Ultrasound
Using ultrasound technology, machinery and electrical systems can be checked for faults without stopping production.
Ultrasound Inspection
Why is ultrasound technology important?
Ultrasound technology can be used across a wide range of applications, from airborne inspection to structure-borne monitoring. The techniques are generally grouped into two main fields: Non-Destructive Testing and Condition Monitoring.
AVT Reliability operates within the condition monitoring field, using direct contact and microphone-based sensors to detect energy released by systems that would otherwise remain hidden. This supports early identification of lubrication issues, bearing defects, faulty steam traps, compressed air leaks and high-voltage electrical problems without interrupting production.
Ultrasound helps detect:
Mechanical issues
Bearing defects, lubrication issues and low-speed rotating equipment faults.
Energy losses
Compressed air leaks, gas leaks, faulty valves and failing steam traps.
Electrical risks
Partial discharge and developing high-voltage electrical problems.
Ultrasound Inspection
Why is ultrasound technology important?
Ultrasound technology can be used across a wide range of applications, from airborne inspection to structure-borne monitoring.
AVT Reliability uses ultrasound within condition monitoring to detect hidden energy releases from mechanical, compressed air, steam, gas and electrical systems.
Ultrasound helps detect:
Mechanical issues
Bearing defects, lubrication issues and low-speed rotating equipment faults.
Energy losses
Compressed air leaks, gas leaks, faulty valves and failing steam traps.
Electrical risks
Partial discharge and developing high-voltage electrical problems.
How AVT Can Help
Ultrasound inspections carried out by qualified engineers
For accurate performance and analysis, ultrasound inspection should be carried out by a trained engineer. AVT Reliability has been using ultrasound technology as part of our inspection services for over 25 years.
All AVT service engineers are qualified to at least Ultrasound Level 1. Their training and experience enable them to carry out ultrasound analysis across a range of assets, helping detect problems early and support corrective action before failures occur.
How AVT Can Help
Ultrasound inspections carried out by qualified engineers
For accurate performance and analysis, ultrasound inspection should be carried out by a trained engineer. AVT Reliability has been using ultrasound technology as part of our inspection services for over 25 years.
All AVT service engineers are qualified to at least Ultrasound Level 1, helping ensure problems are detected early and corrective action is taken before failures occur.
Ultrasound Solutions
Ultrasound inspection across critical assets and utilities
AVT Reliability engineers can carry out ultrasound inspections across a wide range of assets. Our service is available 24/7 and is often scheduled during shutdowns when access is possible, allowing issues to be detected quickly and effectively.
Rotating equipmentUsed alongside vibration analysis to detect faults, assess lubrication condition and monitor low-speed equipment such as kilns, cranes and drum bearings. |
Electrical systemsIdentify electrical failures in transformers, insulators and switches. Ultrasound can detect partial discharge to highlight insulation faults with safety and reliability implications. |
Valves and steam trapsDetect faults before they escalate. Regular ultrasound inspections of steam traps and valves can help prevent energy waste, higher costs and safety risks. |
Air and gas systemsUltrasound can locate leaks in compressed air and gas systems, helping reduce wasted energy, lower costs and improve system efficiency. |
Ultrasound Solutions
Ultrasound inspection across critical assets and utilities
AVT Reliability engineers can carry out ultrasound inspections across a wide range of assets. Our service is available 24/7 and is often scheduled during shutdowns when access is possible.
Rotating equipment
Used alongside vibration analysis to detect faults, assess lubrication condition and monitor low-speed equipment such as kilns, cranes and drum bearings.
Electrical systems
Identify electrical failures in transformers, insulators and switches. Ultrasound can detect partial discharge to highlight insulation faults.
Valves and steam traps
Detect faults before they escalate. Regular ultrasound inspections can help prevent energy waste, higher costs and safety risks.
Air and gas systems
Ultrasound can locate leaks in compressed air and gas systems, helping reduce wasted energy, lower costs and improve system efficiency.
Benefits
Benefits of ultrasound inspection
Ultrasound inspection provides a practical, non-invasive way to detect hidden issues, improve reliability and support better energy performance across industrial sites.
Non-invasive and safe
Detects issues in machinery, valves and electrical systems without disrupting normal operations.
Early fault detection
Identifies bearing defects, lubrication issues, leaks and electrical discharge before they escalate.
Energy efficiency
Inspection of compressed air and gas systems helps locate leaks, reduce waste and lower operating costs.
Complements other techniques
Works alongside vibration analysis and thermal imaging for a broader condition monitoring strategy.
Benefits
Benefits of ultrasound inspection
Ultrasound inspection provides a practical, non-invasive way to detect hidden issues, improve reliability and support better energy performance.
Non-invasive and safe
Detects issues in machinery, valves and electrical systems without disrupting normal operations.
Early fault detection
Identifies bearing defects, lubrication issues, leaks and electrical discharge before they escalate.
Energy efficiency
Inspection of compressed air and gas systems helps locate leaks, reduce waste and lower operating costs.
Complements other techniques
Works alongside vibration analysis and thermal imaging for a broader condition monitoring strategy.
Industries Served
Ultrasound inspection for industrial reliability and energy efficiency
AVT Reliability supports ultrasound inspection across production, process, utility and electrical environments where early detection and non-invasive inspection can reduce risk, waste and downtime.
Food & BeverageDetect steam trap failures and compressed air leaks to cut waste and protect production efficiency. |
PharmaceuticalsSafeguard clean utilities and critical assets with practical, non-invasive inspections. |
Oil & GasPinpoint leaks and electrical discharge to improve safety and uptime in demanding environments. |
Water & UtilitiesLocate air and gas losses while verifying mechanical condition without unnecessary service disruption. |
ManufacturingImprove energy efficiency and prevent failures on rotating, low-speed and utility assets. |
Power & HV ElectricalDetect partial discharge early to reduce risk and protect switchgear and transformers. |
Industries Served
Ultrasound inspection for industrial reliability and energy efficiency
AVT Reliability supports ultrasound inspection across production, process, utility and electrical environments.
