Ultrasonic Leak and Corona Detector
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Features compact long-distance
directional pickup
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Locates gas leaks and corona within
inches of the source
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Lightweight for easy use, even in remote
field locations
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Insensitive to high ambient audible noise
levels
Ultrasonic Leak and Corona Detector
DESCRIPTION
The Ultrasonic Leak and Corona Detector is a low-cost,
portable system that receives air-borne ultrasonic signals,
converts them to the audible range, amplifies them and
displays the output visibly on a meter and audibly through
a speaker or headset. The system is designed for locating
gas leaks and electrical corona sources, all of which emit
strong ultrasonic signals that are inaudible to the unaided
human ear. Variously shaped collectors facilitate quick
location of ultrasonic sources; in particular, the new
directional pickup horn allows pinpointing of
discharges in high-voltage equipment while the operator
remains at a safe distance.
The ultrasonic detection system shown above consists of
the instrument with indicator and speaker, plug-in
ultrasonic transducer probe, directional pickup horn
attachment, sound concentrator attachment and a headset.
A carrying case is included.
Using the Detector
With the transducer probe plugged into the instrument, the
operator can immediately locate many ultrasonic sources
by scanning with the transducer probe held as a flashlight
and using the speaker or meter to detect maximum
emissions. For greater sensitivity, or to further pinpoint a
distant source, the operator simply slips the directional
horn over the transducer. The focus is now greatly
concentrated, permitting source location to within a
1-ft (0.3-m) circle at 30 ft (9 m). If the source can be
approached, the rubber sound concentrator is slipped over
the transducer probe, pinpointing a source to within its tip
diameter of about 0.5 in. (13 mm).
Pickup Horn Operation
The pickup horn
amplifies signals
originating within
the response beam
and rejects others.
The ultrasonic transducer in the probe responds primarily
to a 35- to 45-kHz bandwidth—a range found most useful
for the tests described here. The transducer is very
insensitive to audible sounds, allowing use of the
detection system in areas with high audible background
noise levels.
The output meter, for indicating ultrasonic sound intensity,
is calibrated with a 0-to-10 linear scale, showing relative
level. Power is from a 9-volt transistor battery, and a single
on-off volume-control switch is provided.
APPLICATIONS
The Ultrasonic Leak and Corona Detector is useful
wherever electrical or pressurized equipment is used.
Applications include preventive maintenance in plants and
utilities to locate poor or arcing connections, switches,
faulty insulators, lightning arresters, power supplies,
motors and radio frequency interference sources. In the
test laboratory, the set is useful in performing high-pot
tests on components of all sizes and for high-voltage
equipment tests. Early detection of leaks by preventive
maintenance checks in compressed air systems, boilers and
air-conditioning equipment will provide savings in reduced
equipment replacement and downtime.