Leak Detection Is Hard Work

Ultraprobe Tip
–The Value of Sound
 Recording

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Sound Contest

Training Schedule

Knowledge:  If you understand how leaks form, what types of leak have a better chance of producing ultrasound and the various methods for leak detection, then you have a good probability of success.

Planning:  One common mistake is that an inspector starts to look for a leak without any planning. Planning is a very important element for success, whether the leak detection process is for a leak that must be found immediately or as part of a scheduled PdM check. The first step is to understand the type of leak as well as the system or component in which the leak may be. The next step is to review the leak system. Check blue prints or pipe layouts to get a better understanding of how and where leaks might occur. The next is to walk through the areas you will test to be sure the diagrams and prints match up. This is also a good opportunity to view what additional equipment you will need to bring such as keys to open locked cabinets, flashlights, ladders or any special modules or tools such as the flexible probes, Long Range Module, Close Focus Module or Liquid Leak Amplifier. This walk through will also help you plan your inspection route.

Experience:  The more you use your ultrasound instrument, the better you’ll get. It’s that simple. As you gain experience you will learn what techniques work in specific cases and what won’t work, you’ll have a better understanding of how to look for the leak, confirm the leak and extrapolate the potential savings of your test. You’ll develop shielding techniques and possibly short cuts that will take you directly to the leak. In essence you’ll be come more efficient and more effective.

Training:  To help you start off in the right direction and, even if you do have experience, to help you re-discover techniques and concepts that can help, training is always advisable. As you are probably aware, UE Systems has been offering training courses, some to help with certification, for over ten years. Our course curriculum has increased to provide courses that meet specific needs. To review all the courses offered, try this link: http://www.uesystems.com/training.asp

The Right Tool for the job:  Ever since our first Ultraprobe, we have been modifying the product and adding accessories to help meet specific inspection needs. There are always unique problems that inspectors encounter. Over the years we have developed a number of accessories based on recommendations from users. The Close Focus Module was created to met the need for locating vacuum leaks in vacuum bags used by the composite industry, the Ultrasonic Wave Form concentrator (Parabolic Dish) came about to help locate leaks at a distance. The Long Range Module (LRM) actually was designed by a scientist working for the National Aeronautics Space Administration: NASA to help locate leaks on the space shuttle. Our flexible probes were suggested as a way to help some inspectors locate leaks occurring at odd angles in difficult areas and the concept of Liquid Leak Amplifier came about to help locate low level leaks that were out of the normal detection range of standard ultrasonic equipment.