ue SYSTEMS Ultraprobe 100 Ultrasonic Leak Detector Instruction Manual

ue SYSTEMS Ultraprobe 100 Ultrasonic Leak Detector

Safety Advisory

Please read before using your instrument

WARNING
Improper use of your ultrasonic detector may result in death or serious injury. Observe all safety precautions. Do not attempt to make any repairs or adjustments while the equipment is operating. Be sure to turn off and LOCK OUT all electrical and mechanical sources before performing any corrective maintenance. Always refer to local guidelines for appropriate lockout and maintenance procedures.
Safety precaution:
Although your ultrasonic instrument is intended to be used while equipment is operating, the close proximity of hot piping, electrical equipment and rotating parts are all potentially hazardous to the user. Be sure to use extreme caution when using your instrument around energized equipment. Avoid direct contact with hot pipes or parts, any moving parts or electrical connections. Do not attempt to check findings by touching the equipment with your hands or fingers. Be sure to use appropriate lockout procedures when attempting repairs. Be careful with loose hanging parts such as the wrist strap or headphone cord when inspecting near moving mechanical devices since they may get caught. Don’t touch moving parts with the contact probe. This may not only damage the part, but cause personal injury as well. When inspecting electrical equipment, use caution. High voltage equipment can cause death or severe injury. Do not touch live electrical equipment with your instrument. Use the rubber focusing probe with the scanning module. Consult with your safety director before entering the area and follow all safety procedures. In high voltage areas, keep the instrument close to your body by keeping your elbows bent. Use recommended protective clothing. Do not get close to equipment. Your detector will locate problems at a distance. When working around high temperature piping, use caution. Use protective clothing and do not attempt to touch any piping or equipment while it is hot. Consult with your safety director before entering the area.

The Ultraprobe 100

provides easy, accurate leak detection and mechanical inspection through advanced ultrasonic technology.

Before you begin testing, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic components of your kit.

Components

Metered pistol housing
The main component of the Ultraprobe is its’ pistol housing. From back to front, let’s examine each part.
Bargraph Display
The display consists of a ten segment LED bargraph that will indicate ultrasonic signal strength. A low number of LEDs indicate a low level of ultrasound, conversely more intense ultrasonic signals will display more LEDs.
Battery Level Light
This red light turns on only when the batteries need to be replaced.
NOTE: When the trigger on/off switch is pulled to the on position the Battery Level Light will flicker on and then stay off. This is normal and has no relation to battery condition.
Sensitivity Selection Dial
There are eight (8) sensitivity levels which read out in related decibels of “0” to “70”. As the dial is turned to the right, to “0”, the sensitivity of the instrument increases. As the dial is turned to the left, to “70”, the sensitivity decreases. A low level ultrasound emission produces low amplitude. For this reason, the instrument should be in a high sensitivity position. 0 is the high sensitivity position. 0 is a dB indication of threshold detection for the instrument. For higher amplitude signals, move the sensitivity to the left towards “70”. The dial dB indications, along with the LED indications in the bar graph may be used to establish dB levels. To do this, just add 3 dB for each LED bargraph indication to the dB level set in the sensitivity dial. EX: 0 dB on the sensitivity dial, plus 3 LED bargrah levels = 9dB (0+9). 40 dB on the sensitivity dial plus 4 bar graphs = 52 dB (40+12)
Head Set Jack
This is where you plug in the headset. Be sure to plug it in firmly until it clicks. Should a tape recorder be utilized, this is where the cord for the tape recorder is inserted. (Use a miniphone plug).
Trigger Switch
This is located on the underside of the Ultraprobe 100. The Ultraprobe is always “off” until the trigger switch is pressed. To operate, simply press the trigger; to turn the instrument off, release the trigger.

Scanning module
This module is utilized to receive air-borne ultrasound such as the ultrasounds emitted by pressure leaks and electrical discharges. To use, make sure it is plugged in to the front end of the metered pistol housing by aligning the plug with the receptical and inserting it firmly.

To use the Scanning Module:

1. Plug in to front end.
2. Start with the sensitivity selection dial at maximum (8).
3. Start to scan the test area.

The method of air borne detection is to go from the “gross to the fine”. If there is too much ultrasound in the area, reduce the sensitivity, place the RUBBER FOCUSING PROBE (described below) over the scanning module and proceed to follow the test sound to its’ loudest point. If it is difficult to locate the sound due to a high intensity signal, keep reducing the sensitivity and following the meter to the loudest point.

Rubber focusing probe
The Rubber Focusing Probe is a circular shaped rubber shield. It is used to block out stray ultrasound and to assist in narrowing the field of reception of the Scanning Module. It also increases the sensitivity. To use, simply slip it over the front of the scanning module or the contact module.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the module plug, always remove the module BEFORE attaching and removing the Rubber Focusing Probe.

