AIR AND STRUCTURE-BORNE ULTRASOUND
This technique allows detecting leaks in systems that use fluids in gaseous form, under positive and negative pressures. It is also applicable to the monitoring of steam traps to check their proper functioning, thus avoiding steam loss.
Air and structure-borne ultrasound technology is a great cornerstone for an existing condition monitoring program. Airborne ultrasound is used throughout the world for condition monitoring, energy conservation, and quality assurance programs.
Ultrasonic technology provides solutions for locating a variety of potential problems in plants such as leak detection, mechanical inspection or trending, and electrical inspection.
Applications
- Pressure Leak Detection
- Monitoring of Bearing Condition
- Electrical Discharge Detection
- Liquid Flow Monitoring
Routine Condition Monitoring
Preventing the loss of air, nitrogen, and other gas leaks is an important service JAGBEN provides to plants and other facilities. This service can potentially save your business significantly from energy losses.
Ultrasonic testing is an important and valuable technique that JAGBEN uses to detect and prevent problems. We utilize airborne ultrasonic testing on non-rotating assets such as stream lines, vacuum chambers, air lines, gas lines, and pressure vessels while structure-borne ultrasonic testing is utilized on assets such as steam traps, bearing health, and valves.
Leak detection is an important function for detecting and protecting problems in assets. Ultrasonic testing is a very useful procedure and our primary technique for leak detection.
Mechanical Inspection Using Ultrasound
Structure-borne ultrasound technology is ideal for monitoring poor lubrication throughout the facility. Bearings requiring lubrication will return high ultrasound values. The graphic to the right illustrates a poorly lubricated bearing up until the point of proper lubrication. Monitoring while greasing will help prevent under and over lubrication. This practice also saves time and money by reducing unnecessary lubrication routes.
Verifying Vibration Analysis Findings
Structure-borne ultrasound technology is a great supplement to a vibration analysis program. Vibration findings may indicate lubrication or bearing issues present. By monitoring through the use of ultrasound before and after lubrication, it becomes obvious whether or not lubrication was indeed the issue. If not, a bearing issue in early stages can be suspected. Combining technologies such as ultrasound and vibration testing creates a stronger program and results in less unexpected downtime.
Detection of Electrical Partial Discharge
Airborne ultrasound inspection is a predictive maintenance tool that can help with the identification and location of electrical anomalies that may not be detectable with conventional methods. It can work hand in hand with infrared thermography inspection.
Airborne ultrasound can detect corona existing above 1kV and does not generate any heat. Infrared, on the other hand, cannot find the existence of corona, which, if left unattended, will further develop into tracking and arcing situations. Ultrasound analysis addresses this by providing a more comprehensive electrical inspection when used with infrared to identify corona, tracking, arcing, and resistance problems in any electrical equipment.
