GE Krautkrämer USM 36 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector – High-Performance Industrial UT Analysis

Overview of the GE USM 36 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

The GE Inspection Technologies Krautkrämer USM 36 is a robust and ergonomic ultrasonic flaw detector designed to be the everyday inspection tool for NDT professionals. With its large 7-inch LCD display, intuitive control layout, and advanced ultrasonic performance, the USM 36 delivers exceptional flaw detection clarity in various industrial applications.

Engineered for reliability and versatility, the USM 36 combines traditional rotary controls with a simplified 6-key keyboard, resulting in fast learning curves and enhanced field usability.

Designed for Industrial-Grade Performance

Large, High-Resolution Display

Featuring a 7-inch LCD screen with 800 × 480 pixel resolution, operators can easily interpret A-Scans—even in bright outdoor conditions. The large screen dramatically improves accuracy during weld and corrosion inspections.

Intuitive Operator Controls

The USM 36 maintains the classic rotary knobs familiar to GE users while introducing a minimalistic, easy-to-navigate 6-key interface for streamlined operation.

Durable and Built for Harsh Environments

With an IP66 rating, the USM 36 withstands dust, heavy weather, vibration, and field conditions common in power generation, pipeline work, and fabrication yards.

Primary Applications of the USM 36

• Weld Inspection

Used extensively in power generation, petrochemical plants, and structural fabrication.

• Precision Thickness Measurement

Supports automotive manufacturing where accuracy and repeatability are essential.

• Corrosion Detection

Ideal for monitoring wall-thickness loss and identifying internal deterioration.

• Forging & Casting Inspection

Detects internal flaws such as inclusions, shrinkage cavities, and cracks.

• Special Material Evaluation

Suitable for composites, high-alloy steels, and complex geometries.

Instrument Package Options

DAC Package

Includes:

• DAC calibration tool

• Square-wave pulser

• AWS D1.1 calibration capability

S Package

Includes all DAC features plus:

• DGS functionality

• Phantom echo tools

• Backwall attenuation

• Gate C

• Data logger

Available Transducer & Cable Kits (When LEMO + DAC Package Selected)

ASME Weld Kit

Includes multiple MWB angle beam probes (45°, 60°, 70°), straight beam probe, and various Lemo cables.

AWS Weld Kit

Includes AWS Gamma probe, wedges (45°, 60°, 70°), and BNC-to-Lemo cabling.

General Purpose Kit

Includes a 4 MHz straight beam probe and Lemo cabling.

Key Features of the GE USM 36

7-Inch High-Visibility Display

Ensures clear A-Scan interpretation during angle beam or straight beam inspections.

Long Battery Life

Up to 13 hours of operation for extended field work.

Flexible Pulser Options

• Spike mode: 120–300V

• Square-wave mode: 120–300V, 30–500 ns pulse width

Advanced Color Leg Indicator

Supports angle beam inspections with real-time visualization for weld scanning.

High Data Storage Flexibility

Save inspection data on:

• SD Cards

• USB memory devices

IP66 Protection

Excellent environmental resistance for rugged work sites.

Technical Specifications

Display & Time Settings

• Delay: –15 to 3,500 µs

• Velocity: 250–16,000 m/s

• Range: up to 14,108 mm for longitudinal waves

Connector Options

• 2 × LEMO-1 or 2 × BNC probe connectors

• USB type B

• LEMO interface port

Pulser & Receiver

• Spike or square-wave pulsing

• Damping: 50–1000 ohms

• Analog bandwidth: 0.5–20 MHz

• Noise level: <80 nV/√Hz

Gates & Measurement

• Independent Gates A & B

• Optional Gate C

• Peak, Flank, J-Flank, and First Peak measurement modes

Memory & Data Handling

• 8 GB SD card included

• Store datasets in ASCII format

• Reports exportable as JPG or BMP

General Specs

• Weight: 2.2 kg with battery

• Dimensions: 255 × 177 × 100 mm

• Operating temp: –10°C to 55°C

• Storage temp: –20°C to 60°C

Included Package Contents

• GE Krautkrämer USM 36 unit

• MWB angle beam probes (45°, 60°, 70°)

• MSEB dual element straight beam probe

• AWS Gamma transducer and wedges

• General-purpose straight beam probe

• Lemo and BNC cables

• Rechargeable battery pack + charger

• SD card

• USB cable

• Quick reference guide

• Operating manual (CD)

• Certificate of conformity

• Transport case