Contact Stethoscope module

This is the module with the metal rod. This rod is utilized as a “wave-guide” that is sensitive to ultrasound generated internally such as within a pipe, bearing housing, steam trap or wall. Once stimulated by ultrasound, it transfers the signal to a piezoelectric transducer located directly in the module housing.
To use the Stethoscope Module:

1. Align the pin located at the rear of the module with the jack in the front end of the Metered Pistol Housing and plug in firmly.
2. Touch test area.
3. As with the scanning module, go from the “gross” to the “fine”. Start a maximum sensitivity on the Sensitivity Selection Dial and proceed to reduce the sensitivity until a satisfactory sound and meter level is achieved.

Headset Premium Kit

This heavy duty headset is designed to block out intense sounds often found in industrial environments so that the user may easily hear the sounds received by the ULTRAPROBE. To use, simply plug the headset cord into the headset jack on the metered pistol housing, and place the headphones over your ears. If a hard hat is to be worn, it is recommended to use UE Systems’ model UE-DHC-2HH Hard Hat Headphones which are specifically designed for hard hat use. For those situations in which it is not possible or difficult to wear the standard headphones described above, UE Systems has two options available:

1.  the DHC 1991 Earpiece which loops around the ear, and
2. the SA-2000 Speaker Amplifier which is a loud speaker that is compatible with the Ultraprobe headphone output jack.

WTG-1 warble tone generator (premium kit)

The WTG-1 Tone Generator is an ultrasonic transmitter designed to flood an area with ultrasound. It is used for a special type of leak test. When placed inside an empty container or on one side of a test item, it will flood that area with an intense ultrasound that will not penetrate any solid but will flow through any existing fault or void. By scanning with the Scanning Module, empty containers such as pipes, tanks, windows, doors, bulkheads or hatches can be instantly checked for leakage. This Tone Generator is a WARBLE TONE GENERATOR. This internationally patented transmitter sweeps through a number of ultrasonic frequencies in a fraction of a second to produce a strong, recognizable “Warble” signal. The warble tone prevents a standing wave condition which can produce false readings and provides for a consistency of testing in practically any material.

To use the WARBLE TONE GENERATOR

1. Turn Tone Generator on by selecting either “LOW” for a low amplitude signal (usually recommended for small containers) or “HIGH” for high amplitude. In high, the Warble Tone Generator will cover up to 113m³ (4,000 cubic feet ) of unobstructed space. When the Tone Generator is on, a red light (located below the recharge jack in the front) flickers.
2. Place the Warble Tone Generator within the test item/container and seal or close it. Then scan the suspect areas with the Scanning Module in the Ultraprobe and listen for where the “warble” ultrasound penetrates. As an example, if the item to be tested is the seal around a window, place the Warble Tone Generator on one side of the window, close it and proceed to scan on the opposite side.

To test the condition of the Warble Tone Generator battery, set to the LOW INTENSITY position and listen to the sound through the Ultraprobe headphones. A smooth continuous warbling sound should be heard. If a “beeping” is heard instead, then a full recharge of the Warble Tone Generator is indicated.

To charge the Warble Tone Generator

1. Use the recharger.
2. Plug the recharger cord into the recharge jack located on top of the front panel.
3. Plug the recharger into the local current supply
4. A complete charge will take 7 hours.
5.  Since there is no memory problem, the Tone Generator may be charged after short intervals of use.

Ultraprobe applications

leak detection
This section will cover airborne leak detection of pressure and vacuum systems. (For information concerned with internal leaks such as in Valves and Steam Traps, refer to the appropriate sections). What produces ultrasound in a leak? When a gas passes through a restricted orifice under pressure, it is going from a pressurized laminar flow to low pressure turbulent flow. (Fig. 1). The turbulence generates a broad spectrum of sound called “white noise”. There are ultrasonic components in this white noise. Since the ultrasound will be loudest by the leak site, the detection of these signals is usually quite simple.

A leak can be in a pressurized system or in a vacuum system. In both instances, the ultrasound will be produced in the manner described above. The only difference between the two is that a vacuum leak will usually generate less ultrasonic amplitude than a pressure leak of the same flow rate. The reason for this is that the turbulence produced by a vacuum leak is occurring within the vacuum chamber while the turbulence of a pressure leak is generated in the atmosphere. (Fig.2). What type of gas leak will be detected ultrasonically? Generally any gas, including air, will produce a turbulence when it escapes through a restricted orifice. Unlike gas specific sensors, the Ultraprobe is sound specific. A gas specific sensor is limited to the particular gas it was designed to sense (e.g., helium). The Ultraprobe can sense any type of gas leak since it detects the ultrasound produced by the turbulence of a leak. Because of its versatility, the Ultraprobe may be utilized in a wide variety of leak detection. Pneumatic systems may be checked, pressurized cables, such as those utilized by telephone companies, may be tested. Air brake systems on railroad cars, trucks, and buses may be checked. Tanks, pipes, housings, casings and tubes are easily tested for leakage by pressurizing them. Vacuum systems, turbine exhausts, vacuum chambers, material handling systems, condensers, oxygen systems can all easily be tested for leakage by listening for the turbulence of the leak.

