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CHAPTER EIGHT
MEASURING SYSTEM ZERO (CALIBRATION)
8.1 Introduction
System zeroing is the method of calculating the time required for each MiniMax and
transducer combination to detect the echo. When an echo travels back through the
bolt to the transducer face, there is an electronic delay before the MiniMax detects
the echo. Because of differences in the electronic parts, or the transducer and cable,
the delay is slightly different for each combination of MiniMax and transducer. The
time delay is called the delay factor or zero time offset.
The MiniMax is designed for use with one or two calibration bars having a known
ultrasonic velocity and known length. Comparing their known physical length and
measured ultrasonic length determines the system delay factor, or zero time offset.
The system delay factor makes the Dakota Ultrasonics MiniMax interchangeable
with all other calibrated MiniMax systems.
Once the delay factor is determined, the MiniMax software automatically subtracts it
from the apparent measurement of the time required for the sonic signal to travel
through the bolt. Thus, the actual time of signal travel is determined, and
compensation is made for the slight difference in each system. Since every zeroed
MiniMax makes the same time measurement, the systems give the same result and
are interchangeable.
System Zeroing is only required if:
More than one MiniMax or transducer will be used while measuring a set of bolts.
If the same MiniMax and transducer are used, the amount of the delay is
constant. If unloaded length measurements were made with one MiniMax, and
the load measurements were made with another, the difference in the delay factor
could cause an error, though in most cases the error would be very small. If it is
uncertain that the same unit and transducer will always be used, it is strongly
recommended that System Zeroing be checked whenever the MiniMax used.
The application requires that the bolts be monitored over periodic intervals
through their service life. In this case, the MiniMax must be zeroed in order to
maintain reliable and accurate measurements.
cable, or unit is replaced, the delay factor will change, resulting in erroneous
measurements.
8.2 Calibration / Zero misnomer
In the past there have been instances where users were under the impression that
zeroing the unit was the same as calibrating the unit. If the ultrasonic unit could
successfully measure the calibration blocks, the unit was calibrated. However, this is
not the case. The linearity of the unit and material type of the bolts are not calibrated
following a zero procedure.
Once again, If a transducer,
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