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Superior Signal Company LLC 

 

AccuTrak

 ®

 VPE-

1000 User’s Manual

 © 2015 

2

 

 

Introduction & General Description 

 
 
Congratulations on your purchase of the AccuTrak

®

 model VPE-1000 ultrasonic 

inspection  system.    You  have  invested  in  the  most  sophisticated  and 
technologically  advanced  ultrasonic  test  instrument  available.    The  AccuTrak

®

 

model  VPE-1000  is  an  excellent  tool  for  leak  detection,  but  it  also  does  much 
more.    This  instrument  will  accurately  test  steam  traps  and  valves  for 

internal 

leaks!    It  will  allow  you  to  accurately  record  the  ultrasonic  sound  signatures  of 
bearings  and  other  moving  machinery  to  gauge  the  extent  of  wear,  and  predict 
failure BEFORE it occurs!   

We  at  Superior  Signal  have  dedicated  thousands  of  man  hours  developing  the 
AccuTrak

®

  which  is  the  first  ultrasonic  detector  to  offer  digital  controls  and 

displays.    No  other  instrument,  even  those  costing  thousands  of  dollars,  can 
produce such accurate readings, and consistent results in repeatable tests.   

The internal signal processing is performed by a patented process with additional 
patents  pending.    This  circuitry  assures  the  reduction  of  "noise",  a  true 
translation  of  ultrasonic  frequencies,  and  the  most  precise  and  consistent 
readings available. 

Use  your  new  instrument  to  detect  pressurized  gas  leaks  of  refrigerant,  steam, 
air, nitrogen, or even vacuum.  The touch probe sensor allows you to detect the 
slightest flow abnormality in refrigerant lines, expansion valves, steam traps and 
valves.  Mechanical wear in bearings and other moving machinery can be quickly 
identified.    Overall  system  noise  can  be  recorded  and  compared  to  previous 
readings for an accurate record of increasing noise patterns. 

This  booklet  contains  information  necessary  to  use  and  interpret  sounds  with 
your AccuTrak

®

.  To eliminate any future frustration, we recommend you take a 

few  minutes  to  read  this  manual  and  understand  the  operation  of  your  new 
instrument.    Again, congratulations.   We are sure you will be pleased with your 
choice. 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Contents for AccuTrak VPE-1000

Page 1: ...Model VPE 1000 USER S MANUAL www SuperiorSignal com Superior Signal Company LLC 2015...

Page 2: ...Display 10 Hidden MODE Options 10 APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW 11 1 AIRBORNE APPLICATIONS EXTERNAL SOUNDS 11 Leaks 11 Methods of reducing background noise interference 12 Recording overall system noise 13 2...

Page 3: ...can produce such accurate readings and consistent results in repeatable tests The internal signal processing is performed by a patented process with additional patents pending This circuitry assures...

Page 4: ...ows relative strength of detected signal in a bargraph format D Power button Turns the instrument on or off E Alphanumeric Display A N D Level Mode Indicator Displays active mode current mode setting...

Page 5: ...ors the end closest to you there is a sliding panel Apply minimal pressure to the center of the panel and slide it towards you exposing the battery compartment Install a fresh new 9 Volt Alkaline batt...

Page 6: ...d present in the test area and the LED bargraph meter will display the strength of the corresponding signal The highest LED will hold its place for 5 seconds before resetting its position This will he...

Page 7: ...ng in bearings 4 The VPE 1000 always defaults back to Sensitivity as the active mode therefore if your readings are off the scale simply press the to reduce the reading to within the range of the inst...

Page 8: ...e flowing the flow is normally laminar which means that a given layer of gas does not mix with layers above it or below it This condition happens in a straight long tube when the velocity of the fluid...

Page 9: ...on off button D once to turn the unit on depress it again to turn the unit off Depending on whether you are in contact or airborne mode you will immediately begin to hear the translated ultrasonic si...

Page 10: ...e pressing the MODE button once will put the AccuTrak in the Volume Adjust Mode The alphanumeric display will read Vol as long as the MODE button is pressed When released it will show V000 indicating...

Page 11: ...essing the or buttons it will scroll through the display options which are as follows Cont Continuous the A N D will show the level of the signal in real time Peak Peak Hold the A N D will hold the hi...

Page 12: ...duce the sensitivity until only the first one or two lights are lit on the LED bargraph meter Check around fittings flanges and all other suspected areas If at anytime the display is at maximum due to...

Page 13: ...f how the direct translation process of the AccuTrak helps you to distinguish the difference between the two signals Practice listening to different components of your system this will help you to ide...

Page 14: ...ak readings were taken Although the AccuTrak will only record the ultrasonic range of a noisy system this part of the sound will increase in proportion to the sonic part the customer is hearing and co...

Page 15: ...has accumulated at the trap The steam trap then will open to purge the condensate while retaining the steam for maximum efficiency Problems arise when a malfunctioning steam trap fails in either the o...

Page 16: ...alve ball needle gate or any type of valve which may be leaking internally Are valves functioning properly When in the closed position are they truly closed Is the TXV clogged or iced Restrictions or...

Page 17: ...r results To take a reading on a mechanical system such as a bearing or gear box you must use the touch probe attachment Touch the end of the probe to the outer housing of the gear box or bearing maki...

Page 18: ...the degree of wear in a particular piece of equipment It is worth while to show this information to your customers Letting them know what is going on will help build your reputation credibility and ma...

Page 19: ...ll times Make certain the cord from the headphones is out of the way of any moving machine member Other Applications Use your imagination The AccuTrak is probably one of the most versatile test instru...

Page 20: ...s use the yellow waveguide to protect any fluid from entering the sensor Optional Sound Generator The ultrasonic sound generator is used to detect leaks in enclosures which are not under pressure This...

Page 21: ...and allows you to schedule the repair BEFORE this happens A significant increase in compressor noise indicates looseness wear or other serious problems AccuTrak helps prevent vibration caused leaks St...

Page 22: ...ironments When performing touch probe applications do not use excessive pressure on the item being tested Bent probes or cracked sensor housings are considered abuse and will not be covered under warr...

Page 23: ...s are at the sole discretion of Superior Signal Company LLC Maximum liability under any circumstance shall be limited to replacement of unsatisfactory product Recommendations and product information a...

Page 24: ...aveguide 11 Leak Detection 5 method outline 5 leaks 11 Quick Overview 5 modes selection 8 natural gas 7 Operation 8 Pneumatics and Hydraulics 19 roof leaks 19 Sensitivity Setting the sensitivity 9 Ser...

Page 25: ...Superior Signal Company LLC AccuTrak VPE 1000 User s Manual 2015 24...

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