Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

MT150/160

User’s Manual

MITECH CO., LTD.

www.mitech-ndt.com
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CONTENTS
1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Product Specifications.............................................................................................................................2
1.2 Main Functions......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Measuring Principle................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Configuration.............................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Operating Conditions........................................................................................................................... 3
2 Structure Feature............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Main Screen...........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 Keypad Definitions............................................................................................................................... 4
3 Preparation........................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Transducer Selection........................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Condition and Preparation of Surfaces.............................................................................................5
4 Operation............................................................................................................................................................6
4.1 Power On/Off.........................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Probe Zero............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Sound Velocity Calibration.................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Making Measurements........................................................................................................................ 7
4.5 Scan mode.............................................................................................................................................8
4.6 Changing Resolution............................................................................................................................8
4.7 Changing Units......................................................................................................................................8
4.8 Memory Management..........................................................................................................................8
4.9 Data Printing..........................................................................................................................................9
4.10 Beep Mode.......................................................................................................................................... 9
4.11 EL Backlight......................................................................................................................................... 9
4.12 Battery Information...........................................................................................................................10
4.13 Auto Power Off..................................................................................................................................10
4.14 System Reset....................................................................................................................................10
4.15 Connecting to a Computer..............................................................................................................10
5 Servicing.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
6 Transport and Storage..................................................................................................................................10
Appendix A Sound Velocities.........................................................................................................................11
Appendix B Applications Notes.................................................................................................................... 11
User Notes...........................................................................................................................................................13

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1 Overview
The model MT150/MT160 is a digital ultrasonic thickness gauge. Based on the same operating
principles as SONAR, the instrument is capable of measuring the thickness of various materials with
accuracy as high as 0.1/0.01 millimeters. It is suitable for a variety of metallic and non-metallic materials.
1.1 Product Specifications
 Display：4.5 digits LCD with EL backlight.
 Measuring Range：(0.75～300)mm (in Steel).
 Sound Velocity Range: (1000~9999) m/s.
 Resolution：MT150: 0.1mm; MT160: 0.1mm/0.01mm
 Accuracy： ±（0.5%Thickness+0.04）mm, depends on materials and conditions
 Units: Metric/Imperial unit selectable.
 Four measurements readings per second for single point measurement, and ten per second for
Scan Mode.
 Memory for up to 20 files (up to 99 values for each file) of stored values.
 Power Source ： Two “AA” size, 1.5 Volt alkaline batteries. 100 hours typical operating time (EL
backlight off).
 Communication：RS232 serial port for MT160. No communication port for MT150.
 Outline dimensions：150mm×74mm×32 mm.
 Weight：245g
1.2 Main Functions
 Capable of performing measurements on a wide range of material, including metals, plastic,
ceramics, composites, epoxies, glass and other ultrasonic wave well-conductive materials.
 Transducer models are available for special application, including for coarse grain material and high
temperature applications.
 Probe-Zero function, Sound-Velocity-Calibration function
 Two-Point Calibration function.
 Two work modes: Single point mode and Scan mode.
 Coupling status indicator showing the coupling status.
 Battery information indicates the rest capacity of the battery.
 Auto sleep and auto power off function to conserve battery life.
 Optional software to process the memory data on the PC for MT160.
 Optional thermal mini-printer to print the measured data via RS232 port for MT160.
1.3 Measuring Principle
The digital ultrasonic thickness gauge determines the thickness of a part or structure by accurately
measuring the time required for a short ultrasonic pulse generated by a transducer to travel through the
thickness of the material, reflect from the back or inside surface, and be returned to the transducer. The
measured two-way transit time is divided by two to account for the down-and-back travel path, and then
multiplied by the velocity of sound in the material. The result is expressed in the well-known relationship:

vt
H
2
Where：H－Thickness of the test piece.
v－Sound Velocity in the material.
t－The measured round-trip transit time.

