Several of our SnapShot users have mentioned how easy it is to scan an area for a hotspot. Typically they would be looking for a hotspot in lagging, a series of identical bearings or motors, or a line of distribution cabinets.

Once you have selected FOC-ACQ (the scanning mode) set the threshold temperate 'T'. Any temperatures above 'T' will appear as red on a grey background. Centralise the red target and press the SnapShot button to generate and display a full colour image on the LCD display. The image can be stored on the flashdisc and transferred to your computer to generate a report.

If you're looking for a fast way to set up a new database without going out in the field and/or manually entering all the data over and over the first time, here's a fast solution. Set the Ultraprobe to the frequency you will be using, turn your text editor off and then turn your tone generator on to the "low" position. With the scanner plugged in, turn the instrument on and point the scanner away from the tone generator. Now, press the "store" button and store the data from the tone generator. Do this as often as necessary to cover your first set of inspections. Once the data is stored in the Ultraprobe you can download the "false" data to a file which you will use later when you go out in the field for the first time on a new test run. This is a suggestion from Roger Earley of Lubrizol.

Ron Boyd, Shell Expro's Leak Reduction Co-ordinator, writes:

"As one part of Shell Expro's hydrocarbon leak reduction campaign, we have purchased an Ultraprobe 2000 unit for each of our Offshore and Onshore Installations, as a pro-active means of reducing leaks. It is our intention to detect leaks earlier in their lifecycle, in order that we can manage them, rather than being in a reactive mode. Each location has raised planned maintenance routines, and, each technician carries out a sweep of their areas of accountability at least once during their trip to identify any potential minor leak sites."

Offshore and Onshore plants are complex, with many thousands of potential leak sites, and the identification of a leak source is not always easy, in some cases, minor leaks are indicated by smell and are so small as not to be detectable by the fixed or portable fire and gas detection systems, particularly in open modules in a North Sea environment. In the following cases, the Ultraprobe was used to pinpoint the leak source.

• During an area inspection of a open process module, a smell of gas was reported to the Control Room. The Ultraprobe unit was used to survey the area, and the leak was quickly identified as intermittently coming from the gland packing of a control valve.
  
  
• A leak was suspected within the acoustic enclosure of a gas turbine power generation package. This unit provided 50% of the Installations power requirements, and to shutdown the unit would cause considerable production downtime. The Ultraprobe was used, and despite the high ambient background noise, the leak source was identified as a weep from a compression fitting, this was subsequently repaired without a unit shutdown. By avoiding the requirement for an Installation shutdown, the cost savings from this one event has more than returned our entire investment in the Ultraprobes.

Alternative uses have also been identified, these include the detection of Instrument Air Leaks, and, testing the door seals round pressurised modules.

We consider that the Ultraprobe is a useful tool to be deployed as part of any hydrocarbon leak reduction campaign."

(Incidentally our web site has charts detailing the cost of steam, compressed air and nitrogen leaks.)

Any person using airborne ultrasound equipment, no matter the manufacturer, is invited to benefit from a certified Level 1 UK training course in Airborne Ultrasound commencing 30th September 2002 in Birmingham. This five-day course covers the theory, principles and practices of Airborne Ultrasound Technology and will be conducted by an overseas tutor. Cost for the course is £995 per person.

If you are interested in attending this course and would like to receive details please e-mail us at info@alpine-components.co.uk

It is always good to receive your feedback on any product we have sold or rented. If you have a success story that you would like to share with others in a future newsletter, then please do get in touch.

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