How to locate leaks

1. Use the SCANNING MODULE.
2. Start off with the sensitivity selection at 0 (Maximum).
3. Begin to scan by pointing the module towards the test area. The procedure is to go from the “gross” to the “fine” – more and more subtle adjustments will be made as the leak is approached.
4. If there is too much ultrasound in the area, reduce the sensitivity setting and continue to scan.
5. If it is difficult to isolate the leak due to competing ultrasound, place the RUBBER FOCUSING PROBE over the scanning module and proceed to scan the test area.
6. Listen for a “rushing” sound while observing the meter.
7. Follow the sound to the loudest point. The meter will show a higher reading as the leak is approached.
8.  In order to focus in on the leak, keep reducing the sensitivity setting and move the instrument closer to the suspected leak site until you are able to confirm a leak.

To confirm a leak:

Position the Scanning Module, or the rubber focusing probe (if it is on the scanning module) close to the suspect leak site and move it, slightly, back and forth, in all directions. If the leak is at this location, the sound will increase and decrease in intensity as you sweep over it. In some instances, it is useful to position the rubber focusing probe directly over the suspect leak site and push down to “seal” it from surrounding sounds. If it is the leak, the rushing sound will continue. If it is not the leak site, the sound will drop off.

Overcoming difficulties

Competing Ultrasounds
If competing ultrasounds make it difficult to isolate a leak, there are two approaches to be taken:

• Manipulate the environment. This procedure is fairly straight forward. When possible, turn off the equipment that is producing the competing ultrasound or isolate the area by closing a door or window.
• Manipulate the instrument and use shielding techniques. If environmental manipulation is not possible, try to get as close to the test site as possible, and manipulate the instrument so that it is pointing away from the competing ultrasound. Isolate the leak area by reducing the sensitivity of the unit and by pushing the tip of the rubber focusing probe up to the test area, checking a small section at a time.

Shielding techniques

Since ultrasound is a high frequency, short wave signal, it can usually be blocked or “shielded”.
NOTE: When using any method, be sure to follow your plant’s or company’s safety guidelines. Some common techniques are:

1. Body: place your body between the test area and the competing sounds to act as a barrier.
2. Clip Board: Position the clip board close to the leak area and angle it so that it acts as a barrier between the test area and the competing sounds
3. Gloved Hand: (USE CAUTION) using a gloved hand, wrap the hand around the rubber focusing probe tip so that the index finger and the thumb are close to the very end and place the rest of the hand on the test site so that there is a complete barrier of the hand between the test area and the background noise. Move the hand and instrument together over the various test zones.
4. Wipe rag: This is the same method as the “gloved hand” method, only, in addition to the glove, use a wipe rag to wrap around the rubber focusing probe tip. Hold the rag in the gloved hand so that it acts as a “curtain”, i.e., there is enough material to cover the test site focusing probe. This is ususally the most effective method since it uses three barriers: the rubber focusing probe, the gloved hand and the rag.
5. Barrier: When covering a large area, it is sometimes helpful to use some reflective material, such as a welders curtain or a drop cloth, to act as a barrier. Place the material so that it acts as a “wall” between the test area and the competing sounds. Sometimes the barrier is draped from ceiling to floor, at other times, it is hung over railings.

Low level leaks

In ultrasonic inspection of leakage, the amplitude of the sound often depends upon the amount of turbulence generated at the leak site. The greater the turbulence, the louder the signal, the less the turbulence, the lower the intensity of the signal. When a leak rate is so low that it produces little, if any turbulence that is “detectable”, it is considered “below threshold”. If a leak appears to be of this nature:

1.  Build up the pressure (if possible) to create greater turbulence.
2. Utilize LIQUID LEAK AMPLIFIER. This patented method incorporates a UE Systems product called LIQUID LEAK AMPLIFIER, or LLA for short. LLA is a uniquely formulated liquid substance that has special chemical properties. Used as an ultrasonic “bubble test, a small amount of LLA is poured over a suspected leak site. It produces a thin film through which the escaping gas will pass. When it comes in contact with a low flow of gas, it quickly forms a large number of small “soda-like” bubbles that burst as soon as they form. This bursting effect produces an ultrasonic shock wave that is heard as a crackling sound in the headphones. In many instances the bubbles will not be seen, but they will be heard. This method is capable of obtaining successful leak checks in systems with leaks as low as 1×10-6 ml/sec.

