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6.0 Curlin AIR SETUP AND OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 Safe Operation
Always use this electrical equipment in a safe manner, including the practice of all the SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS listed earlier in this manual, as well as applicable local and company specific
safety regulations.
6.2 Safe Inspection Site
Always choose an inspection site (including it’s atmosphere) that is safe, in accordance with the
warnings presented in the SAFETY PRECAUTIONS section of this manual, as well as any
applicable safety regulations.
6.3 Ambient Ultrasonic Noise
The Curlin-AIR operates in the relatively low ultrasonic frequency range in order to achieve its
desired performance characteristics. In this regard, the Curlin-AIR has been electronically
designed to reduce or suppress interference effects that might be caused by ambient sonic and
ultrasonic noise occurring in the vicinity of the inspection site. Such interference can detrimentally
affect the inspection reliability performance (such as flaw detectability, alarms, flaw gate and
display).
Typically, it is unlikely that ambient ultrasonic noise should be a problem. However, it is highly
recommended that the selected inspection site be checked prior to performing any actual testing.
One good check method is to first “calibrate” the Curlin-AIR on a reference sample flaw (see prior
calibrating instructions). Next turn the instrument’s power OFF, disconnect the transmitter coaxial
cable from the front panel BNC connector and, then, turn the power ON again. Now, simply
watch the display and flaw alarms for any noticeable intermittent or continuous ultrasonic “static”
(noise pick-up). It is recommended that this setup be monitored long enough time wise to obtain
a reliable assessment of the inspection site for the possible presence of interfacing levels of
ambient ultrasonic noise.
It is not advisable to perform any inspection in the presence of unacceptable levels of ambient
ultrasonic noise. The primary problem with the excess noise levels is that the likelihood of false
indications will be high. In the unlikely event that such noise is observed, it will be necessary to
either move the inspection site to an acceptable, noise free location, acoustically shield the
vicinity adjacent to the ultrasonic beam or determine the source of and prevent the ultrasonic
noise.
6.4 Calibrate Before Performing Any Inspection !!
Always calibrate the Curlin-AIR system with a reference sample(s) in accordance with the
instructions previously given in this manual prior to actual inspection use. Also, check calibration
occasionally during inspection to be sure the system is operating properly.
6.5 Reference Samples
As with all nondestructive testing instrumentation, a satisfactory sample of the material being
tested, containing the minimum-size and type of flaws to be detected, must be used to properly
adjust the detection level of the Curlin-AIR prior to actual use. Operating without such reference
samples will only yield unknown and uncontrolled performance levels.
6.6 Operational Considerations
For experienced Level I or Level II ultrasonic inspectors, setting up and operating the Curlin AIR
will be little different from analog-type ultrasonic instruments. Instead of using knobs and
switches for control adjustments, the appropriate menu item must be found, then selected, then
controlled by using one or more of the keys.
For persons unfamiliar with fully micro computerized instruments, perhaps the most frustrating
part of learning is in the finding the item they wish to control. In designing the menus for the