Food & Beverage
Detect steam trap failures and compressed air leaks to cut waste and protect production efficiency.
Pharmaceuticals
Safeguard clean utilities and critical assets with practical, non-invasive inspections.
Oil & Gas
Pinpoint leaks and electrical discharge to improve safety and uptime in demanding environments.
Water & Utilities
Locate air and gas losses while verifying mechanical condition without unnecessary service disruption.
Manufacturing
Improve energy efficiency and prevent failures on rotating, low-speed and utility assets.
Power & HV Electrical
Detect partial discharge early to reduce risk and protect switchgear and transformers.
Ultrasound Training Course
Build the skills to perform reliable ultrasound inspections with our accredited
Ultrasound Level 1 Training Course. Learn how to identify lubrication issues, early bearing faults,
steam trap problems, compressed air leaks and electrical partial discharge safely and effectively.
- ✔️ Internationally recognised certification
- ✔️ Hands-on training with contact & airborne sensors
- ✔️ ISO 18436 compliant course content
- ✔️ Delivered by AVT Reliability® experts
Who Should Attend?
- Maintenance Engineers
- Reliability Professionals
- Condition Monitoring Technicians
- Plant & Asset Managers
Ultrasound Training Course
Learn to perform reliable ultrasound inspections with our
Ultrasound Level 1 Training Course. Gain skills in identifying lubrication issues,
bearing faults, leaks, and electrical discharge safely and efficiently.
- ✔️ Internationally recognised certification
- ✔️ Hands-on training with sensors
- ✔️ ISO 18436 compliant course content
- ✔️ Delivered by AVT Reliability® experts
Who Should Attend?
- Maintenance Engineers
- Reliability Professionals
- Condition Monitoring Technicians
- Plant & Asset Managers
Ultrasound FAQs
| What is ultrasound inspection in condition monitoring?
It is the use of high-frequency sound sensing to detect changes in friction, impact and turbulence that indicate faults. Ultrasound reveals issues that are not visible or audible to humans while equipment stays in operation. |
Do inspections require a shutdown?
No. Most ultrasound inspections are performed with assets running. Some tasks, for example checks inside open systems, are scheduled during planned shutdowns for access. |
| What is the difference between contact and airborne sensors?
Contact sensors touch the asset, useful for bearings, lubrication and steam traps. Airborne, microphone-based sensors are used to find compressed air and gas leaks and to detect electrical partial discharge. |
Can ultrasound be used on low speed machinery?
Yes. Ultrasound is effective on low speed applications such as kiln, drum and slewing bearings, where traditional vibration alone may be less sensitive. |
| How does ultrasound compare with vibration analysis?
They complement each other. Ultrasound is strong for lubrication condition, early stage bearing faults, leaks and electrical discharge. Vibration is strong for dynamic faults such as imbalance, misalignment and resonance. Using both improves fault coverage. |
Can ultrasound reduce energy costs?
Yes. Leak surveys on compressed air and gas systems can identify losses that lead to significant waste, often resulting in measurable energy savings once repaired. |
| Is it safe to use around high voltage equipment?
Ultrasound can detect partial discharge from a safe distance using airborne sensors. Our engineers follow strict safety procedures and site rules for HV environments. |
What deliverables do I receive?
A clear report with findings, severity, prioritised actions and, where applicable, tagged leak locations and estimated loss. Results can be integrated into your CMMS or Machine Sentry®. |
| How often should I schedule ultrasound inspections?
Frequency depends on asset criticality and environment. |
Do you provide ultrasound training?
Yes. See our Ultrasound Level 1 Training Course to build in-house capability. |
Ultrasound FAQs
What is ultrasound inspection in condition monitoring?
It uses high-frequency sound to detect friction, impact, and turbulence — revealing faults undetectable by human senses while assets remain running.
Do inspections require a shutdown?
No. Ultrasound inspections are typically performed while running, with some checks during planned shutdowns.
What is the difference between contact and airborne sensors?
Contact sensors measure bearing and lubrication faults; airborne sensors detect leaks and electrical discharge.
Can ultrasound be used on low speed machinery?
Yes. Ultrasound works well for low-speed assets such as kilns, drums, and slewing bearings.
Can ultrasound reduce energy costs?
Yes. Leak surveys often reveal compressed air and gas losses that, once repaired, save measurable energy.
Is it safe to use around high voltage equipment?
Yes. Airborne sensors detect discharge from a safe distance. AVT engineers follow strict HV safety standards.
Do you provide ultrasound training?
Yes. Explore our Ultrasound Level 1 Training Course.
Talk to AVT Reliability
Ready to get started?
Use the form below to contact our team and find out more about ultrasound inspection, leak detection, electrical inspections and condition monitoring support.
Need to detect hidden faults or energy losses?
Tell us about your assets, utilities or inspection requirements and our team will help identify the right next step.
Talk to AVT Reliability
Ready to get started?
Use the form below to contact our team and find out more about ultrasound inspection, leak detection, electrical inspections and condition monitoring support.
Need to detect hidden faults or energy losses?
Tell us about your assets, utilities or inspection requirements and our team will help identify the right next step.
Contact our team
Complete the form below and a member of the AVT Reliability team will be in touch.
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Learn more about the technology behind our condition monitoring programmes:
Explore our range of Machine Sentry® wireless sensors.
