Easy detection of high frequency sounds
The SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) senses high frequency sounds produced by operating equipment, leaks and electrical dis- charges. It electronically translates these signals by a heterodyning process, making them audible, so that a user can hear these sounds through a headset and see them as intensity increments on a meter.
The SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) can complement your condition monitoring program by providing you with the following capabilities:
Pressure/Vacuum leaks
As any gas (air, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) passes through a leak orifice, it generates a turbulent flow with detectable high frequency components. By scanning the test area with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K), a leak can be heard through the headset as a rushing sound or noted on the meter bar graph indicator. The closer the instrument is to the leak, the louder the rushing sound and the higher the meter reading. Should ambient noise be a problem, a rubber focusing probe may be used to narrow the instrument’s reception field and to shield it from conflicting ultra sounds.
Valve
Valve activity such as leakage or blockage can be accurately checked while the valve is on line. Properly seated valves are relatively quiet while leaking valves produce a turbulent flow as the fluid moves from the high pressure side through the leak to the low pressure side. Due to a wide sensitivity and ultrasonic frequency, all types of valves even in noisy environments can be accurately tested.
Valve stems
Valve stems may be quickly tested for leaks to atmosphere.
Steam trap inspection
Major steam trap manufacturers have recommended ultra sound inspection of steam traps as one of the most reliable methods available. By converting the ultrasonic elements of a working steam trap into the audible range, the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) allows users to hear through headphones and see on a meter the exact condition of a steam trap while it is on line. Blowby, machine gunning, over sized traps or line blockage are all easily detected.
The SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) markedly reduces confusion from extraneous sounds or from heat transfer, even when traps are extremely close together.
Electrical inspection
Arcing and corona discharge emit ultra sounds at the site of emission. This electrical discharge can be located quickly by scanning the area with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K). The signal is heard as a frying or buzzing sound in the headset. As with pressure or vacuum leak detection, the closer the instrument is to the discharge, the more intense the signal.
Test switch gear, transformers, circuit breakers, buss bars, relays, junction boxes, insulators and other electrical gear.
General mechanical inspection
The SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) can detect the early stage of a machine’s mechanical malfunction. NASA research has demonstrated that ultrasound monitoring will locate potential bearing deficiencies before they are detected by the traditional heat and vibration methods. With the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K), users hear the sound quality of a bearing as well as monitor amplitude changes on the meter. This complements other monitoring instruments and adds to the ability to trend, troubleshoot, and confirm potential bearing problems.
General mechanical inspection is easy with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) and with very little training, users can learn to test bearings within minutes. Current vibration programs can achieve enhanced diagnostic ability with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K).
Prevent over-lubrication with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) by simply lubricating only until the meter reaches a specified level. Over lubrication is one of the more common causes of bearing failure.
General mechanical inspection of pumps, motors, compressors, gears and gear boxes: all types of operating equipment may be inspected with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K). Since the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) works in a high frequency, short wave environment, problems such as cavitation in pumps, compressor valve leakage, or missing gear teeth may be heard and isolated. Reciprocating compressor valve analysis has also become successful with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K) and therefore many engine analyzer companies now offer instruments with an ultrasonic input port.
Heat exchangers, boilers and condensers
In-leakage or pressure leakage can be readily located with the SKF Inspector 400 Ultrasonic Probe (CMIN 400-K). Fittings, valves and flanges are all easily scanned for leakage. The high frequency, short wave nature of ultrasound allows operators to pinpoint the location of a leak in high noise environments.
Condenser tubes and heat exchanger tubes may be tested for leakage through two methods: vacuum and pressure.
Vacuum
The tube sheet is scanned for the tell-tale rushing sound produced as the leak draws air into the tube.
Pressure
Additional testing may be performed when the system is off-line utilizing air pressure around the tube bundle and scanning for the rushing sound produced from the leaking tube.
Applications
- Pressure and vacuum leak detection
- Valve seat leak detection
- Exhaust system leaks
- Heat exchangers, boilers, condensers
- Steam trap inspection
- Bearing testing
- Gear/Gearbox inspection
- General mechanical inspection and troubleshooting
- Tanks, pipes, etc., leak testing