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B.2.2 The Risks and Your Role in Reducing Them ..............76 DM5E Operating Manual...
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Important Notice The following information must be read and understood by any user of a GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies ultrasonic thickness gauge. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to errors in thickness measurements or other test results. Decisions based on erroneous results can, in turn, lead to property damage, personal injury or death.
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Behavior of the sound wave where two different materials are in contact • Areas covered by the sound beam More specific information about operator training, qualification, certification, and test specifications is available from various technical societies, industry groups, and government agencies. viii DM5E Operating Manual...
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Sound beams reflect from the first interior surface encountered. Because of part geometry and overlapped flaws or overlapped surfaces, thickness gauges may measure the distance to an internal flaw rather than to the back wall of the material. Operators must take steps to ensure that the entire thickness of the test material is being examined. DM5E Operating Manual...
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2. Probe Zero Procedure Before performing calibration with a contact probe, the probe zero procedure must be performed first. If the zero procedure is not performed or if it is performed improperly, inaccurate thickness readings will result. DM5E Operating Manual...
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Calibration and actual testing should be performed under similar coupling conditions, using a minimum amount of couplant and applying consistent pressure on the transducer. DM5E Operating Manual...
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This is particularly important when a test piece is being ultrasonically measured for the first time or in any case where the history of thickness of the test specimen is unknown. DM5E Operating Manual...
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Preface Safety Information IMPORTANT: The DM5E is an instrument for materials testing. Any use for medical applications or other purposes is not allowed. The DM5E may only be used in industrial environments. IMPORTANT: For battery operation of the DM5E, two “AA” size batteries are needed. You should only use the products recommended by us for battery operation.
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Preface Defects/Errors and Exceptional Stresses If you have reason to believe that safe operation of your DM5E is no longer possible, you must disconnect the instrument and secure it against unintentional reconnection. Remove the batteries if necessary. Safe operation is no longer possible if conditions such as the following exist: •...
DM5E DL with Dual Multi and Data Recorder This chapter introduces the key features of the DM5E, and the next chapter explains the keypad functions and display-menu contents. Closely reviewing the material in these two chapters will help you make better use of the more detailed information found in subsequent chapters of this manual.
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1.1 Supplying Power to the DM5E (cont.) Top of Instrument Rear of Instrument Probe Cable Connection Install 2 “AA” batteries I/O Device Connection in compartment as shown (mini USB) Figure 1: DM5E Connections and Batteries (shown with battery cover removed) DM5E Operating Manual...
, replace the batteries as soon as possible. The DM5E automatically shuts OFF when the batteries are too weak for reliable operation. However, your settings are saved and restored when the instrument is turned ON again. When testing in remote locations, always carry spare batteries.
Chapter 1. General Information 1.3.1 DM5E Corrosion Thickness Measurement Base Instrument 1.3.1a Contents of the DM5E Base Instrument • DM5E instrument • 2 “AA” batteries • Plastic carrying case • Couplant sample • Upgrade Utility Program on CD-ROM (requires mini-USB to PC cable) •...
• DM5E DL with Dual Multi and Data Recorder 1.4 Contents of this Manual This DM5E Operating Manual is divided into eight chapters and one appendix. All chapters apply to all instrument versions, except for two functions: • Data Recorder, which is described in Chapter 5, applies only to the DM5E DL version •...
Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays The DM5E's display, keypad, and functional commands are easy to interpret and use. In this chapter, you'll find a brief explanation of all display and keypad features. You'll also find references to manual sections where more detailed information is available.
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Press and hold to power the instrument ON or OFF. Press to adjust the value of the selected parameter and for on-screen navigation. Thickness measurement display Figure 2: DM5E Keypad and Key Functions DM5E Operating Manual...
Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays 2.2 Interpreting the Display Screens This section describes the layout of the DM5E's primary display modes including: Measurement Display Mode - Indicates measured thickness, contains status icons, displays data recorder location and file name (when •...
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Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays 2.2 Interpreting the Display Screens (cont.) Figure 3: Measurement Display Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays 2.2 Interpreting the Display Screens (cont.) Figure 4: Probe Setup Display Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays 2.2 Interpreting the Display Screens (cont.) Figure 5: File Display Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 2. Understanding the Keypad, Menu System & Displays 2.2 Interpreting the Display Screens (cont.) Figure 6: Configuration Display Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
By repeatedly pressing , you can access the Configuration display and you can adjust the following DM5E settings: VIEW MODE - In base-model units this parameter offers five settings. See Section 4.1 on page 36 to select the view to be displayed.
