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Inside this Issue:

May 2007


  • Air leaks - a Calculated Cost
  • Equipment Tip - Tune Frequency on SDT170
  • i-Presentation addresses acoustic lube issues
  • NEW - Cost Calculator for Leak Surveyors
  • Level 1 Training - San Diego, CA June 19-21
  • 2007 Level 1 Training Schedule

Air Leaks - A Calculated Cost at the Engineering Society of Detroit Conference

Allan Rienstra, Editor
The Ultrawave Technology Report

I had the good fortune of attending an energy conference hosted by DTE Energy this month in Novi, MI and found it to be a real eye opener. The luncheon keynote delivered by Mr. J. Peter Lark, Chairman of Michigan's Public Service Commission revealed the state's 21st Century Energy Plan submitted to Governor Jennifer Granholm. The plan addresses Michigan's commitment to renewable resources, energy efficiency measures, and the cleanest available utility-built generation. As a non-resident of the state I found his speech motivating. It left me wondering about the status of other states and provinces and their collective initiatives to cleaner power and energy conservation.

As many know my favorite energy efficiency topic is compressed air leak management. During the conference I found myself engaged in many conversations with various groups from DTE Energy, University of Michigan, and the big automotive groups about their compressed air leak initiatives. Several times I was asked about justification and cost calculation for air leaks. "How can we reasonably estimate the potential or realized cost savings?". Luckily for me I came armed with the SDT Air Leak Cost Calculator on CD-ROM. I was able to distribute 50 of those CD's at the conference and when my personal stock was depleted I directed others to our website where its available as a free download.

With more than 1000 attendees and 100 exhibits I've decided to put this conference on my schedule for 2008. I'll be curious to follow up with some of my newly made acquaintances to see just how far they advanced their energy savings initiatives.

To learn more about the Engineering Society of Detroit visit their website.

Equipment Tip - Tuning Frequency Filters Interference

Ultrasound detectors work best in environments with high levels of audible background noise by filtering away sounds that make it impossible to find leaks with the unaided ear.  But other sources of ultrasonic noise can interfere with high frequency inspections. 

Some examples of interference are electronic noise from older PC monitors, modems, printers, and VFD's.  Arc welders generate high levels of ultrasound too.  Parasite ultrasonic noises are random but often have distinct frequencies, while compressed air leaks are broadband sounds with peaks occurring throughout the spectrum.  Tune out ambient noises by shifting the detector’s frequency away from the competing ultrasonic interference making detection in ANY environment a success.

On your SDT170 press the menu key and toggle to "settings". Press enter and then toggle to "sensor options". Press enter key and then toggle to "discover frequency". Press enter key and the SDT170 returns to the main measurement screen and displays 38.4 kHz (the center frequency). Use the two "M" keys on the keypad to shift the frequency up or down while listening in the headphones. Stop when the competing frequencies are gone, but air leaks are still detectable.

Click Here for additional compressed air leak detection resources

SDT170 Keypad


New i-presentation explains step by step how to use the leak cost calculator

An iPresentation Tutorial by Allan Rienstra SDT North America

According to The Compressed Air Challenge, a voluntary collaboration charged with improving the performance of compressed air systems, the cost of a single quarter inch leak can waste $ 8,000.00 of energy per year; higher in states where the cost per kilo watt hour exceeds five cents. The Department of Energy says that compressed air accounts for 1.5 billion dollars per year in energy costs in the US and 0.5 percent of emissions. But how can you determine what compressed air leaks are costing at your facility?

The cost calculator from SDT is a powerful resource. View this presentation online to learn how to use the calculator to justify an air leak management program at your facility.

Click here for Ultrasound & Lubrication i-presentation

Leak detection in a Balloon Factory!!
(Who wants to buy a leaky balloon anyway?)


NEW!!! Interactive Leak Calculator Estimates the Cost of Found Leaks

Now calculating the benefits of your ultrasonic leak survey program is easier, and more accurate than ever. Our simple to follow program asks you to enter standard information about your compressed air system and compressor equipment. Then, choose between two options for calculation

1. Estimated Orifice Size

2. dBµV measured with SDT 170 Meter

Green boxes indicate data entry requirements by you and Calculations are automatically provided in the Red boxes.

Download your complimentary Interactive Leak Calculator Today


Level 1 Training - San Diego, CA - June 19-21st
Join us in San Diego, CA June 19-21st for our second West Coast Course of 2007. This Level 1 Ultrasound Certification Training is nearing capacity as we continue to keep our class sizes below 15 persons for quality purposes.

Venue for this training event is:

Holiday Inn - Downtown
1617 First Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1-619-595-3533
Fax:     1-619-233-7686
SDT Corporate Room Rate: Single or Double $ 159.00
Please book guest rooms by: May 20, 2007

Register early, space is limited for this one-of-a-kind training event

Level 1 Instructor Debra Smith has conducted trainings on three continents and has certified more than 1000 inspectors!

Join her in San Diego, CA  June 19-21st



2007 Level 1 Training Schedule Leak Detection Techniques
  • San Diego, CA - June 19-21
  • Minneapolis, MN - July 24-26
  • Portland, OR - August 7-9
  • Nashville, TN - August 28-30
  • Queretaro, MX - September 10-12
  • Pittsburgh, PA - September 25-27
  • San Jose, CA - October 23-25
  • Kansas City, MO - November 6-7
  • Atlanta, GA - December 4-5

Click here for full details

The key to learning is hands-on practical experience. Here students get real world training detecting leaks on a pneumatic bed at SMC Pneumatics Chilean headquarters. These are life experiences that make the difference for your compressed air surveyor program


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