Ultrasound Technology and Compressed Air Audits

1. Ultrasound Technology and Compressed Air Audits

2. Brief Overview of Ultrasound • Ultrasonic frequencies are high frequency signals that are above range of human hearing. • Human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz • Ultrasound instruments sense 20 kHz to 100 kHz • High frequencies have characteristics that work differently than low frequencies in the audible range.

3. SOUND PENETRATION • Low Frequency Wave • Vibrate Solid Surfaces • Large Objects Appear Transparent • High Frequency Wave • Short • Weak • Can not Penetrate Solid Objects MPEG SUPERSONIC FLYBY OF AN F14 SHOWING THE SOUND WAVE WITH A VAPOR CLOUD

4. How Do We Detect Ultrasound? Using a digital ultrasonic translator which provides: • Display Screens with test data including Decibel and Frequency read outs. • Software for data management • Sound recording ability and sound analysis software

5. How Do these Ultrasonic Translators Work? • The Ultrasound is detected and these sounds are then translated down into lower frequencies within the range of human hearing • They are heard through headphones • And observed as intensity increments on a meter or display panel.

6. Interchangeable Modules • Leaks Are Detected By: • Scanning Module • Stethoscope Module • Tone method • Specialized Methods May Be Considered: • Long Range Module Non Accessible Leaks • Liquid Leak Amplifier Laminar or “TINY” Leaks

7. Where Do Air Leaks Occur? Mechanical Seals Threaded Fittings Sealant Problems Gaskets Corrosion/Erosion Structure Penetrations

8. Considerations in Leak Detection • Turbulence • Orifice Shape • Fluid Characteristics: Viscosity & Molecular Wt. • Pressure Differentials • Distance From Leak • Competing Ultrasounds • Accessibility to Leak • Atmospheric Conditions

9. Relating Sound Levels to CFM

10. Conducting a Compressed Air Survey • Gather Data • Compressor Info • PSIG Operating data • Hours of Operation • Begin Survey at Compressor • Follow Air Lines to all Pieces of Equipment • Record dB Readings of Leaks • Take Photographs of Leaks

11. Test, Listen, Record

12. Generate a Cost Report • Place Recorded dB Readings in Analysis Software • Generate Report of dB Sound Level of Each Leak Converted to CFM with Associated kW Usage and Annual Cost of Leak

13. Place Pictures with Report • Place Photos of Each Leak Location that Numerically Matches the Cost Report

14. AIR LEAKS COST !!!!!! LEAK DIA AIR-LOSS LOSS/DAY LOSS/DAY LOSS/YR. CFM CU.FT/DAY $ $ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/64 .40 576 0.14 50.40 1/32 1.60 2,304 0.58 211.00 3/64 3.66 5,270 1.32 481.00 1/16 6.45 9,288 2.32 846.00 3/32 14.50 20,880 5.22 1,904.00 1/8 25.80 37,152 9.29 3,389.00 3/16 58.30 83,952 21.00 7,661.00 1/4 103.00 148,320 37.08 13,526.00 5/16 162.00 233,280 58.32 21,275.00 3/8 234.00 336,960 84.24 30,731.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: Based on 100 PSI, $0.25 /mcf, 8760 hours / year

15. Questions on Leak Detection?

16. Conclusion • ULTRASOUND: • Versatile • Simple to use • Provides definitive data of air leaks • Supports other technologies • QUESTIONS??? THANK YOU