Abstract An apparatus for measuring acoustic emission is activated only at critical periods which are determined by detection of the background noise from a reference level. An acoustic emission transducer continuously transmits a signal to a detection circuit which delivers the top modulation envelope of the background noise to a comparator at a reference level delivered by a control unit. When a mean level of the background noise does not exceed a threshold reference level the AE is sampled at a low rate, f. When the background noise exceeds the threshold reference level the data sampling unit is activated to sample AE at a much higher rate F. Therefore AE is sampled at a high rate only when the pump or other machine under test is running and at a low rate when the article under test is not operating. The AE testing device also includes a frequency spectrum correlator which allows background noise to activate the increased sampling rate only if the noise is in a given frequency range.
A device for measuring acoustic emission, wherein said device comprises a detection circuit for detecting the background noise collected by transducers of the measuring apparatus; means for comparing the signal generated by said detection circuit with a reference voltage and producing an output signal when the comparison indicates that the background noise level has increased above a certain threshold level; and means for acquiring data at a first frequency, f, when no output signal is produced and when said output signal is produced acquiring data at a second frequency, F, greater than said first frequency, f.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
A device for measuring acoustic emission, wherein said device comprises a detection circuit for detecting the background noise collected by transducers of the measuring apparatus; means for comparing the signal generated by said detection circuit with a reference voltage and producing an output signal when the comparison indicates that the background noise level has increased above a certain threshold level; and means for acquiring data at a first frequency, f, when no output signal is produced and when said output signal is produced acquiring data at a second frequency, F, greater than said first frequency, f.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1 further including, a control unit for supplying said reference voltage to said comparing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein each transducer further comprises a rectifier device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the background noise detection circuit comprises a mean level integrator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein the background noise detection circuit comprises a correlator for receiving a signal which performs spectral discrimination.