The Sonic ScanAxis Encoder – TS-SAE-12

The Sonic ScanAxis Encoder – TS-SAE-12

Compact Scan-Axis Position Encoder for PAUT / UT Encoded Scanning

The The Sonic ScanAxis Encoder – TS-SAE-12 is a compact scan-axis position encoder designed for PAUT, UT weld inspection, corrosion mapping, thickness profile mapping, and encoded ultrasonic scanning applications. It provides accurate scan-distance feedback by synchronizing probe or scanner movement with ultrasonic data acquisition.

The TS-SAE-12 helps inspectors achieve accurate defect positioning, defect length sizing, weld mapping, C-scan generation, B-scan correlation, and repeatable inspection documentation. Its compact wheel-based design allows easy integration with wedges, probe holders, manual scanners, corrosion mapping fixtures, and customized inspection accessories.

Product Overview

The ScanAxis Encoder converts probe movement into precise position signals during ultrasonic inspection. As the encoder contact wheel moves along the inspection surface, it generates distance-based pulse signals. These signals allow the inspection system to record ultrasonic data according to the actual scan position.

This makes the TS-SAE-12 suitable for applications where accurate scan distance, reliable defect location, and repeatable inspection records are required. The encoder is designed for field inspection, workshop inspection, fabrication inspection, plant inspection, marine inspection, offshore inspection, and power sector applications.

Key Features

• Compact scan-axis position encoder for encoded ultrasonic inspection

• Suitable for PAUT, UT, TOFD-support scanning, corrosion mapping, and thickness profiling

• High-resolution position feedback for accurate scan-distance measurement

• 12 steps/mm encoder resolution

• Spring-loaded contact wheel for stable surface tracking

• Smooth sealed bearing wheel movement

• Rugged industrial body for site and workshop use

• Sealed construction suitable for wet inspection environments

• Rubber contact wheel and magnetic contact wheel options

• Direct wedge mounting and universal holder mounting options

• Strong cable strain relief for improved cable durability

• Suitable for flat, curved, pipe, plate, vessel, tank, and weld-adjacent surfaces

• Custom cable length and connector configuration available on request

• Designed for integration with standard encoded PAUT / UT inspection systems

Working Principle

The TS-SAE-12 ScanAxis Encoder works on the principle of incremental rotary position encoding. During scanning, the contact wheel rotates in proportion to the linear movement of the probe, wedge, or scanner.

The internal encoder converts wheel rotation into digital pulse signals. These position pulses are used by the ultrasonic inspection system to calculate scan distance and synchronize inspection data with the actual movement of the probe.

This position information supports:

• Accurate defect location

• Defect length measurement

• Weld scan mapping

• Corrosion profile mapping

• Thickness profile documentation

• B-scan and C-scan generation

• Position-based ultrasonic data storage

• Repeatable inspection reporting

• Comparison of inspection data during future monitoring

Technical Specifications

Available Models and Variants

Rubber Contact Wheel Version

The TS-SAE-12-RC Rubber Contact Wheel Version is suitable for general ultrasonic inspection applications where smooth movement and stable surface traction are required.

Recommended for:

• Stainless steel inspection

• Aluminium and non-ferromagnetic material inspection

• Painted surfaces

• Smooth machined surfaces

• General PAUT weld scanning

• Corrosion mapping

• Thickness profile mapping

• Manual encoded scanning

• Applications where magnetic contact is not required

Magnetic Contact Wheel Version

The TS-SAE-12-MC Magnetic Contact Wheel Version is suitable for ferromagnetic surfaces where additional surface adherence is useful during scanning.

Recommended for:

• Carbon steel pipe inspection

• Pressure vessel inspection

• Tank shell inspection

• Structural steel inspection

• Vertical or inclined surface scanning

• Pipe weld inspection

• Applications where improved wheel contact stability is required

Mounting Options

Direct Wedge Mounting

The direct wedge mounting option is suitable for compact PAUT and UT applications where the encoder needs to be positioned close to the probe or wedge. This configuration is useful for weld inspection, pipe scanning, nozzle inspection, and compact manual scanning applications.

Universal Holder Mounting

The universal holder option provides flexible positioning of the encoder for different wedge sizes, probe types, and scanner arrangements. This is suitable for field inspection jobs where multiple inspection configurations are required.

Custom Scanner Mounting

Custom mounting adaptors can be supplied for integration with manual scanners, corrosion mapping fixtures, special probe holders, automated fixtures, and application-specific ultrasonic inspection tools.

Applications

The Sonic ScanAxis Encoder – TS-SAE-12 is suitable for:

• Encoded PAUT weld inspection

• Conventional UT encoded scanning

• TOFD-support scanner applications

• Pipe girth weld inspection

• Pressure vessel weld inspection

• Structural weld inspection

• Nozzle and branch connection inspection

• Corrosion mapping

• Thickness profile mapping

• Tank shell and plate inspection

• Marine and offshore inspection

• Power plant inspection

• Petrochemical and refinery inspection

• Heavy fabrication inspection

• Compact manual scanner applications

• Custom ultrasonic scanner integration

Inspection Advantages

Using the TS-SAE-12 ScanAxis Encoder helps improve ultrasonic inspection quality by providing:

• Accurate scan-distance measurement

• Better defect positioning accuracy

• Improved defect length sizing

• Repeatable inspection records

• Better report traceability

• Reduced manual measurement error

• Reliable C-scan and B-scan mapping

• Better inspection data comparison for future monitoring

• Improved documentation for quality control and client reporting

Standard Supply Scope

• 1 No. TS-SAE-12 ScanAxis Encoder

• 1 No. Selected contact wheel type: rubber or magnetic

• 1 No. Encoder cable with compatible connector

• 1 Set mounting hardware

• 1 No. Mounting bracket or universal holder, if selected

• 1 No. Basic instruction sheet

• Functional test certificate, if required

Optional Accessories

Compatibility Statement

The TS-SAE-12 ScanAxis Encoder is designed for integration with standard industrial PAUT / UT encoded scanning systems. Connector type, wiring configuration, cable length, mounting interface, and output configuration can be customized based on the customer’s inspection system and scanner requirement.