Ultrasound World IV (2008)

Ultrasound World IV Program Abstracts
The Ultrasound World IV program was full of exciting presentations packed with useful information. Here is a selected sampling of Presentations that were offered throughout the conference. 

Presenters:  Daniel Blackford, Program Manager & Lead Analyst, Allied Reliability, Inc.
Presentation: Utilizing Airborne Ultrasound for Route Based Compressed Air Leak Inspections. Energy Savings at a Mine Processing Facility

Abstract:  This presentation will demonstrate how airborne ultrasound leak inspection was incorporated into a route based predictive maintenance program at a Mosaic phosphate mine. Attendees will learn how the program was implemented; the reporting process, and the cost savings attributed to higher efficiency plant air systems.

Presenters:  Paul Payne  and  Kevin Whitehead, Senior Commercial & Industrial Technicians, Tennessee Valley Authority
Presentation: "The Leaky Plant & How to Quantify What You Find"

Abstract: 
· Typical Air System Components Within A Plant
· Why and How They Leak
· Reporting Leak Locations and Cost/Savings
· Recording and Quantifying Compressed Air Leaks So the Boss
  Can Understand It.

Paul will give a "heads-up" as to some of the typical issues associated with the compressed air components that inspectors will encounter in practically every plant.  Using actual defective components retrieved from plants, as well as pictures taken at various facilities, Paul will explain their operation within the system, where and why some of these components leak, and the reasoning as to why the leaks need to be reported in a clear and concise manner. Paul will conclude by pointing out a few safety issues when shooting a plant. 

Building on Paul's presentation on leak components, Kevin will demonstrate how to use EPRI's, Compressed Air Survey software in conjunction with an Excel spreadsheet he developed for reporting and tracking compressed air leaks.  Using examples from Paul's talk, a "sample report" will be developed in 'real-time' to show the audience the importance of accurate and concise recording.  Hand-outs of the spreadsheet will be provided to the audience to follow along.  

Presenters:  Don & Darrel Adams, Northwestern, Inc.
Presentation: "Continuous Steam Trap Management Program."

Abstract: This presentation will review the results of a current evaluation of steam traps using ultrasound in a board drying application.  Current data compared to historical data can reveal valuable information that through analysis can help reduce energy cost and help management make proper decisions about frequency of testing to improve equipment performance.

Considering today's energy costs, every manager is on the lookout for ways to increase the efficiency of their steam system while reducing expenses and loss of energy.  Monitoring and evaluating steam traps using a systematic steam trap management program is the most productive way to maximize the potential of a facility's heating and processing systems while decreasing shutdowns and maintenance costs.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, facilities that do not participate in an ongoing steam trap management program retain leakage in 20% of all traps in service; and, because many steam traps fail open, losses from failed traps can be significant. Software such as uCanKnow continuous steam trap management program can provide the solutions you need before these threatening problems become disruptive to productivity, causing loss in both time and money. 

Abstract: Ultrasonic air leak detection has been used successfully for many years to find and quantify leaks in reticulated gas systems, with the "Guess-timator" charts proving to be a useful guide in the estimation of overall leak rates. As the name implies this method has only ever been a gross approximation due to the many variables that determine the level of ultrasound generated by any given leak. To this end an improved leak rate estimation process has been developed to better account for the key variables affecting the leak rate and the corresponding ultrasonic sound level. Additional useful information will also be presented relating to loss rates based on real world case studies rather than the standard orifice data which in many cases overstates the actual leak rate encountered.

The application of the new leak estimation process and software tools to streamline leak surveys will also be presented in the form of case studies from both Australia and New Zealand. 

For Conference Information
Call:  1-800-223-1325; international: +914-592-1220; email: info@uesystems.com