Ultrasonic testing is a superb technology for many applications. These include mechanical (high and low speed bearings, steam traps, air / gas leaks, etc.), electrical (arcing / tracking / corona), and numerous process applications. The ability to “hear”, filter, and record sound data in the ultrasonic regions (> 20 kHz) provides an additional facet to the data that is available for predictive testing in your facility.

Sleeve Bearing

The sleeve bearing in the above example has worn to an oval shape. This resulted in a condition known as “oil whip”. The bearing has a “knock” that became very evident when recorded in the ultrasonic regions. Note the impacting that is evident in the waveform. Click on the play button below to listen!