ULTRASONIC ACOUSTICS

ENHANCE YOU NATURAL SENSES AND LISTEN TO YOUR MACHINERY

With Ultrasonic Acoustics you can listen to sounds that are outside of the audible frequency range of humans and beyond the scope of detection of vibration analysis equipment. In fact, Ultrasonic Acoustics provides the most efficient means of identifying some specific, highly critical equipment faults. This is why Ultrasonic Acoustics from Engineering Dynamics Services provides an invaluable addition to the Condition Monitoring Toolbox.

At its most effective, Ultrasonic Acoustics should be applied as part of an integrated package of conditioning monitoring techniques. The package might also include vibration analysis and thermographic imaging. Like many other techniques that are applied in the modern industrial world, Ultrasonic Acoustics Inspection is typically used in the early detection of faults to avoid catastrophic failure and machinery down time. The technique also serves to detect areas where energy utilization or electricity transmission is inefficient.

The following examples provide an introduction to the specific applications for which Ultrasonic Acoustic Inspection is invaluable. They demonstrate why the service should be strongly considered in condition monitoring and reliability engineering programmes.

BEARING WEAR

Bearing wear is typically detected using vibration analysis or oil analysis techniques. But when bearings are operated at ultra-low speeds, vibration analysis is of little value. And where bearings are grease lubricated, obtaining a representative lubricant sample for analysis purposes is difficult. Even if bearings are oil lubricated, the wear may not be pinpointed. In such cases, Ultrasonic Acoustics can be used.

The technique ‘listens’ to the high frequency sounds produced when conforming surfaces of rolling element bearings encounter surface defects.

GAS LEAKS

Leaking gases from pressure and vacuum systems can lead to costly energy losses. When gases pass through a small fracture or hole – from a high-pressure area to a low – high frequency noise, associated with changes in flow behavior, will be produced. The detection of a steam leak from a pressurized system is one area where Ultrasonic Acoustics can be beneficial, particularly from an energy/cost savings perspective.

OPTIMIZING RE-GREASING PRACTICES

The gradual on-set of lack of lubrication of rolling element bearings can be detected using Ultrasonic Acoustics Inspection techniques. In a similar way, over lubrication can be detected. Hence, for critical and high-cost bearings, re-greasing practices can be optimized to provide maximum bearing life.

ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE

For transformers, switchgear and general electrical equipment, there are specific faults that can be identified using Ultrasonic Acoustics Inspection. It involves detection of the crackling sound, which occurs when electricity jumps a gap in an electrical connection or escapes from high voltage lines. Electric arc, ‘corona’ and tracking detection of insulation faults can all be effectively identified. Steam Trap Auditing

STEAM TRAP AUDITING

Ultra-Sonic Acoustics Inspection can also be used to determine the operating condition of steam traps. Mechanical, thermostatic and thermodynamic steam traps can be inspected to confirm their operational state without the need to crack lines.

Ask Engineering Dynamics how Ultra-Sonic Acoustics can fill some important gaps in your condition monitoring systems, contact us or email us directly.