Bestobell Steam Steam-Tector 2 Leak Detection - Manual (Page 3)

= Continuous, the A.N.D. will show the level of the signal in real
time. “Peak” = Peak Hold, the A.N.D. will hold the highest read-
ing for 5 seconds. “Off” = Turns the alphanumeric display off
(with the exception of the “-“). Since this display is not necessary
for most airborne applications, turning it off can save a substan-
tial amount of battery.
NOTE: The adjustments you have just made are now in memory,
and will remain there until they are changed or if the battery is
removed.
“Hidden” MODE Options
There are other features that the “MODE” button can be used
for.
Checking the serial #... 1. While the unit is powered OFF,
hold down the “MODE” button. Now turn the unit on while
holding down the “MODE” button. The Steam Tector 2 will
show its serial number in the alphanumeric display.
Calibration...
2. The instrument is field calibratable when
a calibrator is purchased. There is detailed operational
information available by pressing certain combinations of
buttons.
Applications Overview
1. Airborne Applications (External sounds)
The Airborne sensor (A.) is used to detect soundwaves which
travel to the Steam Tector 2 through the air. The most common
airborne application is for leak detection.
Leaks
When searching for leaks with the Steam Tector 2, remember
you are listening for the turbulent flow of the gas as it exits the
leak orifice (refer back to “Principles of Operation” for a more
detailed explanation). The Steam Tector 2 is capable of hearing
leaks from over fifty feet away, but it is best to hold the instru-
ment as close to the test area as safely possible.
Stand a few feet from the suspected leak area, and reduce the
sensitivity until only the first one or two lights are lit on the LED
bargraph meter. Check around fittings, flanges and all other
suspected areas. If at anytime the display is at maximum due to
background noise in the area, reduce the sensitivity (and volume
if necessary) and continue searching. The sound in the headset,
and the bar graph meter will increase as the unit is drawn closer
to the leak. Using the yellow flexible waveguide will help reduce
background noise interference and also make the units sensitiv-
ity more directional allowing you to pinpoint the precise location
of the leak.
In the case of larger leaks which may over concentrate “sniffer”
type leak detectors. Try removing the waveguide and increasing
the sensitivity. Then sweep the instrument over the entire unit.
Leaks may be where you least suspect them, and the Steam
Tector may very likely detect something even from a greater
distance.
Too Much Background Noise???
The Steam Tector 2 detects a narrow band of ultrasonic sound,
therefore although there may appear to be overwhelming back-
ground noise, the sound may not be within the detection range
of the Steam Tector 2. Notice that you can yell directly into the
sensor and your voice will not be translated in the headset.
The circuitry is capable of reproducing the sound signature
of the signal it detects. This means that the sound you hear is
closely related to the actual sound. It is an actual translation,
not an electronically synthesized tone, or “beep”.
Leaks sound like a “hiss” or rushing sound, while compressors
“chatter” a rhythmical mechanical pattern. Fans should not
produce any wind noise detectable by the AccuTrak, although
the fan motor may produce a “buzz” or “hum”.
Example: Mechanical vibrations sound very different from leak
sounds. Shake a set of keys, then take a short quick breath
through your nose. Listening to both sounds through the Ac-
cuTrak is a good example of how the direct translation process of
the AccuTrak helps you to distinguish the difference between the
two signals.
Practice listening to different components of your system, this
will help you to identify the sound of a leak from other normal
operational sounds.
Methods of reducing background noise interference.
Placing the flexible wave guide onto the airborne sensor will
make the reception of the Steam Tector 2 more directional. This
helps shield the sensor from competing sounds entering from
other directions. Cupping your hand around the end of the wave
guide will also help to reduce the background noise.
Reducing the sensitivity will suppress the effect background
noise has on the display, and also in the headset. This will help
make the leak sound more identifiable.
The most interfering background sounds come from areas of
high turbulence within a pipe. This can be where high velocity
flow changes direction, or is restricted such as within a partially
closed valve. These situations will produce a high frequency hiss
which is very similar to the sound of the leak. Use the standard
methods for reducing background noise. If you are still unsuc-
cessful, shut the system down. Although the pressure may be
somewhat reduced, it should still be sufficient for leak testing.
Recording overall system noise.
Use the Steam Tector 2 to record sound levels of compressor
noise, fan vibration, fan belts, motors, and
even noisy ducts.
The overall sound level of a system can be recorded and com-
pared to previous and future readings. If a system owner is
complaining about increased noise coming from certain equip-
ment, this can be verified if previous Steam Tector 2 readings
were taken.
Although the Steam Tector 2 will only record the ultrasonic
range of a noisy system, this part of the sound will increase in
proportion to the sonic part the customer is hearing and com-
plaining about.
Taking a baseline reading.
When taking a reading of overall noise level, begin by reducing
the sensitivity until the bargraph reads slightly less than 1/2, (ap-
proximately 6). This will give you room on the display for future
readings.
IMPORTANT: Record the sensitivity and volume setting, the
numeric level reading on the display (E.), and the position from