Superior Signal AccuTrak VPE-2000 User manual

Model VPE-2000
User’s Manual
Superior Signal Company LLC
www.SuperiorSignal.com

AccuTrak VPE-2000
2
Contents
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION...............................................................................3
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................4
BATTERY INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................5
GETTING STARTED (A CONDENSED GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO HATE TO READ
MANUALS) ...................................................................................................................................................6
LEAK DETECTION.............................................................................................................................................6
TOUCHPROBE APPLICATIONS............................................................................................................................7
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION....................................................................................................................8
OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................9
USING THE MODES............................................................................................................................................9
Setting the Sensitivity: .................................................................................................................................9
Setting the Volume: .....................................................................................................................................9
Selecting the Sensor: .................................................................................................................................10
Adjusting the Display: ...............................................................................................................................10
“Hidden” MODE Options.........................................................................................................................10
APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................11
1. AIRBORNE APPLICATIONS (EXTERNAL SOUNDS)........................................................................................11
Leaks..........................................................................................................................................................11
Methods of reducing background noise interference. ...............................................................................12
Frequency Selection (Airborne) ................................................................................................................13
Recording overall system noise. ................................................................................................................13
2. TOUCHPROBE APPLICATIONS (INTERNAL SOUNDS,BEARINGS,VALVES,STEAM TRAPS). ...........................14
Frequency Selection (touchprobe): ...........................................................................................................14
Steam Traps...............................................................................................................................................14
Valves ........................................................................................................................................................15
Bearings and Moving Machinery ..............................................................................................................15
Charting your results.................................................................................................................................16
Vibration....................................................................................................................................................17
OTHER APPLICATIONS..........................................................................................................................18
ELECTRICAL ARCING......................................................................................................................................18
BELTS.............................................................................................................................................................18
DUCTWORK....................................................................................................................................................18
HYDRAULICS..................................................................................................................................................18
SOUND GENERATOR...............................................................................................................................18
IDEAS ON HOW TO PROFIT FROM ACCUTRAK.............................................................................19
CARE AND SERVICE................................................................................................................................20
CALIBRATION .................................................................................................................................................20
WARRANTY....................................................................................................................................................21

AccuTrak VPE-2000
3
Introduction and General Description
Congratulations on your purchase of the AccuTrak model VPE-2000 ultrasonic
inspection system. You have invested in the most sophisticated and
technologically advanced ultrasonic test instrument available. The AccuTrak
model VPE-2000 is an excellent tool for leak detection, but it also does much
more. This instrument will accurately test steam traps and valves for internal
leaks! It will allow you to accurately record the ultrasonic sound signatures of
bearings and other moving machinery to gauge the extent of wear, and predict
failure BEFORE it occurs!
We at Superior Signal have dedicated thousands of man hours developing the
AccuTrak which is the first ultrasonic detector to offer digital controls and
displays. No other instrument, even those costing thousands of dollars, can
produce such accurate readings, and consistent results in repeatable tests.
The internal signal processing is performed by a patented process with additional
patents pending. This circuitry assures the reduction of "noise", a true
translation of ultrasonic frequencies, and the most precise and consistent
readings available.
Use your new instrument to detect pressurized gas leaks of compressed air,
refrigerant, steam, nitrogen, or even vacuum. The touchprobe sensor allows you
to detect the slightest flow abnormality in pumps, steam traps and valves.
Mechanical wear in bearings and other moving machinery can also be quickly
identified. Overall system noise can be recorded and compared to previous
readings for an accurate record of increasing noise patterns.
This booklet contains information necessary to use and interpret sounds with
your AccuTrak. To eliminate any future frustration, we recommend you take a
few minutes to read this manual and understand the operation of your new
instrument. Again, congratulations. We are sure you will be pleased with your
choice.

AccuTrak VPE-2000
4
Physical Description
The following picture describes the various controls, adjustments and features of
the VPE-2000.
A. Airborne sensor: Detects external ultrasonic sound which travels through
air vibration. Examples... pressurized gas leaks, vacuum leaks, external
system noise. The sensor horn accepts various waveguides and
attachments.
B. Touchprobe sensor: Detects internal system sounds. Examples... internal
valve leaks, bearing wear, faulty steam traps.
C. Intensity display meter: Shows relative strength of detected signal in a
bargraph format.
D. Power button: Turns the instrument on or off.
E. Alphanumeric Display (A.N.D.): Level/Mode Indicator, Displays active
mode, current mode setting, and numeric intensity reading. Available mode
options include; Air, Probe, Display, Volume, and Sensitivity. This display
also indicates when battery power is low.
F. Mode Select Button: Scrolls through mode options to be adjusted and/or
selected.
G. UP Adjustment (“”): Increases setting or scolls through options in a
particular mode.
H. Down Adjustment (“”): Decreases setting or scrolls through options in a
particular mode.
I. Headphone Jack: Insert Headphone connector.

