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Inside this Issue:

March 2007


  • Learning through the sharing of ideas
  • Ultrasound Tip - clean sensor placement
  • i-Presentation addresses acoustic lube issues
  • Level 1 Training - Singapore March 20-22
  • Newly certified inspectors attend Ghent class
  • Next Level 1 Course - Charlotte, NC

Learning through the exchange of ideas

Allan Rienstra, Editor
The Ultrawave Technology Report

Its interesting to monitor the requests made by you, our customers, from month to month and season to season. At all times of the year we are inundated with calls about acoustic lubrication and other times we are flooded with requests about air leak surveys, steam trap inspections, or electrical fault detection. While its not always certain what triggers the nature of your email or telephone call, I am always thrilled when we can just sit and chat about applications, ideas for overcoming difficult inspection environments, or even comparing your techniques with ours. For those of you who have called me in the past, you know the one thing I'm passionate about is ultrasound inspection and I don't care whose equipment you are using, so long as I get an opportunity to share ideas with you.

Do you have an interesting ultrasound story to share or a problem you think can be solved by airborne ultrasound? Take five and give me a call to chat. I'd love to learn from you, and perhaps help you solve a problem that will save your company $$$. I look forward to hearing from you.

Allan Rienstra's direct line:  905-377-1313 x 221

Ultrasound Tip - Clean sensor placement area before collecting data

Why is it that the simplest of tips bear the best fruit? Testing bearings is a critical element of today's ultrasound programs where storing data for trending and analysis purposes leads to early detection of advanced wear and lubrication needs.  Paying close attention to sensor placement is just as important for ultrasonic monitoring as it is for vibration.

One mistake to avoid is taking ultrasound readings through surfaces with a lot of dirt, grime, and multiple layers of paint.  Ultrasound signals are low energy sound pressure waves.  Their travel from the source (Your bearing) to the destination (Your ultrasonic data collector) depends on a medium that is consistent and continuous.  If their journey is interrupted by molecular air gaps, layers of paint, and built-up dirt, what implications does that have for the accuracy of the data?  Ultrasonic trending and analysis relies on comparing measurements over time.  Clean the sensor placement area to ensure measurements are collected in an environment that’s as free from variables as possible.


New i-presentation addresses the keys to acoustic lubrication

An iPresentation Tutorial by Gus Velasquez with Narration by Allan Rienstra SDT North America

Everyone knows that implementing and following best practices in lubrication is a fundamental part of a machine’s reliability yet there are still lots of machine failures related to poor lubrication.

Usually lubrication performance is evaluated through laboratory analysis and temperature monitoring. But greases are difficult to analyze after being used and a temperature rise is not always indicative of a marginal lubrication condition.
Now, thanks to ultrasound monitoring there are new and more reliable ways to evaluate the performance of lubrication.

Lubrication is always a hot topic in reliability circles and everyone is becoming more aware of the use of acoustics for optimizing lubrication. In this short presentation we will  show you how ultrasound is a wonderful tool to compliment your lubrication program.  

Click here for Ultrasound & Lubrication i-presentation

Trending Bearings for Acoustic Lubrication


Level 1 Ultrasound Training in Singapore - March 20-22nd

Join us in Singapore March 20-22nd! Our International training calendar is geared up to deliver you the best in training no matter WHERE you are in the world and Singapore's Holiday Inn Atrium is the site for our next dynamic learning event.

SDT's Certification training is designed to kick start new and existing ultrasound inspection programs in any facility, in any manufacturing environment in any country in the world.  Our trainers' field experience is second to none, and, because we manufacture ultrasound equipment, we are better positioned to teach you how to use it. 

Register Online or call 905-377-1313 TODAY!


Tom Murphy,
Level 1 Instructor

Prospective ultrasound inspectors attend Level 1 class in Ghent, Belgium
International interest for ultrasound training and certification is growing beyond North America and this year SDT will schedule a record number of classes overseas including several European stops, Singapore, South Africa, Peru, Chile, Mexico, and more.

Interested in scheduling a private or public certification training in your backyard? Give us a call or send us an email and we'll be happy to discuss our training options with you.

Email us: training@sdtnorthamerica.com
Call us: 905-377-1313


2007 Level 1 Training Schedule - Charlotte, NC March 20-22nd

Achieving Level 1 ultrasound certification status in 2007 should be on the top of your list of priorities if you planning to:

  • Implement a World Class Ultrasound Program

  • Kick start your existing program

  • Optimize asset lubrication using ultrasound technology

  • Impact energy costs through compressed air leak management

  • Conduct routine steam trap surveys

  • Safely monitor electrical switch gear between infrared scans

Next Course - Charlotte, NC
March 20-22

Register early - seats are limited to first 15

321 W. Woodlawn Road
Charlotte NC 28217
Phone: 704-523-1400
Fax:    704-529-1448 

SDT Corporate Room Rate: $89.00
Complimentary Airport Shuttle to/from: Charlotte Douglas Airport
** Please enquire when booking room reservations


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The Ultrawave Technology Report is published regularly by SDT North America and is intended to provide information to anyone with an interest in this technology about current and future events.  If you have questions about this email or the format in which its received please contact Allan Rienstra.  If you do not wish to receive these updates you can request removal from the list at anytime by sending an email to allan@sdtnorthamerica.com.

You can also reach us by telephone at (905) 377-1313 (International) or 1-800-667-5325 (USA & Canada)
SDT North America, PO Box 682, Cobourg, ON - K9A 4R5


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