Ultrasonic thickness gauges

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing, typically above 20 kHz. Unlike audible sound, which travels through the air and is used for communication, ultrasound has unique properties that make it valuable in various applications, including medical imaging, industrial testing, and material measurement.

● Properties of Ultrasound

1.  High Frequency, Short Wavelength: Allows for precise detection of small defects or structural variations.

2.  Directional Propagation: Travels in straight lines, making it useful for targeted measurements.

3.  Variable Speed in Different Materials: The speed of ultrasound depends on the density and elasticity of the material it travels through.

● Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

Ultrasonic thickness measurement is a widely used technique for assessing material thickness, particularly in cases where corrosion or erosion may lead to material loss. Ultrasonic thickness gauges are designed to measure the thickness of various metallic materials such as steel, cast iron, and aluminum, as well as non-metallic materials like plastics, ceramics, and glass. As long as the material can conduct ultrasonic waves and has relatively parallel surfaces, its thickness can be accurately measured.

These gauges enable efficient and precise thickness inspection across large metallic structures, even at closely spaced intervals. When only one side of a material is accessible, ultrasonic wall thickness measurement becomes the most practical method for monitoring wear and degradation over time. This technology is essential in industrial quality control, corrosion monitoring, and structural inspections, ensuring material reliability and safety across different industries.

What is an ultrasonic thickness gauge?

An ultrasonic thickness gauge (ultrasonic wall thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness tester, ultrasonic thickness meter, UT gauge, etc.) is a precision measuring instrument used to determine the thickness of materials by utilizing high-frequency sound waves. It works by emitting an ultrasonic pulse through a probe (transducer) into the material, then calculating the thickness based on the time it takes for the sound wave to travel through and reflect back.Sound waves reflect from the boundaries between dissimilar materials, and the transducer not only creates the sound pulse, but also listens for the echo.

What's the measuring principle of ultrasonic thickness gauges?

Linshang ultrasonic thickness gauges feature dual-crystal probe which is consisted of two independent transducers angled, separated by a sound barrier. The instruments use single echo measurement principle. One transducer sends the ultrasonic pulses inside probe which returns after it impacts the back wall and another transducer receives the echo. It calculates the thickness of material by the sound velocity and the time taken between the pulses sent and echo received.

Single-echo UT gauge probes feature a dual element transducer with automatic V-Path compensation. Thickness is determined by measuring the propagation time of the speed of soun , dividing it by two and then multiplying by the velocity of sound for that material.

Why measure wall thickness with ultrasonic thickness gauge and where to use it?

Ultrasonic thickness gauges provide a non-destructive, accurate, and efficient method for measuring wall thickness in various materials. They are particularly useful when only one side of a structure is accessible, making them ideal for inspecting pipelines, tanks, and other industrial components. These gauges help detect corrosion and erosion early, ensuring preventive maintenance and safety. Their versatility allows measurement of both metallic and non-metallic materials, as long as they conduct ultrasonic waves and have relatively parallel surfaces. Additionally, they offer high precision, enabling fast and reliable inspections even in hard-to-reach areas. Industries rely on ultrasonic thickness measurement for quality control and compliance with safety standards, reducing the risk of failures and costly repairs while extending the lifespan of equipment and infrastructure.

Linshang ultrasonic thickness testers are widely used in various industries for non-destructive testing and material quality and condition assessment, including petroleum, chemical, metallurgical, shipbuilding, aviation, aerospace and etc.

1. Industrial Quality Control

Ultrasonic thickness measurement is essential in manufacturing and production processes to verify that materials and components meet precise thickness specifications. Common applications include:

● Metal and plastic fabrication

● Aerospace and automotive parts inspection

● Composite material thickness verification

2. Corrosion and Erosion Monitoring

Many industries rely on ultrasonic thickness gauges to monitor the degradation of materials over time due to corrosion, erosion, or wear. This is particularly important in:

● Oil & Gas Pipelines: Detecting internal corrosion in pipelines to prevent leaks or failures.