NOTE: The low surface tension of the LLA is the reason small bubbles form. This can be negatively changed by contamination of the leak site with another leak fluid which can block LLA or cause large bubbles to form. If contaminated, clean the leak site with water, solvent or alcohol (check with plant regulations before selecting a decontaminating cleaning agent).

Tone test (Ultratone )

The Tone Test is an ultrasonic method for non-destructive testing which is used when it is difficult to pressurize or draw a vacuum in a system. This ultrasonic test is applicable to a wide range of items, including: CONTAINERS, TUBES, PIPES, HEAT EXCHANGERS, WELDS , GASKETS, SEALS, DOORS, WINDOWS, OR HATCHES. The test is conducted by placing an ultrasonic transmitter, called TONE GENERATOR, inside (or on one side) of the test item. The warble pulse- signal from the TONE GENERATOR will instantly “flood” the test item and penetrate any existing leak hole. Depending on configuration and material, even thin spots in certain metals can be vibrated by the signal. By scanning for sonic penetration on the exterior surface (or opposite side) of the test item with the Ultraprobe, the leak will be detected. It will be heard as a high pitched warble, similar to bird chirping. The Tone Test incorporates two basic components: a TONE GENERATOR (an ultrasonic transmitter), and the Scanning Module in the Ultraprobe. To conduct the test:

1. Make certain the test item has no fluids or contaminants such as water, mud, sludge, etc., that can block the path of the transmitted ultrasound.

2. Place the Tone Generator within the container, (if it is a room, door or window to be tested, place the Tone Generator on one side pointing in the direction of the area to be tested) and close, or seal so that the Tone Generator is enclosed within.
   NOTE: The size of the test area will determine the amplitude selection of the Tone Generator. If the item to be tested is small, select the LOW position. For larger items, use the HIGH position.

3. 3. Scan the test area with the Ultraprobe as outlined in LEAK DETECTION procedure. (i.e., start with the sensitivity selection at 0 and proceed down). When positioning the Tone Generator, place the transducer facing and close to the most crucial test area. If a general area is to be checked, position the Tone Generator so that it will cover as wide an area as possible by placing it in the “middle” of the test item. How far will the sound travel? The Tone Generator is designed to cover approximately 113m³ (4000 cubic feet ) of uninterrupted space. This is slightly larger than the size of a tractor trailer. Placement is dependent upon such variables as the size of the leak to be tested, the thickness of the test wall and the type of material tested (i.e. is it sound absorbant or sound reflective?). Remember, you are dealing with a high frequency, short wave signal. If the sound is expected to travel through a thick wall, place the Tone Generator close to the test zone, if it is a thin metallic wall, move it farther back and use “low”. For uneven surfaces it may be necessary to use two people. One person will move the Tone Generator slowly close to and around the test areas while another person scans with the Ultraprobe on the other side.

Do not use the Tone test in a complete vacuum.

Ultrasound will not travel in a vacuum. Sound waves need molecules to vibrate and conduct the signal. There are no moveable molecules in a complete vacuum. If a partial vacuum is to be drawn where there are still some air molecules to vibrate, then the Tone Test may be implemented successfully. In a laboratory, a form of the Tone Test is utilized in seal leaks of an electron beam microscope. The test chamber has been fitted with a specially designed transducer to emit the desired tone and a partial vacuum is created. A user then scans all seams for sonic penetration. The Tone Test has also been effectively utilized to test tanks before they are put on line, piping, refrigerator gaskets, caulking around doors and windows for air infiltration testing, heat exchangers for leaking tubes, as a Q.C. test for automobile wind noise and water leaks, on aircraft to test for problems associated with cabin pressure leaks and glove boxes for seal integrity defects.

