ULTRASONIC

TRANSDUCER
ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND APPLICATIONS
BASICS AND INTRODUCTION OF ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS , VARIOUS APPLICATION IN VARIOUS FIELDS

SUBMITTED BY :: 17M253 ( KARAN PARMAR)

ULTRASONIC
TRANSDUCER
ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND
APPLICATIONS

Lightweight and portable, ultrasonic translators are often used

to inspect a wide variety of equipment. Some typical
applications include: bearing inspection; testing
gears/gearboxes; pumps; motors; steam trap inspection;
valve
testing; detection/trending of cavitation; compressor valve
analysis; leak detection in pressure and vacuum systems
such
as boilers, heat exchangers, condensers, chillers, tanks,
pipes,
hatches, hydraulic systems, compressed air audits, specialty

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER
gas systems and underground leaks; and testing for arcing
and corona in electrical apparatus.

ANIMAL like dolphin,dogs,

bats and whale with several
other animals which are
using ultrasound .

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 The Doppler Effect
Let’s return back to our example with the carotid artery. In addition to creating an
image of the artery, physicians would like to observe the rate of blood flow, also
known as blood flow velocity, within the artery. Ultrasound provides the means for
doing this as well.
The ultrasound waves reflect off the target image, which the ultrasound device
senses. The reflected waves, however, have a frequency shift away from the
frequency emitted originally. This is known as the Doppler Effect.
The Doppler Effect describes the following situations:
*Waves coming toward you from a source that is moving toward you will have a
shorter wavelength and thus a higher frequency.
*Waves coming toward to you from a source that’s moving away from you will have a
longer wavelength and a corresponding lower frequency.In medical ultrasound, the
Doppler Effect gives rise to a difference between the incident and reflective waves.
That difference forms the basis of some additional calculations that determine what’s
called the beat frequency. Importantly, the beat frequency is proportional to the blood
flow velocity in the artery. A medical technician can image various locations in the
artery and note the blood flow rates. Through these images, the physician has the
velocity profile in the artery over time.
Also used in flow detection
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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.

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.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 occurring within
the vacuum chamber while the
turbulence of a pressure leak is
generated in the atmosphere. (Figs.2/3).
What type of gas leak will be detected ultrasonically? Generally any gas, including
air, will produce 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

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.

2. ELECTRIC ARC, CORONA, TRACKING DETECTION

There are three basic electrical problems that are detected with the Ultraprobe 2000:
Arcing: An arc occurs when electricity flows through space. Lightning is a good
example.

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 Corona: When voltage on an electrical conductor, such as an antenna or high
voltage transmission line exceeds the threshold value, the air around it begins to
ionize to form a blue or purple glow.

Tracking: Often referred to as "baby

arcing", follows the path of damaged insulation. Although theoretically the Ultraprobe
2000 can be used in low, medium and high voltage systems, most of the applications
tend to be in medium and high voltage systems.
When electricity escapes in high voltage lines or when it "jumps" across a gap in an
electrical connection, it disturbs the air molecules around it and generates
ultrasound. Most often this sound will be perceived as a crackling or "frying" sound,
in other situations it will be heard as a buzzing sound. Typical applications include:
insulators, cable, switchgear, buss bars, relays, contactors, junction boxes. In
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substations, components such as insulators, transformers and bushings may be

tested.
Since ultrasound emissions can be detected by scanning around door seams and air
vents, it is possible to detect serious faults such as arcing, tracking and corona on
enclosed electrical equipment such as switchgear.

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3. MONITORING BEARING WEAR
Ultrasonic inspection and monitoring of bearings is a very reliable method for
detecting incipient bearing failure. Ultrasonic warnings appear prior to a rise in
temperature or an increase in low frequency vibration levels. Ultrasonic inspection of
bearings is useful in recognizing:
a. The beginning of fatigue failure.
b. Brinelling of bearing surfaces.
c. Flooding of or lack of lubricant.
The ultrasonic frequencies detected by the Ultraprobe are reproduced as audible
sounds. This "heterodyned" signal can greatly assist a user in determining bearing
problems. When listening, it is recommended that a user become familiar with the
sounds of a good bearing. A good bearing is heard as a rushing or hissing noise.
Crackling or rough sounds indicate a bearing in the failure stage. In certain cases a
damaged ball can be heard as a clicking sound whereas a high intensity, uniform
rough sound may indicate a damaged race or uniform ball damage. Loud rushing
sounds similar to the rushing sound of a good bearing only slightly rougher, can
indicate lack of lubrication. Short duration increases in the sound level with "rough"
or "scratchy" components indicate a rolling element hitting a "flat" spot and sliding on
the bearing surfaces rather than rotating. If this condition is detected, more frequent
examinations should be scheduled.

