Watch Promo Video
Watch Training Video
Aquaphon A-100 Ground Microphone Kits (Leak Listeners)
Electro-acoustic water leak detection
When a pressurized pipeline develops a leak, water flows through it into the surrounding soil at high speed. As a consequence of this:
- The pipeline material vibrates at the exit point. This vibration is transmitted by the pipe, with the result that it can be picked up even at remote contact points (e.g. valves & fire hydrants). This structure-borne noise is rendered audible by the AQUAPHON® A100.
- The water jet and the pipe, in the vicinity of the leak also induce vibration in the soil. This is transmitted to the surface, where it can be picked up as ground-borne noise.
Key Benefits
- Structure-borne sound is not transmitted as well by non-metallic pipe materials. Taking readings at the valves is not enough; the sections between valves must also be checked with a ground microphone.
- Using the ground microphone at brief intervals enables the leak to be located with sufficient accuracy for excavation.
- The AQUAPHON® A100 receiver indicates a precise optical comparison of the noise intensities.
The importance of listening
Combined with the advantages offered by the graphics of the integral LCD, the human ear remains an important tool for assessing incoming noises. Practice enables noises of different types and tones to be differentiated and actual leak noise to be distinguished from extraneous noise. To assist the operator the AQUAPHON® A 100 is supplied with headphones that provide outstanding sound reproduction.
Preliminary location using the test rod
Location with the ground microphone
Structure-borne sound is not transmitted
very well by non-metallic pipe materials.
Taking readings at the valves with the test rod may not lead to
satisfactory results. In these cases, by using the ground
microphone, the sections between valves should also be checked.
Using the ground microphone at regular intervals enables the leak to
be located with sufficient accuracy for confident excavation.
The AQUAPHON® A
100 shows a precise
display comparison of the noise levels between locations.
Is the noise getting louder or quieter? What is the trend? The LCD
digital and analogue display is of great assistance, especially for
beginners or less experienced operators, in answering these
questions.
The hearing protection function
A novel technology makes this danger a thing of the past. The incoming noise is constantly analyzed. When a very loud noise is picked up the sound in the headphones is immediately muffled. If the noises increase even further, the headphones finally are switched off completely.
Once this noise source has ceased the AQUAPHON® A 100 automatically reverts to normal. The hearing-protection function can be adjusted to suit the wearer's comfort in any given environment.
The filter-optimization function
The filter-optimization function of the AQUAPHON® A
100 allows it to detect a
leak even when the sound is very muffled.
The receiver takes a noise sample with the ground microphone. This
is automatically analyzed and the instrument automatically sets the
optimum frequency range to render the sound of the leak particularly
clear.
Specifications
AQUAPHON® A 100 System Components
(Note: Components are kit dependent)
-
Ground microphone BO-4
-
Ground microphone 3P-4
-
Handle H-4
-
Test rod T-4 with various adapters
-
Headphones stereo
-
Charging station HS
-
AQUAPHON® A-100
-
Carrying system "Triangle"
-
Microphone EM 30
-
Carry Case
The Ground microphone
BO-4 is especially
suitable for paved surfaces.
The outside housing of the microphone is acoustically insulated from
the internal microphone. The microphone body is mounted in a
flexible rubber membrane which can move freely within the housing
and it is therefore unaffected by rugged surfaces.
The Ground microphone 3P-4 is for use on unpaved surfaces. A ground spike (supplied) can be screwed on for use in soft ground. Its tripod foot ensures stable contact at all times.
Easy-to-maintain microphones: Cables are wearing parts. Therefore all microphone cables have been designed to be replaced by the field operator. This means low service costs and less down time.
Leak detection within structures can involve working in some tight locations. To carry out this work we provide the small, light, microphone EM 30 complete with short probe tip. Also available: Magnet, tripod and compact case.
Technical Data
-
Automatic microphone recognition - appropriate frequency settings automatically selected
-
Digital signal processor - for significant reduction of hissing
-
Hearing-protection function - operator’s hearing no longer in danger
-
Filter-optimization function - makes even difficult to distinguish sounds easier to hear
-
Delayed-action display function - displays the lowest level of noise. More useful than the loudest!
-
Memory function - no need to remember the last reading. Know if the leak is closer or further away
-
Large illuminated display
-
Built-in re-chargeable batteries - integral charging/buffering automatic, battery level display
-
Charging via charging station HS with 12 V supply
-
Operating time: approx. 12 hours
-
Operating / storage temperature: -10 °C ... +50 °C / -25 °C ... +70 °C
-
Weight: approx. 1.0 kg
-
Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 12,5 x 18 x 6,5 cm