Electric arc, corona, tracking detection

There are three basic electrical problems that are detected with the Ultraprobe 100: Arcing: An arc occurs when electricity flows through space. Lightning is a good example. Corona: When voltage on an electrical conductor, such as an antenna or high voltage transmission line exceeds the threshold value, the air around it begins to ionize to form a blue or purple glow. Tracking: Often referred to as “baby arcing”, follows the path of damaged insulation. Although theoretically the Ultraprobe 100 can be used in low, medium and high voltage systems, most of the applications tend to be in medium and high voltage systems. When electricity escapes in high voltage lines or when it “jumps” across a gap in an electrical connection, it disturbs the air molecules around it and generates ultrasound. Most often this sound will be perceived as a crackling or “frying” sound, in other situations it will be heard as a buzzing sound. Typical applications include: insulators, cable, switchgear, buss bars, relays, contactors, junction boxes. In substations, components such as insulators, transformers and bushings may be tested. Ultrasonic testing is often used at voltages exceeding 2,000 volts, especially in enclosed switchgear. Since ultrasound emissions can be detected by scanning around door seams and air vents, it is possible to detect serious faults such as arcing, tracking and corona without taking the switchgear off line to perform an infrared scan. However, it is recommended that both tests be used with enclosed switchgear.
NOTE: When testing electrical equipment, follow all your plant or company safety procedures. When in doubt, ask your supervisor. Never touch live electrical apparatus with the Ultraprobe. The method for detecting electric arc and corona leakage is similar to the procedure outlined in leak detection. Instead of listening for a rushing sound, a user will listen for a crackling or buzzing sound. In some instances, as in trying to locate the source of radio/TV interference or in substations, the general area of disturbance may be located with a gross detector such as a transistor radio or a wide-band interference locator. Once the general area has been located, the scanning module of the Ultraprobe is utilized with a general scan of the area. The sensitivity is reduced if the signal is too strong to follow. When this occurs, reduce the sensitivity to get a mid-line reading on the meter and continue following the sound until the loudest point is located. Determining whether a problem exists or not is relatively simple. By comparing sound quality and sound levels among similar equipment, the problem sound will tend to be quite different. On lower voltage systems, a quick scan of bus bars often will pick up a loose connection. Checking junction boxes can reveal arcing. As with leak detection, the closer one gets to the emission site, the louder the signal.

Detecting bearing wear

Ultrasonic inspection and monitoring of bearings is by far the most reliable method for detecting incipient bearing failure. The ultrasonic warning appears prior to a rise in temperature or an increase in low frequency vibration levels. Ultrasonic inspection of bearings is useful in recognizing:

• The beginning of fatigue failure.
• Brinelling of bearing surfaces.
• Flooding of or lack of lubricant.
  In ball bearings, as the metal in the raceway, roller or ball bearing begins to fatigue, a subtle deformation begins to occur. This deforming of the metal will produce an increase in the emission of ultrasonic sound waves.

Changes in amplitude of from 12 to 50 times the original reading is indication of incipient bearing failure. When a reading exceeds any previous reading by 12 db, it can be assumed that the bearing has entered the beginning of the failure mode.
This information was originally discovered through experimentation performed by NASA on ball bearings. In tests performed while monitoring bearings at frequencies ranging from 24 through 50 kHz, they found that the changes in amplitude indicate incipient (the onset of) bearing failure before any other indicators including heat and vibration changes. An ultrasonic system based on detection and analysis of modulations of bearing resonance frequencies can provide subtle detection capability; whereas conventional methods are incapable of detecting very slight faults. As a ball passes over a pit or fault in the race surface, it produces an impact. A structural resonance of one of the bearing components vibrates or “rings” by this repetitive impact. The sound produced is observed as an increase in amplitude in the monitored ultrasonic frequencies of the bearing.Brinelling of bearing surfaces will produce a similar increase in amplitude due to the flattening process as the balls get out of round. These flat spots also produce a repetitive ringing that is detected as an increase in amplitude of monitored frequencies. The ultrasonic frequencies detected by the Ultraprobe are reproduced as audible sounds. This “heterodyned” signal can greatly assist a user in determining bearing problems. When listening, it is recommended that a user become familiar with the sounds of a good bearing. A good bearing is heard as a rushing or hissing noise. Crackling or rough sounds indicate a bearing in the failure stage. In certain cases a damaged ball can be heard as a clicking sound whereas a high intensity, uniform rough sound may indicate a damaged race or uniform ball damage. Loud rushing sounds similar to the rushing sound of a good bearing only slightly rougher, can  indicate lack of lubrication. Short duration increases in the sound level with “rough” or “scratchy” components indicate a rolling element hitting a flat” spot and sliding on the bearing surfaces rather than rotating. If this condition is detected, more frequent examinations should be scheduled.

Detecting bearing failure

COMPARATIVE TESTING. The comparative method involves testing two or more similar bearings and “comparing” potential differences.

For comparative test

1. Use contact (stethoscope) module.
2. Select a “test spot” on the bearing housing. Touch that spot with the contact module. In ultrasonic sensing, the more mediums or materials ultrasound has to travel through, the less accurate the eading will be. Therefore, be sure the contact probe is actually touching the bearing housing. If this is difficult, touch a grease fitting or touch as close to the bearing as possible.
3. Approach the bearings at the same angle, touching the same area on the bearing housing.
4. Reduce sensitivity (if unsure of this procedure, refer to SENSITIVITY SELECTION DIAL)
5. Listen to bearing sound through headphones to hear the “quality” of the signal for proper i nterpretation.
6. Select same type bearings under similar load conditions and same rotational speed.
7. Compare differences of meter reading and sound quality.

