Acoustic Imgaing Camera
Rich experience
Our products are developed from over 30 years experience and designed to achieve all necessary parameters to conduct a reliable machine analysis.
Technological development
We provides turnkey solutions for machinery Condition Monitoring in the predictive maintenance field. We develops and manufactures vibration measuring instruments, machine condition monitoring equipment and software with user functionality in mind.
Wide range of products
Vibration Analyzer; Portable Rotor Balancer; vibration meter; Wireless intelligent vibration sensor; Accelerometer; Dynamic Balancing.
Professional team
There is/are Above 50 People R&D Engineer(s) in the compan. With a professional R & D team and leading scientific research ability.
What Is Acoustic Imgaing Camera
An acoustic imgaing camera (or noise camera) is an imaging device used to locate sound sources and to characterize them. It consists of a group of microphones, also called a microphone array, from which signals are simultaneously collected and processed to form a representation of the location of the sound sources.
Acoustic imgaing cameras consist of microphone arrays used to locate and characterize sounds. There are a variety of microphone array structures to support specific analysis needs. Some acoustic imgaing cameras also have an embedded visual camera to supply an image over which the acoustic localization information can be presented. acoustic imgaing camera application examples range from analyzing noise inside automobile cabins, aircraft, and trains, to quantifying the noise signature of wind turbines and monitoring industrial environments for anomalies and potential machine faults.
An acoustic imgaing camera consists of a microphone array, a sound processing section, and a display. Microphone arrays can consist of dozens or hundreds of microphones. The sound processing section acquires the incoming sound information from the microphones simultaneously or with precise relative time delays. As the sound travels from the source, it arrives at the various microphones at different instances in time and with different intensities based on the relative locations of the microphones.
Beamforming is one method used for sound localization. It works by adding delays to the microphone signals and adding the signals to amplify the sound coming from a specific direction while minimizing or canceling the sound coming from other directions to essentially "point" the array in a specific direction. The calculated sound intensity information can be displayed on a power map.
Two techniques for sound localization are time difference of arrival (TDOA) and angle of arrival (AoA). They can be combined using a generalized cross-correlation (GCC) algorithm. GCC is relatively simple to implement and has low computational requirements. The tradeoff is that many microphones are needed to achieve accurate localization results. The use of a more complex algorithm can reduce the required number of microphones but will require a more capable (and more expensive) computational section with a faster processor and more memory.
Going beyond simple sound localization, sound intensity is quantified in dB and can be measured using acoustic probes. Some acoustic imgaing cameras include sound intensity and sound particle or pressure sensing measurement capabilities. Acoustic holography is another acoustical measurement technique and is used to determine the spatial propagation of acoustical waves or for the identification of acoustic sources. It is based on spatial Fourier transforms to estimate the near-field sound intensity around a source by using an array of particle velocity and/or pressure-sensing transducers.
Advanced acoustic imgaing cameras are available that combine digital microphones with AI. The use of AI-based measurement software enables developers to offer acoustic imgaing cameras with higher performance capabilities at a lower cost.
Uses for Acoustic Imgaing Cameras
Acoustic imgaing cameras provide a vital service for industrial facility maintenance by visualising otherwise impossible-to-see problems.
● Compressed air leaks
Compressed air leaks are one of the industrial environments' most significant energy losses. Up to one-third of a facility's compressed air will be lost due to unforeseen leaks and subtle inefficiencies within the system. Improving efficiency and lowering costs demands these faults be located and repaired as soon as possible, and an acoustic imgaing camera can help achieve that.
Compressed air leaks make an audible noise alerting people to their presence, but this can easily be lost within the loud background noise of an industrial environment. With an acoustic imgaing camera, a technician can instantly view the leak rate and use the data to predict the estimated yearly energy loss. The purpose of these cameras is to visualise these sounds, alerting maintenance engineers to these problems. Eliminating these faults will extend any compressor's life by preventing wasted output.
