In industrial production systems, compressed air and vacuum leaks can result in energy losses, reduced equipment efficiency, and unstable production processes. In high-voltage electrical systems, partial discharge can pose a risk of insulation degradation, equipment damage, and operational interruptions.
Ultrasonic camera allow technicians to locate sources of ultrasonic sound through visual imaging. Instead of inspecting every connection or relying on hearing to locate a leak, operators can quickly scan a large area, identify anomalies on the screen, and save inspection data for maintenance purposes.
Detecting Compressed Air and Vacuum Leaks in Industrial Plants
Compressed air systems typically contain many potential leak points, including fittings, valves, couplings, pipes, and actuators. Small leaks can be difficult to detect visually, especially when air compressors, motors, and production equipment are operating simultaneously.
Leaks force air compressors to work harder to maintain the required pressure, increasing electricity consumption and potentially causing insufficient pressure at end-use equipment. In vacuum systems, air entering through connections or pipelines can reduce suction performance, extend processing times, and affect product quality.
The Fluke ii900 and ii910 ultrasonic cameras capture sound signals in the ultrasonic frequency range and convert them into a SoundMap™ acoustic image overlaid on the real-world view. This visualization allows technicians to quickly identify areas generating abnormal sound without having to directly inspect each suspected location.
The devices can filter and distinguish leak signals from background noise, supporting inspections in operating industrial environments. Captured images and videos can also be saved for reporting and for comparing system conditions before and after repairs.
For compressed air systems, the LeakQ™ function on both models helps assess leak severity and estimate associated costs, enabling maintenance teams to prioritize corrective actions.
Detecting Partial Discharge in High-Voltage Electrical Equipment
Partial discharge is an electrical discharge that occurs within a localized area of an insulation system and is often associated with defects or deterioration in insulation quality. It can occur in transformers, insulators, switchgear, busbars, and high-voltage power lines.
During partial discharge, the source may generate ultrasonic signals. Specialized ultrasonic cameras can capture these signals and indicate suspected locations on the image, allowing technicians to quickly narrow down the area requiring further inspection.
The Fluke ii915 is designed to detect and locate partial discharge, corona discharge, and surface discharge. The device supports PDQ™ mode for collecting and analyzing discharge data, helping technicians assess equipment condition and plan maintenance activities.
The ability to inspect equipment from a distance reduces the need to approach areas exposed to high-voltage hazards. Under suitable conditions, the ii915 can detect partial discharge from distances of up to 120 m.
Improving Maintenance Efficiency with Ultrasonic Imaging Technology
Ultrasonic cameras transform leak detection and abnormal-signal identification from manual inspection into a visual inspection process. By quickly pinpointing areas that require attention, maintenance teams can reduce inspection time, minimize missed leaks, and take a more proactive approach to maintenance planning.
Selecting the right device for each application allows businesses to make better use of inspection data, control operating costs, and improve overall system reliability.
A Shared Technical Platform
In terms of appearance and core operating characteristics, both the Fluke ii905 and ii915 share a design platform optimized for field applications. Both devices feature SoundSight™ technology, which overlays a real-time acoustic map onto a sharp optical image captured by a 5.0-megapixel camera. Technicians can view anomalies directly on the 7-inch anti-glare touchscreen, which remains clearly visible even under bright sunlight.
Both models are also designed for mobility, with a weight of approximately 2.0 kg and a battery providing up to 6 hours of continuous operation. Storage for more than 8,000 images or 1,600 videos on 32 GB of internal memory, combined with USB-C connectivity and Wi-Fi integration through the Fluke Connect Cloud ecosystem, enables seamless data transfer and reporting across both devices.
Differences in Performance and Diagnostic Capabilities
While the Fluke ii905 operates across a frequency range of 2 kHz to 65 kHz with a maximum detection distance of 70 meters, the Fluke ii915 extends the ultrasonic frequency range to 100 kHz and provides a longer detection range of up to 120 meters. With its wider frequency range and extended detection distance, the ii915 can capture very subtle ultrasonic signals and inspect elevated or hard-to-reach areas from a safer distance.
The most significant difference lies in their advanced diagnostic software capabilities. The Fluke ii905 focuses primarily on LeakQ™, which helps identify the location and severity of compressed air, gas, or steam leaks and estimate the associated energy loss and costs. The Fluke ii915, meanwhile, serves as a more comprehensive inspection tool by adding two powerful functions: MecQ™, which helps detect early mechanical issues such as bearing wear and conveyor misalignment, and PDQ™, which supports the classification and assessment of partial discharge risks in high-voltage electrical equipment.
The Fluke ii905 is well suited to plants that regularly inspect compressed air, gas, and vacuum systems to reduce energy losses.
The Fluke ii915 is suitable for facilities that need to optimize compressed air systems while also inspecting high-voltage electrical equipment. It is particularly useful for maintaining transformers, switchgear, insulation systems, and power lines, where early detection of abnormal conditions can help reduce the risk of equipment failure.
Enterprises and engineers interested in specialized measurement and maintenance solutions are welcome to register and participate in the Seminar on Early Factory Failure Prevention & Continuous Operation Solutions organized by EMIN Vietnam held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Tra Vinh.
