Receiver AQUAPHON® A 100
Electro-acoustic water leak detection
The principle
When a pressurized water pipe develops a leak the water flows out it into the
surrounding soil at high speed, which causes the pipe material to vibrate at the exit point.
This
vibration, or sound, is transmitted by the pipe. This “noise” (called
structure-born) can be heard with the AQUAPHON®A 100 even at
remote contact points, e.g. valves. The water jet and the pipe, in the vicinity of the
leak, also induce vibration into the surrounding soil. This “noise”
(called ground-born) is transmitted to the surface, where it can be picked
up by the AQUAPHON®
A 100.
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
In metallic pipes structure-born sound is transmitted over
particularly long distances. This makes the test rod very effective for
preliminary location.
Location with the ground microphone
Structure-born 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
When developing the AQUAPHON®
A 100 an important consideration was providing the
operator with protection from accidental exposure to high noise levels. With
other instruments an uncomfortable sound level can be heard when the test rod
slips from the contact point, or the headphones are activated too soon, or not
soon enough, or something falls close to the ground microphone.
A novel technology makes this danger a thing of the past. The
incoming noise is constantly analysed. 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 users 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 analysed and the instrument automatically sets the optimum
frequency range to render the sound of the leak particularly clear.
COMPLETE PACKAGE
 |
AQUAPHON®
A 100
- Ground microphone BO-4
- Ground microphone 3P-4 (Optional
$1295)
- Handle H-4
- Test rod T-4 with various adapters
- Noise canceling headphones
- Charging station HS
- AQUAPHON®
A 100
- Carrying system "Triangle"
|
 |
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 optional 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: 14 °F up to 122 °F / -13 °F
up to 158 °F
- Protection class: IP 54
- Weight: approx. 2.2 pound
- Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 4.92 x 7.09 x 2.56 in
|
Shipping $45
