Frequently Ask Questions: UL101 Concentrator Set

What comes with the UL101 concentrator kit?

What are the benefits of the Concentrators?

In what situations would the Concentrators show improved performance?

How would you find a leak using the Concentrators?

What kind of tests would not show improved results with the Concentrators?

Are the Concentrators compatible with all current units?

What comes with the UL101 concentrator kit?
The concentrator kit consists of the Large Concentrator, the Mini-Concentrator, and the Small Acoustic Tip. The Concentrators are conical shaped attachments with self-threaded adapters that attach to the UL101 receiver. They increase the distance for detection of leaks and improve the ability to pinpoint specific failures while aiding in shielding. The Acoustic Tip is an inverted concentrator that also attaches to the receiver and allows for increased accuracy for pinpointing leaks from a short distance.

What are the benefits of the Concentrators?
The Concentrators each have different functionality. The Large Concentrator may double the distance of the reception of ultrasound. It will also narrow the focus of reception from approximately 45 degrees from center to 5 degrees from center. The Mini-Concentrator will narrow the area of reception to less than 5 degrees from center. The smaller Concentrator is also more convenient, particularly in hard to access areas. The Small Acoustic Tip is an acoustic probe used to pinpoint airborne ultrasound with high precision from a short distance. It is recommended that the Acoustic Tip be used for very small leaks in suspected or tight areas.

The Concentrators and acoustic tip are made of a high-grade plastic for durability and increased performance. A metal such as aluminum or steel could produce a natural vibration creating additional white noise. These attachments allow for improved listening ability and more precise detection.

In what situations would the Concentrators show improved performance?
The Concentrators will help listen from greater distances and are more directional. For example, the gas leak that could only be heard from 20 feet away can now be heard from 40 feet away, and you have a much better idea with respect to the location of the leak while still 40 feet from the source. All acoustic attachments also detect ultrasonic emission from vacuum and steam leaks, electrical arcing, and electrical discharge.

How would you find a leak using the Concentrators?
To effectively use the Concentrators, first do a quick scan with the UL101 Receiver having the Large Concentrator attached in order to detect ultrasound emissions. This will allow you to identify problem(s) and to locate the direction of the source from up to 100 feet away. Switch to the Small Acoustic Tip once you have approached the source of the ultrasound within a few feet. This will help to pinpoint the location to within an inch of the source. You can also use the Mini-Concentrator if you are scanning an area where potential problems will be close at hand, or if you are doing a survey of gas lines.

What kind of tests would not show improved results with the Concentrators? The Concentrators are not designed for use in contact mode. You can listen to airborne ultrasound emitted by bearings and gears, gas leaks, and electrical arcing with these attachments, but the ideal method for testing in contact mode is with the Solid Probe attachments.

Are the Concentrators compatible with all current units? The Concentrators are compatible with any CTRL UL101 model.