Automating Ultrasound

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What is Ultrasound Technology?

Ultrasound is a game-changing technology, especially when combined with standard vibration output. Ultrasound technology works by attenuating a resonance at a high frequency with a curve to a resonant peak at an even higher frequency.

Uses for Ultrasound Technology

An ultrasound output allows users to be alerted for early bearing fault detection and to monitor the lubrication levels inside the bearing housings as two of the more common industrial uses. However, not all ultrasound technology can be used for these applications.

CTC's Ultrasound Products

CTC's UEB332 (top exit) and UEA334 (side exit) sensor series combine a linear vibration output of 0.5 Hz - 23 kHz within a ± 3 dB tolerance. The resonant peak of this sensor is 42 kHz, which allows this one sensor to give a premium output in the vibration range and the ultrasound range. You no longer have to use two different devices to achieve both methods of monitoring, only one!

UEB332 Dynamic Vibration IEPE Ultrasound Sensor, 1/4-28 Mounting, Top Exit 2 Pin Mini-MIL Connector, 100 mV/g, ±10%	UEA334 Low Cost, Dynamic Vibration IEPE Ultrasound Sensor, 1/4-28 Mounting, Side Exit 2 Pin Mini-MIL Connector, 100 mV/g, ±20%

UEB332 Frequency Response:

UEA334 Frequency Response:
           

Not only can you monitor utilizing both methods from one sensor, but you can also automate these outputs by utilizing CTC's SC320 Signal Conditioner. 

The SC320 Signal Conditioner offers dual-band technology allowing the user to set two bands of 4-20 mA output from one sensor. A great example of this is setting one band to the ISO standard filter of 10 Hz - 1 kHz for automating your vibration output, and setting a second band pass filter at 20 kHz - 40 kHz to automate your ultrasound band. That's not all - the SC320 also offers an isolated BNC so you can still access your true raw output of the UEB or UEA sensor.

SC320 Series USB Configurable, Dual Band Vibration / Ultrasound plus Temperature Signal Conditioners

If utilizing this setup to help automate your lubrication program, CTC also offers Zerk-style mounting adapters that enable the ultrasound sensor to be mounted on your grease port and still leave the sensor permanently installed.

MH134-4A Hex Head Accelerometer Mounting Pad with Zerk Grease Fitting Adapter, 1/4-28 Tapped Hole, 1/4-18 NPT Mounting Thread	MH134-4B Hex Head Accelerometer Mounting Pad with 45° Zerk Grease Fitting Adapter, 1/4-28 Tapped Hole, 1/4-18 NPT Mounting Thread	MH145-1B Accelerometer Mounting Pad with Button Head Grease Fitting Adapter, 1/8-27 NPT Mounting Thread