The Sonocon BL is a multipurpose portable ultrasound device boasting high-tech electronics and robust hardware. This field-proven workhorse of NDT inspection efficiently handles any task you might expect a portable UT instrument to deal with.
Also you may watch the Sonocon BL Training video set. See more
Rugged casing and large, daylight readable display
The Sonocon BL comes in an ergonomic shockproof ABS plastic case fitted with rubber bumpers, which allows using it both as a benchtop unit and a solution for more challenging field inspections. The device can be safely positioned on a test object or hung on a neck strap.
A reasonable weight of 3.7 lbs. (1.7 kg) in a plastic case and 5.3 lbs. (2.4 kg) in a metal case lends increased mobility to the inspector.
The 7.2” high-resolution display enables viewing A-scans even from a distance and in bright sunlight while avoiding excessive eye strain.
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The Sonocon BL in its “UT” version is a digital three-in-one instrument that can toggle from a flaw detector to an A-scan thickness gauge or a corrosion monitor.
Multiple conventional UT functions make the device a powerful NDT solution for flaw detection and advanced evaluation of defects in construction, metallurgy, machinery, aerospace, railway, oil and gas, chemical, and energy sectors.
Effective performance in difficult environments
The Sonocon BL operates effectively at an ambient temperature ranging from –30°C to +50 °C (–22°F to 122°F), withstanding high humidity and ionizing radiation. The device is dust proof and water resistant (IP65).
A rapid learning curve
The user-friendly interface of the Sonocon BL helps new users adapt to it quickly and easily, providing a number of helpful hints:
- Context backlight: button combinations are backlit when relevant.
- Menu item hints: the hint text appears when non-trivial menu items are activated (changed).
- Menu presets: the instrument offers 3 menu presets:
- Full: a 2-page list of options granting access to all UT instrument functions;
- Simple1 & Simple 2: a 1-page list of basic functions grouped in 2 menus. Simple 3 and 4 menus can be added from the Full menu list.
Easy operation
The Sonocon BL has a well-defined interface following the principle “Don’t browse menus, just push a button!”. Most commonly used functions are accessible with function buttons and shortcuts. This improves the entire inspection workflow with faster and more efficient setup and evaluation procedures.
The Sonocon is available in two versions now
Sonocon B
Sonocon BL
Performance
Dual modes pulser
Sonocon BL implies two pulser modes: Spike and Square Wave (SWP). This and also a damping feature allow controlling echo shape, length and amplitude in wide ranges.
Waveform Averaging
This function allows to average A-Scan from ×2 to ×64. This greatly raises Signal / Noise ratio allowing comfortably working at even very high gain and making measurements more precise.
Quick and comfortable operation
Direct A-Scan and Gates control
After pushing just a single button operator can intuitively control A-Scan and gates.
Quick Access Menu
The QAM button grants access to a queue of circular menus which allow quick change of measurement and alarm parameters.
Indications search and evaluation aids
“Legs marking” mode
“Legs marking” mode changes A-Scan background marking A-Scan parts corresponding to downgoing legs in yellow and to upgoing legs – in rose. This helps to visually estimate depth of the reflector (defect) which caused an indication.
“Smart zoom” mode
In this mode both zoomed A-Scan (from one of two gates) and a full 0 unzoomed A-Scan are displayed. This prevents operator from losing an off gate indication.
“Estimate” mode
“Estimate” mode is very useful for evaluation of “hard to catch” indications. It also makes evaluation of usual indications much quicker. When this mode is on operator needs only to make a blind scanning of the area of interest and flaw detector will monitor all echoes in the 1st gate, looks for the best one (according to the amplitude), auto adjust gain to put that echo to the evaluation level and freeze it. The “best” indication can be then evaluated and saved for reporting if needed. After the “Estimate” mode is off the scanning gain is automatically retrieved.
Flaws evaluation systems
DAC system
Built-in DAC system allows to build DAC curves according to the following codes: ASME (single curve and 3 curves), EN 1712, EN 1713, EN1714, JIS Z3060, GB 11345, GB 4730. User presets are also available. Base curve can contain up to 128 points. There can be built up to 6 additional curves. Besides all standard functions used in any DAC system Sonocon BL offers such advanced functions like “20-80” function, DAC ↔ TCG conversion function, etc.
DGS (AVG) system
DGS system allows to build up to 3 DGS curves for given equivalent diameters (area) for straight beam and angle beam single element transducers. It also gives direct readings of De and / or Se for gated indication.
AWS (D rating) system
Sonocon BL also implies automated calculation of D-rating according to American Welding Society Structural Welding Code section D1.1, D1.3.
Setup automation
Probes library
To set up the chosen probes parameters now it is enough to choose corresponding item from the Probes library and all related settings will be loaded autamtically.
Automatic calibration
Sonocon BL offers a variety of automated calibration procedures: in the air, on a built-n calibration block and classic single and dual points calibration.