It is important to consider two elements of potential failure. One is lack of lubrication while the other is over lubrication. Normal bearing loads causes an elastic deformation of the elements in the contact area which give a smooth elliptical stress distribution. But bearing surfaces are not perfectly smooth. For this reason, the actual stress distribution in the contact area will be affected by a random surface roughness. In the presence of a lubricant film on a bearing surface, there is a dampening effect on the stress distribution and the acoustic energy produced will be low. Should lubrication be reduced to a point where the stress distribution is no longer present, the normal rough spots will make contact with the race surfaces and increase the acoustic energy. These normal microscopic disuniformities will begin to produce wear and the possibilities of small fissures may develop which contributes to the “Pre-Failure” condition. Therefore, aside from normal wear, the fatigue or service life of a bearing is strongly influenced by the relative film thickness provided by an appropriate lubricant.

Slow speed bearings

Monitoring slow speed bearings is possible with the Ultraprobe 100. Due to the sensitivity range, it is quite possible to listen to the acoustic quality of bearings. In extremely slow bearings (less than 25 RPM), it is often necessary to disregard the meter and listen to the sound of the bearing. In these extreme situations, the bearings are usually large (1″-2″ and up) and greased with high viscosity lubricant. Most often no sound will be heard as the grease will absorb most of the acoustic energy. If a sound is heard, usually a crackling sound, there is some indication of deformity occurring.

General mechanical trouble shooting

As operating equipment begins to fail due to component wear, breakage or misalignment , sonic and more importantly, ultrasonic shifts occur. The accompanying sound pattern changes can save time and guess work in diagnosing problems if they are adequately monitored. Therefore, an ultrasonic history of key components can prevent unplanned down-time. And just as important, if equipment should begin to fail in the field, the ULTRAPROBE can be extremely useful in trouble shooting problems.

Trouble shooting

1. Use the contact (stethoscope) module.
2. Touch test area(s): listen through headphones and observe the meter.
3. Adjust sensitivity until mechanical operation of the equipment is heard clearly.
4. Probe equipment by touching various suspect areas.
5. To focus in on problem sounds, while probing, reduce sensitivity gradually to assist in locating
6. the problem sound at its’ loudest point. (This procedure is similar to the method outlined in LEAK LOCATION, i.e., follow the sound to its loudest point.)

Locating faulty steam traps

An ultrasonic test of steam traps is a positive test. The main advantage to ultrasonic testing is that it isolates the area being tested by eliminating confusing background noises. A user can quickly adjust to recognizing differences among various steam traps, of which there are three basic types: mechanical, thermostatic and thermodynamic. When testing steam traps ultrasonically:

1. Determine what type of trap is on the line. Be familiar with the operation of the trap. Is it  ntermittent or continous drain?
2. Try to check whether the trap is in operation (is it hot or cold? Put your hand near, but do not touch the trap, or, better yet, use a non-contact infrared thermometer).
3. Use the contact (stethoscope) module.
4. Try to touch the contact probe towards the discharge side of the trap. Press the trigger and  isten.
5. Listen for the intermittent or continuous flow operation of the trap. Intermittent traps are usually the inverted bucket, thermodynamic (disc) and thermostatic (under light loads). Continuous low: include the float, float and thermostatic and (usually) thermostatic traps. While testing intermittent traps, listen long enough to gauge the true cycle. In some cases, this may be longer than 30 seconds. Bear in mind that the greater the load that comes to it, the longer period of time it will stay open.

In checking a trap ultrasonically, a continuous rushing sound will often be the key indicator of live steam passing through. There are subtleties for each type of trap that can be noted.
Use the sensitivity levels of the Sensitivity election Dial to assist your test. If a low pressure system is to be checked, adjust the sensitivity UP toward 8; if a high pressure system (above 100 psi) is to be checked, reduce the sensitivity level. (Some experimentation may be necessary to arrive at the most desirable level to be tested.) Check upstream and reduce the sensitivity so that the meter reads about 50% or lower, then touch the trap body downstream and compare readings.

General steam/condensate/flash steam confirmation

In instances where it may be difficult to determine the sound of steam, flash steam or condensate,

1. touch at the immediate downstream side of the trap and reduce the sensitivity to get a mid-line reading on the meter (about 50%).
2. Move 15-30 cm downstream and listen. Flashing steam will show a large drop off in intensity while leaking steam will show little drop off in intensity.

