Chapter 8.

Making Custom Corrosion Measurements

Chapter 8. Making Custom Corrosion Measurements

For Phasor XS users, depth measurement (DM) is a custom application supported through the use of specific POP files
designed for use with dual linear corrosion array probes. To support custom applications, the Phasor XS must include a
“Custom” option; users who purchase special probes that require the custom option, such as the dual linear corrosion
array probes, will have this option enabled. To determine if the option is enabled on your instrument, look for the entry
“Custom” in the CONFIGURATION list on the startup splash screen or the “CUSTOM” selection in the Welcome
menu.

8.1 Doubling
Ultrasonic thickness gauges will, under certain conditions, display readings which are twice (or, in some cases, three
times) the actual material thickness being measured. This effect, commonly known as “doubling,” can occur below the
minimum specified range of the transducer. If the transducer being used is worn, doubling is possible at a thickness
greater than the minimum of the specified range.

When using a new transducer, any reading which is less than twice the minimum specified range of the transducer may
be a “doubled” reading, and the thickness of the material being tested should be verified by the use of other methods. If
the transducer shows any sign of wear, doubling may occur at a second echo or other echo signal combinations may
produce a readable signal. The instrument reading and apparent thickness are up to about twice the actual value,
resulting in a thickness greater than twice the minimum of the specified range. This thickness should be determined by
calibrating the instrument/transducer combination on reference blocks that represent the complete range of possible
thicknesses that may be encountered in testing. This is particularly important when the test piece is being ultrasonically
measured for the first time or in any case where the history of thickness of the test specimen is unknown.

8.2 Calibrating a Custom Instrument/Probe Combination

Calibrating the linear array supplied for thickness measurement begins by loading the custom file associated with the
probe to be used. Each probe has an operating file named according to the order code of the probe. For example, the file
“115-000-765.5 EL” drives the probe with 5 elements in each shot. A corresponding file for this probe ends with “3
EL”; this file drives a 3 element group.

IMPORTANT: The Phasor XS may fail if a user removes or attaches the probe while the instrument is running. If this
occurs, the user will lose any unsaved settings. To protect against this failure, GE recommends that the
user power OFF the instrument before attaching or replacing a probe.
After a user chooses CUSTOM on the Welcome screen, the Phasor XS will present a special File menu. The custom
application File menu offers four commands:

• FILENAME to allow the user to scroll through the list of files available on the source drive.

• SOURCE/DEST to allow the user to choose INT MEMORY, DIALOG PROBE or SD CARD. The default
SOURCE/DEST will always be “DIALOG PROBE”
• ACTION fixed to RECALL DATASET

• ENTER to execute the command

Load the file associated with the probe attached by using the RECALL DATASET command in the Files menu. The
file is delivered either on an SD card or on the probe itself.

Phasor XS User’s Manual 163