Ultrasound: Uses, Air Absorption, and Effects on Public Exposure

Answers: 1

Describe Three Uses Of Ultrasound That Involve Airborne Emissions And The Typical Pressure Levels Of Ultrasound That Are Produced By These Devices.

Describe How Air Absorption Varies With Frequency, Humidity, Temperature And Pressure And Calculate Air Absorption At 40 KHZ for 50% humidity, 25 ºC And A Pressure Of 100 KPA. (B) What Directivity Is Typical Of Airborne Ultrasound Transducers At 40 KHZ? (C) An Ultrasonic Transducer With A Sound Power Level Of 100 DB at 40 KHZ, Is Used For Measuring Distance. Using Your Answers To Parts (A) and (B) Calculate The Level Of The Return Signal After Reflection From An Object 5 M Away With An Energy Reflection Coefficient Of 0.6 at this frequency.

Identify And Describe The Effects Of Public Exposure To Airborne Ultrasound. (B) Suggest And Justify Possible Limits On Levels Of Exposure To Airborne Ultrasound.

The shortwave signs are directional. This implies that one can ascertain its particular location by differentiating these signals from the operating apparatus and background machinery noise. Moreover, when automated device changes commence occurring. Also, the subtle directional feature of the ultrasound permits these possible warning signals to be discovered before failure. It is infrared or might happen through vibration. An ultrasonic leakage sensor lets the users listen to the eyelash. The leak tests usually occur in an enclosed or open place. It can be adjusted to separate the sound created by this leak. Ultrasonic Leak Exposure emphasizes on the particular sound wave. Thus, noise, air, traffic and significant operating sounds are regularly filtered. However, the issue cannot have any impact on the correctness of the test. The ultrasonic sensor detects vacuum leaks and pressure when measured on an instrument. Evidence shows that large leaks are louder and provide lesser frequency sound, and they are easy to notice than the bigger ones. Ultrasonic leak indicators use a microscope approach to produce noise from the gas. This occurs within the range of 38 to 42 kHz range. Specific acoustic leak assessment equipment is restricted to detached waveband width. Leaks that lack these devices might sound deceitful alarms. This can happen if a single leak has not been noticed. Quality ultrasonic sensors utilize an electronic procedure known as "heterodyning" to transfer high-frequency leakage sounds to a lower array. It permits the listening leak to be heard through a set of phones while physically pointing the leaks. There are numerous examples of acoustic leak exposure applications. Some of them include ducts, lines and HVAC system ductwork. The vacuum will continue leaking or struggling if the sealed parts are too large.

Uses of Ultrasound

Condition surveillance and upkeep attendee administration are traditionally done by Vibration Assessment, Ultraviolet and other technologies. Ultrasonic knowledge is the best choice, especially for corporations with small budgets. Ultrasonic sensors can correctly interpret sounds produced by under-lubrication and high lubrication, and initial signals of wear. Appropriate ultrasonic technology is a useful and quick tool for determining such circumstances when moving power-driven components. Some of these devices include compressors, motors, bearings, compressors and gearboxes.

Figure 1: Ultrasound used in learning institutions.

Ultrasound is created by impact, turbulence, friction and electrical discharge. Impact and friction are by-products of mechanical tools. For instance, ball rolls and the roller bearing tube produce friction. The equipment can experience more problems if more friction happens. The issue can decrease the impact on a machine hence, shutting down. It implies that it cannot continue performing its tasks. Critical bearings should be lubricated at all times. As a result, the bearing will create a soft rolling ultrasound. It is identified by an ultrasonic receiver that comes to contact with the microphone cover. The handset may hear a small ultrasound if the impact is more sensitive. The intensity of a bearing rises quickly if the bearing is low-lubricated. Additional sounds can be created by scratching and shaking. Ultrasound portrays signals of the low-lubrication bearing before sensing of infrared heat and before vibration assessment. Besides, once it commences capturing, the ultrasonic wave creates big spikes in the sign because of flat scratches or spots on the run. Spikes can crack or pop through the receiver. When the ultrasound is created, the bearing starts to show these characteristics. Introducing the bearing for the second time during the usual production stoppage will be scheduled. Therefore, it is not prudent to take bearing reading from various affiliations along separate axes. The reading can also be sent for analysis.

