AiVibeQuality, Reliability & Maintenance
Ultrasound Condition Monitoring
Ultrasound condition monitoring uses detectors that sense high-frequency sound above the range of human hearing to find compressed air and gas leaks, electrical discharges, lubrication problems and early bearing faults.
Many faults generate ultrasound through turbulence, friction or impacting, typically detected in a band of tens of kilohertz. Airborne ultrasound detectors pick up sound travelling through air, for example from a leak or from corona and tracking in electrical equipment, while contact probes sense structure-borne ultrasound from bearings, valves and steam traps. Instruments convert the signal to an audible range by heterodyning and display a level in decibels, and many record spectra or waveforms for analysis.
Compressed air leak surveys are one of the most common applications, because ultrasound locates leaks quickly even in noisy plants. In mechanical maintenance, ultrasound is used to trend bearing condition and to guide lubrication, since friction-related signals fall when the right amount of grease reaches the bearing. Electrical inspections use it to detect arcing, tracking and corona, and process uses include checking steam traps and valves for internal leakage.
Ultrasound is directional and attenuates quickly with distance, which helps locate sources but means readings depend on consistent measurement points and techniques. It is often used alongside vibration analysis and thermography. Analyst training and documented procedures are important for repeatable results, and electrical inspections must respect safe approach distances and site electrical safety procedures.
Key points
- Detects high-frequency sound from leaks, friction, impacts and discharges.
- Airborne sensors find leaks and discharges; contact probes assess bearings.
- Widely used for compressed air leak surveys and lubrication guidance.
- Directional signals help locate sources but need consistent measurement points.
Where AiVibe comes in
AiAmbA AI Factory use cases include predictive maintenance and visual inspection on textile, automotive and electronics lines. AiAmbA IoT normalises industrial signals from protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, with driver availability confirmed per installation.
Explore AiVibe’s work in Quality, Reliability & Maintenance →