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 5. IDENTIFYING FAULTY STEAM TRAPS
An ultrasonic test of steam traps is a positive test. The main advantage to ultrasonic
testing is that it isolates the area being tested by
eliminating confusing background noises. A user can quickly adjust to recognizing
differences among various steam traps, of which
there are three basic types: mechanical, thermostatic and thermodynamic. When
testing steam traps ultrasonically:
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Intermittent traps are usually the inverted bucket, thermodynamic (disc) and
thermostatic (under light loads). Continuous flow: include the float, float and
thermostatic and (usually) thermostatic traps. While testing intermittent traps, listen
long enough to gauge the true cycle. In some cases, this may be longer than 30
seconds. Bear in mind that the greater the load that
comes to it, the longer period of time it will stay open. In checking a trap
ultrasonically, a continuous rushing sound will often be the key indicator of live steam
passing through. There are subtleties for each type of trap that can be noted.
Use the sensitivity levels of the Sensitivity Selection Dial to assist your test. If a low-
pressure system is to be checked, adjust the sensitivity UP toward 10; if a high-
pressure system (above 100 psi) is to be checked, reduce the sensitivity level.
(Some experimentation may be necessary to arrive at the most desirable level to be
tested.) Check upstream and reduce the sensitivity so that the meter reads about 50
then touch the trap body downstream and compare readings.
FREQUENCY SELECTION Occasionally it may be necessary to "tune in" to a steam
trap. In some systems, specifically float type traps under low or moderate pressure
load, a wide orifice will not produce too much ultrasound. If this is the case touch the
trap on the downstream side, reduce the frequency, start at 20 kHz and listen for a
lower frequency trickling sound of water. For other subtle trap sounds, such as
determining the difference of condensate vs. steam sounds, try to listen at FIXED
BAND. If this proves difficult, gradually rotate the Frequency Selection Dial down
(counterclockwise) until the specific sounds are heard. Steam will have a light,
gaseous sound, condensate will have additional overtones to its rushing sound.
INVERTED BUCKET TRAPS normally fail in the open position because the trap
loses its prime. This condition means a complete blow-through, not a partial loss.
The trap will no longer operate intermittently. Aside from a continuous rushing sound,
another clue for steam blow-through is the sound of the bucket clanging against the
side of the trap.

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A FLOAT AND THERMOSTATIC trap normally fails in the "closed" position. A
pinhole leak produced in the ball float will cause the float to be weighted down or
water hammer will collapse the ball float. Since the trap is totally closed - no sound
will be heard. In addition, check the thermostatic element in the float and
thermostatic trap. If the trap is operating correctly, this element is usually quiet; if a
rushing sound is heard, this will indicate either steam or gas is blowing through the
air vent. This indicates that the vent has failed in the open position and is wasting
energy.
THERMODYNAMIC (DISC) traps work on the difference in dynamic response to
velocity change in the flow of compressible and incompressible fluids. As steam
enters, static pressure above the disc forces the disc against the valve seat. The
static pressure over a large area overcomes the high inlet pressure of the steam. As
the steam starts to condense, the pressure against the disc lessens and the trap
cycles. A good disc trap should cycle (hold-discharge-hold) 4-10 times per minute.
When it fails, it usually fails in the open position, allowing continuous blow through of
steam.
THERMOSTATIC TRAPS (bellows & bimetallic) operate on a difference in
temperature between condensate and steam. They build up condensate so that the
temperature of condensate drops down to a certain level below saturation
temperature in order for the trap to open. By backing up condensate, the trap will
tend to modulate open or closed depending on load.
In a bellows trap, should the bellows become compressed by water hammer, it will
not function properly. The occurrence of a leak will prevent the balanced pressure

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action of these traps. When either condition occurs, the trap will fail in its natural
position either opened or closed. If the trap fails closed, condensate will back up and
no sound will be heard. If the trap fails open, a continuous rushing of live steam will
be heard. With bimetallic traps, as the bimetallic plates set due to the heat they
sense and the cooling effect on the plates, they may not set properly which will
prevent the plates from closing completely and allow steam to piss through. This will
be heard as a constant

rushing sound.

