Ultrasound Technology and Ultrasound Technology and Compressed Air AuditsCompressed Air Audits

Brief Overview of UltrasoundBrief Overview of Ultrasound

Ultrasonic frequencies are high frequency Ultrasonic frequencies are high frequency signals that are above range of human signals that are above range of human hearing. hearing.

Human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHzHuman hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz Ultrasound instruments sense 20 kHz to 100 Ultrasound instruments sense 20 kHz to 100

kHzkHz High frequencies have characteristics that High frequencies have characteristics that

work differently than low frequencies in the work differently than low frequencies in the audible range. audible range.

Low Frequency Sound Waves Range in Size fromLow Frequency Sound Waves Range in Size from3/4 of an inch to 56 feet3/4 of an inch to 56 feet(assuming the average hearing is 16.5 kHz)(assuming the average hearing is 16.5 kHz)

High Frequency (Ultrasound) Sound WavesHigh Frequency (Ultrasound) Sound WavesRange In Size from 1/8 of an inch to 5/8 of an inchRange In Size from 1/8 of an inch to 5/8 of an inch(assuming ultrasound range from 20 kHz-100kHz(assuming ultrasound range from 20 kHz-100kHz))

Ultrasonic CharacteristicsUltrasonic Characteristics

Characteristics of short wave sounds:Characteristics of short wave sounds:

They are directional/detectableThey are directional/detectable They are localized to the source of emissionThey are localized to the source of emission They will reflect and not penetrate solid objects They will reflect and not penetrate solid objects

making them easy to block/shieldmaking them easy to block/shield They can be sensed in loud, noisy environmentsThey can be sensed in loud, noisy environments Subtle changes can be noted to provide early Subtle changes can be noted to provide early

warning of failurewarning of failure

SOUND PENETRATIONSOUND PENETRATION

Low Frequency WaveLow Frequency Wave– Vibrate Solid SurfacesVibrate Solid Surfaces

– Large Objects Appear Large Objects Appear TransparentTransparent

High Frequency WaveHigh Frequency Wave– ShortShort

– WeakWeak

– Can not Penetrate Can not Penetrate Solid ObjectsSolid Objects

MPEG

SUPERSONIC FLYBY OF AN F14 SHOWING THE SOUND WAVE WITH A VAPOR CLOUD

How Do We Detect Ultrasound?How Do We Detect Ultrasound?

Using a digital ultrasonic Using a digital ultrasonic translator which provides:translator which provides:

Display Screens with test Display Screens with test data including Decibel and data including Decibel and Frequency read outs.Frequency read outs.

Software for data Software for data managementmanagement

Sound recording ability Sound recording ability and sound analysis and sound analysis software software

TYPICAL ULTRASONIC TYPICAL ULTRASONIC TRANSLATORTRANSLATOR

How Do these Ultrasonic Translators How Do these Ultrasonic Translators Work?Work?

The Ultrasound is detected and The Ultrasound is detected and these sounds are then translated these sounds are then translated down into lower frequencies down into lower frequencies within the range of human hearingwithin the range of human hearing

They are heard through They are heard through headphonesheadphones

And observed as intensity And observed as intensity increments on a meter or display increments on a meter or display panel.panel.

Interchangeable Modules Interchangeable Modules

Leaks Are Detected By:Leaks Are Detected By:– Scanning ModuleScanning Module– Stethoscope ModuleStethoscope Module– Tone methodTone method

Specialized Methods Specialized Methods May Be Considered:May Be Considered:– Long Range Module Long Range Module

Non Accessible LeaksNon Accessible Leaks

– Liquid Leak Amplifier Liquid Leak Amplifier Laminar or “TINY” LeaksLaminar or “TINY” Leaks

Sound RecordingSound Recording

The translated ultrasound samplesThe translated ultrasound samplescan be recorded for further analysis.can be recorded for further analysis.

Use the heterodyned output: the Use the heterodyned output: the headphone jack and connect to a headphone jack and connect to a suitable recording device.suitable recording device.

The captured sound can be analyzed The captured sound can be analyzed using Spectral Analysis Software.using Spectral Analysis Software.

