When a local vehicle manufacturer experienced air leaks in the pneumatically operated components and systems of the specialised vehicles they construct, the company turned to SKF for assistance. SKF offered a turnkey solution in the form of the versatile TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector.
Wasted air costs money
Compressed air production is integral for the daily operation of manufacturing plants but is one of the largest energy consumers. Air leaks increase load on the compressor which can lead to higher electricity usage and a loss of total compressed air production capacity.
The TKSU 10 is a premium quality instrument that detects air leaks and is ideally suited for use in all industries utilising compressed air. This ingenious device is able to identify leaks in pneumatic brake systems, vacuum systems, pressurised gas storage, and steam traps.
“The instrument can be used to verify the air tightness of trucks, buses, passenger and recreational vehicles making it the perfect fit for our customer’s application,” says SKF product manager, Eddie Martens.
Following initial discussions with the customer, SKF visited the vehicle manufacturer’s site to demonstrate the notable abilities of the new leak detector.
Pinpoint leaks accurately
“The hand-held instrument enabled us to pinpoint leaks with accuracy,” notes Martens. “The customer, impressed by the functionality, immediately placed an order for two units. One instrument has been allocated to their final quality control process, while the other will be used by the field service teams.”
The user-friendly instrument’s ultrasound measurement sensor enables operators to identify leaks from a distance – even in noisy industrial environments – with no training required. The TKSU 10 works like a microphone, but is only sensitive to high frequency ultrasound which is not audible to the human ear. This is translated into an audible sound or frequency through a passive industrial noise reduction headset worn by the operator. The headset also features an adjustable volume setting and a neck-band design that enables it to be worn with a protective helmet.
Suitable for use in a variety of harsh environments from –10 to +50°C, the instrument is equipped with a flexible probe that helps to find leaks in hard to reach areas.
SKF was responsible for delivery of the two units, which were supplied to the local vehicle manufacturer two weeks after the order was received. “Although the TKSU 10 is straightforward to operate, we provided our customer with the necessary product training to prevent machine abuse and deliver optimum functionality,” concludes Martens. “SKF is proud to have supplied this world-class instrument to our customer who we are confident will enjoy its numerous benefits including minimised energy costs, reduced inspection time and increased leak detection accuracy.”
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