Partial discharge corona and arcing produce ionization that interrupts all surrounding air particles. Ultra-Probe senses high-frequency sounds produced as a result of these emissions. They are later translated downward into auditory ranges. This is usually done through the process of differentiation. The explicit sound quality of every kind of discharge is heard through the help of the headphones. The display panel shows the intensity of the signal. The sounds can be analyzed and recorded by ultrasound spectrum assessment software for reporting and diagnosis. Typically, the electrical apparatus should be silent. However, some of the equipment like transformers can produce static mechanical noise. Besides, it will create 50 cycles. They must not be confused with random, burning frying and exploding sound of electrical release. All the devices should be scanned using the Ultra Probe. The ultrasound features allow the discharge location to be done quickly. Besides, the parabolic microphone should be used for security purposes. The process occurs when it is not possible to move close to the test apparatus.

Leak Detection of a Fluid

This can be achieved by observing over-head power timelines. Various models of the UE systems exist. They consist of the ultrasonic waveform concentration (UWC) and parabolic consonant and the long-range module. The sensitive, directional sensors increase the sensing distance of standard scanning components and provide accuracy. In this case, a more accurate diagnosis should be made. The ultrasound spectral assessment software will assist in detecting sound configurations of electrical discharges. This can be attained through time-series displays and spectral (FFT). Examples of advanced devices consist of onboard sound recording. Additionally, some of them have built-in spectral examination screens. This assists in giving on-the-spot diagnostics.

Ultrasound can be used in hospitals for several purposes. Firstly, it assists in examining the internal body structures that cannot be seen with our eyes. It propels frequency sound waves that are directed to the tissues being examined. Besides, it records the echoes to produce an image. One feature of an ultrasound scan is that it is non-invasive. One of the purposes of ultrasound scanning is to investigate a person's pelvic and abdominal organs, vascular and musculoskeletal systems. Moreover, it helps in checking fetal development during pregnancy. Also, they can assist in predicting when the baby will be born. Ultra-sounds can also determine if the mother will give birth to multiple kids. Finally, the approach can assist in detecting other problems before birth. The device has many benefits and should be embraced by entities that may require it. Therefore, the device enables mothers to plan for their babies in advance.

The speed of sound in air varies with the density, pressure, humidity, temperature and speed of the wind. Air absorption reduces with increase in temperature (Tichy, 2010). This is brought about by the increase in kinetic energy of air molecules caused by an increase in temperature. Air molecules are in constant motion and their rate of absorption reduced. High humidity results in air molecules getting closer to each other resulting to an increase in surface area for absorption. Thus, increase in humidity results to increase in air absorption rates. The higher the pressure, the higher the rate of air absorption. The higher the density of air, the higher the rate of absorption.  The speed expression of sound is given in terms of the properties of thermodynamics. However, in examining their absorption magnitude, the decay rate of sound air losses to acoustic energy (Kyle, 2013).

Therefore;

Air absorption = 40kHz for 50% humidity

Condition Monitoring

Pressure = 100kPa

The absorption rate = [(50/100)*40]/25

= 0.8

The directivity of airborne transducers ultrasound at 40 kHz is towards the temperature. This is because during the temperature measurement, there was different temperature and humidity (Jenny, 2011). Thus, causing a discrepancy to provide a reverberation comparison basis.

From the formula;

                                                              = 10*log (1/0.8)*100

                                                              = 125

 is the intensity reference (Dahl, 2014)

With the technological advancements globally, the number of devices that expose the public to airborne ultrasound is increasing swiftly. Various activities, subject people to contact with airborne ultrasound without their knowledge. The coverage is increasingly found in places like sports stadiums, schools, museums, and railway stations. Its source is generated from public address systems, loudspeakers, and also door sensors. Similar effects from different places can be identified, and they are migraine, fatigue, dizziness, ringing ears, and nausea. The paper will look at the impact of public exposure to the airborne ultrasound as well as possible limits on levels of exposure to airborne ultrasound (Leighton, 2016).