Where Do Air Leaks Occur?Where Do Air Leaks Occur?

Mechanical SealsMechanical Seals Threaded FittingsThreaded Fittings Sealant Problems Sealant Problems GasketsGaskets Corrosion/ErosionCorrosion/Erosion Structure PenetrationsStructure Penetrations

Considerations in Leak DetectionConsiderations in Leak Detection TurbulenceTurbulence Orifice ShapeOrifice Shape Fluid Characteristics: Fluid Characteristics:

Viscosity & Molecular Wt. Viscosity & Molecular Wt. Pressure DifferentialsPressure Differentials Distance From LeakDistance From Leak Competing UltrasoundsCompeting Ultrasounds Accessibility to LeakAccessibility to Leak Atmospheric ConditionsAtmospheric Conditions

TurbulenceTurbulence

Turbulent Leaks Emit Ultrasound Based on Their Shape, Pressure

At the Leak, and other Factors

ORIFICEORIFICE

Shape of the Orifice is the Determining Factor in How Much Detectable Ultrasound is Present

How An Air Leak Generates How An Air Leak Generates UltrasoundUltrasound

Relating Sound Levels to CFMRelating Sound Levels to CFM

dB vs. CFMDigital

Reading150 PSIG

125 PSIG

100 PSIG

75 PSIG

50 PSIG

25 PSIG

10 PSIG

10 dB 0.73 0.69 0.51 0.38 0.36 0.03 0.01

20 dB 1.13 0.95 0.77 0.58 0.38 0.22 0.15

30 dB 1.79 1.48 1.24 0.99 0.64 0.58 0.48

40 dB 2.70 2.28 1.94 1.62 1.15 1.10 0.93

50 dB 3.86 3.35 2.85 2.47 1.90 1.79 1.49

60 dB 5.27 4.70 3.98 3.54 2.89 2.65 2.18

70 dB 6.93 6.32 5.33 4.82 4.13 3.68 2.99

80 dB 8.84 8.21 6.90 6.31 5.62 4.87 3.92

90 dB 11.00 10.37 8.69 8.03 7.35 6.23 4.97

100 dB 13.41 12.81 10.69 9.96 9.32 7.75 6.14

Note: All Readings are Compensated for Atmospheric Pressure

Conducting a Compressed Air Conducting a Compressed Air SurveySurvey

Gather DataGather Data– Compressor InfoCompressor Info– PSIG Operating dataPSIG Operating data– Hours of OperationHours of Operation

Begin Survey at Begin Survey at CompressorCompressor

Follow Air Lines to all Follow Air Lines to all Pieces of EquipmentPieces of Equipment

Record dB Readings of Record dB Readings of LeaksLeaks

Take Photographs of Take Photographs of LeaksLeaks

How do we do this?How do we do this?

Create a routeCreate a route Set up the instrumentSet up the instrument Gather relevant dataGather relevant data Test, listen, recordTest, listen, record Data logData log Generate ReportGenerate Report

Create A RouteCreate A Route

Plan carefullyPlan carefully With plant personnel, determine the optimal With plant personnel, determine the optimal

route for inspection and ease of follow up route for inspection and ease of follow up for repair.for repair.

Create a method of equipment identification Create a method of equipment identification (if none exists)(if none exists)

Set Up InstrumentSet Up Instrument

Verify the sensitivity: it Verify the sensitivity: it should be working the same should be working the same from one inspection to the from one inspection to the next.next.

What frequency to use: record What frequency to use: record this for consistencythis for consistency

What test module to use?What test module to use?

