An Israeli engineer has developed a revolutionary new technology that uses sound waves to find blockages and holes in pipes, which can have applications as broad reaching as aircraft systems and hearing defects.
The technology was developed by Israeli engineer Tal Pechter, and works by sending out sound waves and measuring the Doppler Effect to detect irregularities in tubes, no matter the size or shape of the tube or the material from which it is made.
Called Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry (APR), the technology works faster and more efficiently than any currently existing methods for detecting holes or blockages in tubes, and can be used with less expert training.
Currently, applications for the technology include looking at the tubes in the ear, nose and throat to detect abnormalities that may be causing health issues, finding energy loss points in power plants and finding blockages in aircraft hydraulic systems. The scope of possibilities for applications makes this technology truly breakthrough.
The potential for medical applications is very exciting, with the APR system able to “see” down tubes in human bodies, even if they are bent in any way, means there could be advanced diagnostics for any body systems that contain tubes, such as the circulatory system, digestive system and respiratory tract.
There is also considerable excitement in the renewable energy industry, for possible applications that could save energy by finding leaks efficiently, and reducing waste of power, gas and water. This could mean not only less pollution, but a reduction in costs for power, fuel and water as well.
For further details, go to:
http://www.israel21c.org/201007278163/technology/an-acoustic-eye-to-sound-out-your-leaks