for further reporting needs. The Interface Program also allows the creation of a customized database of identifier (ID) strings that can be uploaded to the EPOCH 4PLUS. New features include live screen capture mode, color selection palette, database backup/restore and multi-view windows.

 

Sophisticated Alphanumeric Datalogger

The EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detector's sophisticated datalogger is designed for ease of use while providing a wide range of features for many flaw detection and thickness gaging applications. The unit saves and recalls inspection data sets in any combination of 6,400 waveforms/calibrations (or instrument setups) and 128,000 thickness readings. All saved data can be organized in alphanumeric file names and identifier (ID) numbers that can be scrolled and reviewed on-screen. A Memo feature permits entry of additional inspection data and the Edit feature can be used to add, delete, or clear file names and ID numbers.

 

SOFTWARE OPTIONS

 

DAC (Distance Amplitude Correction)

Calculates signal amplitude as a percentage or dB difference of the DAC curve level (ASME, ASME-3 or JIS). Same size reflectors peak along the curve independent of their location. An alarm can be activated when a gated signal breaks the curve.

 

CSC (Curved Surface Correction)

Corrects sound path information when using an angle beam transducer to inspect circumferentially around a curved surface.

 

Spotweld Overlay

Allows on-screen comparison of the live waveform with a stored reference waveform. The Stamping feature permits stored weld data to be stamped good, undersized, stick, or two other operator-defined conditions.

 

Auto-Freeze

Provides the ability to automatically freeze the A-Scan waveform when a gate alarm has been triggered.

 

TVG (Time Varied Gain) with 40dB Dynamic Range

Corrects for distance/amplitude variations due to material attenuation and beam spreading. Reference echoes are brought to a standard full screen level of 80 percent.

 

Floating Gate

Automatically varies Gate Level by -6dB or -12dB of the gated backwall echo. Results in consistency of edge-depth measurements by making readings at the same relative amplitude.

 

Interface Gate

Powerful tool for immersion applications where the water path distance between the transducer and front surface of the part is continually changing. Maintains the Interface Echo (between the water and the front surface of the part) on the left side of the EPOCH 4PLUS's display.

 

AWS D1.1 and D1.5

Provides a dynamic reflector "indication rating" for various AWS weld inspection applications. This allows for a more efficient inspection by eliminating manual calculations.

 

Wave Analysis

Selects particular points along an RF waveform to obtain a timing/thickness measurement and also a dB difference between the two points. Applications include measuring the scale/oxide build-up on the inside of boiler tubes.

 

DGS/AVG

Flaw sizing technique that permits echo signals to be evaluated using DGS/AVG diagram associated with a particular type of probe and material. The DGS/AVG diagram shows the relationship between echo height, flaw size, and distance from the transducer.

 

High PRF (1,000Hz)

Increases the PRF of the EPOCH 4PLUS and is useful for higher scanning speed inspections. The high PRF software fixes the PRF at 1kHz.

 

Low PRF (30Hz)

Reduces or eliminates "wrap-around" noise by setting the PRF to a fixed 30Hz. This feature is often necessary when inspecting materials that are highly attenuating or have long sound paths.

 

Backwall Attenuator

Attenuates the backwall echo of an inspected part to avoid screen saturation and allow detailed flaw echo examination. The EPOCH 4PLUS flaw detector incorporates all of the advanced signal processing features of the industry proven EPOCH 4 model, including a 25MHz RF bandwidth to permit testing of thin materials, narrowband filters to improve signal-to-noise in high gain applications, a negative spike pulser for applications requiring higher frequencies and a selectable square wave pulser to optimize penetration on thick or highly attenuating materials.