1. Adam Adgar School of Computing and Technology
Ultrasound
Adam Adgar
School of Computing and Technology

2. Ultrasonic Analysis
Measures the sonic sound patterns of machines being monitored.
Airborne ultrasounds (20 kHz – 100 kHz)
Cannot penetrate solid surfaces
Can penetrate cracks
Radiate in a straight line therefore the source is easy to locate
Travel a short distance
Compare to vibration = 1 Hz – 30,000 Hz

3. Ultrasonic Analysis
Ultrasounds are sound waves that cannot be heard by the unaided ear (> 20 kHz).
Ultrasounds are detected utilizing an ultrasound scanning device.
Changes to a component’s ultrasonic signature are easily recognized as the component begin to wear and deteriorate.
Ultrasound can be a complimentary technology to vibration, thermography and lubrication monitoring.

4. Instrumentation Operation
Instruments measure information
qualitatively - through noise-isolating headphone
quantitatively - via incremental readings on meter display
Digital instruments provide on-board data storage for data logging and for viewing baseline data.
On-board sound recording for spectral analysis
Converts ultrasounds sensed by the instrument into the audible range where users can hear and recognize them through headphones. (Heterodyning)

5. Instrumentation Operation
Technique focuses on high frequency (~ 100 kHz) component of the elastic waves being generated by operating machinery
Resulting signal is very strongly influenced by fault processes
Has a much reduced sensitivity to the effects of normal running components.
i.e. good machines are much quieter at 100 kHz yet machine faults resulting in deteriorating contacting surface give very loud signals
Most systems can be connected to a vibration data collector
Similar signal processing requirements.
Enveloping can be used

6. Uses Leak detection in pressure and vacuum systems bearing inspection
boilers
heat exchangers
hydraulic systems
condensers
chillers
fuel cells
tanks, pipes, hatches,
bearing inspection
lubrication
gears/gearboxes
pump cavitation
motors
steam traps
valve seat testing
testing for arcing, corona in electrical apparatus
compressor valve analysis
Airborne Noise
Leak Detection
Materials Testing

7. What’s Needed Ultrasound scanning device. Training
Handheld device usually with two modes:
Scanning
Contact
Training
Limited to applications which produce measurable ultrasounds.

8. Advantages and Pay Backs
Moderate cost.
Simple to use.
Savings potential is great.
Air leak identification
Steam trap leaks ($2000 per year can be lost from a single trap).
Pay back in one year or less.
Measurements are directional and faults easily located
Provide early warning of impending mechanical failure
Instruments can be used in loud, noisy environments
Supports and enhances other CM technologies

9. Case Study: Leak Detection
Leaking fluid (liquid or gas) moves from a zone of high pressure to a zone of low pressure.
As it passes through the leak site, turbulent flow is generated which has strong ultrasonic components.
These components can be ‘heard’ (measured) with specialized detection equipment.
Large leaks and background noise can ‘overwhelm’ many detectors and require continual adjustments to find the source. Shielding of the detector is a useful tool to eliminate background noise.
Vacuum leaks can be differentiated from pressure leaks.

10. Inspection Air leak Steam Trap Steam leak
Inspection method depends on the type of valve or steam trap.
Hence must know how a specific trap or valve works.
Procedure for leakage or blockage test:
touch upstream of the valve/trap with contact waveguide probe
reduce sensitivity of the instrument until the meter/display panel reads about 50% of scale.
if the instrument has frequency tuning, you may also use this feature to hear the trap or valve sound quality more clearly.
tune the frequency until the sound you would expect to hear becomes clear.
Touch downstream of the valve/trap and compare intensity levels.
if the sound is louder down stream, the fluid is passing through.
if the sound level is low, the valve or trap is closed.
When recording decibel levels and trending make all settings on the ultrasonic instrument repeatable.

11. Ultrasonic Acoustics Example of a Good Valve Test Point A = 50 db
Test Point B = 40 db
Test Point C = 17 db
Test Point D = 8 db
Example of a Good Valve

12. Summary
Ultrasonic Acoustics provides accurate detection of fluid leaks
Often very effective when combined with other techniques.
Good practice to confirm suspected leak detected with one technology by repeating the detection with a another technique.

13. Self Study Examine real audio files of acoustic emission tests at:
Read Technical Report
Ultrasonic Tips On Monitoring Bearings For Proper Lubrication and Wear. Mark A. Goodman, VP Engineering UE Systems, Inc.