Sounds of high frequency are sources of two types of health effects. One is the objective, which includes loss of hearing in the case of prolonged exposure. The other consequence is subjective; for this particular one, once a person is subjected to the airborne ultrasound, the results may occur almost immediately. The outcome is dizziness, nausea, fatigue, buzzing in the ears, also known as tinnitus and headache (Leighton, 2016).

Dizziness occurs when a person hears a particular sound, and his/her ear sends a false signal to the brain. It may also cause vertigo, and that may have been brought up by a problem with the inner ear. In this case, the exceptionally high frequencies are the source as it brings about chemical imbalance in the brain and poor blood circulation. The reduced flow of blood may cause unsteadiness when standing or walking.

Exposure to the airborne ultrasound causes chemical unevenness in the brain, which originates from an infected or damaged inner ear. It may, therefore, lead to nausea related effects. Thus, those people that are regularly exposed to airborne ultrasound should be educated on the effects so that they can protect themselves.

Public exposure to airborne ultrasound may lead to hearing loss. The minimum human hearing range for pitch is 20 Hz, and the maximum level of audible sound is 120 decibel (dB). When a person is exposed to much more than that, it will lead to irreversible damage to one’s hearing, when it goes above 180 dB, it may cause death (Leighton, 2016).

Electrical Inspections

When it comes to frequencies from 10 kHz to 20 kHz that are tonal, levels of around 75 and 105 dB may cause subjective discomfort and annoyance.

When the exposure is protracted, the loud noise changes how the brain processes the verbal expression of a person. It will hence increase difficulty in differentiating various sounds.

Intensely very high frequencies lead to perpetual destruction of hair cells that at as sound receivers in the ear.

Another effect is the cavity. Even though a person cannot hear the ultrasound, exposure to high decibels may result in cavitation, which is the production of small bubbles or holes containing vapor in a liquid or tissue (Paxton, 2018).

When it comes to public exposure, it poses to be a problem since the person using the device is not aware of who will be affected by them deploying their gadgets. Therefore, the individual at risk does not know and may not take measures to protect themselves. It is hence necessary to put in place limits to help with the consequences that may arise from being in contact with airborne ultrasound. Also, the dangers can have long lasting effects to people. Thus, it is vital to put policies in place to monitor what people and other institutions are doing for future sustainability (Leighton, 2016).

The energy mainly produces particular consequences that are accredited to ultrasound from sound, which is in the audible frequency range. Once the sound energy is lessened, the symptoms from the effects also reduce. There have been criteria developed to limit levels of ultrasound, to control both the subjective and hearing consequences. It is from this section that we look at possible restrictions on the exposure intensities to airborne ultrasound (Fletcher, 2018).

Subjective consequences from exposure to airborne ultrasound may be dealt with by using engineering controls and hearing protection. For personal discomfort and annoyance, the tonal sounds, in occurrences under 10 kHz, must be reduced to 80 dB (Lawton, 2013).

The pressure levels of sound should be limited to a maximum of 110 dB, irrespective of the duration of exposure, to avoid the unwanted individual effects of ultrasound.

There ought to be an undertaking of research. It is essential to evaluate if the current equipment, standards, and practices of audiology are appropriate for the ultrasonic systems and very high frequencies. The assessment would be significant in identifying shortcomings associated with the structures, and it will put in place measures to correct them.

Medical Examinations

Modern devices, together with their source points, should be surveyed using universal standard calibrations and procedures attributable to the primary principles. The scrutiny will enable manufacturers and distributors of gadgets to be more aware of the number of frequencies necessary, and this will reduce public exposure to airborne ultrasound.

There needs to be some accurate data which will act as a protection on the guidelines of maximum permissible levels. It will ensure that there is no compromise whatsoever on the benefits of new technology, particularly when it comes to manufacturers, employees, the public as well as users of the gadgets. The evidence on the guiding principles is necessary to tame those vendors who are used to only adding 30 dB to occupational exposures and citing the OSHA rules of other countries. The regulations should be standardized globally in an attempting the parties that are involved (Leighton, 2016). This is because of the stakeholders do not consider the needs of the third parties. As a result, it remains the responsibility of the leaders and international bodies in making sure the right thing is done (Rekhi, 2017).

