Sonatest T-Gage V Series Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

A 230 g thickness gauge with a go/no-go keypad

The T-Gage V series is Sonatest’s family of pocket-size ultrasonic thickness gauges, built for rough industrial conditions. Monochrome displays are standard and upgrade options are available throughout the gauge’s life. Three base models cover the range: the T-Gage VB is a basic variable-velocity gauge for single-sided steel structures, the T-Gage V adds echo-to-echo and alarms, and the T-Gage VDL is the top model with a data logger, B-scan and a probe-wear indicator.

Technical specifications

What each model adds

Further model codes in the brochure are V C (echo-to-echo, colour display), V W (echo-to-echo, A-scan), V CW, V DLC, V DLW and V DLCW; C means colour display and W means A/B scan.

Using it on site

The three function keys light red, yellow and green so that an operator can see go or no-go without reading the number. Display orientation can be switched for left or right hand use, and the gauge sets delay-line zero automatically at power-up, which helps with delay-line wear and acoustic drift at elevated temperatures. Scan mode shows minimum or maximum thickness at 20 measurements per second as the probe is dragged across a surface.

With a 5 MHz dual-element probe, the gauge suits tanks, pipework and plate where only one side is reachable. Note that the specification quotes IP54 splash protection: wipe off couplant and avoid immersion.

Selecting the right model

Pick the VB when the task is plain thickness on bare steel and the budget is tight. Pick the V when painted or coated surfaces are common, because echo-to-echo ignores the coating and reads the metal only, and when alarms are needed to flag readings below a minimum depth. Pick the VDL when readings must be recorded for a survey: it keeps up to 50,000 values, draws a non-encoded B-scan cross section of the test piece, reminds the operator when the transducer is worn and moves data to a PC with Data XLS. Colour or A/B-scan versions are added by the suffix letters listed above, and software upgrades are available during the life of the gauge.

The measurement itself depends on the probe, the couplant and the surface. Calibrate on a block of the same material and similar temperature, check the velocity setting, and confirm the zero before a survey. These are general good practice points and not requirements printed in the brochure.

Kit contents

The standard T-Gage V and VDL kits include the gauge, echo-to-echo probe DG537 (5 MHz, 9.52 mm), operator manual, cable, couplant and carry case; the VDL also includes a pouch, Data XLS and a USB cable. The VB kit uses a DKS-537 probe. A hard shipping case and a moulded pouch with wrist strap are optional.

Choosing a T-Gage V model for work in Oman and the GCC

Pocket thickness gauges are used daily in the region on storage tanks, pipelines, structural steel, ship hulls and process piping, where corrosion and erosion must be tracked over time. For quick spot checks on bare steel, the basic VB model is often enough. Where paint or coating must be ignored, the echo-to-echo mode of the higher models allows the steel thickness to be measured without removing the coating. For corrosion surveys with many points that are repeated every year, the VDL data logger and B-scan save time and reduce reporting errors.

Hot surfaces are common on operating plant. Choose the probe and couplant for the actual surface temperature, and remember that readings on hot steel may need a velocity correction.

Information to send with an enquiry

• Model: VB, V or VDL, and whether a colour display or A/B-scan is needed
• Probe type and frequency, including high-temperature probes
• Test block, couplant and spare cables
• Quantity and certificate requirements

Documents and quotation

The Sonatest T-Gage V series brochure with specifications is attached. See more corrosion thickness gauges. Seven Star LLC supplies Sonatest gauges on request; tell us the model suffix, probe and quantity.