Distran showcases Ultra Pro for reliable gas-leak detection

Ultrasonic camera manufacturer Distran (Zürich, Switzerland) releases the Ultra Pro, a 1.3-kilogram, hand-held ultrasound imaging camera used by industry professionals and inspection specialists to pinpoint gas leaks of any type and partial discharges in oil and gas, power generation and chemistry fields. Ultrasound imaging reportedly works for any type of gas, including compressed air, methane, nitrogen, steam and vacuum bagging leaks.

Ultra Pro is capable of accurately locating gas leaks from several meters away — without contact with the gas — up to 10 times faster than other techniques, Distran reports, as well as quantifying the severity of a gas leak without the need of a tripod. Further, it is said to excel in finding leaks in high or in hard-to-reach areas.

Depending on the flow rate, gas leaks may be detected from 30 cm to 50-100 m away. Large leaks (thousand of liters per hour) can be detected up to 50 m. Small leaks (a few liters per hour) are detectable at a few meters. Typical leak search distance is between 4-8 m (13-26 ft).

The sensor works by detecting the specific sounds that pressurized gas leaks emit. Thanks to its integrated 124 ultrasound microphones, the ultrasound camera reconstructs the position of the sound source. The information is then overlaid in real-time with a wide angle optical image. This information can be assembled using Distran’s integrated reporting software, Audalytics, or with the user’s preferred software.