Results storage and processing
Structured files
One of the most important and difficult task in thickness measurement at large objects is to correctly organize measurement results in a way to facilitate their analysis. Using Sonocon BL operator can choose one of several templates corresponding to almost any type of testing objects:
- “Line” (1D) is ideal for tank truck, small diameter pipes, etc.
- “Line+” (2D) is used for a linear group of “Line” objects, for section by section large diameter pipes thickness measurement, etc.
- “Grid” (2D) is used for testing of large semi planar object like ship’s hull, storage tanks, large diameters fluid conductors, etc.
- “Line++” (3D) is used for testing of a 2D group of “Line” objects.
- “Grid+” (3D) is used for a linear group of “Grid” objects.
- “Boiler” (3D) organizes measurement points on pipes and pipes on levels.
Measurements statistics on the go
Sonocon BL allows not only to review organized measurement data, but also to analyze them, providing statistics for the whole file and each of measurement sites.
Corrosion monitoring
Thickness B-Scans
Thickness B-Scan – a slice of the object by the ultrasonic beam are easy to acquire with any 1D scanner with encoder. It shows a back wall profile, which is useful to estimate corrosion type.
Thickness C-Scans
Thickness C-Scans are acquired with a 2D scanner or a series of linear scans with 1D scanner and are used for corrosion mapping.
PC Software
Sonocon BL goes with PC software package corresponding to the inner software – UT, Thickness or both.
PC software is used for organization of instrument setups and testing results, their analysis and reporting.
Thickness gauge +:
UT:
| Display | |
| Size | Sonocon BL: 7.2” |
| Resolution | 800×480 |
| Connectors | |
| Probe connectors | 2 × BNC or 2 × LEMO-1 or 2 × LEMO-00 |
| Analog output | Alarm |
| USB1 | Type A |
| LAN | ✔ |
| Pulser | |
| Types | Spike + Square Wave (SWP) |
| Voltage (SWP) | 50 V, 100 V, 150 V, 200 V, 250 V, 300 V, 400 V |
| Energy (SWP) | 20 ns to 1000ns with 10 ns step Manual & Auto modes |
| Voltage (Spike) | Low: 50 V, High: 300 V |
| Damping | ✔ |
| PRF modes | Comfort, Low, Medium, High, Manual |
| PRF | from 15 to 6000 Hz |
| Phantoms control | 3 modes |
| Receiver | |
| Range (at steel longitudinal wave) | 8 000 mm (314 in) |
| Gain | 0 to110 dB, with 0.1 dB step |
| Max signal input | 20 V p-p |
| Bandwidth | 0.2 MHz - 27 MHz |
| Filters | 0.2-27 MHz, 0.2-10 MHz, 2.0-21.5 MHz, 8.0-26.5 MHz, 0.5-4 MHz, 0.2-1.2 MHz, 1.5-8.5 MHz, 5-15 MHz, 0.4 MHz, 0.5 MHz, 1 MHz, 1.25 MHz, 2 MHz, 2.25 MHz, 2.5 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 4 MHz, 5 MHz, 7.5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz |
| Filters set choice | ✔ |
| Rectification | RF, FW, Pos. HW, Neg. HW |
| TCG (TVG) | 110 dB; 110 dB/μs slope |
| Signal Average | OFF / 2x / 4x / 8x / 16x / 32x / 64x |
| Reject (cutoff) | 0-80% FSH |
| Measurement | |
| Number of gates | 2 |
| Number of cursors | 2 |
| Modes | 1, 2, C1, C2, 1-2, 1-C1, 1-C2, 2-C1, 2-C2, C1-C2 |
| TOF Modes | Peak, Edge (Flank) |
| Amplitude measurement | up to 200% FSH |
| Units | mm / in / us |
| Output fields | 5 |
| Alarm | |
| Number of gates | 2 |
| Number of levels | 3 |
| Flaws evaluation | |
| AWS | ✔ |
| DGS (AVG) | ✔ |
| DAC | ✔ |
| DAC: Number of points | 128 |
| DAC codes | ASME & ASME III, EN 1712, EN 1713, EN1714, JIS Z3060, GB11345, GB 4730 |
| Custom DAC curves | up to 6 |
| DAC 20-80 | ✔ |
| DAC & TCG | ✔ |
| Memory | |
| Setups | ✔ |
| Datasets (with A-Scans) | ✔ |
| Capacity | 2 GB (up to 64 GB) |
| PC software | ✔ |
| Other Features | |
| Coupling control | ✔ |
| AGC | independent for both gates |
| Quick calibration | ✔ |
| Quick estimate (Best signal catch) | ✔ |
| Auto XX % (50% or 80%) | ✔ |
| Reference gain | ✔ |
| Peak hold (collect, peak memory) | ✔ |
| Signals compare | ✔ |
| Smart zoom | ✔ |
| Choice of menu systems | Full Simple 1 Simple 2 |
| Keyboard backlight | ✔ |
| Smart (Context) keyboard backlight | ✔ |
| Number of keyboard shortcuts2 | 41 |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | Sonocon BL: 10×6.1×3.1"(256×156×80 mm3) |
