® ADS Mikron User Manual October 2009 QR 775014 A0 ADS LLC 4940 Research Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35805 Telephone: (800) 430-3366 / Fax: (800) 430-6633 www.adsenv.
ADS Mikron User Manual Copyright © 2009 ADS® LLC. All rights reserved. ADS® is a registered trademark of ADS LLC. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Notice of Proprietary Information The information contained herein represents the latest information available at the time of publication.
ADS Mikron User Manual Table of Contents Chapter 1 System Overview.............................................................................. 1 Principle of Acoustic Leak Listening ..........................................................2 Minimum Noise Level Indication..........................................................3 ADS No-Hassle Warranty and Return Policy..............................................4 New Product Warranty ....................................................................
ADS Mikron User Manual CHAPTER 1 System Overview The ADS® Mikron is an advanced leak listening system. The design is based upon a very high-performance sensor and incorporates low-noise processing electronics to give excellent acoustic performance over a wide frequency range. Mikron incorporates a minimum noise level detection system and is simple to use.
ADS Mikron User Manual Principle of Acoustic Leak Listening The principle of leak noise listening is to determine the location with the greatest leak noise. The path of the pipeline under investigation must be known and other potential sources of noise interference must be acknowledged. Because sound travels much better through the pipe, the first step involves listening directly at each accessible fitting (e.g., valve or hydrant) along the pipe.
ADS Mikron User Manual Surface Listening Minimum Noise Level Indication To assist in leak location, the Mikron displays the Minimum Noise Level. This represents the level of background noise without transient noise, such as traffic noise. The Minimum Noise Level may also include leak noise. The Mikron also displays the two previous Minimum Noise Level measurements so that the user can determine whether he or she is moving closer to or further away from the leak.
ADS Mikron User Manual ADS No-Hassle Warranty and Return Policy The following sections detail the hassle-free warranty and return policy for the ADS Mikron. New Product Warranty ADS will repair or replace any Mikron equipment (supplied by ADS) that is defective in materials and/or workmanship for up to two (2) years following the date of shipment from ADS. To make a warranty claim, the customer should simply call ADS at (256) 430-3366 or contact the ADS Support Center toll-free at (877) 237-9585.
ADS Mikron User Manual Product Returns If the customer is not satisfied with the performance of the Mikron, the customer may return the equipment within 30 days for a full refund, provided the condition of the equipment is in the same condition as sold, except for expected or normal wear and tear for the period of use.
ADS Mikron User Manual CHAPTER 2 Systems and Components Three Mikron systems are available: Mikron – Alpha (Acoustic Probe System) Mikron – Gamma (Ground Microphone System) Mikron – Alpha + Gamma (Combination System) This chapter lists the components included with each system and provides a description of each component. ADS offers an optional vehicle battery charge cable that is compatible with all three systems.
ADS Mikron User Manual Mikron Systems The following sections list the components included in each Mikron system.
ADS Mikron User Manual Mikron - Gamma (Ground Microphone System) The Gamma version includes the following components: Ground microphone sensor Microphone handle (two parts) Handheld amplifier (including neck strap) High-quality headphones Battery charger Rugged carrying case Mikron – Gamma Mikron – Alpha + Gamma (Combination System) The Alpha + Gamma version includes the following components: Acoustic sensor Ground microphone sensor 8
ADS Mikron User Manual Handle and rods (four parts) Ground contact tripod Ground spike Magnet attachment Handheld amplifier (including neck strap) High-quality headphones Battery charger Rugged carrying case Mikron – Alpha + Gamma 9
ADS Mikron User Manual Components The following sections provide a general description of the system components. Ground Microphone The ground microphone is a precision unit containing a high-performance sensor that is suspended, drastically reducing wind noise or other sources of airborne noise. Ground Microphone Hand Probe The user can configure the hand probe system as an electronic listening stick or ground microphone.
ADS Mikron User Manual Hand Probe with Ground Spike attached Probe Handle The probe handle consists of two rods, one with a handle at the end. The two pieces screw together and into the top of the ground microphone or hand probe. If necessary, the holes in the rods can be used during disassembly if the rods are too tight to unscrew by hand. Rods (three parts) Three rods can be screwed into the base of the hand probe to create an electronic listening stick.
ADS Mikron User Manual Headphones Each Mikron system includes high-quality headphones. Aviation grade headphones are also available for reducing ambient background noise. The headphones connect to the top of the amplifier unit. Battery Charger This component charges the amplifier when connected to the sensor connector on the right side of the unit and a mains power supply. Rugged Carrying Case The Mikron comes in a rugged carrying case for protection during storage and transportation.
ADS Mikron User Manual Handheld Amplifier The small, lightweight amplifier unit can be held in one hand. It is powered by a rechargeable battery, has two military-grade connectors, and a loop for the neck strap. Sensor / Charger Connector The sensor attaches to the connector on the right-side at the top of the amplifier. The amplifier must be off when connecting or disconnecting the sensor. The sensor connector also receives the battery charger.
ADS Mikron User Manual Button Function Filters Press and release this button to cycle through the filter options. When a new filter is selected, the amplifier requires a few seconds to stabilize. If a user operates the Press-to-listen button during this period, the current sound level figure will flash to indicate it is unreliable. When the figure stops flashing, normal operation will resume. Turning the Unit On/Off Turn on the amplifier by pressing any key.
ADS Mikron User Manual Each time the user presses the store button, the values move to the left and the right-hand value clears (the left-hand stored value is lost). This allows the user to compare the latest displayed value with the two previous values. Volume Level Holding down the Press-to-listen button shows a speaker symbol on the left side of the display. Releasing the button crosses out the speaker symbol.
ADS Mikron User Manual Sensor Failure If a sensor failure occurs while the user is pressing down the Press-to-listen button, the display replaces the volume display with a flashing failed sensor icon. If failure occurs while powering up the unit, the icon will flash (without requiring the user to press down the Press-to-listen button). Failed sensor icon Filter Display The lower part of the display shows the selected filters.
ADS Mikron User Manual Contrast Enter contrast mode by pressing the store and filter buttons together. To adjust the contrast, press the decrease and increase buttons as necessary. After accessing the desired level, press the filter button to return the unit to normal operation. Contrast bar Battery and Charging The amplifier contains a non-removable, rechargeable battery. Typical battery life provides 35 hours of operational use with the backlight off and 17 hours with the backlight on.
ADS Mikron User Manual CHAPTER 3 Operational Procedure ADS recommends using the following procedure to operate the system: 1. Attach the required handle to the sensor (ground microphone or hand probe). Another option is to attach the rods to the hand probe. 2. Connect the ground microphone or hand probe to the amplifier unit. 3. Connect the headphones to the amplifier unit. 4. Connect the neck strap (if required). 5. Switch on the amplifier unit (by pressing any button). 6.
ADS Mikron User Manual CHAPTER 4 Index Acoustic Probe System ............. 7 Alpha + Gamma........................ 8 Backlight ................................. 16 Battery and Charging .............. 17 Battery Charger....................... 12 Carry ....................................... 12 Carrying Case.............................. See Rugged Carrying Case Case............................................. See Rugged Carrying Case Charger Connector ......................
