The Motor Reliability and Testing Seminars, which we held throughout the country in March, were a real success with over 180 people attending the four sessions.

Our main presenter - Richard Scott, VP Engineering and Support at All-Test Pro - was ably supported by a stellar trio of Terry Harris from Reliable Process Solutions in Ohio (who flew in especially for the seminars), Drew Waltz from UE Systems and Andy Baker from Flir.

If you couldn't make it to these events, we do still have about 10 CDs of the proceedings available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just e-mail to get a copy.

We plan to run another series with a very similar format in the Autumn.

This customer manufactures a wide range of paper-based and filmic materials to meet a wide variety of needs. Each product is designed to offer excellent printability, convertibility and durability in the latest labelling machinery. The end-uses range from personal and home care to applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The CBM manager on site utilises a number of approaches to keep the production lines in full operation. Route-based vibration analysis as well as continuous monitoring (particularly on two 130 KW motors, which drive fans) are two methods that have proved their worth.

Additionally, in common with a number of our customers, he has found a novel use for his Ultraprobe in scanning bearings. I'll let him take up the story:

"Many of the bearings we want to check are protected by light screens, which will cut the machine off when broken. The only viable method is using a non-invasive test such as airborne ultrasound. One of the successes we had was pinpointing a faulty roller bearing in a machine. We could audibly hear that there was a problem, but the Ultraprobe allowed us to pinpoint the exact bearing."

I am a great advocate of using ultrasound to detect valve leakage. The ability to record and analyse sound files adds great reporting opportunities.

The primary advantage of ultrasound inspection is that it can detect the presence of turbulent flow related to a leak condition. When a valve leaks, turbulence is generated downstream of the valve seat. By comparing upstream to downstream, differentials in ultrasound levels can help determine if a valve is leaking. Often the procedure involves four test points: 2 upstream (points A and B) and two downstream (points C and D).

For the majority of cases, simply comparing upstream to downstream dB levels is sufficient. There may be instances in which valve flow modulates or, as with reciprocating compressor valves, observing a timed event might provide more information than by just observing changes in dB levels. In other instances the ability to graphically portray the image of a leaking valve can help illustrate findings in a report.

Using spectral analysis can help. Record the sounds at the C test point and play them back in the time series. If a known good condition has been recorded, the images of both can be used in your report. If you want to provide an image of the leaking valve, record all four test positions. When you play them back create overlays for each. Keep the sensitivity the same when recording the four test points or the sound recording comparison will not be accurate. The spectra view of the four is colourful, and makes a great attachment in your report.

Alpine presented a paper at the Oil and Gas Focus Group meeting in Norwich on June 6th. The event - organised by TUV NEL - attracted approximately 30 delegates from the southern north sea sector, and one of the major discussion points was the data available from ultrasonic flow measurement devices.

It is possible to capture data on turbulence levels and predict problems inside the pipe. For example: surface roughness can affect the turbulence (and therefore ultrasound level). Additionally, it is possible to detect blockages in pipework. One presentation slide showed a gas pipe with a large piece of wood lodged inside!

Remaining Infrared Level 1 courses for 2007:

Full course details can be found on our website...
www.alpine-components.co.uk/training/thermography/level-one/.

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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Jeremy Lineham, Mike Trim, Toni Simmonds, Jon Hill

Alpine Components
Telephone: 01424 437000
Fax: 01424 722502
www.alpine-components.co.uk