Visible Sound Waves - IPRO Transparent Acoustic Film Used in Acoustic Imaging Devices

With the progress of industrialization, the level of factory automation is increasing, and a large number of pipes, equipment, valves, and other components form the production system of the factory. Regular inspections of the production system, elimination of safety hazards, and prevention of significant loss of life and property are paramount in ensuring factory safety.

Ultrasonic imaging equipment detects abnormal noises and potential leaks in pipes by analyzing sound waves, sound fields, and sound sources. This proactive approach helps prevent safety issues and economic losses caused by issues such as pipeline and valve leaks during mechanical operations.

01 Sonic Imager

The research on the concept of acoustical imaging and sonification traces its origins back to 1864 with the invention of shadowgraphy by German physicist Toepler. This method involves adjusting the light source to visualize changes in air density caused by sound waves in otherwise transparent air.

With the advancement of acoustical imaging technology, sonographic devices have evolved to utilize arrays of multiple highly sensitive microphones. In the audible and ultrasonic frequency ranges, these devices employ optimization techniques such as genetic algorithms and far-field high-resolution beamforming. The collected sound is then visualized on a screen in the form of colored contour maps, enabling operations like partial discharge detection, locating equipment anomalies, and detecting gas leaks.

02 Multi-Scenario Applications of Sonic Imagers

Unlike the point-to-point detection commonly used in most inspection methods, the auscultation-style inspection of the sonic imager significantly improves inspection efficiency. For enterprises with large factory areas, numerous potential gas leakage points, and high pressure on inspection personnel, the sonic imager is the optimal choice to enhance factory safety management and alleviate the workload of personnel.

For example, in the petrochemical industry, it can help detect gas leakage issues at pipeline and valve interfaces; in the power industry, it can assist in identifying partial discharges and mechanical faults in power facilities; in environmental monitoring, the sonic imager can locate and provide early warnings for abnormal noise; in public transportation, it can capture illegal horn honking and the roaring sounds of street racing.

The multifaceted applications of the sonic imager demand stringent requirements for its own waterproofing, dustproofing, and audio consistency. In order to achieve high sensitivity for audible and ultrasonic frequency range online detection, the acoustic imaging device needs to have hundreds of shell openings corresponding one by one to the number of microphones on the microphone array.

To prevent rainwater and dust from entering the cavity through the shell openings, causing damage to electronic components and interfering with sound detection, waterproof acoustic membranes need to be installed at the shell openings. This fulfills the following requirements:

1. High waterproof and dustproof requirements for rainy environments.

2. Low sound loss within the audible and ultrasonic frequency range.

3. Audio consistency for hundreds of microphones.

IPRO collaborates with sonic imager manufacturers to tailor unique waterproof acoustic membranes, providing protection for outdoor operations of equipment. This safeguards against interference caused by rain and dust ingress, thereby enhancing the completion rate of monitoring.