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1.4 Configuration
Table 1-1
No. Item Quantity Note
1 Main body 1
2 Transducer 1 Model: N05/90°
3 Couplant 1
Standard Configuration
4 Instrument Case 1
5 Operating Manual 1
6 Alkaline battery 2 AA size
1 Transducer: N02
2 Transducer: N07 See Table3-1
3 Transducer: HT5
Mini thermal
4 1
Optional Configuration printer
5 Print cable 1 Only for MT160.
6 DataPro Software 1
Communication
7 1
Cable
1.5 Operating Conditions
 Operating Temperature: －20℃～＋60℃;
 Storage Temperature：-30℃～＋70℃
 Relative Humidity ≤90％；
 The surrounding environment should avoid of vibration, strong magnetic field, corrosive medium
and heavy dust.

2 Structure Feature

1 The main body

2 Keypa
3 LCD display ULTRASONIC
THICKNESS GAUGE

4 Pulser socket SN:

POWER: 2 X 1.5V

5 Receiver socket
6 Probe zero disc
7 Communication port
8 Label
9 Battery cover
10 Probe

2.1 Main Screen

1 Coupling Status
2 Unit
3 Battery Information
4 Information Display

 Coupling Status: Indicate the coupling status. While the gauge is taking a measurement, the
coupling status should be on. If it is not on or not stable, the gauge is having difficulty achieving a

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stable measurement, and the thickness value displayed will most likely be erroneous.
 Unit: Current unit system. MM or IN for thickness value. M/S or IN/μS for sound velocity.
 Battery Information: Display the rest capacity of the battery.
 Information Display: Displays the measured thickness value, the sound velocity and shows hints
of current operation.
2.2 Keypad Definitions

Turn the instrument on/off Sound velocity calibration

Turn on/off the EL backlight Enter

Plus;
Probe-Zero operation
Turn on/off Scan mode
Unit switch between Metric and Minus;
Imperial system Turn on/off the beep mode

Data Save or Data Delete

3 Preparation
3.1 Transducer Selection
The gauge is inherently capable of performing measurements on a wide range of materials, from various
metals to glass and plastics. Different types of material, however, will require the use of different
transducers. Choosing the correct transducer for a job is critical to being able to easily perform accurate
and reliable measurement. The following paragraphs highlight the important properties of transducers,
which should be considered when selecting a transducer for a specific job.
Generally speaking, the best transducer for a job is one that sends sufficient ultrasonic energy into the
material being measured such that a strong, stable echo is received by the gauge. Several factors affect
the strength of ultrasound as it travels. These are outlined below:
Initial Signal Strength. The stronger a signal is to begin with, the stronger its return echo will be. Initial
signal strength is largely a factor of the size of the ultrasound emitter in the transducer. A large emitting
area will send more energy into the material being measured than a small emitting area. Thus, a
so-called “1/2 inch” transducer will emit a stronger signal than a “1/4 inch” transducer.
Absorption and Scattering. As ultrasound travels through any material, it is partly absorbed. If the
material through which the sound travels has any grain structure, the sound waves will experience
scattering. Both of these effects reduce the strength of the waves, and thus, the gauge’s ability to detect
the returning echo. Higher frequency ultrasound is absorbed and scattered more than ultrasound of a
lower frequency. While it may seem that using a lower frequency transducer might be better in every
instance, low frequencies are less directional than high frequencies. Thus, a higher frequency
transducer would be a better choice for detecting the exact location of small pits or flaws in the material
being measured.
Geometry of the transducer. The physical constraints of the measuring environment sometimes
determine a transducer’s suitability for a given job. Some transducers may simply be too large to be
used in tightly confined areas. Also, the surface area available for contacting with the transducer may be
limited, requiring the use of a transducer with a small wearface. Measuring on a curved surface, such as
an engine cylinder wall, may require the use of a transducer with a matching curved wearface.
Temperature of the material. When it is necessary to measure on surfaces that are exceedingly hot, high
temperature transducers must be used. These transducers are built using special materials and
techniques that allow them to withstand high temperatures without damage. Additionally, care must be
taken when performing a “Probe-Zero” or “Calibration to Known Thickness” with a high temperature
transducer.
Selection of the proper transducer is often a matter of tradeoffs between various characteristics. It may
be necessary to experiment with a variety of transducers in order to find one that works well for a given
job.
The transducer is the “business end” of the instrument. It transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves
that the instrument uses to calculate the thickness of the material being measured. The transducer

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connects to the instrument via the attached cable, and two coaxial connectors. When using transducers,
the orientation of the dual coaxial connectors is not critical: either plug may be fitted to either socket in
the instrument.
The transducer must be used correctly in order for the instrument to produce accurate, reliable
measurements. Below is a short description of the transducer, followed by instructions for its use.

