Steam Trap Testing MaintenanceDescriptionWhen steam traps leak or fail, it can be extremely costly in terms of product quality, safety and energy loss. There are great differences in the way particular steam traps work (for example, inverted bucket trap versus float and thermostatic trap). The UltraProbe makes it easy to adjust for these differences and readily determine operating conditions while steam traps are on-line. How Ultrasonic Leak Detection WorksSteam traps can either be defined as continuous (or modulating continuous) flow and on-off types. UE Systems’ Ultraprobe series helps an inspector readily identify the trap operation in all types of environments. Inspectors can choose from simple “point and shoot” analog instruments to sophisticated digital instruments with on-board sound recording and data logging features. UE Systems unique frequency tuning feature enables users to literally tune into the trap sound and clearly identify leaking or blowing traps. 
Leak Detection MethodInspection methods vary depending on the type of steam trap. Therefore the primary rule is to know the details of your system, for example the way a specific trap may work under specific conditions. In order to determine trap condition such as leakage or blockage: touch upstream of the steam trap and reduce the sensitivity of the instrument until the meter/display panel reads about 50% of scale. If the instrument has frequency tuning, you may also use this feature to hear the trap sound quality more clearly. Simply tune the frequency (usually 25 kHz) until the sound you would expect to hear becomes clear. It's that simple. Next, touch downstream of the steam trap and compare intensity levels. If the sound is louder down stream, the fluid is passing through. If the sound level is low, the trap is closed. Ultrasonic steam trap inspection is considered a "positive" test in that an operator can instantly identify sound quality and intensity differentials and thereby determine operating condition accurately. A steam trap troubleshooting guide is available from the factory upon request. A steam trap troubleshooting guide is available from the factory upon request. Specialty Kits Available. Contact Us For Details. High Pressure Gas Leak DetectionThe Ultraprobe series is used in high pressure systems to locate leaks in many facilities around the world. Search and locate high pressure gas leak detection:Predictive and trending high pressure gas leak detection:ULTRASONIC LEAK DETECTIONDESCRIPTIONUltrasonic leak detection is extremely broad based. Sensing ultrasounds generated by a leak, the ULTRAPROBE can be used to locate leaks in pressurized systems regardless of the type of gas used. This is especially beneficial in areas where there is a saturation of gases or where a wide variety of gases, pressurized vessels and vacuum processes exist.
Time and convenience are also improved with ultrasonic detection since equipment may be tested while on-line. How Ultrasonic Leak Detection WorksDuring a leak, a fluid (liquid or gas) moves from a high pressure to a low pressure. As it passes through the leak site, a turbulent flow is generated. This turbulence has strong ultrasonic components which are heard through headphones and seen as intensity increments on the meter. It can be generally noted that the larger the leak, the greater the ultrasound level.
Leak Detection MethodUltrasound is a high frequency, short wave signal. The intensity of the ultrasound produced by a leak drops off rapidly as the sound moves away from its source. For this reason, the leak sound will be loudest at the leak site. Ultrasound is considered fairly "directional" and therefore, locating the source (i.e. the location) of the leak is quite simple. For detection, scan the general area of a suspected leak and listen for a hissing sound (similar to the sound you hear when you fill a tire with air). Move in the direction of the loudest sound. If it is hard to determine the direction of the noise, reduce the sensitivity until direction can be established. Follow the sound and continue to reduce the sensitivity to determine the direction of the leak. In order to confirm the leak site, move the scanner back and forth over the suspect area. The sound level should increase as you pass over the leak. In some loud factory environments, frequency tuning may be required. Specialty Kits Available. Contact Us For Details ULTRASONIC LEAK DETECTIONHeat Exchangers, Boilers, CondensersDESCRIPTIONLeak Detection of heat exchangers, boilers and condensers most often involves inspection of three generic areas: tubes, tube sheets and housings. The Ultraprobe can be used to detect leaks three ways: pressure leaks, vacuum leaks or by utilizing a unique UltratoneTM Ultrasonic Tone transmission method. While it may be necessary to take a unit off-line to inspect for leaks, with ultrasound, it is often possible to perform an inspection while on-line or at partial load. How Ultrasonic Leak Detection WorksDuring a leak, the fluid will flow from high pressure to low pressure producing a turbulent flow at the leak site. This turbulence has strong ultrasonic components which are sensed by the Ultraprobe and translated (via heterodyning) into the audible range where they are heard in headphones and seen as intensity increments on a meter. 
Leak Detection MethodMost often leak detection is concerned with tube leaks. In heat exchangers and condensers, there are situation where the end plates (headers) are removed or water boxes are isolated while the unit is still on-line or at partial load. The tube sheet are scanned while listening for a distinct "hissing" or "rushing" sound of a leak. By adjusting the sensitivity of the instrument to help discriminate direction, move in the direction of the tube with the loudest sound. Should the unit require off-line inspection, it is possible to use the Ultratoneô Ultrasonic Tone transmission method. Using ultrasonic transmitters such as UE Systems' patented Warble Tone Generators, the heat exchanger is flooded with intense ultrasonic sound waves on the shell side and the tube sheet is scanned for a distinct high pitched warbling sound coming from the leak. As above, adjust the sensitivity to discriminate direction and follow the sound to the loudest point which will be the leaking tube. While under pressure or vacuum, fittings and casings may also be checked for leakage in a similar manner. Specialty Kits Available. Contact Us For Details |
