Sonotech Pyrogel

Sonotech Pyrogel

Overview

Pyrogel® is a broad temperature range couplant for thickness gauging, flow metering, acoustic emissions testing and flaw detection/sizing. These products contain no polymers and resists drying, making them an excellent choice for long term flow metering applications. Pyrogel 100 is a thick gel with a recommended temperature range from -50° to 805°F (-45 to 429°C.)

Pyrogel 100 is available in these sizes:

  • 12 oz. Bottles (Case of 2)
  • 1 Gallon Cube

Features

  • Broadest temperature range
  • Non-drying for long-term coupling or extended inspection time
  • Good choice for long-term flow metering
  • Excellent long-term corrosion inhibition
  • Pyrogel 100 clings well to vertical and overhead surfaces


Specification Compliance

  • API
  • ASME
  • AWS

Applications

  • Defect Location: subsurface
  • Ideal for:
    • Flaw detection
    • Thickness gauging
    • Acoustic emission testing
    • Corrosion testing
    • Long-term flow metering
    • High temperature ultrasonic testing
    • Power generation boilers, transmission pipes and pressure vessels
    • Pipes, tubular good, casing and connections
    • Low temperature locations
    • Long-term coupling

Technical Specifications

Pyrogel 100 Specifications

Appearance: Translucent gel
Color: Colorless
Comparative Viscosity: 10 - Very thick gel
Actual Viscosity: > 4,000,000 cps (LV #5 @ 0.3 rpm)
Long Velocity: 1.20 cm/sec
Impedance: 1.35 Mrayls
Acoustic Performance: 55
Silicone: Yes
Glycerin: No
Propylene Glycol: No
Water Soluble: No
Halogens: < 50 ppm
Sulfur: < 50 ppm
Flash Point*: 559°F (293°C)
Auto-Ignition Temperature†: 894°F (479°C)
Temperature Range‡: -50° to 850°F (-45° to 429°C)
Storage Temperature: 50° to 86°F (10° to 30°C)
Compatibility: Most composites and metals

* Flash point temperature determined in accordance with ASTM Method D92 using the Cleveland Open Cup method. In areas where vapors may be confined in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area, the actual flash point of this product may be lower than recorded.

† Auto-Ignition temperature determined in accordance with ASTM Method E659.

‡ Recommended temperature based on Flash Point and Auto-Ignition Temperature. In areas where flame or other ignition source may be present, or in applications where vapors may be confined in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area, these products should not be used above the flash point temperature.

How It Works

Extreme-Temperature Guidelines

  • Before use, make sure the surface temperature of the test piece does not exceed the maximum specified temperature for the application and environmental conditions.
  • At high temperatures, couplants evaporate relatively quickly; more couplant may be required near the upper end of the operating temperature range to compensate for evaporation. Care should be taken to avoid using excess couplant as this may lead to increased vapors which can pose a flash hazard.
  • The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. At the flash point temperature, the material vapor will flash only if an ignition source is present and the vapor may cease to burn when the ignition source is removed. In areas where vapors may be confined in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area, the flash point of a material may be lower than the recorded value.
  • The auto-ignition temperature of a material is the lowest temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark. Environmental or atmospheric factors will affect auto-ignition temperature; therefore it is important to observe a suitable safety margin in conjunction with auto-ignition temperature.
  • Smoke develops as the couplant begins to decompose due to heat exposure. Smoke is not an indication the couplant is not working, but it does indicate the effective coupling time is limited. Smoke produces vapors which may lower the couplant flash point, particularly in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas.
  • A couplant’s upper temperature range for short duration thickness gauging is higher than when used for flaw detection.
Step 1: Apply Couplant

In most applications, the transducer is best coupled with the thinnest layer of couplant possible. Apply a small bead of couplant directly to the center of the transducer face and push the transducer down onto the test surface with a uniform force so the couplant spreads out evenly towards the edge of the transducer.

In high-temperature applications it is recommended that extra care is taken to use just enough couplant to perform the test procedure as excess couplant may increase vapors which can pose a flash hazard.

Step 2: Removal

Remove excess couplant from transducers and other surfaces by wiping with disposable rags or paper towels, being careful to protect skin from hot surfaces. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on hot surfaces.

Step 3: Storage

Store couplant in the original container. Do not freeze. Store out of direct sunlight. Keep container closed when not in use. Never put unused couplant back into the original storage container.

Pyrogel 7 has been discontinued. Pyrogel 100 is still available for purchase.

The 4 oz. tubes of Pyrogel 100 have been discontinued.

1 Gallon Pails must be purchased in quantities of 2 (i.e. QTY 2, 4, 6, etc.) 

Product Literature

Description Part # Saved Price Select Option Add to
Sonotech Pyrogel GR. 100 (specify packaging)
Model #
UT-SO-24-Master
$914.00
Sonotech Pyrogel GR. 100 4 oz. tubes (min. 6) UT-SO-24-T04
Request Pricing
Sonotech Pyrogel GR. 7 - 1 Gallon Cubitainer (Minimum QTY 2) UT-SO-21-901
Request Pricing