Left figure is a bottom view of a typical transducer. The two semicircles of the wearface are visible, as is
the barrier separating them. One of the semicircles is responsible for conducting ultrasonic sound into
the material being measured, and the other semicircle is responsible for conducting the echoed sound
back into the transducer. When the transducer is placed against the material being measured, it is the
area directly beneath the center of the wearface that is being measured.
Right figure is a top view of a typical transducer. Press against the top with the thumb or index finger to
hold the transducer in place. Moderate pressure is sufficient, as it is only necessary to keep the
transducer stationary, and the wearface seated flat against the surface of the material being measured.
Table 3-1 Transducer Selection
Freq Diam
Model Measuring Range Lower limit Description
MHz mm

3.0mm～300.0mm（In
Steel） for thick, highly attenuating, or
N02 2.5 14 20mm
40mm (in Gray Cast highly scattering materials
Iron HT200)
1.2mm～230.0mm（In Φ20mm×3.
N05 5 10 Normal Measurement
Steel） 0mm

N05 1.2mm～230.0mm（In Φ20mm×3.

5 10 Normal Measurement
/90° Steel） 0mm
For thin pipe wall or small
0.75mm～80.0mm Φ15mm×2.
N07 7 6 curvature pipe wall
（In Steel） 0mm
measurement

For high temperature (lower

HT5 5 14 3～200mm （In Steel） 30mm
than 300℃) measurement.

3.2 Condition and Preparation of Surfaces

In any ultrasonic measurement scenario, the shape and roughness of the test surface are of paramount
importance. Rough, uneven surfaces may limit the penetration of ultrasound through the material, and
result in unstable, and therefore unreliable, measurements. The surface being measured should be
clean, and free of any small particulate matter, rust, or scale. The presence of such obstructions will
prevent the transducer from seating properly against the surface. Often, a wire brush or scraper will be
helpful in cleaning surfaces. In more extreme cases, rotary sanders or grinding wheels may be used,
though care must be taken to prevent surface gouging, which will inhibit proper transducer coupling.
Extremely rough surfaces, such as the pebble-like finish of some cast iron, will prove most difficult to
measure. These kinds of surfaces act on the sound beam like frosted glass on light, the beam becomes
diffused and scattered in all directions.
In addition to posing obstacles to measurement, rough surfaces contribute to excessive wear of the
transducer, particularly in situations where the transducer is “scrubbed” along the surface. Transducers
should be inspected on a regular basis, for signs of uneven wear of the wearface. If the wearface is worn
on one side more than another, the sound beam penetrating the test material may no longer be
perpendicular to the material surface. In this case, it will be difficult to exactly locate tiny irregularities in
the material being measured, as the focus of the sound beam no longer lies directly beneath the
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transducer.
4 Operation
4.1 Power On/Off
The instrument is turned on by pressing the key.

