Here we are, a time when airborne ultrasound is what some think is "nearing the top of its game". Some instruments can record wave files internally, you can take the wave file and utilize waveform analysis to diagnose a problem, repeatability is becoming a non-issue for some instruments. Yet there are companies, Fortune 500 companies that have NO ultrasonic pdm program let alone an instrument in-house.
As recently as yesterday I spoke to a power generation plant whose maintenance planner told me that if there is a need for ultrasound they "contract-out" including simple tasks such as leak detection of compressed air lines. A power generation plant is typically where you should always find an ultrasound instrument in use.

Want to find compressed air or control air leaks?

Want to listen find high-pressure steam valve leaks?

Want to hear corona, tracking or arcing in switchgear or substation?

Want to find a nitrogen leak on a step-up transformer?

Want to listen or find cavitation on a pump?

Want to listen for an internal leak on a heat exchanger (on-line or off-line)?

Want to find condenser leaks within the water box?
A lot more problems such a heat rate problems, exhaust leaks, exspansion valve leaks, soot-blower sytems leaks, bearing analysis, acoustic lubrication, etc.... I could go on and on.
When I used to sell ultrasound instruments my goal was to educate the prospect on how to set-up a pdm program using airborne ultrasound if they did not have one already. A Predictive Maintenance Program "MUST" first consist of an airborne ultrasound instrument to be successful. Besides the obvious benefits above, technicians get a feel for or a better understanding of what is around them. The plant heard in the "ultrasonic world" is a different world.
How many of you are truly using your ultrasonic instrument to its fullest? Every month I am out there in a plant showing/training technicians how to use their ultrasound instrument that has been on a shelf or under "Joe Smuckatelli's" desk (you know Joe he retired 5 years ago) and no one else knew about it.
Do you want to make a difference at your plant? Whether you're power-generation, pulp & paper, chemical or transportation, that ultrasound instrument you have or don't have can make a difference. Find it, bring it out and use it. Don't know how to use it? Call someone to show you how.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTRASOUND PROGRAM LIKE? I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU "IF" IT IS AN ACTIVE PROGRAM?

We have what I would call a 'bare-bones' ultrasonic/acoustic program.

We use it for leak detection, some bearing lube assessment, as needed. Beyond that we're taking it slow.

I think that recent changes to the technology will help to expand the use of ultrasound.

I am wondering if anyone is using ultrasound as an assessment tool for determining arcing, corona, PD, tracking, etc. in < 600V electrical applications???

At our facility we have 6 vibe techs, 4 mce/IR Techs, 1 oil lab tech, 6 lubricators and 5 ultrasound techs. All are level 1 or 2 certified. As you can see we have many tools at our disposal for diagnosing and detecting problems so the ultrasonic guns are used for compressed gas almost exclusively. The only other application that this will be used for is steam trap surveys.

We do use it on occasion to aid in mechanical applications but not that often.

Are there areas where the different technologies can integrate in your plant? Have you used or do you see where ultrasound can help detect electrical problems when used with the infrared technologies for instance. Are there slow-speed motors under 300 rpms or motors that your vib techs do not get to that ultrasound could help diagnose a problem? What are the mechanical applications you use it on occasion for?