Detector tracks down costly leaks
A
PVL product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 10, 2004
New from PVL is an innovative leak detector that uses a patented ultrasonic technique to trace even the smallest of leaks.
New from PVL is an innovative leak detector that uses a patented ultrasonic technique to trace even the smallest of leaks.
Providing a highly cost-effective solution where other techniques fail, or where they are too time consuming to be viable, the Accutrak can detect pinhole leaks right down to 1lb/in2, and is suitable for use with any pressurised gas from any system.
The same instrument can even pinpoint vacuum leaks, yet costs less than GBP 400.
The Accutrak can "hear" leaks.
Just as large leaks create an audible hiss, as the jagged edges of the opening create turbulence in the escaping gas, so smaller leaks from tiny cracks create a sound, but at ultrasonic frequencies.
Because the intensity of sound generated at a leak is a complex function of the viscosity, the temperature, the speed the fluid is moving, the Raynolds number, the pressure differential across the leak, and the physical characteristics of the orifice, the sound pressure created by a small leak is often much larger than that created by a large leak.
Indeed the sound pressure is so high that, from a few feet away, Accutrak can pinpoint a leak from an opening as small as 0.005in.
Using a technique called heterodyning, Accutrak translates the ultrasonic hiss to a lower frequency where it can be heard through headphones, and so leads you to the source.
An LED meter is also built into the device to make it easier to pinpoint the leak's location.
Leaks can be often be detected from several feet away, and quickly traced.
"The compressed air leaks you can't hear inevitably cost you more than those you can", says PVL Managing Director Steve Moorey.
"This low cost device provides an extremely effective solution, and could provide the key to enjoying lower electricity bills or reduced CO2 emissions by enabling you to quickly trace the smallest of leaks.
It's so sensitive that it can even 'hear' the blink of an eye, yet, because it's not focused on a specific band of sound, it's immune to wind noise, voices, traffic and most normal operating sounds around a plant".
The ultrasensitive handheld, pocket-sized detector comes complete with high quality Koss headphones and contact probe, and provides an integrated LED bargraph display, sensitivity adjustment and volume control.
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Contact PVL
Tel +44 1892 664499
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