Ultrasound World VI (2010)

Ultrasound World VI Program Abstracts

Abstract: This presentation is about using the standard ultrasonic detector for "outside of the box" applications. Most plants have some sort of ultrasonic detector that is utilized yearly for air leaks or steam trap inspections. My presentation is to challenge the attendee to look at Ultrasonics in a whole new light. Think of it as a way of "looking" inside a machine without having to have blueprints or internal schematics to guide you. By "listening" to your asset there is a wealth of information that is not being utilized. Many of the problems that can be found utilizing more expensive PdM Technologies can be found with the underutilized Ultrasonic detector.  

Some examples of this are:
· Ultrasonics for verifying proper accelerometer placement
· Ultrasonic Source used to verify leaking tubes in coal boiler
· Determining which stage of a multi stage (turbine style) pump was rubbing
      without the luxury of an infrared camera
· Verifying the location of a leaking single membrane roof in a metal building
      (without having to get on the roof or even putting on a safety harness)
 
With the current economic outlook and maintenance budgets feeling the squeeze, the utilization of existing equipment justifies the purchase of new or updated equipment in a short period of time. All of the applications above are such that when presented will cause you to stop and think about how the technology is being applied in your own situations. All of these applications are straightforward and require very little training or experience to make a definite impact on the bottom line quickly.

Bio:  Rob Miller, CMRP, Regional Analyst, Allied Reliability   
Rob has over 20 years of experience in maintenance and reliability.  He is a certified Level II Vibration Analyst who has worked with practically every predictive maintenance technology including: vibration, infrared, ultrasound, precision balancing, precision alignment, MCA, MCE, Motor Surge Testing, and electrical testing at manufacturing facilities throughout the Southeastern United States.  He has provided formal training presentations in public and private forums covering Alignment, Intro to PdM, Intro to Vibration, and other site training on specific equipment/software systems.