UE Systems Ultraprobe 9000 Digital Ultrasonic Inspection Instrument

The UE Systems Ultraprobe 9000 is a hand-held digital ultrasonic inspection instrument for bearings, leaks and electrical discharge. It converts high-frequency ultrasound into sound that the user hears while reading decibels on a display, and it stores readings for later trending.

One digital ultrasound instrument for three inspection jobs

Ultrasound is highly directional, so a technician can locate a defect by pointing at it. The 9000 is used for mechanical inspection such as bearing condition, lack of lubrication, rubbing, cavitation, gears, pumps and motors; for leak detection in compressed air, gas, vacuum, seals, valves, steam traps and heat exchangers; and for electrical inspection of arcing, tracking and corona in switchgear, transformers and insulators.

The brochure says most operators learn it within 15 minutes, because the unit is run with two controls using UE Systems Spin and Click technology.

Technical specifications

Data collection, modules and practical use

Readings are stored with a button push, 400 locations are available, and data are downloaded by USB into UE Systems software for history tables, trend charts and export to Excel. The frequency is tuned from 20 to 100 kHz in 1 kHz steps and the scale is in decibels traceable to NIST, according to the brochure.

Interchangeable modules adapt the pistol unit: scanning for airborne sound, a stethoscope module for contact work on bearings, and long-range and close-focus options. The brochure also notes the instrument interfaces with common vibration analysers and that an explosion-protection rating must be specified at the time of order. A separate ATEX certificate for the Ultraprobe 9000 system is published by UE Systems.

For bearing work the 9000 is used in contact mode with the stethoscope module, where a rise in decibel level compared with the baseline points to friction or wear, and the stored history shows how quickly it is developing. In leak work the scanning module is aimed at the suspected point and the user follows the sound to its loudest position.

Features and construction

The Ultraprobe 9000 is a pistol-grip instrument with a coated aluminum and ABS plastic body. UE Systems describes the readings as digital, accurate and repeatable, and the unit is intended both for troubleshooting and for route-based data collection. The firm says it scans about as quickly as an analog instrument while storage and trending take one button press. The product page also lists it as intrinsically safe, with an optional ATEX model for rated areas, and publishes a CE declaration of conformity, an ATEX certificate and an ABS product assessment.

• On-board data logging, with routes and data that can be downloaded and uploaded.
• Compatibility with UltraTrend DMS software for trend charts, reports and export to Excel.
• Display modes of real time, snap shot, peak hold and storage, which suit steady sounds as well as intermittent ones.

Typical applications

The product page highlights bearing condition monitoring, compressed air leak detection, steam trap and valve inspection and assessing lubrication needs. In industrial plants in Oman this can include compressed air networks in factories, steam systems in process plants, rotating equipment in water and power facilities, and switchgear rooms. A compressed air leak survey is often the quickest way to show savings, because leaks are audible to the instrument even in noisy areas where they cannot be heard by ear.

Using the instrument well

• Establish a baseline reading for each bearing under normal load and speed, and record the same point and the same sensitivity setting every time.
• Compare against the baseline and against similar machines, and not against a fixed number, because ultrasound levels vary with bearing size, speed and load.
• Use the heterodyned output and headphones to identify the character of the sound, such as a steady hiss for a leak, a rough rumble for a worn bearing or a crackle for electrical discharge.
• For leak work, approach from a distance, reduce sensitivity as the sound grows louder and follow it to the point of loudest sound.
• Keep the sensor tips clean and avoid operating the unit outside the stated 0 to 50 C range; in summer take care to keep it out of a hot vehicle.

Selection checklist

Before ordering, decide which of the three inspection jobs matters most, as this determines which modules are worth including. Consider whether a hazardous area rating is needed, because the brochure states that the explosion-protection rating must be specified when the order is placed. Consider who will use the data, since a route-based programme needs software, training and a reporting routine, not only the instrument. UE Systems also lists training courses, and technicians who are new to ultrasound usually benefit from them.

Information needed for a quotation

• Kit contents wanted and any modules required
• Hazardous area requirement and certification needed
• Software and cable needs for data download
• Calibration or certificate requirements
• Quantity and delivery location in Oman or the GCC

Documents and quotation

The linked PDF is the UE Systems Ultraprobe 9000 brochure. Our photograph is the manufacturer’s image of the pistol unit. Please confirm the modules, kit contents, any hazardous-area rating, software and calibration needs before ordering, since these determine the kit and the price. Send us the model, quantity and delivery location and we will prepare a quotation; Seven Star LLC supplies from Muscat as an independent supplier. See our Portable Test and Measurement range and the Fluke 810 handheld vibration tester for other condition-monitoring instruments.