|
division of BIOLAB |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
UE
Systems Ultrasonic Detection Equipment
Ultrasonic Transport Applications
DESCRIPTION
The most common areas for ultrasonic inspection in the transportation
industry are: wind noise, water leaks, air brakes, and emission systems
(especially as it relates to IM240). Until the advent of ultrasound, water leak
and wind noise detection involved many hours of trial and error with a water
hose and flashlight. Often a few trips around the block, listening with a
doctor's stethoscope for a wind noise captured two people for many hours. Air
brake leaks and emission leaks can take hours to locate using conventional soap
and water bubble testing. Not only can service shops benefit from Ultrasonic
Inspection, so can Quality Assurance departments by providing accurate, fast and
simple testing.
How Ultrasonic Detection Works
Compressed gases, when leaking produce a turbulent flow with strong
ultrasonic components. By scanning fittings, a leak will be heard as a distinct
"hiss". Due to the high frequency, short wave nature of ultrasound,
the sound will be loudest at its point of origin. The ULTRAPROBE translates the
ultrasonic leak signals into recognizable audible signals where they are heard
through headphones and seen as intensity increment on a meter. A unique test
called "Ultratone"
incorporates a patented ultrasonic transmitter called a Warble Ton Generator.
This device is placed in a cabin, tank or container where it floods the area
with an intense ultrasonic signal. The generated ultrasound will deflect off
solid seals but will flow through a leak path.
Detection Methods
Leaks produce turbulence with high frequency components. To locate
compressed gas and air leaks, simply scan the area while listening for a
"hissing" sound and follow it to the loudest point. If it is difficult
to discriminate location, reduce the sensitivity and continue to follow to the
loudest point. emissions testing can be performed in the same manner. Cabins,
fuel tanks, containers, seals and gaskets may be tested with the unique patented
Ultrasonic Warble Tone Generator. Place the generator in the cabin or container
and scan the window, door, floor, seals, etc. for sonic penetration which will
have a distinct chirping sound and follow to the loudest point. It's that
simple.
|
Copyright ©1999-2000 UE Systems, Inc. |