Multigauge 5500 User Manual: Simple - Accurate - Robust
Multigauge 5500 User Manual: Simple - Accurate - Robust
Multigauge 5500 User Manual: Simple - Accurate - Robust
Multigauge 5500
User Manual
www.tritexndt.com
Page
Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
Contents
1. Introduction 3
1.1. Multigauge 5500 Specification table 3
2. Kit Contents 4
3. Getting Started 5
3.1. Quick Start Guide 5
3.2. Assembly 5
3.3. Batteries 6
3.4 Low Battery Warning 6
4. Probes 7
4.1. Introduction 7
4.2. Intelligent Probe Recognition (IPR) 7
4.3. Probe Selection Table 7
4.4. Probe Membranes 8
4.5. Changing the Membrane 9
4.6. Care of Probes 9
8. Help 21
8.1. Gauge fails to switch on 21
8.2. Difficult to obtain readings 21
8.3. Gauge displays up to three ascending bars 21
8.4. Standing readings are displayed when not measuring 21
8.5. Gauge measures correctly on steel test block
but not on material under test 22
9. General Information 23
9.1. Safety 23
9.2. RoHS 23
9.3. WEEE Disposal Instructions 23
9.4. Cleaning 24
9.5. Warranty 24
9.6. Service & Repair 25
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Tritex Multigauge 5500. We are sure that the
gauge will give you many years of reliable use. To ensure that you gain
maximum benefit from the gauge, please read this manual carefully.
The Multigauge 5500 has been designed for hands free use when climbing on
staging, ladders, scaffolding or when accessing by rope. Whether it’s onboard
a ship, on large storage tanks, climbing on top of a road tanker or inspecting
underneath a bridge, the 5500 will make the job much easier.
Sound Velocity Range From 1000 m/s to 8000 m/s (0.0394 in/µs to 0.3150 in/µs)
Single Crystal
2.25 MHz 3.5 MHz 5 MHz
Soft Faced Probe Options
3 - 250 mm 2 - 150 mm 1 - 50 mm
Probe Measurement Range (0.120” to 10”) (0.080” to 6”) (0.040” to 2”)
13 mm (0.5”) & 6 mm (0.25”) &
Probe Sizes 13 mm (0.5”)
19 mm (0.75”) 13 mm (0.5”)
Resolution 0.1 mm (0.005”) or 0.05 mm (0.002”)
Accuracy ± 0.1 mm (0.005”) or ± 0.05 mm (0.002”)
Display Red 4 character seven segment LED
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2. Kit Contents
1 5
2 6
3 7
4 8
Key:
1 - Test Block - The 15 mm test block is used to test the performance
and serviceability of the gauge.
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3. Getting Started
3.1. Quick Start Guide
Following is a quick start guide to help you get a feel for the gauge without
reading the entire manual. For a more detailed explanation of each of these
steps, please read the full manual.
3.2. Assembly
To assemble the gauge for use:
Note: To remove the connectors, simply pull back on the connector collars to
release the plug from the socket. Do not force under any circumstances.
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3.3. Batteries
The Multigauge 5500 uses 1.5Vdc ‘AA’ alkaline disposable batteries supplied
with the kit. NiMH and NiCD rechargeable batteries can also be used. Insert
the batteries into the battery compartment as shown below, ensuring the
batteries are inserted the correct way round:
+ + +
Positive
Terminals (+)
Note: If the gauge is to be left unused for an extended period of time then it is
advisable to remove the batteries prior to storage.
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4. Probes
4.1. Introduction
All probes used with Tritex Multigauges are single crystal soft faced probes.
The table below identifies the different probe options and which probe is the
most suitable for different applications. All probes are colour coded to help
identify their frequency.
The single crystal means that measurements are taken using a straight path of
ultrasound, giving perfect linearity throughout the measuring range. The
probes are not affected by V-beam error.
If a probe is connected that does not have IPR, the gauge will display
‘SELECt=2.25 P13’ and allow manual selection using the ‘+’ (1) and ‘-’ (3)
buttons.