● Storage Tanks & Pressure Vessels: Ensuring walls maintain structural integrity to avoid hazardous conditions.

● Boilers & Heat Exchangers: Measuring metal thinning caused by high temperatures and chemical reactions.

3. Automotive & Aerospace Industry

● Vehicle Inspection: Checking the thickness of automotive panels, frames, and components for quality assurance.

● Aircraft Maintenance: Evaluating the structural integrity of airplane fuselages, wings, and other critical parts.

4. Shipbuilding & Marine Industry

● Assessing hull thickness to prevent structural failures due to seawater corrosion.

● Ensuring compliance with international maritime safety regulations.

5. Construction & Infrastructure Inspection

● Steel & Concrete Structures: Measuring the thickness of bridge components, buildings, and tunnels for maintenance.

● Railway Tracks: Detecting material wear in rails to prevent accidents.

What are the advantages of Linshang ultrasonic thickness gauges?

1.  Adopting premium time chips to record the time taken between the ultrasonic signals emitted and recevied by the gauge.

2.  These gages employ ultrasonic double-crystal probe with stainless steel housing, and it can effectively reduce clutter, sensitive, hard and durable.

3.  Automatic Gain switchable to amplify the ultrasonic signal so that the emitted pulse is accurately captured by the transducer as it propagates, and obtains accurate data.

4.  High precision ensures LS211 can pass Chinese authoritative metrology institute.

5.  Built-in sound velocity of multiple materials including metallic(iron, copper, aluminum) and non-metallic materials(plastics, ceramics, plexiglass).

6.  Built-in sound velocity of multiple materials.

7.  Ergonomic design with durable rubberized grip.

Thickness inspection of some materials is essential to ensuring both operator and public safety. For example, The pipes or tanks transporting hazardous materials, can be find out that wear and corrosion may be present anywhere on it and its components, so periodic inspection must be done by qualified inspectors in order to identify and repair these potential hazards. Linshang ultrasonic thickness gauges are ideal choices for measuring the thickness of them.

How to use an UT gauge to measure thickness?

Linshang ultrasonic thickness (UT) measurement is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that provides accurate thickness readings for kinds of materials. To ensure reliable measurements, you can follow these steps:

1.  Prepare the UT gauge and probe

Turn on the ultrasonic thickness gauge and attach the correct transducer (probe) based on the material type and thickness range.

2. Calibrate the device

After connecting the probe, apply the coupling agent to the standard block in the lower right corner of the instrument and calibrate according to the on-screen prompts.

3.  Select the right sound speed

Select and set the sound velocity according to the material being tested.

4.  Apply couplant to the test surface

A couplant (such as ultrasound gel or glycerin) is necessary to eliminate air gaps between the probe and the test material. This ensures proper sound wave transmission and accurate readings.

5. Take a Measurement

Place the probe firmly against the material surface with consistent pressure. Ensure full contact between the probe and the test surface. Read the displayed thickness value on the screen. Take multiple readings at different points to check for consistency.

FAQs

1.  What Materials Can Be Measured with an Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge?

Ultrasonic thickness gauges can measure:

● Metals (steel, aluminum, copper, etc.)

● Plastics and composites

● Glass and ceramics

● Rubber and other solid materials

However, materials with high porosity or air gaps (e.g., foam, wood) may not provide accurate readings.

2.  How Accurate Are Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges?

The test accuracy will vary depending on the type of probe. The test accuracy of Linshang ultrasonic thickness gauge can basically reach ±0.05mm.

3.  What is a Couplant, and Why is It Needed?

A couplant (e.g., ultrasonic gel, glycerin, or oil) eliminates air gaps between the probe and the material surface, ensuring proper sound wave transmission for accurate readings.

4.  How much does a thickness gauge cost?

Different factors can affect the price and cost of a thickness gauge, such as the transducer frequency, thickness measurement application, and software capabilities. We offer special offers for bulk orders.