Which type of leak detector uses sound to identify leaks?

The ultrasonic leak detector is designed to identify leaks by detecting high-frequency sounds that are generated by gas escaping from a pressurized system. When a gas leak occurs, it creates a turbulent flow, producing sound waves in the ultrasonic range, typically beyond 20 kHz, which are above the range of human hearing.

Ultrasonic detectors are sensitive to these sound waves and can amplify and convert them into audible sounds or visual signals for the operator to discern. This type of leak detection is particularly useful for identifying leaks in compressed air systems, vacuum systems, and gas pipelines, as the ultrasonic signals are not affected by the presence of barriers or background noise.

Other methods like fluorescent leak detection primarily rely on the use of specific dyes that fluoresce under UV light to indicate leaks, while thermal leak detectors function based on temperature differential, and pressure leak detectors gauge the drop in pressure in a system over time. These methods do not utilize sound as the primary mechanism for leak identification, which highlights the unique capability of ultrasonic detectors in this context.