AccuTrak VPE-2000
5
Battery installation
There is a sliding battery door located on the back of the VPE-2000.
Turn the unit over so that the controls are facing the floor, and the
sensor is facing away from your body.
At the opposite end from the sensors (the end closest to you) there is
a sliding panel.
Apply minimal pressure to the center of the panel and slide it towards
you exposing the battery compartment.
Install a new 9 volt battery noting the (+) and (-) positions which are
indicated on the inner label.

AccuTrak VPE-2000
6
Getting Started (A condensed guide for those who
hate to read manuals)
OK, here it is. A quick overview of the AccuTrak VPE-2000 written for those who
will probably read nothing else. This will give you a basic understanding of the
unit’s operation and function, however we STRONGLY recommend that you
read the complete manual. Or, at the very least, continue to read the following
section concerning the principles of operation.
Leak Detection...
Use the airborne sensor for detecting pressurized gas leaks and vacuum leaks.
Remember, leaks must be turbulent to detect ultrasonically.
1. Insert the headset jack into the plug on the side of the instrument (I.), and
push the power button (D.).
2. Depress the mode select button (F.) until the alphanumeric display (A.N.D.)
reads “AIRH” (This stands for airborne sensor at high ultrasonic frequency)
then press the “”or “”to activate the airborne sensor (A.). “AIRL”, or Low
frequency ultrasonic is also available, and is activated the same way. Once
activated you will begin to hear a translation of any ultrasonic sound present
in test area, and the LED bargraph meter will display the strength of the
corresponding signal. The highest LED will hold its place for 5 seconds
before resetting its position. This will help guide you toward the leak, where
the sound is most intense. The instrument always resets itself so that
sensitivity is the active mode. If the LED bargraph meter is at maximum,
reduce the sensitivity by simply pressing ““ until it reads “10” or less, then
continue.
3. To adjust the volume, press the mode button once. The A.N.D reads “VOL”.
Then use the “”and “”buttons to make the adjustment. The
alphanumeric display will read “V 000”. Volume, as with all numerical values,
has a range of 0 to 255.
4. Listen for the leak. A gas leak will sound like a harsh rushing noise, or high
intensity hiss. This sound will increase as the instrument is drawn toward the
leak point, and will clearly disappear as the sensor is turned away.
5. For more detailed information on specific applications, refer to page 10 of this
manual.

AccuTrak VPE-2000
7
Touchprobe applications...
Use the touchprobe to detect internally generated ultrasound. These
applications include... steam traps, valves, and bearings.
1. Insert the metal touchprobe into its port (B.) on the nose of the VPE-2000.
The probe should be snug so it can not rattle, however, do not overtighten.
Depress the mode select button (F.) until the display reads “PrbH, PrbL or
PrbS”. This stands for Probe high / low ultrasonic range, and Probe Sonic.
Press the “” and “” to activate the touchprobe selection.
2. Making a firm contact, touch the tip of the probe to the item being tested.
Apply just enough pressure to make a good contact. You will hear a clear
translation of the internally generated ultrasonic sound.
3. Listen for fluid leaks in valves, continuous flow or non-cycling in steam traps,
and knocking or scraping in bearings.
4. The VPE-2000 always defaults back to Sensitivity as the active mode,
therefore if your readings are off the scale simply press the “”to reduce the
reading to within the range of the instrument. The A.N.D. will display the
active sensor and current sensitivity setting before it begins to make the
adjustments.
5. To adjust the volume, press the mode button once. The A.N.D. reads “VOL”.
Then use the “” and “” buttons to make the adjustment. The
alphanumeric display (A.N.D.) will read “V000”. Volume, as with all numerical
values, has a range of 0 to 255.
6. When testing bearings or machinery vibration, record your sensitivity setting,
and use the reading on the A.N.D. as a baseline for future readings. Now
you can compare the wear patterns to future tests, and other similar
equipment.
7. For more specific information on using the touchprobe, refer to page 13 of
this manual.
WARNING: To insure a good contact, and accurate
readings the touchprobe is sharp! Be careful not to injure
yourself or others!