Gather Relevant DataGather Relevant Data

Date and TimeDate and Time Compressor DataCompressor Data Operating PressuresOperating Pressures Hours OperationHours Operation Any Special or Hazardous ConditionsAny Special or Hazardous Conditions

Test, Listen, RecordTest, Listen, Record

Data LogData Log

Data log all readingsData log all readings Take Photographs of Take Photographs of

all leaksall leaks

Generate a Cost ReportGenerate a Cost Report

Place Recorded Place Recorded dB Readings in dB Readings in Analysis Analysis SoftwareSoftware

Generate Report Generate Report of dB Sound of dB Sound Level of Each Level of Each Leak Converted Leak Converted to CFM with to CFM with Associated kW Associated kW Usage and Usage and Annual Cost of Annual Cost of LeakLeak

Leak # dB Distance Location/EquipLeakage

Rate CFMkW use

Annual Cost

1 63 0 Top of receiver 4.0 0.80 $3492 60 0 DH annealer 3.6 0.72 $3163 71 0 Gardner Denver Compressor 5.1 1.02 $4464 33 0 DM3 1.2 0.24 $1075 44 0 EH1 Supply 2.0 0.40 $1746 44 0 EH4 Annealer 2.0 0.40 $1747 37 0 EH3 Supply 1.5 0.29 $1288 36 10 Above EH3 Supply 0.6 0.13 $569 61 0 EH2 Annealer 3.7 0.75 $32710 51 0 EV1 Supply 2.6 0.52 $230

Place Pictures with ReportPlace Pictures with Report

Place Photos of Place Photos of Each Leak Each Leak Location that Location that Numerically Numerically Matches the Cost Matches the Cost ReportReport

AIR LEAKS COST !!!!!!AIR LEAKS COST !!!!!!

LEAK DIALEAK DIA AIR-LOSSAIR-LOSS LOSS/DAY LOSS/DAY LOSS/YR.LOSS/DAY LOSS/DAY LOSS/YR. CFMCFM CU.FT/DAYCU.FT/DAY $ $ $ $

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/641/64 .40 .40 576 576 0.140.14 50.40 50.40 1/321/32 1.60 1.60 2,304 2,304 0.580.58 211.00 211.00 3/643/64 3.66 3.66 5,270 5,270 1.321.32 481.00 481.00 1/161/16 6.45 6.45 9,288 9,288 2.322.32 846.00 846.00 3/323/32 14.50 14.50 20,880 20,880 5.225.22 1,904.001,904.00 1/81/8 25.80 25.80 37,152 37,152 9.299.29 3,389.003,389.00 3/163/16 58.30 58.30 83,952 21.00 83,952 21.00 7,661.007,661.00 1/41/4 103.00 103.00 148,320 37.08 13,526.00 148,320 37.08 13,526.00 5/165/16 162.00 162.00 233,280 58.32 21,275.00 233,280 58.32 21,275.00 3/83/8 234.00 234.00 336,960 84.24 30,731.00 336,960 84.24 30,731.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NOTE: Based on 100 PSI, $0.25 /mcf, 8760 hours / year NOTE: Based on 100 PSI, $0.25 /mcf, 8760 hours / year

Questions on Leak Detection?Questions on Leak Detection?

Other Uses for Ultrasonic Other Uses for Ultrasonic InspectionInspection

ElectricalElectrical– CoronaCorona– Tracking Tracking – ArcingArcing

Detecting InterferenceDetecting Interference LubricationLubrication Motor TestingMotor Testing Complements InfraredComplements Infrared

ELECTRIC INSPECTIONELECTRIC INSPECTION

CORONACORONA

TRACKINGTRACKING

ARCINGARCING

WHAT ULTRASOUND FOUND WHAT ULTRASOUND FOUND AND INFRARED MISSEDAND INFRARED MISSED

Here We See A 138KV Line In A Substation That Had a Wire That Was Corroded Due To Corona. It Broke Loose And “Welded” Itself Back To Another Point Due To The High Current Load. This Was NOT Detected By The System Monitors!!

OVER LUBRICATIONOVER LUBRICATION AN EXAMPLE OF:AN EXAMPLE OF:

OVER LUBRICATION BARE WIREOVER LUBRICATION BARE WIRE

Good Bad Being Lubricated

ConclusionConclusion ULTRASOUND:ULTRASOUND:

– VersatileVersatile– Simple to use Simple to use – Provides definitive data of air leaksProvides definitive data of air leaks– Supports other technologiesSupports other technologies

QUESTIONS??? THANK YOUQUESTIONS??? THANK YOU