● Electrical waste
These cameras are also used to assist with electrical systems maintenance. Partial discharge is a hazard to the productivity of any electrical system. Partial electrical discharge (PD) leads to equipment failures, costly downtime and a health hazard to your onsite teams. Unaddressed PD can build to an Arc Flash where a powerful electric current breaks from its intended path and hits another conductor or grounds itself. PD can occur at any junction between two electrical components. The ultrasonic capabilities of the camera's microphone can analyse the invisible sound emissions given off by these discharges.
Electrical corona discharge relates to when the surrounding space has become increasingly conductive. The air surrounding high-voltage transmission lines can become energised and create a bleed-off effect for the transmitted power. As this fault increases in severity, a visible glow appears around the electrical equipment at night, but the auditory effect can be detected much sooner with an acoustic imgaing camera.
Acoustic imgaing cameras can visualise the corona discharge even in the daytime. This early warning enables electrical engineers to address this efficiency loss and ensure the electrical system's productivity.
How to Do NVH Testing Through Acoustic Imgaing Cameras
Acoustic imgaing cameras play a crucial role in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing, which is the process of evaluating and controlling the noise and vibration characteristics of various products, such as vehicles, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, and more. NVH testing is essential to ensure that products meet noise and vibration regulations, as well as customer expectations for comfort and quality.
There are several types of acoustic imgaing cameras commonly used in NVH testing, each with its specific advantages and applications:
Microphones: The most common type of acoustic imgaing camera used in NVH testing is the microphone. These are omnidirectional sensors that convert sound waves into electrical signals. They are capable of capturing a broad range of frequencies and are essential for measuring sound pressure levels and identifying noise sources.
Accelerometers: Accelerometers are primarily used for vibration testing but can also be utilized in NVH applications to measure structural vibrations caused by acoustic excitation. These sensors can detect vibrations in various directions and frequencies, helping identify sources of unwanted vibrations and their effects on the product.
Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors are suitable for measuring air pressure variations generated by sound waves. They are helpful in determining sound intensity and identifying sound sources in enclosed spaces or around objects with complex shapes.
Hydrophones: Hydrophones are specialized acoustic imgaing cameras designed for underwater NVH testing. They are used to measure sound and vibrations in marine environments, such as in ships, submarines, or underwater structures.
Laser doppler vibrometers: These non-contact sensors use laser beams to measure surface vibrations. Laser doppler vibrometers are ideal for testing small and delicate components or in situations where traditional contact-based accelerometers might alter the vibration behavior.
Sound intensity probes: Sound intensity probes are used to determine the direction and magnitude of sound energy flow. They are useful for locating and quantifying noise sources and their contributions to the overall acoustic field.
Microphone arrays: Microphone arrays consist of multiple microphones positioned strategically to capture sound from various directions. This technology allows for sound source localization and noise mapping, aiding in the identification of complex noise patterns and their sources.
Acoustic imgaing camera offers several significant benefits when applied in industrial settings. These advantages include:
● Early anomaly detection: Acoustic imgaing camera enables the early detection of issues such as leaks or mechanical wear. This capability is crucial in preventing costly breakdowns, minimizing production interruptions, and mitigating safety hazards.
● Non-intrusive inspection: A notable advantage is that acoustic imgaing camera does not require physical contact with equipment. This non-intrusive nature reduces the risk of damage to machinery and minimizes downtime during inspections.
● Increased safety: Acoustic imgaing camera can take place a safe distance from moving machinery and out-of-reach or otherwise dangerous scenarios. Inspections can occur from up to 50 meters away, contributing to a safer work environment.
● Improved efficiency: One of the primary benefits is the streamlining of maintenance processes. Acoustic imgaing camera reduces troubleshooting time and increases overall productivity, resulting in more efficient operations.
Cost reduction
Detecting and addressing problems early in the maintenance cycle leads to substantial cost savings. These savings encompass maintenance expenses, repair costs, and energy consumption reductions, not to mention avoiding costs associated with lost production.
Data visualization
Acoustic imgaing camera provides visual representations of sound sources and anomalies. This visual data enhances decision-making and communication among maintenance teams, operators, and management.
User-friendly
Acoustic imgaing camera is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Even personnel without specialized expertise can effectively operate these systems with minimal training.
