How Acoustic Imagers Work: 8 Things You Didn't Know
Have you ever
thought it possible to see sound? That's exactly what an acoustic imager allows
industrial operators like you to do. Using cutting-edge technology, acoustic imagers convert sound
waves emitted from industrial failures such as gas leaks, electrical
discharges, and mechanical faults into visual images to help you detect
problems promptly and precisely.
In fact, you'll
be quick to dismiss your traditional inspection methods when you realize that
acoustic imaging is up to ten times faster. As such, acoustic imagers are not
just innovative; they are here to enhance your safety and operational
efficiency.
So, whether
you want to conduct preventive maintenance or critical diagnostics in your
facility, this technology will provide the insights and functionalities you
need to ensure optimal performance across your operations.
But how do acoustic imagers work? Here's a comprehensive breakdown of eight aspects of acoustic imagers you didn't know about and how they work.
1. Convert
Sound Into Visual Data
So, how does
an acoustic imager work its magic? The short answer is through ultra-sensitive
microphones and advanced algorithms. These microphones will capture sound waves
from your plant, and then the algorithms will process and translate the sound
waves into a visual map displayed on a monitor for you to analyze.
Think of this
image as a heat map but for sound. Where you see hotspots, it means that these
areas have higher sound intensities and, as a result, could be where the
industrial fault is. The result is that you'll be able to pinpoint issues
quickly and effectively.
As you can see, acoustic imager are superior to traditional sound detection tools because they give you a spatial representation of sound, also known as sound mapping. As such, you can now troubleshoot faster and more intuitively, whether it is a compressed air leak or an electrical discharge.
2. Detect
Problems Invisible to the Naked Eye
This is
perhaps the most impressive feature of acoustic imagers. They detect issues you
cannot see, only to be alerted when they transform into catastrophic failures.
For instance,
if there's a tiny leak in your pressurized system, it might not be visible to
you, but fortunately, it will emit ultrasonic sound waves that will be picked
up by your acoustic imager and converted into actionable data.
You'll find this capability particularly invaluable if you run a manufacturing plant where undetected leaks can lead to significant energy losses. Accordingly, an acoustic imager helps you detect these problems early to prevent costly repairs and avoid unexpected downtime.
3. Operate in
Noisy Environments
You might
ask, how will an acoustic imager function in a loud industrial setting? Well,
these devices have been fitted with frequency filters so that they can isolate
the specific sounds you're targeting.
So, whether it's
the hum of a faulty motor or the hiss of escaping air, the imager will focus on
the unique sound signature while filtering out the background noise to pinpoint
where faults are.
Therefore, you'll be able to use an acoustic imager on your busy factory floor or during operational hours without significant disruption to your processes.
4. Enhance
Preventative Maintenance
Preventive
maintenance is key to reducing operational risks, and acoustic imagers raise
the bar. Delivering real-time sound data, these tools enable you to find the
problems before they become major issues.
For instance,
a bearing generating unusual ultrasonic frequencies is likely heading toward
failure. Your acoustic imager allows you to get ahead of the problem and
prevent catastrophic failure and downtime.
Acoustic imaging inspections will ensure that your equipment leads a longer life, safety will be improved, and overall maintenance costs will come down. A very good investment, indeed a self-paying investment over time.