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DUAL MULTI - Used to switch between Dual Multi and IP test modes, when Dual Multi option is allowed (see Section 3.2 on page 21). • READING HOLD - Can be set to hold the last measurement value when the probe is uncoupled in measurement mode (see Section 3.2 on • page 21). DM5E Operating Manual...
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AUTO POWER DOWN - When set to ON, this control conserves battery life by powering the instrument OFF if no key presses or • measurements occur for the set number of minutes. When set to OFF, the instrument is only powered OFF when is pressed and held. DM5E Operating Manual...
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E Prior to measuring thickness, the instrument must be properly setup. This chapter explains the steps that must be taken prior to measurement, to ensure that the display appearance, ultrasonic settings, and measurement mode match the desired configuration. The steps described in this chapter apply to all instruments, regardless of whether or not they incorporate the Dual Multi or Data Recorder options.
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.1 Connecting a Probe and Loading a Setup File Prior to measuring thickness, you must connect a probe to the instrument (see Figure 7 below) and select a Setup file that is compatible with the probe.
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Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.1 Connecting a Probe and Loading a Setup File (cont.) After a probe is connected, press to activate the Probe Setup display. The Probe Setup display, which is shown in Figure 8 below, allows the user to select one of the standard Setup files.
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Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.1 Connecting a Probe and Loading a Setup File (cont.) The following instrument settings are automatically adjusted when the Setup file is activated: • View Mode • Gain • Measured Value display resolution •...
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.2 Configuring the Instrument Before using the DM5E, the parameters listed on the next page must be programmed at the Configuration display (see Figure 9) as follows: Press as many times as necessary to access the Configuration display.
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Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.2 Configuring the Instrument (cont.) Using the procedure described on the previous page, configure the following parameters: • • Language - Set the language BSCAN MINIMUM - BSCAN display of minimum value • •...
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.2.1 Setting the Instrument Gain The instrument gain level may set to AUTO, DEFAULT, HIGH, or to a noise-reducing LOW setting. To select the instrument gain setting: Press Select the GAIN control. Press to activate the control, then use to adjust the selected value and use to select the cursor position.
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.2.2 Setting the Update Rate Measurements are updated at a rate of 4 or 8 Hz, as selected by the user. To select the measurement update rate: Press Select the UPDATE RATE control. Press to activate the control, then use to adjust the setting.
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.2.3 Specifying the Nominal Thickness When the VIEW parameter is set to DIFF/RR%, the displayed thickness includes two differential values (in the instrument’s units and as a percentage) that represent the variation from user specified nominal thickness (see Section 4.4). To manually input or modify the nominal...
3.3 Instrument Calibration Before using the DM5E, the instrument and the connected probe must be calibrated using one or more standards of known thickness. It is important that the Setup file corresponding to the probe be selected prior to launching the calibration process. Then, the user can select either 1pt, 2pt, or AUTO calibration mode in the LOCKOUT menu.
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.4 Setting the Maximum and Minimum Alarms When the thickness measurement value exceeds either the minimum or maximum alarm setting, the measurement value alternates between solid and hollow font type displays, except in B-SCAN mode. When an alarm appears in B-SCAN mode, the measurement value flashes ON and OFF in 1/2 second intervals.
Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.5 B-SCAN Display Range The default BSCAN display range is 0-20 inch. We highly recommend adjusting the range according to the target, because setting an appropriate range will display a clearer scan graph.To adjust the range, complete the steps below.
3.6 Locking and Unlocking Instrument the Controls The DM5E allows operators to lockout specific functions by using the lockout display, which is only accessible from the measurement screen. Follow the instructions in Figure 13 on page 33 to access this display and lockout (or enable) some or all of the function keys.
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Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E 3.6 Locking and Unlocking Instrument the Controls (cont.) Figure 13: Locking and Unlocking the Function Keys DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 3. Setting Up the DM5E [no content intended for this page - proceed to next page] DM5E Operating Manual...
Note: Load a Setup file corresponding to the connected probe prior to making the adjustments described in this chapter. Loading a Setup file after these adjustments are made will force certain settings back to the default value stored in the file. DM5E Operating Manual...
Chapter 4. Measuring Thickness 4.1 Selecting the Displayed View Mode Base model DM5E instruments offer four display modes. In addition, two more display modes are available depending on the installed options. These display modes include: NORMAL (Thickness Only) - The thickness value appears as large digits in the center of the display.
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Pressing the SEND key stores the minimum thickness value after the evaluation period is complete, as indicated by the filling of the time-out bar. Note: The displayed differences can have either positive or negative values (see Section 4.4 on page 41). DM5E Operating Manual...
