Ultrasound Technology and Compressed Air Audits Ultrasound Technology and Compressed Air Audits

Brief Overview of Ultrasound Ultrasonic frequencies are high frequency signals that are above range of human hearing. Ultrasonic frequencies are high frequency signals that are above range of human hearing. Human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz Human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz Ultrasound instruments sense 20 kHz to 100 kHz Ultrasound instruments sense 20 kHz to 100 kHz High frequencies have characteristics that work differently than low frequencies in the audible range. High frequencies have characteristics that work differently than low frequencies in the audible range.

SOUND PENETRATION Low Frequency Wave –Vibrate Solid Surfaces –Large Objects Appear Transparent High Frequency Wave –Short –Weak –Can not Penetrate Solid Objects MPEG SUPERSONIC FLYBY OF AN F14 SHOWING THE SOUND WAVE WITH A VAPOR CLOUD

How Do We Detect Ultrasound? Using a digital ultrasonic translator which provides: Display Screens with test data including Decibel and Frequency read outs. Display Screens with test data including Decibel and Frequency read outs. Software for data management Software for data management Sound recording ability and sound analysis software Sound recording ability and sound analysis software

How Do these Ultrasonic Translators Work? The Ultrasound is detected and these sounds are then translated down into lower frequencies within the range of human hearing The Ultrasound is detected and these sounds are then translated down into lower frequencies within the range of human hearing They are heard through headphones They are heard through headphones And observed as intensity increments on a meter or display panel. And observed as intensity increments on a meter or display panel.

Interchangeable Modules Leaks Are Detected By: Leaks Are Detected By: –Scanning Module –Stethoscope Module –Tone method Specialized Methods May Be Considered: Specialized Methods May Be Considered: –Long Range Module Non Accessible Leaks –Liquid Leak Amplifier Laminar or “TINY” Leaks

Where Do Air Leaks Occur? Mechanical Seals Mechanical Seals Threaded Fittings Threaded Fittings Sealant Problems Sealant Problems Gaskets Gaskets Corrosion/Erosion Corrosion/Erosion Structure Penetrations Structure Penetrations

Considerations in Leak Detection Turbulence Turbulence Orifice Shape Orifice Shape Fluid Characteristics: Viscosity & Molecular Wt. Fluid Characteristics: Viscosity & Molecular Wt. Pressure Differentials Pressure Differentials Distance From Leak Distance From Leak Competing Ultrasounds Competing Ultrasounds Accessibility to Leak Accessibility to Leak Atmospheric Conditions Atmospheric Conditions

Relating Sound Levels to CFM

Conducting a Compressed Air Survey Gather Data Gather Data –Compressor Info –PSIG Operating data –Hours of Operation Begin Survey at Compressor Begin Survey at Compressor Follow Air Lines to all Pieces of Equipment Follow Air Lines to all Pieces of Equipment Record dB Readings of Leaks Record dB Readings of Leaks Take Photographs of Leaks Take Photographs of Leaks

Test, Listen, Record

Generate a Cost Report Place Recorded dB Readings in Analysis Software Place Recorded dB Readings in Analysis Software Generate Report of dB Sound Level of Each Leak Converted to CFM with Associated kW Usage and Annual Cost of Leak Generate Report of dB Sound Level of Each Leak Converted to CFM with Associated kW Usage and Annual Cost of Leak

Place Pictures with Report Place Photos of Each Leak Location that Numerically Matches the Cost Report Place Photos of Each Leak Location that Numerically Matches the Cost Report

AIR LEAKS COST !!!!!! LEAK DIAAIR-LOSSLOSS/DAY LOSS/DAY LOSS/YR. CFMCU.FT/DAY $ $ / / / , / , / , / , / , / , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , / , , NOTE: Based on 100 PSI, $0.25 /mcf, 8760 hours / year

Questions on Leak Detection?

Conclusion ULTRASOUND: ULTRASOUND: –Versatile –Simple to use –Provides definitive data of air leaks –Supports other technologies QUESTIONS??? THANK YOU QUESTIONS??? THANK YOU