The gauge can be turned off by pressing the key while it is on. The tool has a special memory that
retains all of its settings even when the power is off.
4.2 Probe Zero
The key is used to “zero” the instrument in much the same way that a mechanical micrometer is
zeroed. If the gauge is not zeroed correctly, all the measurements that the gauge makes may be in error
by some fixed value. When the instrument is “zeroed”, this fixed error value is measured and
automatically corrected for all subsequent measurements. The instrument may be “zeroed ” by
performing the following procedure.:
1. that the wearface of the transducer is clean and free of any debris.
2. Press the key to activate the probe zero mode.
3. Use the key and the key to scroll to the probe model currently being used. Be sure to set the
right probe model to the instrument. Otherwise, there will be erroneous.
4. Apply a single droplet of ultrasonic couplant to the face of the metal probe-disc.
5. Press the transducer against the probe disc, making sure that the transducer sits flat against the
surface.
6. Remove the transducer from the probe disc.
At this point, the instrument has successfully calculated its internal error factor, and will compensate for
this value in any subsequent measurements. When performing a “probe zero”, the instrument will always
use the sound velocity value of the built-in probe-disc, even if some other velocity value has been
entered for making actual measurements. Though the instrument will remember the last “probe zero”
performed, it is generally a good idea to perform a “probe zero” whenever the gauge is turned on, as well
as any time a different transducer is used. This will ensure that the instrument is always correctly zeroed.
Press while in probe zero mode will stop current probe zero operation and return to the
measurement mode.
4.3 Sound Velocity Calibration
In order for the gauge to make accurate measurements, it must be set to the correct sound velocity for
the material being measured. Different types of material have different inherent sound velocities. If the
gauge is not set to the correct sound velocity, all of the measurements the gauge makes will be
erroneous by some fixed percentage. The One-Point calibration is the simplest and most commonly
used calibration procedure optimizing linearity over large ranges. The Two-point calibration allows for
greater accuracy over small ranges by calculating the probe zero and velocity.
Notes:
One and Two point calibrations must be performed on material with the paint or coating removed.
Failure to remove the paint or coating prior to calibration will result in a multi material velocity
calculation that may be different from the actual material velocity intended to be measured.
4.3.1 Calibration to a known thickness
Notes:
This procedure requires a sample piece of the specific material to be measured, the exact
thickness of which is known, e.g. from having been measured by some other means.
1 Perform a Probe-Zero.
2 Apply couplant to the sample piece.
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3 Press the transducer against the sample piece, making sure that the transducer sits flat against
the surface of the sample. The display should show some thickness value, and the coupling status
indicator should appear steadily.
4 Having achieved a stable reading, remove the transducer. If the displayed thickness changes
from the value shown while the transducer was coupled, repeat step 3.
5 Press the key to activate the calibration mode. The MM (or IN) symbol should begin
flashing.
6 Use the key and the key to adjust the displayed thickness up or down, until it matches
the thickness of the sample piece.
7 Press the key again. The M/S (or IN/μS) symbols should begin flashing. The gauge is now
displaying the sound velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness value that was entered.
8 Press the key once again to exit the calibration mode and return to the measurement mode.
The gauge is now ready to perform measurements.
4.3.2 Calibration to a known velocity
Notes:
This procedure requires that the operator knows the sound velocity of the material to be
measured. A table of common materials and their sound velocities can be found in Appendix A of
this manual.
1 Press the key to activate the calibration mode. The MM (or IN) symbol should begin
flashing.
2 Press the key again, so that The M/S (or IN/μS) symbols are flashing.
3 Use the key and the key to adjust the sound velocity value up or down, until it matches
the sound velocity of the material to be measured. You can also press the key to switch among the
preset commonly using velocities.
4 Press the key to exit from the calibration mode. The gauge is now ready to perform
measurements.
To achieve the most accurate measurements possible, it is generally advisable to always calibrate the
gauge to a sample piece of known thickness. Material composition (and thus, its sound velocity)
sometimes varies from lot to lot and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Calibration to a sample of
known thickness will ensure that the gauge is set as closely as possible to the sound velocity of the
material to be measured.
4.3.3 Two Point Calibration
Notes:
This procedure requires that the operator has two known thickness points on the test piece that
are representative of the range to be measured.
1 Perform a Probe-Zero.
2 Apply couplant to the sample piece.
3 Press the transducer against the sample piece, at the first/second calibration point, making sure
that the transducer sits flat against the surface of the sample. The display should show some (probably
incorrect) thickness value, and the coupling status indicator should appear steadily.
4 Having achieved a stable reading, remove the transducer. If the displayed thickness changes
from the value shown while the transducer was coupled, repeat step 3.
5 Press the key. The MM (or IN) symbol should begin flashing.
6 Use the key and the key to adjust the displayed thickness up or down, until it matches
the thickness of the sample piece.
7 Press the key. The display will flash 1OF2. Repeat steps 3 through 6 on the second
calibration point.
8 Press the key, so that The M/S (or IN/μS) symbols are flashing. The gauge will now display
the sound velocity value it has calculated based on the thickness values that were entered in step 6.
9 Press the key once more to exit the calibration mode. The gauge is now ready to perform
measurements within this range.
4.4 Making Measurements
When the tool is displaying thickness measurements, the display will hold the last value measured, until
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a new measurement is made.