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Membrane
Oil
www.tritexndt.com
Note: Do not apply too much membrane oil underneath the membrane. Once
fitted, the membrane should be flat with no air bubbles trapped behind.
Warning: Never try to repair a probe or try to remove scratches from the face
of the probe. This may result in further damage. Always return it to Tritex NDT
for investigation and possible repair.
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Belt
Attachment
Button (4)
Up Selection (1)
ON/OFF &
Menu Button (2)
Down
Selection (3)
Battery
Compartment (5)
Probe Cable
LED Display (6)
Connector (7)
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Note 1: If no probe is connected when the gauge is turned on, the display will
show ‘no ProbE’. See page 17 for further details.
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On
Coating Plus+
Off
Low (Lo)
Resolution
High (HI)
Metric (European)
Units
Imperial (Inches)
Back to
measurement
mode
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There are two methods of changing the calibration. Either adjust the velocity of
sound setting according the metal being measured, or adjust the the gauge to
a known thickness of metal.
Gauges are supplied with the calibration set to mild steel at approximately
5900 m/s (0.2323 in/µs). This may vary according to the properties of the
supplied 15 mm test block material.
Note: The calibration does not need to be reset each time the gauge is used.
The last setting will be remembered.
i Select ‘CAL’ from the menu using the ‘ON’OFF’ button (2).
Use the navigation table on pg 12 as a guide.
ii ‘CAL’ and the current velocity setting will be displayed
alternately.
iii Use the ‘+’ (1) and ‘-’ (3) buttons to adjust the velocity of
sound to the the required new velocity.
iv Press the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2), the gauge will display ‘rEADY’
and return to the measurement mode.
i Select ‘CAL’ from the menu using the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2).
Use the navigation table on pg 12 as a guide.
ii ‘CAL’ and the current velocity setting will be displayed
alternately.
iii Place the probe on a piece of material of a known thickness
such as the test block supplied with the kit.
iv ‘CAL’ and the measurement will be displayed alternately.
v Adjust the measurement displayed to the known thickness
using the ‘+’ (1) and ‘-’ (3) buttons.
vi Press the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2), the gauge will display ‘rEADY’
and return to the measurement mode.
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
Note: Coating Plus+ mode should not be left on for all measurements. The
gauge will achieve a better performance on standard coatings with this
function turned off.
i Select ‘UnitS’ from the menu using the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2).
Use the navigation table on pg 12 as a guide.
ii Either ‘UnitS=EUrOPEAn’ or ‘UnitS=InchES’ will be displayed
depending on the current setting.
iii Use the ‘+’ (1) and ‘-’ (3) buttons to select the required units
between ‘Euro’ (metric) and ‘Inch’ (imperial).
iv Press the ‘ON/OFF’ switch (2), the gauge will display ‘StorEd’
and return to the measurement mode.
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There are three different modes for probe selection: automatic, manual and no
probe connected.
Automatic - When a Tritex probe with IPR is connected, the gauge will
automatically identify the probe type and set the gauge accordingly. The
following will scroll across the display depending on the probe connected:
ProbE=2.25 P13
ProbE=2.25 P19
ProbE=3.5 P13
ProbE=5.0 P13
ProbE=5.0 P6
Press the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2) to confirm, the gauge will display ‘rEADY’ and
return to the measurement mode.
Manual - When a compatible probe other than a Tritex probe is fitted, the
gauge will display ‘SELECt=2.25 P13’. This is a prompt to select the correct
probe setting for the probe that has been fitted. Use the ‘+’ (1) and ‘-’ (3)
buttons to select from the following list:
SELECt=2.25 P13
SELECt=2.25 P19
SELECt=3.5 P13
SELECt=5.0 P13
SELECt=5.0 P6
Once selected, press the ‘ON/OFF’ button (2) to confirm, the gauge will display
‘rEADY’ and return to the measurement mode.