Inverted bucket traps

INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS normally fail in the open position because the trap loses its prime. This condition means a complete blow-through, not a partial loss. The trap will no longer operate intermittently. Aside from a continuous rushing sound, another clue for steam blow-through is the sound of the bucket clanging against the side of the trap.

Float and thermostatic

A FLOAT AND THERMOSTATIC trap normally fails in the “closed” position. A pinhole leak produced in the ball float will cause the float to be weighted down or water hammer will collapse the ball float. Since the trap is totally closed – no sound will be heard. In addition, check the thermostatic element in the float and thermostatic trap. If the trap is operating correctly, this element is usually quiet; if a rushing sound is heard, this will indicate either steam or gas is blowing through the air vent. This indicates that the vent has failed in the open position and is wasting energy.

Thermodynamic

THERMODYNAMIC (DISC) traps work on the difference in dynamic response to velocity change in the flow of compressible and incompressible fluids. As steam enters, static pressure above the disc forces the disc against the valve seat. The static pressure over a large area overcomes the high inlet pressure of the steam. As the steam starts to condense, the pressure against the disc lessens and the trap cycles. A good disc trap should cycle (hold-discharge- hold) 4-10 times per minute. When it fails, it usually fails in the open position, allowing continuous blow through of steam.

Thermostatic traps

THERMOSTATIC TRAPS (bellows & bimetallic) operate on a difference in temperature between condensate and steam. They build up condensate so that the temperature of condensate drops down to a certain level below saturation temperature in order for the trap to open. By backing up condensate, the trap will tend to modulate open or closed depending on load.
In a bellows trap, should the bellows become compressed by water hammer, it will not function properly. The occurrence of a leak will prevent the balanced pressure action of these traps. When either condition occurs, the trap will fail in its natural position either opened or closed. If the trap fails closed, condensate will back up and no sound will be heard. If the trap fails open, a continous rushing of live steam will be heard with bimetallic traps, as the bimetallic plates set due to the heat they sense and the cooling effect on the plates, they may not set properly which will prevent the plates from closing completely and allow steam to pass through. This will be heard as a constant rushing sound.

Locating faulty valves

Utilizing the contact (stethoscope) module in the Ultraprobe, valves can easily be monitored to determine if a valve is operating properly. As a liquid or gas flows through a pipe, there is little or no turbulence generated except at bends or obstacles. In the case of a leaking valve, the escaping liquid or gas will move from a high to a low pressure area, creating turbulence on the low pressure or “downstream” side. This produces a white noise. The ultrasonic component of this “white noise” is much stronger than the audible component. If a valve is leaking internally, the ultrasonic emissions generated at the orifice site will be heard and noted on the meter. The sounds of a leaking valve seat will vary depending upon the density of the liquid or gas. In some instances it will be heard as a subtle crackling sound, at other times as a loud rushing sound. Sound quality depends on fluid viscosity and internal pipe pressure differentials. As an example, water flowing under low to mid pressures may be easily recognized as water. However, water under high pressure rushing through a partially open valve may sound very much like steam. To discriminate: reduce the sensitivity, touch a steam line and listen to the sound quality, then touch a water line. Once you have become familiar with the sound differences, continue your inspection.
A properly seated valve will generate no sound. In some high pressure situations, the ultrasound generated within the system will be so intense that surface waves will travel from other valves or parts of the system and make it difficult to diagnose valve leakage. In this case it is still possible to diagnose valve blow-through by comparing sonic intensity differences by reducing the sensitivity and touching just upstream of the valve, at the valve seat and just downstream of the valve.

Procedure for valve check

1. Use stethoscope module.
2. Touch downstream side of valve and listen through headset.
3. When necessary, if there is too much sound, reduce sensitivity.
4. For comparative readings, usually in high pressure systems:
   • Touch uptream side and reduce sensitivity to minimize any sound (usually bring the meter to a mid-line “50 %” reading).
   • Touch valve seat and / or downstream side.
   • Compare sonic differentials. If the valve is leaking, the sound level on the seat or downstream side will be equal to or louder than the upstream side.

Confirming valve leakage in noisy pipe systems

Occasionally in high pressure systems, stray signals occur from valves that are close by or from pipes (or conduits) feeding into a common pipe that is near the downstream side of a valve. This f low may produce false leak signals. In order to determine if the loud signal on the downstream side is coming from a valve leak or from some other source:

1. Move close to the suspected source (i.e., the conduit or the other valve).
2. Touch at the upstream side of the suspected source.
3. Reduce sensitivity until the meter displays a mid-line (“50 %”) reading.
4. Touch at short intervals such as every 15-30 cm (6 – 12 inches () and note the meter changes.
5. If the sound level decreases as you move towards the test valve, it indicates that the valve is not leaking.
6. If the sound level increases as you approach the test valve, it is an indication of a leak in the valve.