In order for the transducer to do its job, there must be no air gaps between the wear-face and the surface
of the material being measured. This is accomplished with the use of a “coupling” fluid, commonly called
“couplant”. This fluid serves to “couple”, or transfer, the ultrasonic sound waves from the transducer, into
the material, and back again. Before attempting to make a measurement, a small amount of couplant
should be applied to the surface of the material being measured. Typically, a single droplet of couplant is
sufficient.
After applying couplant, press the transducer (wearface down) firmly against the area to be measured.
The coupling status indicator should appear, and a digit number should appear in the display. If the
instrument has been properly “zeroed” and set to the correct sound velocity, the number in the display
will indicate the actual thickness of the material directly beneath the transducer.
If the coupling status indicator does not appear, not stable, or the numbers on the display seem erratic,
firstly check to make sure that there is an adequate film of couplant beneath the transducer, and that the
transducer is seated flat against the material. If the condition persists, it may be necessary to select a
different transducer (size or frequency) for the material being measured.
While the transducer is in contact with the material that is being measured, the instrument will perform
four measurements every second, updating its display as it does so. When the transducer is removed
from the surface, the display will hold the last measurement made.
Notes：
Occasionally, a small film of couplant will be drawn out between the transducer and the surface
as the transducer is removed. When this happens, the gauge may perform a measurement
through this couplant film, resulting in a measurement that is larger or smaller than it should be.
This phenomenon is obvious when one thickness value is observed while the transducer is in
place, and another value is observed after the transducer is removed. In addition, measurements
through very thick paint or coatings may result in the paint or coating being measured rather
than the actual material intended. The responsibility for proper use of the instrument, and
recognition of these types of phenomenon, rests solely with the user of the instrument.
4.5 Scan mode
While the gauge excels at making single point measurements, it is sometimes desirable to examine a
larger region, searching for the thinnest point. The gauge includes a feature, called Scan Mode, which
allows it to do just that.
In normal operation, the gauge performs and displays four measurements every second, which is quite
adequate for single measurements. In Scan Mode, however, the gauge performs ten measurements
every second, and displays the readings while scanning. While the transducer is in contact with the
material being measured, the gauge is keeping track of the lowest measurement it finds. The transducer
may be “scrubbed” across a surface, and any brief interruptions in the signal will be ignored. When the
transducer loses contact with the surface for more than two seconds, the gauge will display the smallest
measurement it found. When the transducer is removed from the material being scanned, the gauge will
display the smallest measurement it found.
When the scan mode is turned off, the single point mode will be automatically turned on. Turn on/off the
scan mode by the following steps:
Press the key to switch the scan measurement mode on and off. It will display the current condition
of the scan mode on the main screen.
4.6 Changing Resolution
MT160 has selectable display resolution, which is 0.1mm and 0.01mm. This function is not available for
MT150, which is fixed to 0.1mm.
Press down the key while turning on the gauge will switch the resolution between “High” and “Low”.
4.7 Changing Units
On the measurement mode, press the key to switch back and forth between imperial and metric
units.
4.8 Memory Management
4.8.1 Storing a reading
There are twenty files (F00-F19) that can be used to store the measurement values inside the gauge. At
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most 100 records (thickness values) can be stored to each file. By simply pressing the key after a
new measurement reading appears, the measured thickness value will be saved to current file. It is
added as the last record of the file. To change the destination file to store the measured values, follow
the steps:
1 Press the key to activate the data logging functions. It will display the current file name and
the total record count of the file.
2 Use the key and the key to select the desired file to set as current file.
3 Press the key to exit the data logging functions at any time.
4.8.2 Clearing selected file
The user may require the contents of an entire file be completely cleared of all measurements. This
would allow the user to start a new list of measurements starting at storage location L00. The procedure
is outlined in the following steps.
1 Press the key to activate the data logging fuctions. It will display the current file name and
the total record count of the file.
2 Use the key and the key to scroll to the file that will be cleared of all measurements.
3 Press the key on the desired file. It will automatically clear the file, and display “-DEL”.
4 Press the key, at any time, to exit the data logging functions and return to measurement
mode.
4.8.3 Viewing/deleting stored record
This function provides the user with the ability to view/delete a record in a desired file previously saved in
memory. Following is the steps:
1 Press the key to activate the data logging functions. It will display the current file name and
the total record count of the file.
2 Use the key and the key to select the desired file.
3 Press the key to enter the selected file. It will display the current record number (for
example, L012) and the record content.
4 Use the key and the key to select the desired record.
5 Press the key on the desired record. It will automatically delete this record, and display
“-DEL”.
6 Press the key to exit the data logging functions and return to measurement mode.
4.9 Data Printing
At the end of the inspection process, or end of the day, the user may require the readings be transferred
to a computer. The following steps outline this procedure. This function is only available for MT160, and
not for MT150.
1 Before printing, please insert one connection plug of the print cable (Optional parts) into the
socket on the up-left of the main body, and insert the other plug into the communication socket of the
mini-printer.
2 Press the key to activate the data logging functions.
3 Use the key and the key to select the desired file.
4 Press the key to print the selected file. This operation will send all the data in current file to
the mini printer via RS232 port and print them out.
5 Press the key to exit the data logging functions and return to measurement mode.
4.10 Beep Mode
When the beep is set to 【On】，it would make a short hoot while press the key each time, on each
measurement, or the measured value exceeds the tolerance limit.
Press the key to switch the beep mode on and off. It will display the current beep mode on the main
screen.
4.11 EL Backlight
With the background light, it is convenient to work in the dark condition. Press key to switch on or
switch off the background light at any moment as you need after power on. Since the EL light will
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consume much power, turn on it only when necessary.

