Ultrasound instruments listen for high frequency sounds that are not heard in the range of normal human hearing. Typical applications include compressed air & gas leak detection, electrical inspection, and condition monitoring applications.

Ultrasound technology can easily be implemented into established maintenance & reliability programs that are currently using other technologies such as vibration analysis & infrared. The best M&R programs are ones that do not rely on one single technology, but multiple technologies. Here are some tips to assist you:

Best Practices for Mechanical Inspection

• Initial ultrasound data should include both decibel readings and sound files

• Once baseline has been established, decibel readings are recorded

• Set alarm levels

• Record both decibel readings and sound files when an alarm is reached

Best Practices for Electrical Inspection

• Infrared scans are typically done by an outside service provider annually, or semiannually. In between annual infrared scans, use ultrasound to periodically listen for conditions.

• Only relying on infrared increases the chances of missing conditions not detected by infrared

• The best method of diagnosing electrical issues with ultrasound is through the use of recorded ultrasounds

Thanks to Adrian Messer with UE Systems, Inc. for sharing these tips with us.

Filed under:
Maintenance Tips, Ultrasound by Ana Maria Delgado