Beyond gas leaks: the critical role of vacuum leak detection
Vacuum leaks are critical concerns across various industries like power generation, chemical and pharmaceutical production, composites, and even space due to their impact on process efficiency and reliability, contamination risk, and workplace safety.
Acoustic Leak Imaging technology, employed by world industry leaders for gas leak detection, seamlessly extends its capabilities to vacuum leaks, all in one device.
Unlike other vacuum leak detectors, Distran’s ultrasound camera detects leaks without the use of tracer gases or equipment disassembly, offering a faster and less intrusive alternative to traditional methods.
VACUUM LEAK DETECTION ACROSS INDUSTRIES WITH ULTRASOUND CAMERAS
Beyond gas leaks: the critical role of vacuum leak detection
Vacuum leaks are critical concerns across various industries like power generation, chemical and pharmaceutical production, composites, and even space due to their impact on process efficiency and reliability, contamination risk, and workplace safety.
Acoustic Leak Imaging technology, employed by world industry leaders for gas leak detection, seamlessly extends its capabilities to vacuum leaks, all in one device.
Unlike other vacuum leak detectors, Distran’s ultrasound camera detects leaks without the use of tracer gases or equipment disassembly, offering a faster and less intrusive alternative to traditional methods.
What our customers say
Vacuum leak detection, proven from Space to Earth
Vacuum leak detection, proven from Space to Earth
“Thanks for going out of your way to help us with that pesky atmospheric leak (cabin air leaking to space) on the International Space Station.”
Charles Nichols
Manager of Metallurgy & NDE
NASA White Sands Test Facility
“Ultra Pro pinpointed a vacuum loss which caused a decrease in production estimated to 7,862 MWh over a six-month period, equivalent to a USD 1 500 000 loss.”
Ignite Outage Group
Commissioning and outage planning services
United States
“A leak was clearly visible through the Ultra Pro camera at a vacuum pump coupling. This leakage point would have gone unnoticed without this device.”
Thomas R.
Process Engineer
Bostik Ribécourt, France
How vacuum leaks impact industrial operations
How vacuum leaks impact industrial operations
Vacuum leak detection in industrial settings is often complicated and inefficient. Many existing methods are complex, time-consuming, or lack precision for accurate localization, especially in large or noisy environments. Conventional tools often require specialized expertise and costly equipment, making them impractical for routine or rapid inspections.
The risks associated with missing a vacuum leak are significant:
SAFETY
Vacuum leaks in critical equipment such as the containment ventilation system of a nuclear power plant can undermine the controlled environment, allowing contaminants to enter and posing serious risks to personnel safety.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY & RELIABILITY
A vacuum leak can severely reduce the efficiency of a power generation system. For example, a condenser may cause the plant to underperform, risking failure to meet energy delivery commitments.
PRODUCT QUALITY
In pharmaceuticals or composites manufacturing industries, even small leaks can compromise product quality, leading to batch rejection, regulatory consequences, or structural failures.
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
The presence of an undetected air ingress can accelerate wear and corrosion on equipment, eventually leading to unplanned shutdowns and increased maintenance costs.
How ultrasound detection works for vacuum leaks
Image: Diagram of ultrasound generation from a vacuum leak
Ultrasound leak detection relies on identifying high-frequency sound waves generated by turbulence at the leak site.
In the case of gas leaks, pressurized gas escapes into the ambient environment, creating localized turbulence that emits broadband ultrasonic noise. For vacuum leaks, the opposite occurs: atmospheric air is drawn into the lower-pressure system (see the below figure). Despite the reversed flow direction, the resulting turbulence at the leak orifice similarly produces ultrasound signals.
Distran ultrasound cameras detect these ultrasonic emissions, allowing for the accurate localization of vacuum leaks from several meters away, even in acoustically complex or noisy environments. The result is a safe, non-invasive, and highly efficient method for detecting both gas and vacuum leaks under operating conditions across all industries.
