Alpine ULTRAPROBE 100 User Manual

ULTRAPROBE

TM

100

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

VOLUME 1.3

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The ULTRAPROBE 100 provides easy, accurate leak detection and mechanical inspection through advanced
ultrasonic technology.

kit shot

Before you begin testing, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic components of your kit.

1. PISTOL HOUSING

The main component of the Ultraprobe is its' pistol housing. From back to front, let's examine each part.

A. Bargraph Display: The display consists of a ten segment LED bargraph that will indicate ultrasonic signal

strength. A low number of LEDs indicate a low level of ultrasound, conversly more intense ultrasonic
signals will display more LEDs.

B. Battery Level Light: This red light turns on only when the batteries need to be replaced.

NOTE: When the trigger on/off switch is pulled to the on position the Battery Level Light will flicker on
and then stay off. This is normal and has no relation to battery condition.

C. Sensitivity Selection Dial: There are eight (8) sensitivity levels which read out in related decibels of "0" to "70".

As the dial is turned to the right, to "0", the sensitivity of the instrument increases. As the dial is turned to the left ,

to "70", the sensitivty decreases. A low level ultrasound emission produces low amplitude. For this reason, the
instrument should be in a high sensitivity position. 0 is the high sensitivity position. 0 is a dB indication of
threshold detection for the instrument. For higher amplitude signals, move the sensitivity to the left towards "70".
The dial dB indications, along with the LED indications in the bar graph may be used to establish dB levels. To
do this, just add 3 dB for each LED bargraph indication to the dB level set in the sensitivity dial. EX: 0 dB on the
sensitivity dial, plus 3 LED bargrah levels = 9dB (0+9). 40 dB on the sensitivity dial plus 4 bar graphs = 52 dB
(40+12)

D. Head Set Jack: This is where you plug in the headset. Be sure to plug it in firmly until it clicks.

Should a tape recorder be utilized, this is where the cord for the tape recorder is inserted. (Use a
miniphone plug).

E. Trigger Switch: This is located on the underside of the Ultraprobe 100. The Ultraprobe is always "off"

until the trigger switch is pressed. To operate, simply press the trigger; to turn the instrument off, release
the trigger.

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2. SCANNING MODULE

This module is utilized to receive air-borne ultrasound such as
the ultrasounds emitted by pressure leaks and electrical discharges.
To use, make sure it is plugged in to the front end of the metered
pistol housing by aligning the plug with the receptical and inserting
it firmly.

To use the Scanning Module:

1. Plug in to front end.

2. Start with the sensitivity selection dial at maximum (8).

3. Start to scan the test area.
a. The method of air borne detection is to go from the "gross to the fine". If there is too much
ultrasound in the area, reduce the sensitivity, place the RUBBER FOCUSING PROBE (described
below) over the scanning module and proceed to follow the test sound to its' loudest point. If it is difficult to
locate the sound due to a high intensity signal, keep reducing the sensitivity and following the meter to the
loudest point.

RUBBER FOCUSING PROBE: The Rubber Focusing Probe is a circular shaped rubber shield. It is used to
block out stray ultrasound and to assist in narrowing the field of reception of the Scanning Module. It also
increases the sensitivity. To use, simply slip it over the front of the scanning module or the contact module.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the module plug, always remove the module BEFORE attaching and removing the
Rubber Focusing Probe.

Scanning Module

3. CONTACT (STETHOSCOPE) MODULE

This is the module with the metal rod. This rod is utilized as a
"wave-guide" that is sensitive to ultrasound generated internally such as
within a pipe, bearing housing, steam trap or wall. Once stimulated by
ultrasound, it transfers the signal to a piezoelectric transducer located
directly in the module housing.

To use the Stethoscope Module:

1. Align the pin located at the rear of the module with the jack in
the front end of the Metered Pistol Housing and plug in firmly.

2. Touch test area.

3. As with the scanning module, go from the "gross" to the "fine". Start a

maximum sensitivity on the Sensitivity Selection Dial and proceed to
reduce the sensitivity until a satisfactory sound and meter level is

achieved.

Contact Module

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4. HEADSET

This heavy duty headset is designed to block out intense sounds often found in industrial environments so that
the user may easily hear the sounds received by the ULTRAPROBE. To use, simply plug the headset cord into the
headset jack on the metered pistol housing, and place the headphones over your ears. If a hard hat is to be worn, it
is recommended to use UE Systems' model UE-DHC-2HH Hard Hat Headphones which are specifically
designed for hard hat use.

A. For those situations in which it is not possible or difficult to wear the standard headphones
described above, UE Systems has two options available: 1. the DHC 1991 Earpiece which loops
around the ear, and 2. the SA-2000 Speaker Amplifier which is a loud speaker that is compatible
with the Ultraprobe headphone output jack.