Ultrasound technology

The technology of ultrasound is concerned with sound waves that occur above human perception. The average threshold of human perception is 16,500 Hertz. Although the highest sounds some humans are capable of hearing is 21,000 Hertz, ultrasound technology is usually concerned
with frequencies from 20,000 Hertz and up. Another way of stating 20,000 Hertz is 20 kHz, or KILOHERTZ. One kilohertz is 1,000 Hertz.

Since ultrasound is a high frequency , it is a short wave signal. Its’ properties are different from audible or low frequency sounds. A low frequency sound requires less acoustic energy to travel the same distance as high frequency sound. (Fig. A) The ultrasound technology utilized by the Ultraprobe is generally referred to as Airborne ultrasound. Airborne ultrasound is concerned with the transmission and reception of ultrasound through the atmosphere without the need of sound conductive (interface) gels. It can and does incorporate methods of receiving signals generated through one or more media via wave guides. There are ultrasonic components in practically all forms of friction. As an example, if you were to rub your thumb and forefinger together, you will generate a signal in the ultrasonic range. Although you might be able to very faintly hear the audible tones of this friction, with the Ultraprobe it will sound extremely loud. The reason for the loudness is that the Ultraprobe converts the ultrasonic signal into an audible range and then amplifies it. Due to the comparative low amplitude nature of ultrasound, amplification is a very important feature. Although there are obvious audible sounds emitted by most operating equipment, it is the ultrasonic elements of the acoustic emissions that are generally the most important. For preventative maintenance, many times an individual will listen to a bearing through some simple type of audio pick-up to determine bearing wear. Since that individual is hearing ONLY the audio elements of the signal, the results of that type of diagnosis will be quite gross. The subtleties of change within the ultrasonic range will not be perceived and therefore omitted. When a bearing is perceived as being bad in the audio range it is in need of immediate replacement. Ultrasound offers a predictable diagnostic capacity. When changes begin to occur in the ultrasonic range, there is still time to plan appropriate maintenance. In the area of leak detection, ultrasound offers a fast, accurate method of locating minute as well as gross leaks. Since ultrasound is a short wave signal, the ultrasonic elements of a leak will be loudest and most clearly perceived at the leak site. In loud factory type environments, this aspect of ultrasound makes it even more useful. Most ambient sounds in a factory will block out the low frequency elements of a leak and thereby render audible leak inspection useless. Since the Ultraprobe is not capable of responding to low frequency sounds, it will hear only the ultrasonic elements of a leak. By scanning the test area, a user may quickly spot a leak. Electrical discharges such as arcing, tracking and corona have strong ultrasonic components that may be readily detected. As with generic leak detection, these potential problems can be detected in noisy plant environments with the Ultraprobe.

Ultraprobe® 100 Specifications

Construction| Hand-held ABS pistol type ultrasonic processor, stainless steel sensor enclosures
---|---
Circuitry| SMD/Solid State hybrid heterodyne receiver
Frequency

Response

| Peak response: 36-44 kHz
Indicator| 10 segment LED Bar Graph (red)
Sensitivity Selection| 8 position precision attenuation
Power| 9 Volt Alkaline Battery
Low Battery

Voltage Indicator

| ****

LED

Headset| Operating Temperature Range: -30 °C to +75 °C (-22 °F to 167 °F)
| Cable: 122cm (48”) shielded
| Cable Pull: 9,07 kg (20 lbs.)
| Frequency Range: 300 to 3000 Hz
| Impedance: 150Ω
| Molded Connector
Probes| Scanning Module (SCM-1) Stainless Steel Unisonic
| (single transducer) piezo electric crystal type;
| Stethoscope/Contact Module (STM-1), Stainless Steel
| plug-in type with 14 cm (5.5”), Stainless Steel Waveguide
| Rubber Focusing Probe Shields stray ultrasonic
| signals and focuses detected signals
Transmitter| Patented warble tone transmission
Respons time| Response time: 300 msec
Ambient Operating

Temp. Range

| 0 – 50 °C (32 °F – 120 °F)

10-95% non-condensing at up to 30 °C (

Relative

Temperature

| 18 °C – 54 °C (0 °F – 130 °F)
Warranty| 1-year parts/labor standard, (details available on request)
| 5 years with completed warranty registration card
Dimensions| 13.3 x 5 x 20.3 cm (5.25” x 2” x 8”)
Weight| 0.3 kg (11 oz)
Carrying Case| Nylon Cordura soft carrying case

References

• Calcert
• Ultrasonic Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring – UE Systems

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