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How it works:
A transmitted ultrasound pulse travels though both the coating and the metal
and reflects from the back wall. The returned echo then reverberates within the
metal, with only a small portion of the echo travelling back through the coating
each time. The timing between the small echoes gives us the timing of the
echoes within the metal, which relate to the metal thickness. The returned
echoes need not be consecutive as the gauge will interpret them automatically
and calculate the thickness. A minimum of three echoes is checked each time.
This is referred to as the Automatic Measurement Verification System
(AMVS).
Probe
Coating
Metal
Timing 1
Timing 2
Timing 3
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
8. Help
8.1. Gauge fails to switch on
Advice Action
Check the batteries are present and Replace with new batteries (see pg 6).
serviceable.
The ‘ON/OFF’ key may be defective. Return the gauge to Tritex NDT (see pg 26).
Check the correct probe for the material being Select the correct probe (see pg 7).
measured has been selected.
Check the probe membrane is properly fitted Refit or replace the membrane (see pg 9).
with membrane oil applied and no trapped air
present.
Check the probe, lead and gauge are all Re-connect as necessary (see pg 5).
connected together correctly and securely.
Check the serviceability of the probe and lead. Contact Tritex NDT for replacement items (see
pg 26).
Check the serviceability of the gauge. Return the gauge to Tritex NDT (see pg 26).
Couplant not suitable. Use only suitable couplant supplied with the kit
(see pg 20).
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
Check that the material has parallel front and See pg 19 - Precautions When Measuring.
back walls.
Ensure plenty of ultrasonic gel is used between See pg 19 - Precautions When Measuring.
the probe and the material to eliminate any air
pockets.
Ensure the coating is solidly adhered to the See pg 19 - Precautions When Measuring.
surface.
Ensure the coating is not layered or contains See pg 20 - Precautions When Measuring.
foreign objects in its construction.
Some types of casting may cause problems for See pg 20 - Precautions When Measuring.
ultrasonic gauges.
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
9. General Information
9.1. Safety
Only use either alkaline, NiMH or NiCD ‘AA’ batteries. Do not mix different
types of battery in the same gauge.
Do not open the gauge body other than to change the batteries. Always return
the gauge for repair.
9.2. RoHS
New legislation to help safeguard the environment has been introduced to
ensure companies act responsibly. Tritex products are fully RoHS compliant
which means that we do not use hazardous substances and materials at any
stage of manufacture. Lead cadmium, mercury and other such materials used
in electronic equipment are not present in Tritex products.
RoHS compliance is already law in the United Kingdom and European Union
and will soon be adopted in other countries seeking to protect the planet for
future generations.
At Tritex we are aware of our corporate social responsibility towards all our
stakeholders. We take pride in our work and our environment.
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
9.4. Cleaning
Clean the gauge using a mild detergent, a damp (not wet) cloth, or an anti-
static wipe. Never use abrasives, solvents or other cleaning products as this
will damage the instrument. Do not soak the gauge with water or other liquids.
9.5. Warranty
Tritex products are guaranteed against defects in material and/or workmanship
for a period of 3 years from date of delivery.
Any equipment that may be defective should be returned carriage paid direct
to Tritex or to their approved local distributor who will at their discretion repair
or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period.
This warranty includes parts, labour and return at no charge.
Repairs due to abuse of the equipment, accident, fair wear and tear and use of
non approved third party hardware is not covered by this warranty. Probe
warranty is limited to 1 year and batteries (dry cell or rechargeable) or other
consumable items are not covered by this warranty.
No other warranty is expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
The customer should not attempt any repair as this will void the warranty.
Tritex shall not be liable for collateral or consequential damage of any kind
from either the use or the interpretation of the results from the equipment.
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Check through the troubleshooting guide on page 21. If this does not solve the
problem we can sometimes give advice over the phone.
If after troubleshooting, the gauge is still faulty, you will need to return your
gauge for repair. Please package the complete kit in a suitable protective
container and return to us at the address on page 26.
Please include your contact details including name, address, e-mail and
phone number, along with a brief description of the problem.
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Tritex Multigauge 5500 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge www.tritexndt.com
E-mail: Sales@tritexndt.com
Website: www.tritexndt.com
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