Ultrasonic leak detectors produce high-frequency, powerful pulses that travel through materials as waves. When there is a surface defect or interruption, some energy is reflected back instead of traveling through materials. To find a leak, ultrasonic leak detection locates high-frequency sounds of leaking pressurized gas. If the leak is turbulent, the leak detector only needs to discover compressed air. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Agilent Technologies: Vacuum Products Division
Lexington, MA | 800-882-7426Total vacuum and leak detection solutions, including VS Series Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors. We provide industry-leading mass spectrometer and selective ion pumping leak detectors in portable, mobile and component models, as well as primary, high and ultra-high vacuum pumps.
Dorlen Products, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI | 414-282-4840Dorlen Products specializes in water leak detection services and products like water leak detectors, Ceiling Guard, Water Alert, plus Water Alert and Sensor Cable. These products come with a five-year warranty. We have been providing high-quality products and service since 1975. For more information, call Dorlen or visit our website!
Pfeiffer Vacuum, Inc.
Nashua, NH | 800-248-8254The Pfeiffer Vacuum ASM 340 performs helium or hydrogen leak detection in vacuum and sniffer modes. It detects leaks to 5x 10-12 mbar l/s in vacuum mode and 5x10-9 mbar l/s in sniffing mode. This durable, high performance leak detector offers I/O interface, SD memory card and wireless remote operation up to 100 meters.
Perma-Pipe, Inc.
Niles, IL | 847-966-2190PermAlert™ is the leading leak detection technology provider since 1988. As a division within the PERMA-PIPE, Inc. company, we work closely with clients across the globe to address their leak detection challenges and ensure maximum protection of their assets. PerrmAlert design, manufacture, and service a range of leak detection systems for a variety of applications. Our commitment to innovation allows us to deliver the best and most reliable solution for our clients.
An ultrasonic detector is effective if it converts high-frequency leak sounds to lower ranges – a process called heterodyning. Hissing leaks can be located by listening through a pair of headphones. Every turbulent gas will produce ultrasound when it leaks. Ultrasonic detectors can even pick up air rushing into a system while being vacuumed.
Ultrasonic Maintenance Examples
Ultrasonic maintenance works for lots of equipment. Vacuum leak detection, gas leak detection, and compressed air leak detection are common applications of ultrasonic technology.
- Inspection of complicated air and gas pipe networks: Compressed air and compressed gasses are necessary for facilities to function. An intricate network of pipelines distributes these gasses from a central point. Leaks can happen anywhere, causing expensive repairs. Ultrasonic leak detection is the quickest, most precise method for finding even the smallest leak in a system.
- Safety enhancements: The main problem caused by compressed air leaks is efficiency loss. However, safety takes precedence when a system is leaking harmful or dangerous gases. Leaks can place staff in immediate danger, so leaks must be rapidly located and fixed.
Advantages of Ultrasonic Leak Detection
- Reliable air and gas delivery: Leaky systems use more energy to keep the pressure at the same level. If there are enough leaks, the system won't function properly. This could lead to a chain reaction of inefficiencies in compressed gas-dependent end-use processes or the termination of those operations.
- Improved safety: All working staff are significantly at risk from hazardous gas leaks. Ultrasonic leak detection allows companies to comply with safety standards.
- Low maintenance costs: By spotting leaks as soon as they appear, repairs can be planned for a time that won't interfere with output. Massive failures requiring involved, and expensive repairs are minimized or completely avoided.
Drawbacks of Ultrasonic Leak Detection
Ultrasonic equipment can rarely be automated, allow users to test to a leak rate standard, provide repeatable accuracy, or offer test result management.
There are leak detection techniques that offer more precise and controlled leak testing. The typical ultrasonic leak detection device can only identify leaks in the 60 sscm range. The operator’s performance, environmental context, and capacity to separate sound frequency from background noise all affect the efficiency of ultrasonic leak detection. It’s harder to identify leaks when acoustical leak testing is carried out on insulated lines, underground, or through walls.