5. WTG-1 WARBLE TONE GENERATOR (OPTION)

The WTG-1 Tone Generator is an ultrasonic transmitter designed to flood an area with ultrasound. It is used for a
special type of leak test. When placed inside an empty container or on one side of a test item, it will flood that area
with an intense ultrasound that will not penetrate any solid but will flow through any existing fault or void. By
scanning with the Scanning Module, empty containers such as pipes, tanks, windows, doors, bulkheads or hatches
can be instantly checked for leakage. This Tone Generator is a WARBLE TONE GENERATOR. This internation­ally patented transmitter sweeps through a number of ultrasonic frequencies in a fraction of a second to produce a
strong, recognizable "Warble" signal. The warble tone prevents a standing wave condition which can produce false
readings and provides for a consistency of testing in practically any material.

To use the WARBLE TONE GENERATOR:

1. Turn Tone Generator on by selecting either "LOW" for a low amplitude signal (usually recommended for
small containers) or "HIGH" for high amplitude. In high, the Warble Tone Generator will cover up to

4,000 cubic feet (121.9 cu. meters) of unobstructed space.

When the Tone Generator is on, a red light (located below the recharge jack in the front) flickers.

2. Place the Warble Tone Generator within the test item/container and seal or close it. Then scan the
suspect areas with the Scanning Module in the Ultraprobe and listen for where the "warble"
ultrasound penetrates.

As an example, if the item to be tested is the seal around a window, place the Warble Tone Generator
on one side of the window, close it and proceed to scan on the opposite side.

To test the condition of the Warble Tone Generator battery, set to the LOW INTENSITY position and
listen to the sound through the Ultraprobe headphones. A smooth continuous warbling sound should be heard.
If a "beeping" is heard instead, then a full recharge of the Warble Tone Generator is indicated.

To charge the Warble Tone Generator:

1. Use the recharger.

2. Plug the recharger cord into the recharge jack located on
top of the front panel.

3. Plug the recharger into the local current supply

4. A complete charge will take 7 hours.

5. Since there is no memory problem, the Tone Generator
may be charged after short intervals of use.

WTG1 WARBLE TONE

GENERATOR (OPTIONAL)

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ULTRAPROBE APPLICATIONS

1. LEAK DETECTION

This section will cover airborne leak detection of pressure and vacuum systems. (For information concerned
with internal leaks such as in Valves and Steam Traps, refer to the appropriate sections).

What produces ultrasound in a leak? When a gas passes through a restricted orifice under pressure, it is going from
a pressurized laminar flow to low pressure turbulent flow. (Fig. 1). The turbulence generates a broad spectrum of
sound called "white noise". There are ultrasonic components in this white noise. Since the ultrasound will be
loudest by the leak site, the detection of these signals is usually quite simple.

PRESSURE LEAK
FIGURE 1

A leak can be in a pressurized system or in a vacuum system. In both instances, the ultrasound will be produced in
the manner described above. The only difference between the two is that a vacuum leak will usually generate less
ultrasonic amplitude than a pressure leak of the same flow rate. The reason for this is that the turbulence produced
by a vacuum leak is occuring within the vacuum chamber while the turbulence of a pressure leak is generated in the
atmosphere. (Fig.2).

What type of gas leak will be detected ultrasonically? Generally any gas, including air, will produce a turbulence
when it escapes through a restricted orifice. Unlike gas specific sensors, the Ultraprobe is sound specific. A gas
specific sensor is limited to the particular gas it was designed to sense (e.g., helium). The Ultraprobe can sense any
type of gas leak since it detects the ultrasound produced by the turbulence of a leak.

Because of its versatility, the Ultraprobe may be utilized in a wide variety of leak detection. Pneumatic systems
may be checked, pressurized cables, such as those utilized by telephone companies, may be tested. Air brake
systems on railroad cars, trucks, and buses may be checked. Tanks, pipes, housings, casings and tubes are easily
tested for leakage by pressurizing them. Vacuum systems, turbine exhausts, vacuum chambers, material handling
systems, condensers, oxygen systems can all easily be tested for leakage by listening for the turbulence of the leak.

A. HOW TO LOCATE LEAKS

1. Use the SCANNING MODULE.

2. Start off with the sensitivity selection at 0 (Maximum).

3. Begin to scan by pointing the module towards the test area. The procedure is to go from the "gross" to
the "fine" - more and more subtle adjustments will be made as the leak is approached.

4. If there is too much ultrasound in the area, reduce the sensitivity setting and continue to scan.

5. If it is difficult to isolate the leak due to competing ultrasound, place the RUBBER FOCUSING PROBE
over the scanning module and proceed to scan the test area.

6. Listen for a "rushing" sound while observing the meter.

7. Follow the sound to the loudest point. The meter will show a higher reading as the leak is approached.

8. In order to focus in on the leak, keep reducing the sensitivity setting and move the instrument closer to
the suspected leak site until you are able to confirm a leak.

VACUUM LEAK
FIGURE 2