Technical Functions of Acoustic Imaging Cameras
If you have a closer look at the human sensory system, you are able to comprehend the functionality of an acoustic camera. We can estimate the direction of a sound source using our two ears. For instance, a vehicle approaching from the left, generates a sound wave which is perceived by our two ears at slightly different points of time. Our brain has the capability of identifying the direction of a single sound event in which the temporal differences is far less than a thousandth of a second!
Acoustic cameras benefit from this principle and, through tremendous technical effort, enable a sound localization accuracy far superior to that of human beings, even where there are multiple sources of different volume and frequency components.
The so-called microphone array which comprises hundreds of microphones distributed over an area of up to several square meters, is replaced by our two ears. These microphones can process and color code up to 200 megabytes of audio data, and then insert them with into an optical image of the measurement scene.
There are two quality criteria for acoustic cameras: The microphone array and the number of microphones which are distributed on it. Industrial sound events normally have low frequency content far 2 kHz. That is why, in order to obtain an acceptable spatial resolution, the diameter of the microphone array area should in any case be larger than one meter.
To achieve a high dynamic range and thus evaluate quiet and loud sources in one acoustic image, the array should include several hundred distributed microphones.
Choosing an Acoustic Imgaing Camera
Acoustic imgaing cameras also enhance safety because they operate over considerable distances. This means it's not necessary to approach potentially dangerous equipment and can eliminate the need to climb ladders to pinpoint a fault.
It's important to choose carefully when you're looking for an acoustic imgaing camera to ensure it meets your needs. Here are some key points to consider:
Where you'll be using it. Working in an industrial environment dictates a minimum ip54 environmental rating to stop water or dust ingress. If you're going to use the acoustic imager to check for leaks in process plants where there are likely to be explosive or flammable gases.
Number of microphones. The acoustic image is captured using an array of microphones. More microphones mean better frequency resolution and accuracy. The best balance of performance for modern instruments is usually over 120 microphones.
Resolution of optical camera. To help identify the sound source accurately when producing reports, having the ability to zoom in on the image makes pinpointing the sound source far easier. Having an optical camera with a resolution of at least 8 megapixels gives a very detailed image.
Detection range. It's often more convenient - and safer - to stand some distance away from the plant or equipment you're surveying. That way, you can scan large areas from the same location and stay well away from dangerous equipment. For this, you'll need a good detection range. A good acoustic imgaing camera should work at 100 metres or more from the sound source.
Ultrasonic monitoring. Most sounds that indicate fault conditions are ultrasonic – that is, they are at frequencies too high to hear directly. To make fault location and pinpointing faults easier, the camera should be able to modulate the signal to an audible frequency band, so the user can monitor the signal using headphones.
Ease of use. Complicated setting up wastes time and negates the convenience of acoustic imaging. Fortunately, the latest models need only two simple settings for the majority of applications, although they can, of course, be fine-tuned to meet special requirements.
Acoustic focusing. If you're working in a very noisy environment or have multiple fault signals, the provision for 'focusing' the operation of the microphone array is very useful. It minimises the effect of ambient noise on the acoustic image and allows a single fault to be measured.
Built-in analytical features. Acoustic imaging is fast, versatile and easy to use, but it's even more useful if the acoustic imgaing camera not only visually displays the sounds but also analyses them. Look for instruments that can provide quantified leak rates and partial discharge categories in electrical systems on screen for immediate diagnosis.
Our Factory
KM Instrument is a global leader in condition monitoring technology. we provides turnkey solutions for machinery Condition Monitoring in the predictive maintenance field. we develops and manufactures vibration measuring instruments, machine condition monitoring equipment and software with user functionality in mind. Our products are developed from over 30 years experience and designed to achieve all necessary parameters to conduct a reliable machine analysis. With a professional R & D team and leading scientific research ability, the KM series products from KM have a solid reputation for quality and excellent performance.
Our products are used widely in industry and we believe our success comes from our focus on simplicity with a high performance to cost ratio. We continue to move forward and establish new markets in developing areas. The strength of our product range comes through development which has involved some of the world's leading professionals in vibration analysis.
Our Certificate
ISO9001,CE,IP67
