Acoustic imaging enables vacuum leak detection

Distran (Zürich, Switzerland) brings its know-how in gas and vacuum leaks detection through acoustic imaging to composites manufacturing, seeking to eliminate the traditional time-consuming, tedious and user-dependent methods of finding leaks that can compromise final part product quality and require additional repair time. 

Specifically, the company is demonstrating its quick, efficient and easy-to-operate ultrasonic camera. A microphone array of 124 elements and active noise filtering makes triangulating leaks easy and immediate; the locations of leaks provided by the camera are also highly accurate. Moreover, by detecting more leaks before treatment, Distran supports waste reduction, not only during the vacuum bagging process, but also in regard to requiring repairs or new part production.

This technology does not solely detect vacuum leaks through the ultrasound it emits. Rather, through a 180-degree field of view, it accurately pinpoints leaks in seconds from several meters away, recording pictures and videos to document leak surveys and repairs activities. Similar to augmented reality technologies, the Distran ultrasound camera reconstructs the position of the sound source detected in real time and overlays it on a wide-angle optical image. Once pinpointed, bag repair can be carried out immediately. After repair, one can control if tightness has been reinstated by checking the camera’s screen. 

According to the company, the ultrasound camera is successfully deployed in aerospace, boating and renewables manufacturing plants, where users have reported a drastic reduction of time — up to 50% — required for inspections, and the need for less operators on the floor.

Distran cameras were designed hand in hand with industrials, and are therefore sturdy, robust and do not require regular calibrations to operate properly. There is no maintenance cost nor software costs induced.