4.12 Battery Information
Two AA size alkaline batteries are needed as the power source. After several hours’ usage of the preset
batteries, the battery symbol on the screen will be shown as . The more of dark part indicates the
more close to fill. When the battery capacity runs out, the battery symbol will be shown as and
will begin to flash. When this occurs, the batteries should be replaced.
Please take out the batteries when not working during a long period of time.
4.13 Auto Power Off
The instrument features an auto power off function designed to conserve battery life. If the tool is idle for
5 minutes, it will turn itself off. While the voltage of the battery is too low this function will also work.
4.14 System Reset
Press down the key while powering on the instrument will restore factory defaults. All the memory
data will be cleared during system reset. The only time this might possibly helpful is if the parameter in
the gauge was somehow corrupted.
4.15 Connecting to a Computer
MT160 is equipped with a RS232 serial port. Using the accessory cable, the gauge has the ability to
connect to a computer, or external storage device. Measurement data stored in the memory of the gauge
can be transferred to the computer through the RS232 port. Detailed information of the communication
software and its usage refer to the software manual.
5 Servicing
When the hardness tester appears some other abnormal phenomena, please do not dismantle or adjust
any fixedly assembled parts. Fill in and present the warranty card to us. The warranty service can be
carried on.
6 Transport and Storage
 Keep it away from vibration, strong magnetic field, corrosive medium, dumpiness and dust. Storage
in ordinary temperature.
 With original packing, transport is allowed on the third grade highway.

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Appendix A Sound Velocities

Sound Velocity
Material
in/µs m/s
Aluminum 0.250 6340-6400
Steel, stainless 0.226 5740
Brass 0.173 4399
Copper 0.186 4720
Iron 0.233 5930
Cast Iron 0.173-0.229 4400－5820
Lead 0.094 2400
Nylon 0.105 2680
Silver 0.142 3607
Gold 0.128 3251
Zinc 0.164 4170
Titanium 0.236 5990
Tin 0.117 2960
Epoxy resin 0.100 2540
Ice 0.157 3988
Nickel 0.222 5639
Plexiglass 0.106 2692
Polystyrene 0.092 2337
Porcelain 0.230 5842
PVC 0.094 2388
Quartz glass 0.222 5639
Rubber, vulcanized 0.091 2311
Teflon 0.056 1422
Water 0.058 1473

Appendix B Applications Notes

Measuring pipe and tubing.
When measuring a piece of pipe to determine the thickness of the pipe wall, orientation of the
transducers is important. If the diameter of the pipe is larger than approximately 4 inches, measurements
should be made with the transducer oriented so that the gap in the wearface is perpendicular (at right
angle) to the long axis of the pipe. For smaller pipe diameters, two measurements should be performed,
one with the wearface gap perpendicular, another with the gap parallel to the long axis of the pipe. The
smaller of the two displayed values should then be taken as the thickness at that point.

