I find myself in an interesting dilemma. I've recently been hired to work in a small Predictive Maintenance program that is part of a support group that services a number of power plants within the company. My responsbility is centered primarily on acoustics; I'm supposed to revitalize an acoustics program that has been languishing since the early-1990s. Though I have some limited background in basic engineering concepts (what I could garner from sailing aboard merchant vessels for almost three years and then the joys of a college education!), I readily admit that I have little to no understanding of ultrasound basics, the technologies utilized in the industry, and their applications.

At the moment we use ultrasound to test for leaks, primarily in valves. Each plant has a technician that performs rounds on specific valves a number of times during a year. They may also be called if a valve is expected to be leaking. We currently use one of three ultrasonic leak detectors: UE's Ultraprobe 2,ooo and Ultraprobe 1o,ooo, as well as something that was developed in conjunction with another company.

In the past couple of weeks I've been trying to acquire as much information as I could since, odd though it may be, I'm very interested in performing well in my new job! I've read a number of articles and primers about the technology used and have become somewhat informed as to possible applications within our plants, though I am well aware that this little has managed to only whet my appetite for more knowledge.

What I am hoping is that this community may be able to point me into directions to find more information and, more importantly, get some hands on training/experience. Are there any books, sites, or articles that I could use to increase my limited understanding? Also, does anyone know of any non-vendor specific trainers that would not only give me the basics, but may also introduce me (and what others that may attend) to some of the different technologies utilized? I don't expect any of this to make me into any sort of resident expert (that comes mostly from experience), but I do want to have a better grasp on ultrasound.

Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!

Laura

I've got 'Acoustic Emission Handbook' by Dr. Trevor Holroyd. Very informative & not product specific. Also, BINDT has cetification courses on AE & Ultrasound. Check them out on www.bindt.org.
Regards,

Aditya

I will be in Maryland this next week teaching a class on Airborne Ultrasonics for another company. I might suggest that you have someone come in and teach a ONE or TWO Day Workshop. My company has curriculem written on all airborne ultrasonic equipment being used. We are vendor-neutral, meaning we do no selling or have any hidden agenda.
Reading Dr. Holroyds book is a good idea, but you still need the hands-on. Especially, with the UE products you have. Reading the book could confuse you as to the techniques used when using the UE product (frequencies, linear, log, etc...) depending upon which model you are using at the time.
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