MEDICAL APPLICATION
Internal Imaging
Imaging is the most common use of ultrasound in medicine. There are four different
models of ultrasound imaging:
1. A-mode: A single transducer scans a single line through the body. The echoes
are plotted as a function of depth. 15
2. B-mode: A linear array of transducers produces a two-dimensional image.
3. M-mode: M refers to motion, in which a quick sequence of B-mode scans provides
information on the motion of targeted organs.
 4. Doppler mode: This uses the Doppler Effect to measure and visualize blood flow.
The typical applications involve imaging specific areas of the body, including:
I. The abdomen and its internal organs
II. Breasts/Thyroid (neck)
III. Heart
IV. Vascular System
V. Eyes
VI. Uterus
Each of these application areas has specific technical demands to provide the best
results.
Internal Organs
For example, ultrasound sensors are often used to image internal organs found in
the abdomen, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and gall bladder. The ultrasound
sensors typically use a linear array to create ultrasound frequencies between 2.5
MHz to 7.5 MHz. Based on the calculations made earlier, this provides a resolution
of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm.
Breasts
Ultrasonic sensors are also used in
breast imaging to detect masses or
determine a change in their shape.
Physicians also use ultrasound to
image the thyroid gland to check for
masses. These sensors emit a higher
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frequency sound wave, typically in the

range of 7 MHz to 12Mhz.
Cardiovascular System
Cardiologists rely on ultrasound to
determine the size and shape of the
heart, and to watch the movement of valves inside the heart. Doppler effects can
show the direction of blood flow, indicating aspects of regurgitation and leaking.
Cardiology sensors operate between 2 MHz to 7.5 MHz. Curiously, vascular sensors
looking at blood flow in the body generally rely on a higher frequency range, similar
to those used in examining the breast or thyroid.
Eyes
In terms of internal imaging, the application with the highest frequency waveform
arises when examining the human eye, particularly prior to cataract surgery.
Determining the eye axis length
requires as much precision as
possible. Correspondingly, the
center frequency range for these
ultrasound sensors is between 10
MHz and 22MHz.
Uterus
Uterine imagining during
pregnancy affords an opportunity
to view a developing fetus and
track its growth. It can effectively
determine the date of conception
to within five days. By the time a
fetus has developed 18 to 20
weeks, a standard series of images can monitor healthy development of many
aspects of the fetus and its environment, including:
– Fetal cardiac activity

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– Amniotic fluid volume
– Details of the placenta
– Fetal measurements
– Fetal anatomy
– Maternal anato my
In addition to standard two-dimensional image formation, it’s possible to reorganize
the images taken and reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the fetus.
Destroying Kidney Stones
For many years, the standard practice for removing kidney stones was via surgical
incision. While effective, this comes with all the risks of surgery and general
anesthesia. Thanks to today’s technology, doctors use ultrasonic energy to break up
kidney stones. This method is not nearly as invasive and does not carry the risks
associated with surgery.
To break up kidney stones using ultrasonic energy, A surgeon will make a small
incision in the back to insert a nephroscope — a small tube
with a light — and find the kidney stone. A metal probe is then inserted through the
scope and is guided to make contact with the stone. The metal probe then delivers
ultrasonic energy to the stone and breaks it into small pieces. Those pieces are then
sucked out by a vacuum.
Some kidney stones respond to what’s called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
(ESWL), in which ultrasound waves are focused to the stone from outside the body.
Since ESWL doesn’t require an incision, it’s a preferred treatment option. When this
option doesn’t work or isn’t indicated, the use of the nephroscope can be the next

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choice of treatment.

Killing Malignant Tissue

One of the newer uses in ultrasound is as an alternative treatment for prostate
cancer. When caught at an early stage, a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
treatment can be effective. For the procedure, the surgeon uses a probe to reach the
prostate gland via a puncture in the bowel. The probe then releases an HIFU beam
that heats and kills the cancer cells. The probe is surrounded by a cooler balloon,
which protects the normal cells around it. Other applications of HIFU include
treatment of breast and kidney cancers. In addition, newer techniques use HIFU to
heat tissues that are then treated with anti-cancer drugs. Doctors deliver the drugs in
liposomes that are sensitive to heat. That way, the doctor can deliver the drug
directly to the cancer via the intervention of the HIFU.

