1. EPOCH 1000 Series Software Feature AWS D1.1/1.5

2. AWS D1.1/1.5
The EPOCH 1000 Series includes AWS weld rating software as a standard feature. The EPOCH 1000 Series AWS software is intended to assist weld inspectors performing AWS-compliant inspections.
The AWS software is available both in Conventional UT and in Phased Array modes on the EPOCH 1000 Series.

3. AWS D1.1/D1.5
The AWS code provides inspectors with a method to classify discontinuities found in welds using ultrasonic inspection. This code uses the following formula to develop an indication rating for a reflector found during an inspection:
A – B – C = D
A = Discontinuity Indication Level (dB)
B = Reference Indication Level (dB)
C = Attenuation Factor: 2 x (soundpath in inches – 1 inch) (dB)
D = Indication Rating (dB)
An AWS D1.1/1.5 inspector must take the Indication Rating (D) that is calculated based on A, B, and C to an Ultrasonic Acceptance – Rejection Criteria table produced by the AWS in order to classify the severity of the discontinuity that has been located.

4. Conventional UT AWS D1.1/1.5

5. AWS Setup: Conventional UT
The first step in using the AWS weld rating software is to calibrate the instrument for the intended material, inspection range and general sensitivity. This includes:
Appropriate Pulser and Receiver adjustments (filters, energy, square wave pulser, etc)
Verification of wedge characteristics, such as Beam Index Point and Refracted Angle
Calibration for probe delay (zero offset) and material velocity
Appropriate screen range selection
Sensitivity adjustment from reference

6. AWS Setup: Conventional UT
Properly Calibrated EPOCH 1000

7. AWS Activation: Conventional UT
Once the EP1000 has been properly calibrated:
In Menu 4, Press [F1] to select Sizing Option
Press [P3] to select AWS D1.1
Use the knob/arrow keys to turn the AWS option On or Off
AWS Setup will now appear under [F2]
‘AWS’ will indicate that the AWS option is active

8. AWS Setup: Conventional UT
Once AWS is activated, the user must set the
Reference Level for the inspection:
Press [P3] and use the knob/arrow keys to adjust the reference level according to the AWS code
Bring the sensitivity reflector from the calibration block to the reference level by pressing [2ND F] then [GATES]

9. AWS Setup: Conventional UT
Now set the reference reflector to the specified screen height:
Press [P1] to record this gain value as REFB (Reference Gain Indication Level)
Press [CHECK] to accept this
gain value as REFB
The EPOCH 1000 will now automatically rate all gated echoes with a D value!

10. Phased Array AWS 1.1/1.5

11. AWS Setup: Phased Array
As with Conventional UT, the instrument must be properly setup before turning on the AWS weld rating software. This Includes:
Correct probe and wedge selection (from PA Beam menu)
Appropriate Pulser and Receiver adjustments (filters, energy, square wave pulser, etc)
Calibration for material velocity and wedge delay (zero offset)
Appropriate screen range selection
If desired, calibration for Sensitivity/Gain can be performed as part of the AWS option setup

12. AWS Setup: Phased Array
Properly Calibrated EPOCH 1000
Note: In this example the Sensitivity/Gain calibration will be performed as part of the AWS option setup.

13. AWS Activation: Phased Array
Once the EP1000 has been properly calibrated:
In Menu 4, Press [F1] to select Sizing Option
Press [P1] to select AWS D1.1
Use the knob/arrow keys to turn the AWS option On or Off
AWS Setup will now appear under [F2]
‘AWS’ will indicate that the AWS option is active

14. AWS Setup: Phased Array
Once AWS is activated, the user must set the
Reference Level for the inspection:
Press [P7] and use the knob/arrow keys to adjust the reference level according to the AWS code

15. AWS Calibration: Phased Array
The next step is to calibrate the sensitivity of the reference reflector for all focal laws.
Using the 0.6” SDH on the IIW block, set the Gate start and width so that the measurement from the SDH can be acquired for all focal laws

16. AWS Calibration: Phased Array
Set the angle between 45 and 55 degrees (it is recommended to use the same angle that was used for the zero calibration)
Peak up the SDH reflector and adjust the echo to the previously set reference level
Note: The Peak Memory ([PEAK MEM]) and Auto-XX% ([2ND F] [GATES]) features are helpful here

17. AWS Calibration: Phased Array
Now set the calibration mode to AWS using [P7]
Press [P1] Add to begin the calibration
Move the probe over the SDH reflector to collect amplitude data across all focal laws
NOTE: The sensitivity reflector indication must not leave the gated region or become saturated for any focal law
NOTE: Use the Erase button to delete the curve and start again

18. AWS Calibration: Phased Array
NOTE: If Sensitivity/Gain calibration has already been completed in a previous step, the unit will allow for the previous Gain calibration data to be used if desired.
There may be a difference in reference levels between the original Gain calibration and the AWS reference level.

19. AWS Setup: Phased Array
Press [P2] Done when curve is complete.
Instrument will display 0CAL and TVG flags indicate that Zero and Gain calibrations have been performed and are being applied (Active).
The EPOCH 1000 will now automatically rate echoes at 45, 60, and 70 degrees with a D rating!

20. AWS Reporting: UT and PA
When the user saves inspection data in AWS mode, the instrument will record the A, B, C and D values for later review and reporting
The information can be accessed through the Files > Open menu by selecting the ID and pressing Review

21. AWS Measurements: UT and PA
The user can also manually select the AWS A, B, and C parameters as digital measurement readings from the Meas Setup > Reading Setup screen