Sonatest Sitescan D-50 Portable Digital Flaw Detector

A 1.3 kg handheld flaw detector built for climbing and carrying

The Sitescan D-50 puts the Sitescan broadband flaw detector electronics into the popular D-series housing. Sonatest describes it as an entry-level broadband instrument with a full VGA display, a 200 V pulser, 0.5 dB gain resolution and an optional rubber boot. Its typical jobs are weld fabrication, corrosion detection, forgings and castings and general ultrasonic inspection.

At 1.3 kg and 70 mm deep, it is the model to choose when an inspector moves along a pipe rack, a tank ladder or a boiler platform with one hand free. The battery gives up to 10.5 hours, and Sonatest states that testing confirmed operation above 55 deg C.

Technical specifications

Features that save time on site

Sonatest lists a colour transflective VGA display with nine palettes, a reference waveform that overlays a stored A-log in a different colour, and active peak memory that holds every A-scan on screen. Automatic calibration calculates velocity and probe zero from two reference echoes, and AGC places the Gate 1 signal between 10 % and 90 % of screen height with a tolerance of 5 % to 20 %. Rectification can be full wave, either half wave or RF, and waveform smoothing can be off, smooth or fill.

The specification sheet also lists DAC with 20 reference points and three custom curves, API as standard, and a live A-scan capture that stores trace, parameters and measurements together. Thickness logging is arranged in panels, A-logs, B-charts and T-logs, and up to 440,000 T-logs fit in the 4 GB memory.

Options and software

Split DAC, DGS/AVG, TCG, AWS, BEA, interface trigger (IFT), API and corrosion T-log options are fitted by software code, so a base unit can be upgraded later. UT-Lity Lite is supplied free for file management and report building; UT-Lity Pro adds inspection plans and exports to maintenance databases.

Ordering codes

Choosing between the D-50 and the Sitescan 500S

Choose the D-50 when portability and a shoulder strap matter and when a LEMO 4-pin encoder plug is acceptable. Choose the larger 500S when a stand, a D-Sub 15 encoder connector, two sync outputs and the 6.6 Ah battery are needed. Both share the same brochure, which Sonatest titles Sitescan 500s and D-50.

Using the Sitescan D-50 in Oman and the GCC

Typical work for a light flaw detector in the region is weld inspection on pipelines, piping spools and structural steel, plus corrosion checks on tanks, vessels and boiler tubes during shutdowns. Because many of these jobs involve ladders, scaffolds and pipe racks, the low weight and slim D-series case matter as much as the electronics. The stated operation above 55 deg C is useful on exposed plant in summer, but probes, couplant and cables also need to suit the surface temperature, and the screen is easier to read with the high contrast mode switched on in direct sunlight.

Information to send with an enquiry

• LEMO 1 or BNC probe connectors, and whether video output is required
• Sizing options needed, such as DGS/AVG, TCG or AWS
• Mains lead plug type, carry bag, sleeve or storm case
• Probes, cables and calibration blocks to be supplied with the unit
• Quantity and the inspection codes your procedure follows

Documents and quotation

The Sonatest D-50 full specification (issue January 2025) is attached. See further handheld flaw detectors. Seven Star LLC supplies Sonatest equipment on request; tell us the connector type, options and quantity.

Frequently asked questions

How heavy is the Sitescan D-50?

The specification gives 1.3 kg with the battery fitted, in a 238 x 172 x 70 mm case, which is much lighter than the 2.5 kg Sitescan 500S.

Does it have the same electronics as the Sitescan 500S?

The pulser, receiver, digitizer and gate data in the two specification sheets are the same, and both use the same sizing option list; the case, battery capacity and encoder connector differ.

What battery does it use and how long does it run?

A 14.8 V, 4.4 Ah Li-ion pack, with a typical run time of 10.5 hours of continuous work.

Can a video monitor be connected?

Video output is shown as a factory option on the D-50, so it must be specified when ordering.

Which sizing software can be added?

Split DAC, DGS/AVG, TCG, AWS, BEA, API, interface trigger and corrosion software are listed as options; DAC and API are standard in the specification sheet.