Ultrasound Analysis
In all industries our number one priority is ensuring worker safety. Ultrasound handheld inspections have the ability to detect some of the most high risk activities in an electrical system. Ultrasound Analysis can detect arcing, tracking and corona discharge in an electrical system. By detecting these conditions prior to opening and electrical cabinet significantly reduces the risk of arc flash.
Airborne/Structure borne analysis is another very helpful digital tool for safety and reliability in that, like infrared analysis, is useful across many disciplines. There are only two conditions that create ultrasound. Turbulent flow of a fluid and friction, therefore the following areas of industry can be greatly assisted by the use of ultrasound:
- Electrical safety: UT has the ability to detect arcing, tracking and corona discharge in electrical systems and is used in high voltage switchyards and before opening electrical cabinet doors to detect unsafe conditions within the cabinet to increase safety.
- Reliability of rotating lubricated bearings:
- Hand-held or fixed placed automated data collection and lubrication systems ensure your rotating lubricated bearings are operating at their optimum.
- UT is known as being THE BEST tool for detecting lubrication issues (over or under lubrication) in bearings. In fact, we even have systems that will only lubricate your bearing when the bearing needs it which is determined by its ultrasound signal.
- Ultrasound is also the best tool for detecting faults in slow moving bearings such as slew bearings.
- Fluid leaks: one of ultrasound’s primary design purposes is to detect airborne fluid leaks such as compressed air and gas leaks.
- Bypassing valves and cylinders in hydraulic systems: IIAT has long used ultrasound following an infrared inspection on hydraulic equipment where a suspected bypassing hydraulic cylinder has been detected to confirm whether the cylinder is bypassing or not.
- Cabin air leaks: due to dangerous atmospheric conditions and noise levels, cabin seal integrity has come to the forefront of OH&S on many sites. The use of an ultrasound tone generator and a hand-held ultrasound unit is THE FASTEST AND EASIEST way to determine cabin seal integrity and where the integrity is being lost.
Silent Signals of Equipment Health
Airbourne/Structure Borne Analysis (UT)
Did you know?
One air leak you can hear without this device is costing you approximately $2000 a year in extra running costs.
Ultrasound technologies have progressed to items such as the 4cast system and the OnTrak System.
The 4cast system is permanently fixed to monitor bearing 24/7. This system can send alerts to then operator console for investigation. It records sound samples and data to a software program. The intervals for data collection can be easily adjusted by the operator and the process requirements.
The OnTrak system is the next level. This system is completely wireless, with the same abilities as the 4cast but much more. The software is 100% online and can be logged into from anywhere in the world. It will detect for over lubrication and under lubrication of bearings and inject lubricate as required by an installed perma lubricator.
Ultrasound Analysis for Equipment Safety and Maintenance
With the discovery of Black Lung in coal mines, checking for leaks in machinery cabs is essential. Using an ultrasound detector combined with an ultrasound tone generator, we can easily and quickly assess your machinery cabs for leaks, ensuring the safety of your workers.
While ultrasound was initially developed for detecting air leaks, it can also function as a data-logger, similar to a vibration data-logger.
The Advantages of Ultrasound Over Vibration Analysis
While vibration analysis is highly effective for many applications, ultrasound offers unique benefits for slow-speed rotating equipment. If you face premature or unplanned failures in these types of bearings, ultrasound may provide the solution you need.
IIAT has been specialising in ultrasound technology for about five years, particularly in mining and with Heavy Mobile Equipment. We have achieved outstanding results, especially with slow-speed bearings on draglines, hydraulic excavators, and face shovel slew bearings.
Our ongoing data collection on these machines enables us to identify early indicators of under-lubrication and contamination in these components. These critical parts are not readily available at your local dealer, and replacing them is not a quick task. Our proactive approach minimises unexpected downtime and costly repairs, allowing you to maintain optimal equipment performance and extend the lifespan of critical components, while saving time and resources in the long run.
The data captured through Airborne/Structure-Borne Analysis is precise and actionable, allowing our highly trained technicians to provide tailored maintenance recommendations that keep your equipment running efficiently and cost-effectively.
IIAT keeps your equipment running efficiently and cost-effectively.
Ensure Safety, Save Time and Money with IIAT.
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