AccuTrak
VPE-2000
14
2. Touchprobe Applications (Internal sounds, bearings,
valves, steam traps).
Ultrasound not only travels through air but solid materials as well. The
touchprobe sensor (B.) is used to detect abnormal system sounds which are
internally
generated. Such sounds include abnormal flow in piping, valves, and
steam traps. Other applications include the detection of friction or increased
wear in bearings, motors and gears.
Warning
:
To insure a good contact, and accurate readings the touchprobe is
sharp! Be careful not to injure yourself or others!
Frequency Selection (touchprobe):
Changing the frequency bands of the touch probe sensor allows you to hear
different things within a system. For example in a steam trap, the Probe High
setting makes it easy to isolate the sound of a steam traps purge cycle, while the
Probe Low setting allows you to hear the trickle of condensate coming into trap
as well. There are times when this is beneficial, and times when there is so
much background noise that the Low setting may not be effective.
The sound of most bearings comes alive in the Low range probe, however, very
high speeds and/or vibration sometimes make it necessary to use the High
frequency probe.
Your
experiences with
your
equipment will determine which is the best setting
for
you
!
Steam Traps
Background:
A steam trap is a device which works much like an automatic faucet, opening
only at times when condensed steam (water) has accumulated at the trap. The
steam trap then will open to purge the condensate, while retaining the steam for
maximum efficiency. Common problems arise when a malfunctioning steam trap
fails in either the open or closed position. When this happens it can often go
undetected. Left uncorrected in the
closed
position, faulty steam traps will
cause problems such as “water hammer”. If failed in the
open
position, the trap
will constantly release live steam, drastically reducing system efficiency. These
are problems that can be quite costly.
Note:
It is fairly common for large manufacturing and processing plants to spend
tens of thousands of dollars on steam system conservation programs (equipment
and personnel) designed to locate and repair failing steam traps. Ultrasonic
detectors play an important role in these programs.
