Ultrasonic imaging camera for detection of compressed air leaks and electrical discharge

RS Components (RS) is now shipping a new ultrasonic-imaging camera from FLIR, makers of intelligent sensing products for industrial markets.

Ultrasonic imaging is a relatively new technology that can provide invaluable aid to industrial companies, helping them to maximise uptime, efficiency and safety. 

Key application areas for ultrasonic imaging are the detection of compressed air discharge or leaks, as well as electrical discharge and condition monitoring in the power generation sector.

The FLIR Si124 offers intelligent analytics that enable automatic recognition of air leaks in compressor systems and partial discharge in high-voltage electrical systems. This built-in analytics capability makes the device highly intuitive and easy to use, which means that extensive training is not required. During inspections, the user is guided through the process with algorithms automatically detecting and analysing electric-discharge effects or quantifying air-leak loss rate and cost. 

The unit is also a lightweight device that requires only one hand to use it and offers long-life battery power that provides up to seven hours of non-contact operation. The integration of both features result in low fatigue and safe all-day scanning for users.

Ideal for professionals responsible for maintenance programmes, as well as electricians dealing with high voltages, contractors and service technicians, the Si124 enables users to ‘see’ anomalies, locate inefficiencies, and predict possible failures in mechanical, electrical, vacuum and compressor systems – all in real-time.

The unit is a highly efficient device that can quickly detect compressed air leaks up to 10 times faster using ultrasound imaging rather than traditional methods. The unit senses, displays and records sound waves from 2 to 31kHz via a 124 x 124 microphone array. Another key feature of the unit is its onboard storage capability and its connectivity to the cloud to provide real time quantification and reporting.

The FLIR Si124 is available in three models: the Si124-LD exclusively for leak-detection applications; the Si124-PD for electric utility applications; and the Si124, which detects both compressed air leaks and partial discharge.

All three models of the FLIR ultrasonic-imaging camera are shipping now from RS globally.