NDT Devices Blog

The EPOCH 1000i provides powerful conventional ultrasonic and phased array flaw detection in a portable, rugged instrument. This instrument offers increased probability of detection of flaws, better visualization of areas of interest, and improves inspection efficiency by enabling a single setup to view A-scans at multiple angles (focal laws), thus eliminating the need for multiple probes and wedges. This instrument provides the same reliable and exceptional performance for conventional detection as the EPOCH 1000, with the added benefit of phased array capabilities. The EPOCH 1000i allows you to perform code-compliant inspections in accordance with conventional standards, with the advantage of phased array for increased accuracy and efficiency.

Available with a standard 16:16 configuration and upgradable to 16:64 configuration via software, the EPOCH 1000i also includes many sizing features to facilitate in-flaw inspections. The instrument comes standard with A-scan and S-scan reference and sizing cursors for flaw-size evaluation.

Combined A-scan and S-scan Views

The EPOCH 1000i features a standard combined A-scan and S-scan view that displays A-scan data from every angle between two user-defined start and end values. Each individual angle, collectively referred to as focal laws, can be selected to display a live A-scan enabling you to detect and characterize potential defects at multiple angles simultaneously using phased array imaging.

Calibration Across All Focal Laws

When calibrating for gain and zero offset in phased array mode, the EPOCH 1000i utilizes single-step procedures to calibrate across all focal laws. These automated calibration procedures allow you to capture peak amplitude or TOF/ distance measurements from a single reflector across all the imaging angles (focal laws). The instrument then uses the captured amplitude or TOF/distance data to adjust the gain and zero offset at each focal law so that calibrated measurements are provided for every A-scan.

Phased Array Features for Manual Imaging Inspections

Standard DAC/TVG for All Focal Laws

The EPOCH 1000i comes standard with DAC/TVG for all focal laws. This allows you to acquire a DAC curve or create a TVG setup from known reflectors for all defined angles/ focal laws at once. The instrument then allows you to edit individual points acquired during setup for precise DAC or TVG presentation. After completing the setup, you can use the S-scan image to detect potential defects at various focal laws.

Standard Phased Array DGS/AVG

The DGS/AVG flaw sizing technique is included as a standard option in phased array mode. This feature uses the probe ID and wedge information to establish the DGS/AVG curve characteristics and applies the curve at 0°, 45°, 60°, and 70° focal laws. The standard EPOCH onboard DGS/AVG menu and modified GAIN calibration tool allow for quick and easy setup. The option also provides an interpolated image TVG for easy detection across a given sound path range.

Weld Inspection Solutions with Phased Array

Weld Overlay

Weld Overlay is a standard inclusion on the EPOCH 1000i, providing a visual reference of a weld profile on the S-scan display. This profile enables you to visualize the relative position of indications in relation to the weld geometry.

A weld centerline cursor allows manual positioning of the overlay on the S-scan. The Weld Overlay enhances your ability to locate, characterize, and size flaws within the component during inspection, and improves reporting.

EPOCH 1000i Multi-Angle

The EPOCH 1000i phased array mode includes a standard feature called Multi-Angle. This feature enables you to designate any three angles, or focal laws, available in the sector scan as “visible” focal laws. The A-scans from each of the three designated angles are overlaid, one on top of the other, in the A-scan window, enabling you to view all three A-scans at the same time. Each individual angle is color coded for ease of use. This feature is perfect for inspectors using conventional sizing methods requiring evaluation at 45°, 60°, and 70°.

True Depth Gates

Measurements gates can be displayed in True Depth mode on the Sector Scan, thus enabling you to acquire measurements from a constant depth area throughout the part, regardless of the focal law selected. This is particularly helpful when using the encoded C-scan option, as it enables you to collect information for one entire skip distance with a single gate position.

The True Depth gates display as horizontal lines on the S-scan only; the A-scan view remains in Sound path mode.

AWS Weld Rating

The EPOCH 1000i comes with an AWS D1.1/D1.5 weld rating calculator. In conjunction with Olympus’ AWS-rated phased array transducer, this enables you to use imaging capabilities for flaw detection while sizing flaws at 45°, 60°, and 70° using the conventional A-scan technique, and also view the D value for onscreen weld rating of any selected A-scan (focal law).

Linear Scans and Encoded C-scans

This optional software feature expands the Olympus EPOCH 1000i Ultrasonic Phased Array Flaw Detector to a 16:64 element configuration and enables linear scans in addition to encoded or timed C-scans. Linear scans are collected using a probe with up to 64 elements and a maximum active aperture of 16 elements.