SDT Sonavu Ultrasound and Acoustic Imaging Camera
Compressed air leak detection
With the SDT SonaVu acoustic imaging camera performing a compressed air leak survey and locating pesky leaks has never been easier. The SonaVu™ can pinpoint leaks from up to 150 feet away, even leaks in hard to reach areas are easy to detect.
If it’s been a while since your last ultrasound compressed air survey, or you’ve never even performed a compressed air leak survey at your facility, then it is likely that your compressed air system is riddled with leaks. A poorly maintained compressed air system can negatively impact product quality and slow production efficiency, not to mention have a large impact on plant-wide sustainability.
Air compressor systems can differ greatly in size, output and cost. What remains constant is the initial investment in a compressor system, which is only 25% of the expenses associated with it over its lifetime. The other 75% of the costs go to energy used to compress the air. Which really begs the question…
Why is a leaky compressed air system low on the priority list for the maintenance staff?
- Because some don’t associate compressed air with energy consumption.
- Not all maintenance technicians are aware of the fastest and easiest way to locate compresses air leaks.
A leaky system will never fulfill production demand and will continually drain resources.
Electrical asset reliability
Unreliable electrical machines and equipment can cost millions of dollars in downtime and repairs. And even more threatening, they have the potential to injure and kill workers without warning. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Before an electrical asset reaches the point where a dangerous phenomenon like arc flash and arc blast can occur, there are tell-tale signs that the asset is becoming unstable. And the biggest key to avoiding these costly and dangerous electrical malfunctions is early detection.
Partial discharge is the first sign of a deteriorating electrical asset. And the effects of partial discharge produce airborne ultrasound signals, easily detectable with SDT SonaVu™. You can find sources of partial discharge on all types of high voltage electrical assets. Switchgear, transformers, overhead lines, and underground cables to name a few.
By simply scanning these high voltage electrical assets with your SonaVu™ you will be able to locate and document the presence of any partial discharge. Indeed, regular ultrasound inspections on your electrical equipment will reveal partial discharge at its earliest stages and keep factory workers safe.
Reducing Fugitive Emissions
Fugitive Emissions are a stain on oil and gas production facilities. In many cases, they’re just considered to be part of the industrial process as they are categorized as equipment leaks, accidents and equipment failures. But this intentional neglect of fugitive emissions comes at a cost. As they leak into the air we breathe several dangers can arise. While some fugitive emissions only result in unpleasant odors, some can pose a serious safety threat to both plant personnel and those living near the facility.
The SDT SonaVu™ is capable of detecting fugitive emission gas leaks in most environments. When a compressed gas at high-pressure leaks from inside a pipe or valve to a low-pressure zone like our atmosphere, there is a differential pressure created which produces ultrasonic turbulence. Scanning hot zones for fugitive emissions with your SonaVu™ will reveal sources of dangerous and costly leaks. Also, since the SonaVu’s ultrasonic detection capabilities are not affected by wind, inspectors can scan for leaks inside or outside.
What is an acoustic imaging camera?
The SDT SonaVu™ is an acoustic imaging camera. It uses 112 ultrasound sensors and an optical camera. It can detect sources of airborne ultrasound and transmit them into a visual image on its touch screen. Defects such as compressed air system leaks, compressed gas system leaks, vacuum leaks, the presence of partial discharge on electrical assets, and failed/working steam traps all create turbulence. And when there is turbulent flow present, there is airborne ultrasound. SonaVu™ makes the superhuman hearing capabilities of SDT Ultrasound Devices visible to the human eye.
Using an acoustic imaging camera these defects and failure modes can be visualized and pinpointed from up to 50 meters away. And with the visualization capabilities of SonaVu, it’s easy to use too. With minimal device training, maintenance technicians can confidently inspect their assets for defects, long before they cause unexpected downtime.
SonaVu Insights™ : Complete compressed air leak management
SonaVu InSights™ is a web application for creating instant reports of compressed air leak and electrical asset surveys performed with the SonaVu Air Leak and Electrical imaging camera from SDT. Document findings, prioritize repairs, estimate cost impact, eliminate energy waste, and save money with this free application. The SonaVu InSights™ Image and Report Library is a secure place to store, organize, analyze, and prioritize your findings with your SonaVu™ Acoustic Imaging Camera.