AccuTrak VPE-2000
8
Principle of Operation
The principle of operation of the AccuTrak is based on the turbulent flow of fluids
and gasses. Turbulent flow has a high content of ultrasound. This is sound
which is above the human hearing range, but can be heard with the AccuTrak,
and traced to its source.
Imagine air leaking from a tire. Because this is such a large leak, your ear can
detect this sound, however your ear hears only about 1/3 of the actual spectrum
of sound which exists. The sound of small leaks is mostly ultrasonic which your
ear can not detect.
It is important to remember this example... A piece of straight tubing connected
to a gas supply and left free to exhaust into the atmosphere will not generate
sound if the volume of gas through it is such that turbulence does not take place.
Yet for that same flow, an opening as small as 0.005 of an inch could generate
enough sound to be heard several feet away.
For a leak to happen there must be an opening in the system that carries a gas
or fluid. Normally, these openings are not clean smooth holes, but passages
through cracks with many jagged edges and internal chambers. Fluid or gas
escaping through an "orifice" like this, is forced into turbulence, random
circular-like motions. Inside a tube where a gas may be flowing, the flow is
normally laminar which means that a given layer of gas does not mix with layers
above it or below it. This condition happens in a straight long tube when the
velocity of the fluid is not high. A gas leaking out of a straight and long tube will
not generate as much sound as if it were leaking out of a small crack because
the flow is not turbulent.
The intensity of sound generated at a leak is a very complex function of the
viscosity, the temperature, the speed the fluid is moving, the Raynolds number,
the pressure differential across the leak, and the physical dimensions and
characteristics of the orifice. This is why it is impossible to quantify the size of a
leak with ultrasonic technology. A smaller leak may generate more sound than a
larger one!
What this all means...
The AccuTrak detects ultrasound NOT the presence of a specific gas. It is NOT
a gas “sniffer”. Because of this fact, the AccuTrak can function in areas where
heavy wind or a concentration of fumes renders other detectors useless.
WARNING
Ultrasonic detectors will not indicate a leak if there is no turbulent flow producing sound
when you check it. If you suspect a toxic gas, natural gas, or other combustible gas
leak, and do not detect it with the AccuTrak, do not assume that it does not exist as it
may not be turbulent. Use another method as verification that there is no leaking gas
present.

AccuTrak VPE-2000
9
Operation
To use the system, plug the headphones into the jack on the right side of the
instrument ( I ).
Depress the “on/off” button (D.) once to turn the unit on (depress it again to turn
the unit off).
Depending on whether you are in a touchprobe or airborne mode, you will
immediately begin to hear the translated ultrasonic signal from that sensor.
Using the modes...
The AccuTrak VPE-2000 uses a simple method of select and adjust. Press the
“Mode” button to select the parameter you wish to change, then use the Up and
Down arrows (G. & H.) to make the adjustment. The AccuTrak VPE-2000 offers
modes in the following order...
Volume Display Air (H,L) Probe (H,L,S) Oper.
“” and “”(Continuous, (“” and “” to active)
Peak Hold,
or Off)
If you reach OPER, it means you are in operational mode, and no settings were
changed. The VPE-2000 will begin the cycle again.
Setting the Sensitivity:
The AccuTrak VPE-2000 always defaults back to sensitivity as the active mode.
This means that after any other adjustment has been made, it will store the
setting in memory, and reset itself so that “” and “” adjust sensitivity.
Pressing the “” and “” arrows will adjust the sensitivity while in any sensor
mode. The prefix on the A.N.D. indicates the frequency range of the mode being
changed. For example, the display will read “H000” to remind you that you are in
the high frequency band of the active sensor (air or probe).
Setting the Volume:
Pressing the “MODE” button once will put the AccuTrak in the Volume Adjust
Mode. The alphanumeric display will read “Vol” as long as the MODE button is
pressed. When released it will show “V000” indicating the current volume
setting. Use the “” and “” buttons to make the adjustment. You will hear the
volume change as the display changes from “V 000” to “V 255” (the “V” prefix
indicates that volume is the current mode being adjusted).

AccuTrak VPE-2000
10
Note: Volume and sensitivity are not the same. Volume adjusts the
loudness of the signal in the headset. Sensitivity adjusts the meters
reaction to the incoming signal.
Selecting the Sensor:
Press the “MODE” button until the alphanumeric display reads “AirH”, “AirL”,
“PrbH”, “PrbL”, or “PrbS”. The instrument will wait 3 seconds after releasing the
MODE button for you to press the “”or “”button which locks in the
sensor/frequency selection.
Adjusting the Display:
The alphanumeric display offers three viewing options. Continuous, Peak, and
Off. Press the “MODE” button twice. The display will read “Disp” until released,
then show the current setting. Pressing the “” or “”buttons it will scroll
through the display options which are as follows... “Cont” = Continuous, the
A.N.D. will show the level of the signal in real time. “Peak” = Peak Hold, the
A.N.D. will hold the highest reading for 5 seconds. “Off” = Turns the
alphanumeric display off (with the exception of the “-“). Since this display is not
necessary for most airborne applications, turning it off can save a tremendous
amount of battery.
NOTE: The adjustments you have just made are now in memory, and will remain
there until they are changed or the battery is removed.
“Hidden” MODE Options
There are other features that the “MODE” button can be used for.
1. Checking the serial #... While the unit is powered OFF, hold down the
“MODE” button. Now turn the unit on while holding down the “MODE” button.
The VPE-2000 will show its serial number in the alphanumeric display.
2. Calibration... The instrument is field calibratable when a calibrator is
purchased. There is detailed operational information available by pressing
certain combinations of buttons.