Leak detection; save money.
Stop compressed air leaks!

Leak Detectors:

You can sometimes hear compressed air leaks or sometimes even see them when the escaping air stream impacts on something that moves. Yet the surefire method of finding compressed air leaks on the air system in your plant is through Ultrasonic leak detection.

Ultrasonic leak detection can generate great savings in all industrial plants in two ways: substantial energy savings (detecting leaks in compressed air or gas systems, vacuums, steam traps, tanks, window seals, etc) and mechanical malfunctions (detection of worn bearings, gears, mechanical movable parts within casings, etc).

Ultrasonic detectors work by 'listening' in a frequency band normally containing no interference and one that is inaudible to humans (above 20kHz).

Leaking compressed air or electrical flashover (sparks) generates ultrasonic noise. Audible noises from the surroundings are filtered off so that the device can also be used in noisy environments.

Some ultrasonic leak detectors have a new 'ultra search' technology incorporated, which improves both close leak seek and the detection of leaks at a distance (up to 6m) and offers both analogue and digital leak detection.

When using analogue leak detection (with hearing protector) a 'buzz' can be heard in the headphone, and the sound level depends on the size of the leak. If looking for a very 'small' leak close by, the directional probe can be applied to the sensor at the top of the instrument and optimum listening sensitivity is achieved. The analogue detection is very precise, both close and at distance.

When using digital leak detection (without hearing protector) the unit makes use of newly developed digital technology, where the ultrasound transforms into a digital signal which the user sees and hears from the ultrasonic detector as a flashing light and a pulsating sound. The faster the light flashes and the sound pulsates the closer the unit is to the leak. The speed is also an expression of the size of the leak (the faster the pulsation - the larger the leakage).

Digital leak detection is very fast and handy, but not as precise as analogue detection.

It is of the utmost importance to make sure and seal all the leaks found at the examination as compressed air leakage costs a lot of money.

An ultrasonic leak detector can also work as a 'mechanical malfunction troubleshooter'. It picks up interference from movable parts through a stethoscope or a clip.

The stethoscope only 'listens' to low-frequency mechanical vibrations so the stethoscope can also be used in noisy areas.

Ultrasonic detectors can also be used in conjunction with an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits pulsating ultrasound. The ultrasonic transmitter can be placed inside a steel tank, for example, that is then closed. The user can then examine the tank from the outside and can easily find any leaks that are identified by sounds like 'pips' in the headphones if a leak is present.

Ultrasonic leak detectors are an essential and necessary tool for all maintenance /service staff working in all types of industrial plants.

I thank Mr. Hugh Gallagher of Logis-Tech Associates in Glasgow Scotland for this information and authorization for the use of the photos he provided.

If you have any questions about ultrasonic leak detection, Hugh can be contacted via email at: hugo@logis-tech.co.uk. Their web site link is: here.







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