Airborne and Structure Borne Ultrasound

Ultrasound, uses high frequency sound energy to conduct assessments and make measurements. Ultrasound sounds are too high in frequency for humans to hear.  Specialized equipment detects this sound which an analyst can then use to locate the source of a possible fault and use that same data to assess its type and severity. This technique can help identify both mechanical and electrical failures. It will also work in noisy environments as the frequencies being detected are much higher than what people can hear.

Common Applications for Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used to perform condition analysis and record sounds. Some of the most common plant applications are:

Mechanical

• bearing inspection
• pump cavitation

Electrical

• detection of corona in switch gear

Airborne

• leak detection in pressure and vacuum systems (i.e., boilers, heat exchangers, condensers, chillers, distillation columns, vacuum furnaces, specialty gas systems)
• steam trap inspection
• valve blow-by
• compressor valve analysis
• integrity of seals and gaskets in tanks
• pipe systems
• large walk-in boxes

All operating equipment, and most leakage problems, produce a broad range of sound. We would recommend this methodology in instances where customers:

• cannot pinpoint exact locations of leaks or failures,
• are unsure if there are any leaks,
• are looking to reduce energy waste as leaks are very costly.

To connect directly with our reliability engineering team, please contact us at reliabilityservices@acuren.com  or 1-800-218-7450.