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Press as many times as necessary to access the Configuration menu. Press to select the VIEW MODE parameter. Press to activate this parameter. Press to scroll through the available modes, then press to select the highlighted mode. DM5E Operating Manual...
Note: If the Data Recorder file is active, the data location and stored value will be displayed at the top left corner of the display, instead of the material velocity value. Figure 14: NORMAL Measurement View Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
In these modes, the instrument will continue to collect and compare readings for as long as the time-out period is not exceeded. Figure 15: MAX SCAN Measurement View Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
This view mode (see Figure 16 below) displays both the currently measured thickness and a nominal thickness input by the user, along with the difference between these two values (“measured” minus “nominal”) expressed in percentage and dimensional terms. Note: The displayed differences can have either positive or negative values. Figure 16: DIFF/RR% Measurement View Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
In this mode, the instrument will continue to collect and compare readings for as long as the time-out period is not exceeded. Pressing the SEND key will store the minimum value in the active file. Figure 17: B-SCAN Measurement View Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
) above the battery icon indicates Dual Multi mode (see Figure 18 on page 44). Note: The Basic version of the DM5E does not have the Dual Multi function. Only specially-equipped DM5E and DM5E DL versions offer the Dual Multi function.
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Chapter 4. Measuring Thickness 4.6 Dual Multi Measurement View Mode (cont.) Dual Multi mode deactivated Dual Multi mode activated Figure 18: DUAL MULTI Measurement View Mode DM5E Operating Manual...
Recall and erase Data Recorder files (see Section 5.2 on page 49) • Store thickness readings in Data Recorder files (see Section 5.3.1 on page 51) • Navigate Data Recorder file locations to store or replace readings (see Section 5.3.2 on page 51) DM5E Operating Manual...
Note: Once created, the file name, size and ADVANCE DIRECTION parameters cannot be edited. Only the NOTES contents can be modified. To accomplish this, first select the file then activate and modify the parameter. Follow Steps 1 through 5 in Figure 19 on page 47 to create a new Data Recorder file. DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 5. Using the Optional Data Recorder 5.1 Creating a New Data Recorder File (cont.) Figure 19: Creating a New Data Recorder File DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 5. Using the Optional Data Recorder 5.1 Creating a New Data Recorder File (cont.) Figure 20: Defining the Size and Advance Direction of a Data Recorder File DM5E Operating Manual...
File Display mode. Activate the file selection function by pressing below FILES. A file list will appear on the display. Press to select the stored file you wish to recall, then press to confirm the selection. DM5E Operating Manual...
SEND. Remember that the units of the thickness value and the number of decimal places to which the thickness is recorded are determined by the UNITS and RESOLUTION settings as described in Section 3.2 on page 21. DM5E Operating Manual...
Once a file position has been selected: • The current thickness reading can be sent to an EMPTY file position. • A measurement value can be stored by pressing below SEND. • A previously-stored value can be overwritten by pressing below SEND. DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 5. Using the Optional Data Recorder [no content intended for this page - proceed to next page] DM5E Operating Manual...
Note: The instructions in this chapter apply to all versions of the DM5E instrument. The DM5E can communicate with external devices through its built-in I/O port. A mini-USB to PC cable is available for connection to this virtual COM port (see Figure 21 below for the location). With the UltraMATE, UltraMATE Lite, or even a simple Excel Macro, a PC can import data recorder files from the instrument.
Chapter 6. I/O Features 6.1 Connecting the DM5E to a PC The instrument’s I/O port can be connected to a PC using a mini-USB cable. Be sure to install the virtual COM port driver on the PC before making the connection. Then, follow the instructions on your PC screen to install the new hardware.
Chapter 7. Specifications Chapter 7. Specifications This chapter lists the features and specifications of your DM5E including: • Instrument specifications (see Section 7.1 on page 56) • Features of the optional Data Recorder (see Section 7.2 on page 60) •...
0.01 mm default (selectable 0.01, 0.1 mm) Material Velocity Range: 0.0200 to 0.7362 in/msec 0.508 to 18.699 mm/msec Material Velocity Resolution: 0.0001 in/msec 1 m/s Units: inch or millimeter Calibration: One-Point Cal, On-Block and Off-Block, Two-Point Cal DM5E Operating Manual...
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NORMAL view mode: 5 digit, 0.4" (10.6 mm) high B-SCAN view mode: 5 digit, 0.1" (2.55 mm) high Display of Last Reading: Solid filled or hollow digits indicate coupled or uncoupled condition Setups: 9 standard setups for probes DM5E Operating Manual...
