SDT SonaVu+ - Next-Generation Acoustic Camera

Overview

SDT SonaVu+ is a next-generation acoustic camera from SDT Ultrasound Solutions. Compared with the previous SonaVu model, the instrument now features 112 high-sensitivity digital MEMS sensors (up from 64), a built-in colour touchscreen, and an extended detection range of up to 200 metres. Together these upgrades make SonaVu+ one of the most powerful portable acoustic cameras on the market.

SonaVu+ visualises ultrasound sources — air and gas leaks, electrical discharges, mechanical defects — in real time on its built-in screen as a bright heat map.

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SonaVu+ vs SonaVu comparison

Parameter	SonaVu (previous)	SonaVu+
Number of sensors	64	112
Detection range	Up to 50 m	Up to 200 m
Display	External tablet	Built-in touchscreen
PRPD analysis	No	Built-in
GIS / GPS	No	Yes
ATEX version	No	Yes
Audio output	—	Heterodyne + BT

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Key features

112 digital MEMS sensors

SonaVu+ is equipped with 112 next-generation sensors — almost double the previous model. This delivers best-in-class detection range and a significantly more precise spatial map of the sound source.

Range up to 200 metres

The acoustic camera detects air leaks at distances of up to 200 metres — ideal for inspecting large industrial sites, production halls, pipelines and high-voltage equipment from a considerable distance.

Built-in colour touchscreen

No external tablet required. SonaVu+ features a bright, built-in colour touchscreen: the heat map of sound sources is visible directly on the instrument. The optical camera with two-finger zoom provides a clear image for detailed inspection.

On-board PRPD analysis

Built-in PRPD analysis (Phase-Resolved Partial Discharge) enables partial-discharge diagnostics directly on the instrument, with no PC connection needed. Indispensable for electrical equipment inspections.

GIS integration with GPS

Tag every inspection point with GPS coordinates. All GPS-tagged data is automatically transferred to SonaVu Insights — an application for data management and report generation.

Multi-point defect detection

SonaVu+ simultaneously highlights multiple sound sources in a single frame — saving time when inspecting complex equipment assemblies with multiple potential defect points.

Heterodyne audio output + Bluetooth

The operator hears the sound source through Bluetooth headphones with heterodyne mixing — even when its frequency is outside the audible range. This allows the inspector to work without constantly watching the screen while walking the equipment.

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Applications

Air, gas and vacuum leaks

Compressed air is one of the most expensive forms of energy in industry: every leak costs a plant thousands of dollars a year. SonaVu+ allows you to:

• Quickly pinpoint leaks in pipelines, fittings and seals
• Detect leaks in vacuum systems (paper manufacturing, cement production, etc.)
• Record and estimate the cost of every leak via SonaVu Insights

Electrical equipment reliability (NFPA 70E)

Compliant with the NFPA 70E standard for electrical equipment inspections. SonaVu+ detects:

• Corona discharges on high-voltage equipment
• Arcing in switchgear and panels
• Partial discharges in cables, insulators and transformers (PRPD analysis)
• Tracking discharges on insulation

Fugitive emissions

Oil & gas, chemical and pharmaceutical companies are required to monitor volatile compound emissions. SonaVu+ helps:

• Detect emission points without direct contact with equipment
• Meet regulatory emissions-monitoring requirements
• Reduce environmental impact and the risk of fines

Mechanical defect diagnostics

• Bearings — early defect detection before vibration appears
• Belts and chains — tension and condition monitoring
• Conveyors — roller and drive monitoring
• Valves — tightness verification

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SonaVu+ ATEX version

For work in explosive atmospheres (oil & gas, chemical industry), a SonaVu+ ATEX version is available, certified for:

• Class I, Division 1 — zones with flammable gases, vapours and dust
• Full functionality of the base model in hazardous conditions

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SonaVu Insights — reporting application

SonaVu Insights is a browser-based application integrated with the camera. Capabilities include:

• Documenting findings with photos/video and GPS coordinates
• Prioritising repairs by criticality
• Estimating the monetary cost of leaks ($/year)
• Automatic report generation for management
• Centralised storage of all survey data

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Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Sensors	112 digital MEMS
Frequency range	2 kHz — 100 kHz
Detection range	Up to 200 m (air leaks)
Display	Built-in colour touchscreen
Audio output	Heterodyne + Bluetooth headphones
PRPD analysis	Built-in
GIS / GPS	Yes
Defect detection	Multi-point
Battery	5 hours + external battery pack
Protection	IP40 (cooling plate)
Standards compliance	NFPA 70E, ATEX (Class I Div 1)
ATEX version	Available

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What's included

• SonaVu+ acoustic camera
• External battery pack for extended surveys
• Charger
• Transport case
• SonaVu Insights application (free)

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Why SonaVu+?

• Fast ROI — leak detection and repair pays for itself within a single season
• Multi-functional — one instrument for air, electrical and mechanical inspections
• Regulatory compliance — NFPA 70E, emissions requirements
• Early detection — finds defects before costly failures
• Environmental benefit — measurable reduction in emissions and energy consumption