| Weight incl. battery | Sonocon BL: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Operating temp. range | -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F) |
| Dust & water protection | IP65 |
| Battery life | 8 h |
| Replaceable battery | ✔ |
| Pulser | |
| Type | Square Wave (SWP) |
| Autofit of the pulser parameters to the chosen probe | Voltage, Energy, Damping |
| Measurement frequency (readings refresh rate) | 1 to 100 Hz |
| PRF mode | Auto (Calculated from set readings refresh rate, accounting for averaging rate) |
| Receiver | |
| Range (at steel longitudinal wave) | 8 000 mm (314 in) |
| AGC | Individual to reach at 2 gates |
| AGC Modes | OFF / Edge / Peak |
| AGC Max Gain Modes | High, Medium, Low, Manual, Off |
| Auto filters choice (according to the probe type) | ✔ |
| Measurement | |
| Sound velocities range | 250 to 16000 m/s (.01 to .629 in/µs) |
| Measurement range | 0.4 to 16 000 mm (.016 to .629 in) |
| Readings resolution | 0.01 / 0.1 / 1 mm (0.001 / 0.01 / 0.1 in) |
| Number of gates | 2 |
| Modes | 1, 1-2 |
| TOF Modes | Edge, Edge Zero Crossing |
| Units | mm / in |
| Min & Max capture mode | ✔ |
| Differential mode | ✔ |
| % of wear mode | ✔ |
| Temperature compensation | ✔ |
Acquisition of a:
| ✔ ✔ |
Measurements on the previously acquired:
| ✔ ✔ |
| Alarm & Display | |
| Alarm types | Min, Max, Min&Max |
| Coupling loss alarm | ✔ |
| Last reading (in coupling loss) | ✔ |
| A-Scan | ✔ |
| Cursor (Detect Line) | ✔ |
| Thickness B-Scan | ✔ |
| Thickness C-Scan | ✔ |
| Multidimensional files: Browsing | ✔ |
| Multidimensional files: File Statistics | ✔ |
| Multidimensional files Meas. Site Statistics | ✔ |
| Calibration | |
| 1-point | ✔ |
| 2-points | ✔ |
| Zeroing in the air | ✔ |
| Zeroing on a built-in block | ✔ |
| Memory | |
| Setups | ✔ |
| Multidimensional structured files | 1-3 dim |
| Number of readings per file | Up to 100 000 |
| Number of files format | 6 |
| Data attachments | Comments, A-Scans, Thickness B-Scans, Thickness C-Scans, Microgrids |
| Capacity | 2 GB (up to 64 GB) |
| PC software | ✔ |
| Other Features | |
| Keyboard backlight | ✔ |
| Smart (Context) keyboard backlight | ✔ |
| Smart zoom | ✔ |
| Number of keyboard shortcuts2 | 29 |
| Name and description | Quantity pcs. |
| Electronic unit | 1 |
| Piezoelectric transducer:TSD5-10 | 1 |
| Connection cable probe / Electronic unit (2lemo00×2BNC) | 1 |
| Mascot Type 2542 Charger | 1 |
| Hand strap | 1 |
| Software for processing the testing results on PC “Thickness gauge +” and “UT” | 1 |
| Battery unit | 1 |
| Bag or Case | 1 |
| Documentation | |
| Operating manual for Sonocon BL version "UT" | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for Sonocon BL version “Thickness gauge +” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for PC software for version “UT” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for PC software for version “Thickness gauge +” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for Mascot charger | 1 copy |
| Name and description | Quantity pcs. |
| Electronic unit | 1 |
| Mascot Type 2542 Charger | 1 |
| Hand strap | 1 |
| Software for processing the testing results on PC "UT" | 1 |
| Battery unit | 1 |
| Bag or Case | 1 |
| Documentation | |
| Operating manual for Sonocon BL version “UT” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for PC software for version “UT” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for Mascot charger | 1 copy |
| Name and description | Quantity pcs. |
| Electronic unit | 1 |
| Piezoelectric transducer:TSD5-10 | 1 |
| Connection cable probe / Electronic unit (2lemo00×2BNC) | 1 |
| Mascot Type 2542 Charger | 1 |
| Hand strap | 1 |
| Software for processing the testing results on PC “Thickness gauge +” | 1 |
| Battery unit | 1 |
| Bag or Case | 1 |
| Documentation | |
| Operating manual for Sonocon BL version “Thickness gauge +” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for PC software for version “Thickness gauge +” | 1 copy |
| Operating manual for Mascot charger | 1 copy |
Instructional Video
