Ultrasound technology is becoming one of the most powerful tools at work today in HVAC/R preventative maintenance. It’s revolutionizing the world of equipment upkeep almost like the dawn of imaging technologies such as CAT scans or MRIs revolutionized medicine. Simple, nondestructive ways to hear and see inside of complex machinery have made it possible to diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic, and electrical problems in their earliest stages, giving you a chance to be repaired at a convenient time before they ever present an issue. Ultrasound technology can be used to detect leaks, inspect pumps, motors, steam traps, monitor the condition of bearings, and even conduct electrical inspections. How does it all work? Let’s take a closer look.

Mechanical Inspections

Mechanical components of a piece of machinery, such as bearings, pumps, motors, and other parts, can cause major problems when they begin to fail or function improperly. However, with DST’s ultrasonic technology, it’s easy to keep an eye on and automatically document the condition of these components and ensure they’re always up to par. By producing diagnostic soundwaves and recording the existing soundwaves of the machinery, DST has a patented process producing data that is then analyzed to convey what’s going on inside. For example, a dry or failing bearing might be producing crackling or popping noises that would indicate that it needs to be lubed, or is scratched, something that could only be picked up with ultrasound in its earliest stages… but not by the human ear. Ultrasound technology affords the earliest warning of a condition outside of expectations.

Electrical Inspections

Electrical components of machinery are also easy to inspect, understand, and maintain with the power of DST’s ultrasonic testing. While it’s more obvious to think that physical aspects of a piece of equipment would produce useful sounds, electrical aspects produce noise too. Anomalies like coronas, tracking, or arcing can be picked up via DST’s ultrasound platform, with their sound waves being easy for DST’s software to identify. With this information, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need about the current state of the electrical components inside your equipment, as well as comparative analytics regarding future or pending issues. With both this current and future predictive look, you’ll be able to create a HVAC/R maintenance plan that’s fact-based, straightforward, prioritized -based on condition, and easy to follow.

Using DST

One of our field Field Product Managers spoke about the incredible capabilities of DST. “It saves time, provides more comprehensive diagnostic readings, increases transparency, and provides a comprehensive PM result in less time than other current methods,” he said. “This is a predictive tool that can tell you when something is failing well in advance. It cuts down on overtime cost and weekend service calls and prevents downtime in critical systems.” What’s even better is that DST’s platform will provide these benefits quickly and easily, without disrupting the normal operation of any given piece of equipment. With benefits like these, it’s truly a tool that’s changing HVAC/R preventative maintenance forever!

The power of DST’s ultrasound is here to revolutionize what maintenance looks like and your organization can experience and become a part of that new future! If you’re interested in learning more about DST’s ultrasonic testing, make sure to contact DST today!