Harmonic Scalpel
Another medical application of ultrasound technology comes in the form of a
harmonic scalpel. This scalpel cuts and cauterizes simultaneously, but accomplishes
the cauterization by ultrasound rather than via electrical current.
The blade of a harmonic scalpel vibrates 55,500 times per second. Different types of
blades — such as curved, hooked, or a combination of curved and hooked — enable
the surgeon to perform alternative surgical techniques. Using a harmonic scalpel,
surgeons can perform various surgical procedures. For example, this scalpel is
effective in thyroid removal
(thyroidectomy). Compared to conventional surgery, the result is a shorter incision
length, a reduced operative time and a shorter hospital stay. 17

The basic advantages of ultrasound and ultrasonic instruments are:

 1. They are directional and can be easily located.
2. They provide earliest warning of impending mechanical failure.
3. Many problems are only detectable in the ultrasonic range.
4. Audible noise is ignored, increasing the selectivity of the ability to pinpoint.
Therefore, they are more accurate at pinpointing problems.
5. They can be used to locate leaks and potential electric failure conditions.
6. Instruments can be used in loud, noisy environments.
7. They support and enhance other predictive maintenance
(PdM) technologies or can stand on their own in a maintenance program.
8. They are instantaneous in inferring diagnosis.
9. Isolation of faulty components, even internally, is possible.
10. More versatile – Ultrasound can be used for several applications.
11. Non-destructive – Ultrasonic instruments do not adversely affect or interfere with
the component under test.
12. Ultrasonic testing can be performed while the equipment is operating.
13. Maintenance personnel currently using IRD can easily use these equipments.
14. They can detect even airborne sound waves from the equipment and many
motor NDE bearings.

MANUFACTURERS

1.ue inc
2.american piezo
ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

REFERENCES
1.uesystems.com
2.reliableplant.com
3.americanpiezo.com
4. TRANSDUCERS AND INSTRUMENTATION by D.N.S Murthy
5.google images

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 ULTRAPROBE 2000 ®

The ultimate analog ultrasonic inspection

system for predictive maintenance

The Ultraprobe® 2000 flexibility and

adaptability easily adjusts to meet a wide
range of testing demands. This intrinsically
safe instrument tests for leaks as well as
performs mechanical and electrical
inspections.

Flexible / Adaptable Recognizing that every test

environment is different, our engineers designed
the Ultraprobe with many user-friendly features,
which can be adapted to approach virtually any
inspection requirement.

Frequency Tuning allows the operator to select the

specific frequency of a problem sound while reduc-
ing interference from competing ultrasonic signals.

Bi-Modal Meter Switch has two meter functions:

1) Logarithmic Metering will provide instant ‘real time’
re-sponse for enhanced leak and fault detection.
2) Linear Mode provides a slow, averaging APPLICATION KIT # UP2000KT UP2000SC UP2000C UP2000S
response to stabilize readings for bearing and Pressure & Vacuum Leak Detection • • •
mechanical monitoring. Hydraulic Valve Bypass • • •
Exhaust System Leaks • • •
A 10-turn Sensitivity Adjust Dial Heat Exchangers, Boilers, Condensers • • •
provides a wide dynamic sensitivity range. Valve & Steam Trap Inspection • • •
Bearing Testing • • •
Trisonic™ Scanning Module Gear/Gear Box Inspection • • •
a patented transducer, consists of a phased array Cockpit Window/Hatch Leaks •
of three transducers, which provides a level of General Mechanical Inspection • • •
sensitivity beyond anything previously obtainable. Tanks, Pipes, Leak Testing, etc. • • •
Electrical Inspection • • •
Acoustic Headphones:
• Noise isolating type for loud environments.

