ultrasound testing

Ultrasonics: A Sound Concept

by Steve Johnson
Computational Systems, Inc

Today's cost-sensitive maintenance environment dictates an effective, simple-to-use, high payback technology where materials cost and personnel training are concerned. Ultrasonic monitoring is such a technology. Most plant systems and equipment generate operational noise of some sort and during failure modes the noise characteristics can change dramatically. Detecting this change and fixing the problem before failure can result in higher quality production output, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance overtime, and greatly reduced costs.

Vibration & Ultrasound Technologies: A Possible Integrated Inspection Tool?

by Stuart Courtney, Senior Applications Engineer, SKF Reliability Systems

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to introduce condition monitoring and reliability engineers to the principles of using ultrasound for the assessment of machine condition. Ultrasound can be a complimentary technology to vibration, thermography and lubrication monitoring. It must be emphasized that it is rarely successful as a stand alone technology for effective machine condition assessment and subsequent required maintenance planning. This paper concentrates on the use of airborne ultrasound as a complementary technique particularly for machinery that may be inaccessible due to guards or hazardous locations.

The Ultimate in Bearing Maintenance Programs

By Chuck Petersen

Greasing bearings with Ultrasound Detection is very fast becoming the way to go. We can actually tell by Ultrasound Detection when bearings need greased and then when they have enough grease. We listen to the bearing and when it sounds smooth like air escaping then it is properly lubricated. When it sounds like popcorn popping or gravel in a bucket it needs greased. We then have the maintenance man grease the bearing ½ stroke at a time while we listen to the bearing with the Ultraprobe 10000, we can actually hear the grease enter the bearing and the sound quickly goes to the smooth air escaping sound. At that point we stop the greasing.

asset condition management

Sustainability Through Ultrasonic Energy Conservation

by Allan Rienstra

In 2008, there arose a broad selection of solution providers specializing in helping the community of maintenance and reliability professionals to 'Go Green'. It is unlikely that the original mandate of most of these companies was to "help save the environment", but it does show how nimble entrepreneurialism adjusts to accommodate the demands of corporate social responsibility.

Asset Condition Management

The Synergy of Ultrasound and Vibration Analysis

Today's airborne ultrasound is a far more versatile technology than most people think. We can use ultrasound, together with vibration analysis and infrared thermography, to deepen our understanding of our machinery's condition. This article, which touches upon the use of airborne ultrasound and vibration, is the second of a three part series, in which we look at ultrasound, ultrasound/vibration and ultrasound/infrared.