SDT SonaVu - Acoustic Camera for Equipment Diagnostics

Overview

The SDT SonaVu is a portable acoustic camera that translates ultrasound into a visual picture directly on its built-in colour screen. 112 digital MEMS sensors capture the high-frequency sound produced by leaks, electrical discharges and faulty mechanical components, and the software overlays a bright heat map of sound sources onto the image from the optical camera.

The result: the operator literally sees the leak or discharge on the instrument's screen, without touching the equipment or having to get close to it.

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Key features

112 digital MEMS sensors

An array of 112 highly sensitive digital MEMS microphones provides a precise spatial map of the sound source. Sensitivity of −41 dBFS and a signal-to-noise ratio of 66 dB(A) are enough for reliable detection in an industrial environment.

Built-in 5" touchscreen

A colour LCD screen of 800×480 right on the instrument housing — the sound heat map is overlaid on the optical camera image in real time at 25 frames per second. No external tablet or smartphone required.

Range of 0.3 — 50 metres

The instrument detects an abnormal-sound source from as close as 30 centimetres (precise close-range work) to as far as 50 metres (inspection of large objects). Wind has no effect on the result — the acoustic camera works equally accurately outdoors and indoors.

Frequency range 1 — 47.5 kHz

This range covers most industrial ultrasound sources: compressed-air and vacuum leaks, corona and arcing discharges, and defects in bearings and steam traps.

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Applications

Compressed-air and gas leaks

Compressed air is one of the most expensive energy carriers in manufacturing. The average plant loses 20–30% of compressor capacity to leaks. SonaVu lets you:

• Quickly survey the entire piping and fitting network
• Precisely pinpoint the leak location on the instrument's screen
• Capture photo/video evidence for a report

Vacuum systems

A loss of vacuum in process systems (paper manufacturing, food industry, medical) leads to scrap and downtime. SonaVu visualises the source of the breach without stopping the line.

Electrical equipment: partial discharges

Corona and arcing discharges, partial discharges in insulation — all of these generate ultrasound. SonaVu lets you inspect:

• High-voltage switchgear
• Transformers and cable joints
• Insulators on overhead lines

Remote inspection without de-energising — safe for personnel.

Steam traps

A failed steam trap stuck open can cost a plant thousands of dollars a year. SonaVu determines in seconds whether a trap is operating normally or is stuck open or closed.

Mechanical components

Bearing defects, loose belts, worn gears — these are sources of characteristic ultrasound. Early detection allows replacement to be scheduled before failure.

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Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Sensors	112 digital MEMS
Frequency range	1 kHz — 47.5 kHz
Sensitivity	−41 dBFS
Signal-to-noise ratio	66 dB(A)
Sample rate	96,000 samples/sec
Detection range	0.3 m — 50 m
Display	5" colour LCD, 800×480, touchscreen
Frame rate	25 FPS
Battery	Li-Ion, up to 4 hours
Dimensions	237 × 146 × 56 mm
Weight	1.2 kg
Operating temperature	−20°C … +50°C

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SonaVu vs SonaVu+

While the SonaVu covers most industrial diagnostic tasks, SonaVu+ offers extended capabilities:

Parameter	SonaVu	SonaVu+
Range	Up to 50 m	Up to 200 m
Frequency range	up to 47.5 kHz	up to 100 kHz
PRPD analysis	—	Built in
GIS / GPS	—	Available
Battery	4 h	5 h + external
ATEX version	—	Available

The SonaVu is the optimal choice for most industrial sites. The SonaVu+ is justified for large open spaces, for inspections of high-voltage equipment requiring PRPD analysis, or for hazardous areas.

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SonaVu Insights — reporting

The instrument integrates with the browser-based SonaVu Insights application:

• Generating reports on leaks and electrical defects
• Calculating the cost of air leaks ($/year)
• Prioritising repair work
• Storing the complete inspection history

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What's included

• SDT SonaVu acoustic camera
• Charger
• Carrying case
• Access to the SonaVu Insights application

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Documents

• SonaVu Brochure (PDF)