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Selectable English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese I/O Connectors: Transducer: Dual Lemo 00 (coax) Mini-USB: MINI-B OTG to STD A Temperature: Operating: +10°F to +120°F (-10°C to +50°C) Storage: -10°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C) Weight: 0.597 lb (223 g) including batteries DM5E Operating Manual...
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15g 11ms impulse half sinusoidal wave applied 6 times per axis Sealing: IEC529 / IP54, Dust proof/dripping water proof as per IEC 529 specifications for IP54 classification Note: Instrument specifications are subject to change without prior notice. DM5E Operating Manual...
Grid file Number of Rows: 1 to 50,000 Number of Columns: 1 to 223 File Naming: Up to 24 character alphanumeric name Optional Software: UltraMATE and UltraMATE Lite Note: Instrument specifications are subject to change without prior notice. DM5E Operating Manual...
Chapter 7. Specifications 7.3 DM5E Probe/Transducer Specifications Model DA501 Model DA503 Model DA512 Model DA590 Frequency: 5 MHz 2 MHz 10 MHz 5 MHz Probe Style: standard standard fingertip high-temperature Operating Temperature -10 to 70°C -10 to 70°C -10 to 70°C -10 to 204°C...
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Chapter 7. Specifications [no content intended for this page - proceed to next page] DM5E Operating Manual...
Grasp the cable only by the connectors when connecting or disconnecting it from the instrument. 8.3 Batteries Periodically inspect the batteries for signs of leakage or corrosion. If either occurs, remove and replace ALL the batteries. Take care to properly dispose of the defective batteries. DM5E Operating Manual...
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Chapter 8. Maintenance [no content intended for this page - proceed to next page] DM5E Operating Manual...
Upgrading the instrument's operating software (see Section A.2 on page 67) • Web site information (see Section A.3 on page 69) • EMC documentation (see Section A.4 on page 70) • Manufacturing and Service Center locations (see Section A.5 on page 71) DM5E Operating Manual...
. Then press and hold for approximate 3 seconds, until the display indicates that the reset is complete. A successful reset is acknowledged when the RESET COMPLETE message briefly appears at the bottom center of the display screen. DM5E Operating Manual...
Select the “Browse local disk” button if the new firmware is stored on a local PC drive, or select the “Download new file” button to connect to the GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies FTP site (you must be connected to the internet prior to this operation). The program checks the firmware version you have on your machine against the version that is on the FTP site.
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Appendix A. Supplemental Information A.2 Firmware Updates (cont.) Figure 22: Changing Parameter Settings DM5E Operating Manual...
IMPORTANT: All stored custom settings will be lost during the next step. However, stored Data Recorder files will not be affected. Reset the operating software to purge the instrument’s memory. A.3 Web Site Information The following information is available on the GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies web site at www.geinspectiontechnologies.com: • Up-to-date information on operating software •...
DM5E Ultrasonic Corrosion Thickness Gauge Instrument Description: The DM5E is an ultrasonic thickness gauge capable of measuring materials using ultrasonic transducers operating at frequencies from 5 to 15 MHz. This instrument displays a thickness calculated by the measured time of flight in the material at the velocity programmed into the instrument.
A.5 Manufacturing & Customer Service Locations The DM5E is manufactured according to state-of-the-art methods using high-quality components. In-process testing and a quality management system certified to ISO 9001 ensure optimum quality of instrument conformance. The DM5E is manufactured by: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies...
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Appendix A. Supplemental Information [no content intended for this page - proceed to next page] DM5E Operating Manual...
Appendix B. Environmental Compliance Appendix B. Environmental Compliance This appendix contains information on the following topics: • WEEE Directive (see Section B.1 on page 74) • Battery disposal (see Section B.2 on page 75) DM5E Operating Manual...
Appendix B. Environmental Compliance B.1 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is an active participant in Europe’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) take-back initiative, directive 2002/96/EC. The equipment that you bought has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
Batteries and accumulators must be marked (either on the battery or accumulator or on its packaging, depending on size) with the separate collection symbol. In addition, the marking must include the chemical symbols of specific levels of toxic metals as follows: • Cadmium (Cd) over 0.002% • Lead (Pb) over 0.004% • Mercury (Hg) over 0.0005% DM5E Operating Manual...
Risks include brain damage, convulsions, malnutrition, and sterility. • Mercury creates hazardous vapors at room temperature. Exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor can cause a variety of severe symptoms. Risks include chronic inflammation of mouth and gums, personality change, nervousness, fever, and rashes. DM5E Operating Manual...