SDT SonaVu+ ATEX — Acoustic Camera for Explosive Atmospheres

Overview

SonaVu+ ATEX is a version of the flagship SDT SonaVu+ acoustic camera, certified for use in explosive atmospheres (Class I, Division 1). The instrument retains all the capabilities of the standard model — 112 MEMS sensors, a built-in display, PRPD analysis — while remaining safe for inspections in the presence of flammable gases, vapours and dust.

In industries where explosive atmospheres are present — oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining — many diagnostic tools are prohibited from use. Critical equipment is left unmonitored as a result. SonaVu+ ATEX solves this problem: equipment reliability is monitored even in the most hazardous zones.

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Who is SonaVu+ ATEX for?

Oil and gas

Safely locates gas leaks, fugitive emissions and partial discharges at refineries, on pipelines and offshore platforms without halting production.

Chemical and petrochemical industry

Monitors hazardous areas for leaks and electrical defects in environments where safety and regulatory compliance are critical.

Power generation and electrical grid infrastructure

Detects partial discharges in switchgear and substations, and mechanical anomalies in rotating equipment — from a safe distance.

Pharmaceutical and food industry

Maintains sterility and standards compliance by quickly identifying compressed-air and vacuum leaks.

Mining and heavy industry

Performs reliably in harsh and hazardous conditions, where continuous production and personnel safety are an absolute priority.

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Key benefits

ATEX certification: Class I, Division 1

The instrument is certified for use in zones with flammable gases, vapours and dust. This means you can safely detect leaks, partial discharges and mechanical defects in explosive atmospheres without compromising performance, accuracy or safety.

Unmatched sensitivity and range

112 digital MEMS microphones provide a minimum detectable leak of 0.02 bar (~0.29 psi) at flows as low as 38 ml/min (~0.00134 cfm) from a distance of 1 metre. At the same time, anomaly visualisation is possible over significant distances — a combination of precision and range.

Optical camera with zoom

A high-quality optical camera with two-finger zoom provides a clear image during inspections, ensuring clear visualisation of defects and professional-grade reports.

On-screen spectral analysis and PRPD

SonaVu+ ATEX displays real-time spectral analysis and PRPD (Phase-Resolved Partial Discharge) diagrams right on the screen — adding deeper diagnostic clarity during electrical equipment inspections.

Heterodyne audio output + Bluetooth

Ultrasound is converted to audible sound and transmitted to Bluetooth headphones. The inspector simultaneously sees and hears anomalies — increasing confidence in every diagnosis.

5 hours of battery life

The rechargeable power system delivers up to 5 hours of continuous operation — inspectors can complete long routes without a break.

Multi-point detection

The 112-microphone array scans a wide field of view, simultaneously detecting and localising multiple leaks or discharges — speeding up routine surveys.

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Compliance with NFPA 70B

The NFPA 70B standard for electrical equipment maintenance emphasises the importance of proactive inspections to prevent failures, reduce risk and extend the service life of expensive equipment.

NFPA 70B explicitly identifies ultrasound imaging as a technology capable of detecting partial discharges, arcing, tracking and corona discharges before they become a safety hazard or cause serious downtime.

SonaVu+ ATEX is a safe, non-invasive method for visualising ultrasound from electrical anomalies. On-screen spectrum and PRPD diagrams give inspectors additional diagnostic data to document findings in line with NFPA guidance.

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SonaVu InSights™ — reporting and analytics

SonaVu InSights™ is a powerful browser-based application that integrates seamlessly with the SonaVu+ acoustic camera. It serves as a central hub for managing ultrasound survey data.

Capabilities:

• Instant documentation of findings with photos, video and GPS coordinates
• Prioritisation of repairs by criticality
• Estimation of the economic impact of fixing leaks
• Automatic generation of reports for management and regulators
• Centralised storage of data from all surveys

InSights™ helps organisations take action — eliminating energy losses, reducing costs and improving asset reliability. By turning raw data into concrete decisions, the application enables an efficient and cost-effective maintenance strategy.

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Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Sensors	112 digital MEMS
Frequency range	2 kHz — 100 kHz
Minimum leak	0.02 bar at 38 ml/min (from 1 m)
Detection range	Up to 200 m (air leaks)
Display	Built-in colour touchscreen with zoom
Audio output	Heterodyne + Bluetooth headphones
Analysis	On-screen spectrum + PRPD
Battery	5 hours of continuous operation
Certification	ATEX Class I, Division 1
Protection rating	IP40
Standards	NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E

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SonaVu+ vs SonaVu+ ATEX comparison

Parameter	SonaVu+	SonaVu+ ATEX
Sensors	112 MEMS	112 MEMS
Range	Up to 200 m	Up to 200 m
Display	Built-in touchscreen	Built-in touchscreen
PRPD analysis	Available	Available
ATEX certification	No	Class I, Division 1
Explosive atmospheres	No	Yes
InSights™	Available	Available

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Why choose SonaVu+ ATEX?

• Safety first — ATEX certification for working in hazardous zones
• Fast ROI — detecting leaks on day one pays back the investment
• Versatility — leaks, electrical and mechanical issues in a single instrument
• Regulatory compliance — NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, emissions requirements
• Professional reporting — InSights™ generates reports automatically