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 on 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.