Intrinsically Safe:
• FM, CSA, ATEX rated

Stethoscope module Long range module Close focus module

 Ultraprobe® 2000 Specifications
Construction Hand-held metered pistol type made with aluminum
and ABS plastic
Circuitry Solid State heterodyne receiver with temperature compensation
Frequency Frequency Detect ultrasonic frequencies between 20 kHz and
Response 100 kHz, continuously variable
Frequencies are converted to 50 kHz to 3 kHz audio
Probes Scanning Module patented Trisonic plug-in type consisting of
a phased array of multiple transducers for airborne ultrasound.
This probe is shielded against RF interference.
Rubber Focusing Probe (flexible) slips over scanning module
to concentrate conical directivity and to shield reception of stray
ultrasound. Also fits over Stethoscope Module to shield against
high ambient ultrasound while unit isat maximum sensitivity.
Stethoscope Module – plug-in type, insulated probe with
Kit includes: RF shielding; 11.4 cm (4 1/2”) long stainless steel probe tip,
conically shaped for uniform surface contact. Stethoscope
• Frequency Selection
Extension Kit: 3-piece, segmented metal rods to increase
(20 kHz – 100 kHz) stethoscope contact range for 50.8 cm (20”) and 76.2 cm (31”).
• Precision edgewise meter Transmitter Patented warble tone transmission
• 3-way meter/auxiliary mode selector Headset Noise isolating type: Double headset wired monophonic.
• Numerically calibrated 10-turn Impedance16 ohms. Over 23 dB of noise attenuation.
Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications and OSHA standards.
sensitivity dial
For hard hat use.
• Rechargeable battery with Indicators Ballistic output meter; linear calibration scale of 0-100 for logging
lowlevel indicator light relative measurements. Meter is accurate 1% throughout entire
• Anodized aluminum housing scale. Low Level Battery LED indicator for main housing internal
• Trisonic™ Scanning Module power supply.
Battery Self contained NiMH rechargeable.
• Stethoscope/Contact Module
RECHARGING SYSTEM: Standard 110V. Also available in 220V.
• Stethoscope Extension Kit Features Frequency Tuning Adjustment Dial: 20-100 kHz with
• Rubber Focusing Probe "fixed band" position for ultra-narrow frequency response.
• Warble Tone Generator Bi-Modal Meter Switch
• Deluxe noise isolating headset for logarithmic and linear meter scale adjustments.
Optional Auxiliary Mode
• Zero Halliburton aluminium
selection for chart recorder output: 0-50 mV.
carrying case Sensitivity Control – Precision 10-turn adjustment dial
• Instruction Manual and with numerically calibrated sensitivity increments for finite
Multimedia Training gain adjustment.
Spring loaded trigger switch
Overall Size Complete kit in Zero Halliburton aluminum carrying case:
Ultrasonic CD Training Series 47 x 37 x 17 cm (18.5” x 14.5” x 6.5”)
is Included Pistol unit: 0.9 kg (2 lbs.)
This professionally produced series was Complete carrying case: 6.4 kg (14 lbs.)
shot in actual plant environments enabling Sensitivity Detects 0.127 mm (0.005") diameter leak @ 0.34 bar (5 psi)
you to see, hear and experience realistic at a distance of 15.24 m (50 ft.)
Threshold* 1 x 10–2 std. cc/sec to 1 x 10–3 std. cc/sec
test examples along with practical solu-
Warranty 1-year parts/labor standard,
tions. The training series is applicable for 5 years with completed warranty registration card.
all levels of ultrasonic testing experience Display Modes Logaritmic and linear
and is arranged in an organized format. *depends on leak configuration
**specify Ex rating if needed at time of order
You’ll be taken step by step through each
application. The following sections are
included in the CD's:

• Introduction to Airborne Ultrasound

www.uesystems.com
• Review of each Ultraprobe Feature **
• Overview of the Specific Application
(Leak Detection, Mechanical and
Bearing Inspection, Heat Exchangers,
Boilers & Condensers, Steam Traps
& Valves, Electrical Inspection)
• Demonstration of Testing Techniques
• Problem Solving Techniques

UE Systems Inc. • 14 Hayes St. • Elmsford, New York • USA 10523

T: +1 914 592 1220 • E: info@uesystems.com • www.uesystems.com

©UE Systems, Inc. Made in U.S.A.

Ultraprobe 2000 Kit: Meets and exceeds ASTM E1002-2005 requirements for Leak Detection. Government Codes NSN: 6635-01-156-3927, FSCM (CAGE) Code: 59202.
Table of allowance #s: 788, 404, 576, 583, 607. Covered by one or more of the following patents: 0151115; 0303776; 0315199; 1206586; 1297576; 1881263; 2562758;
2689339; 4416145; 4823600; 5955670; 6122966; 6339961; 6341518; 6415645; 6655214; 6707762; 6804992 UE Systems is committed to continual product improvement;
therefore specifications are subject to change without notice. Warranty details are available by request.