Pundit Ultrasonic Tester

Pundit Lab- Ultrasonic Tester

The pulse velocity in a material depends on its density and its elastic properties. These in turn are related to the quality and the strength of the material. It is therefore possible to obtain information about the properties of components by sonic investigations. The world known Pundit offers users a reliable and accurate method for determining the sonic properties of materials.

Applications

Ultrasonic testing can be used for:

The homogeneity of a material
The presence of voids, cracks or other internal imperfections or defects
Changes in the concrete which may occur with time (i.e. due to the cement hydration) or damage from fire, frost or chemical attack
The strength or modulus of a material
The quality of the concrete in relation to specified standard requirements

Materials

An essential tool for investigating a wide range of materials:

Concrete
Ceramics and Refractories
Timber
and many others

Test Method

Ultrasonic testing in its most basic mode is called time of flight. This refers to timing the arrival of an ultrasonic pulse from one transducer to another through a solid medium. The ultrasonic pulse in this instance is a p-wave (or compression wave). The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) is calculated by dividing the distance between the transducer by the time of arrival.

Access for Testing

Pundit offers three methods of transmission. These can be seen in the image (right). The method of transmission is determined by access to the concrete elements surfaces and the characteristic being tested. Pundit Lab has an automatic function for indirect (surface wave) measurements). Pundit Lab is calibrated in accordance with EN 12504-4.

Field Features for Pundit

Crack Depths

The Pundit has an automated feature which allows crack depths (BS method) to be determined perpendicular to the concrete surface.

Combination of Pundit-SCHMIDT for the Concrete Strength

This is a method (often referred to as the Rebultra method) by which the concrete strength can be calculated using a combination of the rebound value of the concrete and the UPV. Using these two independent factors will give greater accuracy, but must be calibrated using local materials.

Pundit Link Analysis Software

The Windows based software Pundit Link, developed by Proceq SA, unlocks the full capabilities of the Pundit Lab, providing the user with:

waveform visualisation and analysis
interactive adjustment of trigger point
on-line time data acquisition
full remote control of the instrument
export of data to third party applications

System requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, USB port. An Internet connection is necessary for future software and firmware updates. The figure above shows a screenshot from the software.

Transducer frequencies

Comes standard with 54kHz transducers, although a range of frequencies are available from 24kHz to 150kHz. There are also exponential transducers available for dry coupling and wood applications. The are also new 250kHz Shear wave transducers available for expert users.

Form Supplied

The Pundit comes standard with:

Pundit Unit
Two 54kHz transducers
Two 1.5m transducer cables
Ultrasound couplant
Calibration Bar
USB charger with USB-cable
Pundit link Software
Operating Manual

Relevant Standards

EN12504-4 (Europe)
ASTM C 597-02 (North America)
BS 1881 Part 203 (UK)
ISO1920-7:2004 (International)

Specifications

Range	0.1 – 9999 μs
Accuracy	0.1μs
Display	79 x 21 mm passive matrix OLED
Transmitter	12 V, 250V, 350V, 500V, AUTO
Battery	4 x AA batteries, primary or rechargeable
Mains Power	Via USB Charger
Operating Temp	-10° to 60°C
Instrument dimensions	172 x 55 x 220 mm
Instrument weight	1.3 kg (incl. batteries)

Additional Information

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