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Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG) is a non‑destructive testing (NDT) technique used to measure material thickness and monitor corrosion, erosion, and wall loss from one side of a component. By using high‑frequency ultrasonic sound waves, UTG provides accurate, reliable thickness measurements without cutting, dismantling, or damaging the asset.
What is Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG)?
UTG works on the pulse‑echo principle of ultrasonics. A transducer sends a short ultrasonic pulse into the material, which travels through the wall and reflects off the internal surface (back wall). The instrument measures the time of flight of the echo and calculates the remaining wall thickness using the known sound velocity of the material. UTG requires access to only one side of the component, making it ideal for in‑service inspections.

Key Technical Features

One‑side access thickness measurement

One‑side access thickness measurement

High‑frequency ultrasonic sound waves

High‑frequency ultrasonic sound waves

Digital thickness display with high accuracy

Digital thickness display with high accuracy

Suitable for flat and curved surfaces

Suitable for flat and curved surfaces

Portable equipment for field inspections

Portable equipment for field inspections

What UTG Measures

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging is effective for identifying:

Remaining wall thickness

Remaining wall thickness

Corrosion and erosion damage

Corrosion and erosion damage

General material thinning

General material thinning

Localized wall loss and wear

Localized wall loss and wear

Thickness variations in critical components

Thickness variations in critical components

Key Benefits of Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging

One‑Side Access

One‑Side Access

Thickness measurements can be carried out from a single accessible surface, even on in‑service equipment.

High Accuracy

High Accuracy

UTG can achieve accurate thickness readings when properly calibrated and coupled to the surface.

Safe, Radiation‑Free Method

Safe, Radiation‑Free Method

UTG does not involve ionizing radiation, making it safe for operators and nearby personnel.

Fast & Portable

Fast & Portable

Handheld gauges allow quick data collection in plants, fields, and remote locations.

Ideal for Corrosion Monitoring

Ideal for Corrosion Monitoring

UTG is widely used in corrosion management programs and periodic condition assessments.

Industries Using UTG
Oil & Gas
Petrochemical & Refinery
Power Generation
Marine & Offshore
Manufacturing & Infrastructure

Common Inspection Applications

Pipeline and piping thickness surveys

Pipeline and piping thickness surveys

Pressure vessels and storage tanks

Pressure vessels and storage tanks

Ship hull gauging and class surveys

Ship hull gauging and class surveys

Boilers, heat exchangers, and columns

Boilers, heat exchangers, and columns

Structural steel and plate thickness checks

Structural steel and plate thickness checks

How the UTG Process Works

Surface Preparation

Surface Preparation

Cleaning the measurement point to ensure good acoustic coupling.

Calibration

Calibration

Setting sound velocity based on the material type.

Couplant Application

Couplant Application

Applying gel or liquid to transmit ultrasonic waves.

Thickness Measurement

Thickness Measurement

Ultrasonic pulse is sent and reflected echo is recorded.

Recording & Reporting

Recording & Reporting

Thickness data is documented for analysis and trending.

Why Choose Our UTG Services

Certified UT and corrosion monitoring inspectors

Certified UT and corrosion monitoring inspectors

Digital ultrasonic thickness gauges with high precision

Digital ultrasonic thickness gauges with high precision

Portable inspection kits for field and rope‑access work

Portable inspection kits for field and rope‑access work

Accurate reporting and trending for integrity management

Accurate reporting and trending for integrity management

Suitable for fabrication and in‑service inspections

Suitable for fabrication and in‑service inspections

Fast, cost‑effective corrosion assessment solutions

Fast, cost‑effective corrosion assessment solutions

Contact us at NIsales@setsco.com to discuss your project requirements.