EPOCH 1000 Series Software FeatureAWS D1.1/1.5

The EPOCH 1000 Series includes AWS weld rating software as a standard feature. The EPOCH 1000 Series AWS software is intended to assist weld inspectors performing AWS-compliant inspections.

The AWS software is available both in Conventional UT and in Phased Array modes on the EPOCH 1000 Series.

AWS D1.1/1.5

AWS D1.1/D1.5The AWS code provides inspectors with a method to classify discontinuities found in welds using ultrasonic inspection. This code uses the following formula to develop an indication rating for a reflector found during an inspection:

A – B – C = D

A = Discontinuity Indication Level (dB)

B = Reference Indication Level (dB)

C = Attenuation Factor: 2 x (soundpath in inches – 1 inch) (dB)

D = Indication Rating (dB)

An AWS D1.1/1.5 inspector must take the Indication Rating (D) that is calculated based on A, B, and C to an Ultrasonic Acceptance – Rejection Criteria table produced by the AWS in order to classify the severity of the discontinuity that has been located.

Conventional UT AWS D1.1/1.5

AWS Setup: Conventional UTThe first step in using the AWS weld rating software is to calibrate

the instrument for the intended material, inspection range and general sensitivity. This includes:

Appropriate Pulser and Receiver adjustments (filters, energy, square wave pulser, etc)

Verification of wedge characteristics, such as Beam Index Point and Refracted Angle

Calibration for probe delay (zero offset) and material velocity

Appropriate screen range selection

Sensitivity adjustment from reference

AWS Setup: Conventional UT

Properly Calibrated EPOCH 1000

AWS Activation: Conventional UTOnce the EP1000 has been properly calibrated: In Menu 4, Press [F1] to select Sizing Option Press [P3] to select AWS D1.1 Use the knob/arrow keys to turn the AWS option On or Off AWS Setup will now appear under [F2]

– ‘AWS’ will indicate that the AWS option is active

AWS Setup: Conventional UTOnce AWS is activated, the user must set the

Reference Level for the inspection: Press [P3] and use the knob/arrow keys to adjust the reference

level according to the AWS code Bring the sensitivity reflector from the calibration block to the

reference level by pressing [2ND F] then [GATES]

AWS Setup: Conventional UTNow set the reference reflector to the specified screen height: Press [P1] to record this gain value as REFB

(Reference Gain Indication Level) Press [CHECK] to accept this

gain value as REFB

The EPOCH 1000 will now automatically rate all gated echoes with a D value!

Phased Array AWS 1.1/1.5

AWS Setup: Phased ArrayAs with Conventional UT, the instrument must be properly

setup before turning on the AWS weld rating software. This Includes:

Correct probe and wedge selection (from PA Beam menu)

Appropriate Pulser and Receiver adjustments (filters, energy, square wave pulser, etc)

Calibration for material velocity and wedge delay (zero offset)

Appropriate screen range selection

If desired, calibration for Sensitivity/Gain can be performed as part of the AWS option setup

AWS Setup: Phased Array

Properly Calibrated EPOCH 1000Note: In this example the Sensitivity/Gain calibration will be performed as

part of the AWS option setup.

AWS Activation: Phased ArrayOnce the EP1000 has been properly calibrated: In Menu 4, Press [F1] to select Sizing Option Press [P1] to select AWS D1.1 Use the knob/arrow keys to turn the AWS option On or Off AWS Setup will now appear under [F2]

– ‘AWS’ will indicate that the AWS option is active

AWS Setup: Phased ArrayOnce AWS is activated, the user must set the

Reference Level for the inspection: Press [P7] and use the knob/arrow keys to adjust the reference

level according to the AWS code

AWS Calibration: Phased ArrayThe next step is to calibrate the sensitivity of the reference reflector for all

focal laws. Using the 0.6” SDH on the IIW block, set the Gate start and width so

that the measurement from the SDH can be acquired for all focal laws

AWS Calibration: Phased Array Set the angle between 45 and 55 degrees (it is recommended to

use the same angle that was used for the zero calibration) Peak up the SDH reflector and adjust the echo to the previously

set reference level– Note: The Peak Memory ([PEAK MEM]) and Auto-XX% ([2ND F] [GATES])

features are helpful here

AWS Calibration: Phased Array Now set the calibration

mode to AWS using [P7] Press [P1] Add to begin the

calibration Move the probe over the

SDH reflector to collect amplitude data across all focal laws

★ NOTE: The sensitivity reflector indication must not leave the gated region or become saturated for any focal law

★ NOTE: Use the Erase button to delete the curve and start again

AWS Calibration: Phased ArrayNOTE: If Sensitivity/Gain calibration has already been completed in a previous step, the unit will allow for the previous Gain calibration data to be used if desired.

–There may be a difference in reference levels between the original Gain calibration and the AWS reference level.

AWS Setup: Phased Array Press [P2] Done when curve is

complete.

Instrument will display 0CAL and TVG flags indicate that Zero and Gain calibrations have been performed and are being applied (Active).

The EPOCH 1000 will now automatically rate echoes at 45, 60, and 70 degrees with a D rating!

AWS Reporting: UT and PA When the user saves inspection data in AWS mode, the instrument

will record the A, B, C and D values for later review and reporting– The information can be accessed through the Files > Open menu by

selecting the ID and pressing Review

AWS Measurements: UT and PA The user can also manually select the AWS A, B, and C parameters as

digital measurement readings from the Meas Setup > Reading Setup screen