Ultrasound Applications
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Ultrasound Applications Common Uses of Airborne and Structureborne Ultrasound Technology Valves Valve activity such as leakage or blockage can be accurately checked while the valve is on line. Properly seated valves are relatively quiet while leaking valves produce a turbulent flow as the fluid moves from the high pressure side through the leak to the low pressure side. Due to a wide sensitivity and ultrasonic frequency selection range, all types of valves even in noisy environments can be accurately tested. Valve Stems Valve stems may be quickly tested for leaks to atmos­phere. Pressure/Vacuum Leaks As any gas (air, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) passes through a leak orifice, it generates a turbulent flow with detectable high frequency components. By scanning the test area with an Ultraprobe, a leak can be heard through the headset as a rushing sound or noted on the display/meter. The closer the instrument is to the leak, the louder the rushing sound and the higher the reading. Should ambient noise be a problem, a rubber focusing probe may be used to narrow the instrument’s reception field and to shield it from conflicting ultrasounds. In addition, Frequency Tuning (available in most models) dramatically reduces background noise interference to provide ease of ultrasonic leak detection as never before experienced. Steam Trap Inspection Major steam trap manufacturers have recommended ultra­ ound ins spection of steam traps as one of the most reliable methods available. By converting the ultrasonic elements of a working steam trap into the audible range, Ultraprobe® allows users to hear through headphones and see on a display/ meter the exact condition of a steam trap while it is on line. Blow-by, machine gunning, oversized traps or line blockage are all easily detected. Frequency tuning enhances Ultraprobe’s ability to discriminate be­ween condensate and steam. Ultraprobe® t markedly reduces confusion from extraneous sounds or from heat transfer, even when traps are extremely close together.

Reciprocating Compressor Valve Analysis has become so successful with the Ultraprobe®, many engine analyzer companies now offer instruments with an ultrasonic input port. Bearing Inspection/Monitoring Bearing Inspection/Monitoring Ultraprobe® detects the earliest stage of bearing failure. NASA research has demonstrated that ultrasound bearing monitoring will locate potential bearing failure long before it is detected by traditional heat and vibration methods. With the Ultraprobe, users hear the sound quality of a bearing as well as monitor amplitude changes on the display/ meter. This...