How ultrasound detection works for vacuum leaks
Image: Diagram of ultrasound generation from a vacuum leak
Ultrasound leak detection relies on identifying high-frequency sound waves generated by turbulence at the leak site.
In the case of gas leaks, pressurized gas escapes into the ambient environment, creating localized turbulence that emits broadband ultrasonic noise. For vacuum leaks, the opposite occurs: atmospheric air is drawn into the lower-pressure system (see the below figure). Despite the reversed flow direction, the resulting turbulence at the leak orifice similarly produces ultrasound signals.
Distran ultrasound cameras detect these ultrasonic emissions, allowing for the accurate localization of vacuum leaks from several meters away, even in acoustically complex or noisy environments. The result is a safe, non-invasive, and highly efficient method for detecting both gas and vacuum leaks under operating conditions across all industries.
Why choose Distran for vacuum leak detection
Why choose Distran for vacuum leak detection
INSTANT, VISUAL LEAK DETECTION
Speed up your inspections with an intuitive tool
Image: Vacuum leak detected with Ultra Pro ultrasonic camera on the vacuum pump coupling.
Distran’s acoustic leak imaging technology allows operators to detect vacuum leaks in real time using a single device that requires no special expertise, setup, or installation. Unlike other methods, it provides a visual and intuitive readout that clearly indicates the source of the leak, making it easier and faster for technicians to detect and fix issues while your system keeps running smoothly.
RELIABLE IN ANY ENVIRONMENT
Confidently detect vacuum leaks in noisy, complex, and hazardous industrial settings
Image: Vaccuum leak at a steam turbine housing.
Ultra Pro X is engineered for demanding industrial environments, combining precise leak detection with robust, Ex-proof design. By isolating ultrasonic signals, it accurately locates both vacuum and gas leaks, even in noisy, hard-to-access areas such as steam turbine housings, where typical operational noise can make detection challenging. This versatility allows you to use a single device across applications, simplifying inspections while maintaining safety and efficiency in all conditions.
EARLY DETECTION TO STAY AHEAD OF RISKS
Protect people, products, and performance
Image: Steam condenser, vacuum leak from a crack due to corrosion.
Contamination in sensitive areas, performance losses in power systems, and premature equipment wear all stem from undetected leaks. Distran helps you detect issues early to allow you to act quickly, preventing disruptions before they escalate. Combining precise detection with faster inspections protects your assets, ensures compliance, and keeps your operations running at peak performance.
INSTANT, VISUAL LEAK DETECTION
Speed up your inspections with an intuitive tool
Distran’s acoustic leak imaging technology allows operators to detect vacuum leaks in real time using a single device that requires no special expertise, setup, or installation. Unlike other methods, it provides a visual and intuitive readout that clearly indicates the source of the leak, making it easier and faster for technicians to detect and fix issues while your system keeps running smoothly.
Image: Vacuum leak detected with Ultra Pro ultrasonic camera on the vacuum pump coupling.
RELIABLE IN ANY ENVIRONMENT
Confidently detect vacuum leaks in noisy, complex, and hazardous industrial settings
Ultra Pro X is engineered for demanding industrial environments, combining precise leak detection with robust, Ex-proof design. By isolating ultrasonic signals, it accurately locates both vacuum and gas leaks, even in noisy, hard-to-access areas such as steam turbine housings, where typical operational noise can make detection challenging. This versatility allows you to use a single device across applications, simplifying inspections while maintaining safety and efficiency in all conditions.
Image: Vacuum leak at a steam turbine housing.
EARLY DETECTION TO STAY AHEAD OF RISKS
Protect people, products, and performance
Contamination in sensitive areas, performance losses in power systems, and premature equipment wear all stem from undetected leaks. Distran helps you detect issues early to allow you to act quickly, preventing disruptions before they escalate. Combining precise detection with faster inspections protects your assets, ensures compliance, and keeps your operations running at peak performance.
Image: Steam condenser, vacuum leak from a crack due to corrosion.
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We will be more than happy to advise you on the best solution for your gas leak detection challenges!