Case Study

Using Ultrasound for Leak Detection on glazing and curtain walling systems

Synopsis

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Ultrasonic waves will fill air voids but are largely obstructed by any solid material. If any seals or gaskets in a cladding system are defective and could leak water, they will also leak ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasound is commonly used for detection of air & water leaks in the following situations: Shipping container and hatches, High Speed trains, luxury cars, heavy construction plant to reduce air leaks that can allow dust infiltration.

By generating Ultrasound on one side of a cladding system, Trace Surveys can then use an ultrasonic sensor on the other side of the cladding to detect the points where ultrasound leaks.

Training

When assessing the feasibility in using Ultrasound for leak detection in building façade, two members of our surveying team travelled to SDT in Belgium where they trained and qualified as Level 1 Airborne Ultrasound Inspectors. The course taught our Surveyors the range of applications that Ultrasound can be used in and how it can be effectively applied to those applications.