Ultrasound Testing

Ultrasound testing detects the high-frequency sound that the ear cannot hear — emitted by early bearing faults, compressed-air and steam leaks, failing steam traps, valve leakage and electrical discharge. It often gives the earliest warning of all condition-monitoring techniques.

How it works

An ultrasonic detector picks up high-frequency sound and shifts it into the audible range, so a technician can hear faults that are otherwise silent. Because friction, turbulence and electrical discharge all emit ultrasound, the technique finds the very earliest stage of bearing wear, the hiss of a pressurised leak, and the flow through a passing valve or failed-open trap. It is fast, portable and needs no shutdown.

What the data shows

A rising ultrasonic level on a bearing is often the first sign of wear, before vibration; a continuous hiss locates a compressed-air or steam leak; flow noise through a closed valve reveals internal leakage; a failed-open steam trap shows continuous flow.

Ultrasound Testing by equipment

Glossary: Ultrasound Testing →