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Measuring hot surfaces

The velocity of sound through a substance is dependant upon its temperature. As materials heat up, the
velocity of sound through them decreases. In most applications with surface temperatures less than
about 100℃, no special procedures must be observed. At temperatures above this point, the change in
sound velocity of the material being measured starts to have a noticeable effect upon ultrasonic
measurement. At such elevated temperatures, it is recommended that the user perform a calibration
procedure on a sample piece of known thickness, which is at or near the temperature of the material to
be measured. This will allow the gauge to correctly calculate the velocity of sound through the hot
material.
When performing measurements on hot surfaces, it may also be necessary to use a specially
constructed high-temperature transducer. These transducers are built using materials which can
withstand high temperatures. Even so, it is recommended that the probe be left in contact with the
surface for as short a time as needed to acquire a stable measurement. While the transducer is in
contact with a hot surface, it will begin to heat up, and through thermal expansion and other effects, may
begin to adversely affect the accuracy of measurements.
Measuring laminated materials.
Laminated materials are unique in that their density (and therefore sound-velocity) may vary
considerably from one piece to another. Some laminated materials may even exhibit noticeable changes
in sound-velocity across a single surface. The only way to reliably measure such materials is by
performing a calibration procedure on a sample piece of known thickness. Ideally, this sample material
should be a part of the same piece being measured, or at least from the same lamination batch. By
calibrating to each test piece individually, the effects of variation of sound-velocity will be minimized.
An additional important consideration when measuring laminates, is that any included air gaps or
pockets will cause an early reflection of the ultrasound beam. This effect will be noticed as a sudden
decrease in thickness in an otherwise regular surface. While this may impede accurate measurement of
total material thickness, it does provide the user with positive indication of air gaps in the laminate.
Suitability of materials
Ultrasonic thickness measurements rely on passing a sound wave through the material being measured.
Not all materials are good at transmitting sound. Ultrasonic thickness measurement is practical in a wide
variety of materials including metals, plastics, and glass. Materials that are difficult include some cast
materials, concrete, wood, fiberglass, and some rubber.
Couplants
All ultrasonic applications require some medium to couple the sound from the transducer to the test
piece. Typically a high viscosity liquid is used as the medium. The sound used in ultrasonic thickness
measurement does not travel through air efficiently.
A wide variety of couplant materials may be used in ultrasonic gauging. Propylene glycol is suitable for
most applications. In difficult applications where maximum transfer of sound energy is required, glycerin
is recommended. However, on some metals glycerin can promote corrosion by means of water
absorption and thus may be undesirable. Other suitable couplants for measurements at normal
temperatures may include water, various oils and greases, gels, and silicone fluids. Measurements at
elevated temperatures will require specially formulated high temperature couplants.
Inherent in ultrasonic thickness measurement is the possibility that the instrument will use the second
rather than the first echo from the back surface of the material being measured while in standard
pulse-echo mode. This may result in a thickness reading that is TWICE what it should be. The
Responsibility for proper use of the instrument and recognition of these types of phenomenon rests
solely with the user of the instrument.

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User Notes

Warranty：

The product is guaranteed for one year since purchased. Log www.mitech-ndt.com or follow our
company official public platform to register for maintenance. Please fill the blanks as required, if the
product is not registered for maintenance, it will follow the date of manufacturer.
When applying for maintenance, please visit our official website, www.mitech-ndt.com or official
accounts, submit “online reporting to repair” sheet.
In accordance with the international relevant regulations, the following are not within the scope of free
warranty,
 Damage caused by man-made or improper keeping;
 Self-dismantle or non-special repair shop dismantle;
 Do not follow the requirement of service registration or warranty expired;
 Consumable parts.
Service promise：
 MITECH users have lifelong maintenance service
 Free maintenance, inspection, software upgrade and etc.

Add: Room E506B, YingChuangDongLi Park, 1# of ShangDi East Road,

Haidian District, Beijing, China
Post code: 100085
Website: www.mitech-ndt.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0086-10-58858658

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