Introduction
In today’s complex industrial environment, it is important to avoid expensive downtimes to detect preventive maintenance and accurate mistake. Fluke ii915 acoustic imagers, when combined with an intelligent sound beacon, provides a new paradigm to detect sound-based anomalies such as gas leaks, vacuum leak, partial discharge in electrical systems and mechanical defects.
This hybrid solution combines advanced acoustic imaging with directional sound guidance to ensure that engineers and technicians can also identify and navigate in rapid identification areas. Together, Fluke ii910 and sound beacons create a collective clinical system that increases safety, efficiency and accuracy in the operation of the area. Drawing from the real -world deployment in the areas of construction, energy and infrastructure, this blog dives deeply in technology, features, applications and strategic value of this combo. This system also provides guidance on integration, workflow design and future progress.
What is an acoustic imager?
Fluke ii915 is an advanced tool designed to imagine an acoustic imager. By capturing sound waves and converting them to a visual map on a camera image, it allows users to “see” sound sources in their environment.
What is a sound beacon?
A sound beacon is a compact device that emits a controlled, high-picked sound or ultrasonic signal to aid in localization. This is especially useful in large or disorganized locations, where it can be challenging to indicate a target space only depending on visual signals.
Ensure the integrity of your non-pressurized vessels with the Fluke SB140 Sound Beacon. This cutting-edge method revolutionizes leak detection and tightness testing by placing the SB140 Sound Beacon device inside the vessel and using a Fluke Acoustic Imager from the outside to visually locate escaping ultrasound through weld beads, gaskets, seals, hatches, or windows. It is perfect for quality control in aviation, automotive, railroads, clean rooms, and more.
How Fluke ii915 and sound beacons work together
Fluke ii915 acoustic imagers and sound beacons complement each other in many important ways:
Increased detection: ii915 captures the sound from the environment, while the beacon emits a separate ultrasonic tone. The imager’s microphone array can easily separate the frequency of the beacon from the ambient noise.
Production localization: ii915’s software distinguishes the beacon signal and provides a visual guide showing direction and distance to the beacon source. Engineers can follow this path to detect distance tools or leakage points.
Tagging and tracking: When observing large features, sound beacons can be used to mark inspection points. ii915 can then guide users back to these accurate places on future trips.
Overcome the challenges of noise: Industrial places are notorious. The ultrasonic emission of the beacon cuts through the background noise, capable of detecting it even in the rigid acoustic environment on ii915.
How does technology work
Acoustic image ii915
Microphone array: 64 MEMS Microphone detects sound from 2KHz to 100KHz.
Acoustic processing unit: Triangulates sources using time-of-arrival and amplitude differences.
Visual overlay: Mapped sound “leak spot” is shown above a video feed, with a proportional proportional to sound power.
User Interface: 7 ″ touchscreen zoom, frequency band filter and data log control.
Sound beacon
Ultrasonic emitter: Usually operates at 25–40 kHz, outside the human hearing limit.
Signal modulation: Pulsed or continuous tone that can filter and highlight II915.
Compact Form: Rugged, battery-operated pod attached through magnets, strap or adhesive.
Adjustable signal: Allows per-site calibration to avoid overlapping emissions.
Key Features of the Hybrid Solution
Acoustic Imager ii915
- High-resolution acoustic camera: Real time imagines sound sources.
- Frequency range: Detects sounds from 2 kHz to 100 kHz.
- Built-in screen: Displays heatmaps overlaid on live video
- Data logging: Store audio and visual data for later analysis.
- Intelligent software: Includes leak quantification and partial discharge classification tools.
Sound Beacon
- Ultrasonic Signal Emission: Operates in a range detectable by ii915 but inaudible to humans.
- Compact and Portable: Can be deployed in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
- Customizable Frequency Output: Adjusts for different environments to avoid interference.
- Battery Powered: Long life for extended operations.
Applications of the ii915 and Sound Beacon Pairing
Applications and Benefits the Fluke SB140 Sound Beacon is designed to provide easy, fast, and superior leak detection and tightness testing across various industries, ensuring high-quality standards and regulatory compliance.
Automotive
Product Quality: Reduce warranty claims with in-line auto window/door water leak and tightness tests.
Safety: Ensure EV battery compartment integrity with quick and reliable leak and tightness tests.
Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Test truck axle compartments for leaks and tightness.
Aviation
Safety: Conduct aircraft cabin, window, and tank leak and tightness tests during maintenance for new and active planes.
Cleanrooms
Product Quality: Minimize warranty claims and downtime while meeting regulatory requirements with cleanroom leak and tightness testing.
White Goods
Product Quality: Ensure proper seals in appliances like washing machines and refrigerators with in-line production leak and tightness testing.
Maritime
Cost Reduction: Prevent damaged cargo and meet regulatory requirements with cargo container leak and tightness tests.
Construction
Quality: Identify weak spots in doors, windows, façades, and office pods to minimize energy consumption and ensure sound insulation through leak and tightness testing.
Industrial Maintenance
- Air and Gas Leak Detection: Locate leaks in compressed air systems quickly.
- Electrical Inspection: Detect corona, tracking, and arcing sounds indicative of partial discharge.
- HVAC Systems: Identify leaks and mechanical faults in heating and cooling equipment.
Large Facility Management
- Use beacons to guide teams to precise locations in complex facilities, reducing inspection time.
Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
- Integrate data from ii915 and beacon localization into maintenance management systems for better decision-making.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Acoustic Imager ii915 | Sound Beacon |
| Frequency Range | 2 kHz–100 kHz | 25 kHz–40 kHz (adjustable) |
| Detection Distance | Up to 120 meters | Up to 50 meters effective range |
| Display | 7” touchscreen LCD | N/A |
| Data Storage | 64GB internal, expandable | N/A |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion | 9V Battery or rechargeable pack |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C | -20°C to +60°C |
| Environmental Rating | IP54 | IP65 |
Benefits of Combining ii915 with Sound Beacon
- Increased Accuracy: The beacon allows for faster localization of faults.
- Safety Enhancement: Minimizes the time spent in hazardous zones.
- Scalable Solution: Multiple beacons can be deployed for large area mapping.
- Future-Proofing: Compatible with other smart maintenance systems.
Installation and Workflow
- Site Assessment: Evaluate acoustic environment and beacon placement points.
- Deployment of Beacons: Install beacons in target zones or on specific assets.
- Inspection: Use ii915’s directional visualization to navigate to beacons and inspect areas.
- Data Analysis: Review saved data for reporting and trend analysis.
- Maintenance: Replace beacon batteries and update ii915 firmware periodically.
Compliance with Standards
- IEC 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment.
- ISO 50001: Energy management integration.
- OSHA Guidelines: For safe sound-level monitoring in workplaces.
Why Choose the ii915 and Sound Beacon Combo?
- Proven Reliability: Fluke’s decades of excellence in test equipment.
- User-Friendly Design: Minimal training required for effective use.
- Comprehensive Support: Training, manuals, and after-sales service.
- Integration Ready: Works with existing CMMS and IIoT systems.
Conclusion
The combination of the Fluke ii915 Acoustic Imager and sound beacon offers an industry grade solution for sound-based inspections. Together, they provide a hybrid acoustic system that ensures precision, efficiency, and safety for maintenance teams. By adopting this technology, industries can take a significant step toward predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and workplace safety. From leak detection and electrical discharge identification to guided inspections in complex setups, this system is transforming how industries maintain uptime, reduce risk, and optimize operations.