The parameters on the levels of public exposure to airborne ultrasound for the mid-frequency of one third octave band for 10 kHz to 100 kHz is between 105 to 115 dB. The levels may, however, be raised by 30 dB, but only in the case where there exists no possibility of the ultrasound coupling with a person by touching a medium. In other words, the values of the 10 kHz to 100 kHz will not apply when the source of the ultrasound comes into direct contact with a body.

The levels of sound pressure ought to be less than the one that is currently in place, which is 110dB for 25 kHz, regardless of the duration of exposure. The reason is to protect against the adverse subjective consequences of ultrasound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the national noise standards or regulations should integrate the limits of the general public exposure to the auditory element of the airborne ultrasound energy from the ultrasound gadgets. Measurement of the levels of sound pressure to determine if the guidelines are being followed should be prepared at the average height of the ears of the exposed persons.

The limits on levels of exposure to airborne ultrasound should provide a healthy and safe working and generally living working environment from its effects under standard conditions. Before limits on the levels, exposure of airborne ultrasound are put in place, studies and guidelines ought to account deviations from the average of individuals in a population or within a specific demographic subset. The strategies should ensure that they note the adverse effects that need to be prevented or reduced (Leighton, 2016).

Answer 2

Finally, in the current situation that human beings are in, a device used by one person may bring another individual to be in contact with pressure levels of sound that exceed 50 dB, which exceeds the maximum permissible standards for public exposure to airborne ultrasound. It clearly shows the need for limits on the levels of exposure (Ahmadi, 2012). The thresholds mentioned in the paper are of significance in ensuring the public is protected against the existence of very high frequencies and low ones that they may or may not hear. As a result, the recommendations that are provided by experts on frequencies should be adhered strictly. Additionally, measures should be put in place to force the individual to follow the standards adequately.

It is, therefore, very vital that the public be aware of airborne ultrasound and the effect that the exposure may have on them. People should know that the frequencies may be of harm to them.

References

Ahmadi, F., McLoughlin, I.V., Chauhan, S. and Ter-Haar, G., 2012. Bio-effects and safety of low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasonic exposure. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology, 108(3), pp.119-138.

 Dahl, T., Ealo, J.L., Bang, H.J., Holm, S. and Khuri-Yakub, P., 2014. Applications of airborne ultrasound in human–computer interaction. Ultrasonics, 54(7), pp.1912-1921.

Fletcher, M.D., Lloyd Jones, S., White, P.R., Dolder, C.N., Lineton, B. and Leighton, T.G., 2018. Public exposure to ultrasound and very high-frequency sound in air. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 144(4), pp.2554-2564.

Jenny, T. and Anderson, B.E., 2011. Ultrasonic anechoic chamber qualification: Accounting for atmospheric absorption and transducer directivity. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 130(2), pp.EL69-EL75.

Kyle, T.G. ed., 2013. Atmospheric transmission, emission and scattering. Elsevier, pp.65.

Leighton, T.G., 2016. Are some people suffering as a result of increasing mass exposure of the public to ultrasound in air?. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 472(2185), p.20150624.

 Lawton, B.W., 2013. Exposure limits for airborne sound of very high frequency and ultrasonic frequency, Pp.234-543. 

Paxton, B., Harvie-Clark, J. and Albert, M., 2018. Measurements of ultrasound from public address and voice alarm systems in public places. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 144(4), pp.2548-2553.

Rekhi, A.S., Khuri-Yakub, B.T. and Arbabian, A., 2017. Wireless power transfer to millimeter-sized nodes using airborne ultrasound. IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 64(10), pp.1526-1541.

Tichy, H. and Kallina, W., 2010. Insect hygroreceptor responses to continuous changes in humidity and air pressure. Journal of neurophysiology, 103(6), pp.3274-3286.