Structure and
Airborne Ultrasound is the latest technology to be recognized by industry as a
nondestructive, non-intrusive method for detecting potential problems in mechanical and
electrical systems.
It is the aim of this page to help you make an informed decision on this relatively new
technology, and how you facility can benefit from an Ultrasound survey.
Essentially, there are two types of Ultrasound: active and passive.
In active ultrasound, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted into an object,
and the sound is reflected back. The returning wave is processed and information about the
material is ascertained. Thickness gauges and medical examinations are typical
applications for this type of technology. We here at USA Industrial Group do not
perform these services for our clients.
Passive ultrasound is used in industry. Here the event creates the noise
and sensitive equipment is used to pick up these signals. This is the
type of Ultrasound we do for our customers. Passive ultrasound is broken into two large
areas: Airborne Ultrasound and Structure Borne Ultrasound.
Airborne Ultrasound
This division of Ultrasound focuses on problems associated with compressed gas leaks and
electrical problems. Ultrasound noises created by these events are radiated into the
atmosphere and are sensed by a special transducer attuned to those noises.
Structure Borne Ultrasound
Here Ultrasound focuses on noises made by an event in solid pieces of equipment, noises
like the sounds of a failing bearing, or bearing in need of lubrication. Also noises made
by steam traps as they fail. These are typical noises created inside the equipment.
USA Industrial Group provides industry with Ultrasound surveys for a variety of
troubleshooting, predictive and preventative maintenance applications. The location and
tagging of compressed gas leaks is probably one of the most frequently used services.
Compressed gases like Nitrogen and air are not free. You pay dearly for compressing air;
by fixing compressed air leaks you can save on energy costs and reduced maintenance costs
for your compressors. It is estimated that for every ONE horsepower of air used SEVEN
horsepower of electricity is consumed. That can translate into thousand of dollars saved
over the course of a year by fixing air leaks. For a fraction of the money saved, USA
Industrial Group will come to your facility and conduct an air or gas survey, tag your
leaks, and create a report. Airborne Ultrasound is used by us at times in conjunction with
Infrared scans of electrical systems. There are occasions when the only SAFE way to
diagnose a potential electrical problem is with the use of airborne Ultrasound.
Steam systems are complex systems designed to provide your process with heat. When steam
traps fail, your process does not heat properly, your costs to run the boiler escalate
while productivity drops. Ultrasound is a very cost-effective way to locate malfunctioning
steam traps. We can conduct a steam trap survey of your plant, tagging your leaking traps,
and provide you with a report on the number of failed or failing traps.
We will sit down with you, discuss your end goals, and cover how an Ultrasound Survey of
your plant can benefit you!
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