ULTRAPROBETM 100 INSTRUCTION MANUAL VOLUME 1.
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-1The ULTRAPROBE 100 provides easy, accurate leak detection and mechanical inspection through advanced ultrasonic technology. kit shot Before you begin testing, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic components of your kit. 1. PISTOL HOUSING The main component of the Ultraprobe is its' pistol housing. From back to front, let's examine each part. A. Bargraph Display: The display consists of a ten segment LED bargraph that will indicate ultrasonic signal strength.
-2- 2. SCANNING MODULE This module is utilized to receive air-borne ultrasound such as the ultrasounds emitted by pressure leaks and electrical discharges. To use, make sure it is plugged in to the front end of the metered pistol housing by aligning the plug with the receptical and inserting it firmly. To use the Scanning Module: 1. Plug in to front end. 2. Start with the sensitivity selection dial at maximum (8). Scanning Module 3. Start to scan the test area. a.
-34. HEADSET This heavy duty headset is designed to block out intense sounds often found in industrial environments so that the user may easily hear the sounds received by the ULTRAPROBE. To use, simply plug the headset cord into the headset jack on the metered pistol housing, and place the headphones over your ears. If a hard hat is to be worn, it is recommended to use UE Systems' model UE-DHC-2HH Hard Hat Headphones which are specifically designed for hard hat use. A.
-4- ULTRAPROBE APPLICATIONS 1. LEAK DETECTION This section will cover airborne leak detection of pressure and vacuum systems. (For information concerned with internal leaks such as in Valves and Steam Traps, refer to the appropriate sections). What produces ultrasound in a leak? When a gas passes through a restricted orifice under pressure, it is going from a pressurized laminar flow to low pressure turbulent flow. (Fig. 1). The turbulence generates a broad spectrum of sound called "white noise".
-5- B. TO CONFIRM A LEAK: Position the Scanning Module, or the rubber focusing probe (if it is on the scanning module) close to the suspect leak site and move it, slightly, back and forth, in all directions. If the leak is at this location, the sound will increase and decrease in intensity as you sweep over it. In some instances, it is useful to position the rubber focusing probe directly over the suspect leak site and push down to "seal" it from surrounding sounds.
-6D. LOW LEVEL LEAKS In ultrasonic inspection of leakage, the amplitude of the sound often depends upon the amount of turbulence generated at the leak site. The greater the turbulence, the louder the signal, the less the turbulence, the lower the intensity of the signal. When a leak rate is so low that it produces little, if any turbulence that is "detectable", it is considered "below threshold". If a leak appears to be of this nature: 1. Build up the pressure (if possible) to create greater turbulence.
-7The Tone Test incorporates two basic components: a TONE GENERATOR (an ultrasonic transmitter) , and the Scanning Module in the Ultraprobe. To conduct the test: 1. Make certain the test item has no fluids or contaminants such as water, mud, sludge, etc., that can block the path of the transmitted ultrasound. 2.
-82. ELECTRIC ARC, CORONA, TRACKING DETECTION There are three basic electrical problems that are detected with the Ultraprobe 500: Arcing: An arc occurs when electricity flows through space. Lightning is a good example. Corona: When voltage on an electrical conductor, such as an antenna or high voltage transmission line exceeds the threshold value, the air around it begins to ionize to form a blue or purple glow. Tracking: Often refered to as "baby arcing", follows the path of damaged insulation.
-9- bearing shot 3. DETECTING BEARING WEAR Ultrasonic inspection and monitoring of bearings is by far the most reliable method for detecting incipient bearing failure. The ultrasonic warning appears prior to a rise in temperature or an increase in low frequency vibration levels. Ultrasonic inspection of bearings is useful in recognizing: a. The beginning of fatigue failure. b. Brinelling of bearing surfaces. c. Flooding of or lack of lubricant.
-10DETECTING BEARING FAILURE COMPARATIVE TESTING. The comparative method involves testing two or more similar bearings and "comparing" potential differences. FOR COMPARATIVE TEST 1. Use contact (stethoscope) module. 2. Select a "test spot" on the bearing housing. Touch that spot with the contact module. In ultrasonic sensing, the more mediums or materials ultrasound has to travel through, the less accurate the reading will be. Therefore, be sure the contact probe is actually touching the bearing housing.
-11- trap shot 5. LOCATING FAULTY STEAM TRAPS An ultrasonic test of steam traps is a positive test. The main advantage to ultrasonic testing is that it isolates the area being tested by eliminating confusing background noises. A user can quickly adjust to recognizing differences among various steam traps, of which there are three basic types: mechanical, thermostatic and thermodynamic. When testing steam traps ultrasonically: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Determine what type of trap is on the line.
-12- INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS normally fail in the open position because the trap loses its prime. This condition means a complete blow-through, not a partial loss. The trap will no longer operate intermittently. Aside from a continuous rushing sound, another clue for steam blow-through is the sound of the bucket clanging against the side of the trap. A FLOAT AND THERMOSTATIC trap normally fails in the "closed" position.
-13- 6. LOCATING FAULTY VALVES Utilizing the contact (stethoscope) module in the Ultraprobe, valves can easily be monitored to determine if a valve is operating properly. As a liquid or gas flows through a pipe, there is little or no turbulence generated except at bends or obstacles. In the case of a leaking valve, the escaping liquid or gas will move from a high to a low pressure area, creating turbulence on the low pressure or "downstream" side. This produces a white noise.
-14ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY The technology of ultrasound is concerned with sound waves that occur above human perception. The average threshold of human perception is 16,500 Hertz. Although the highest sounds some humans are capable of hearing is 21,000 Hertz, ultrasound technology is usually concerned with frequencies from 20,000 Hertz and up. Another way of stating 20,000 Hertz is 20 kHz, or KILOHERTZ. One kiloHertz is 1,000 Hertz. Since ultrasound is a high frequency , it is a short wave signal.
SPECIFICATIONS Construction: Hand held ABS pistol type ultrasonic processor stainless steel sensor enclosures Circuitry: SMD/Solid State hybrid hetrodyne receiver Frequency Response: 20-100 kHz (centered at 28-42 kHz) Indicator: 10 segment LED bargraph (red) Sensitivity Selection: 8 position precision attenuation Power: 9 volt alkaline battery Low Battery Voltage Indicator: LED Headset: Noise isolating type: double headset wired monophonic Impedence: 16 ohms. Over 23 dB noise attenuation.
SAFETY ADVISORY PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR INSTRUMENT. WARNING Improper use of your ultrasonic detector may result in death or serious injury. Observe all safety precautions. Do not attempt to make any repairs or adjustments while the equipment is operating. Be sure to turn off and LOCK OUT all electrical and mechanical sources before performing any corrective maintenance. Always refer to local guidelines for appropriate lockout and maintenance procedures.
