Preventing Major Equipment Accidents by Detecting Elastic Waves
by Hwang Junho
Published 10 Nov.2020 09:44(KST)
Development of Seismic Electric Sensor Technology with Built-in Preamplifier
Preventing Major Accidents by Early Detection of Abnormal Signs
Dr. Kim Inseong of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute is presenting research achievements.
원본보기 아이콘[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] A domestic research team has developed a sensor that can detect elastic waves to identify signs of deterioration or failure in equipment in advance.
Dr. Inseong Kim's research team at the Electric Conversion Materials Research Center of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute announced on the 10th that they have developed a 'pre-amp embedded electric sensor technology' that detects minute vibrations (elastic waves) transmitted from elastic bodies to diagnose signs of deterioration or failure in various equipment and facilities in advance.
This sensor detects elastic waves generated by the equipment itself to monitor signs of deterioration or failure in advance, preventing major accidents. Elastic waves are a type of wave generated when the target material deforms or breaks.
The research team embedded a pre-amp that amplifies small elastic waves at the source point, achieving a noise blocking line at the same 25dB level as advanced products (based on the US PAC company). Through years of research and proprietary 'piezoelectric technology,' they succeeded in domestic production of a 'pre-amp embedded elastic wave electric sensor (AE Sensor)' with a measurement sensitivity of 85~90 dB, higher than the advanced products (80 dB).
In particular, they newly developed a lead-free material to replace the lead previously used in sensor materials and introduced the eco-friendly elastic wave electric sensor domestically for the first time. According to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, the use of lead in electrical and electronic devices will be restricted starting July next year.
Dr. Inseong Kim, the lead researcher, stated, "The sensor developed this time is a highly potential technology that can strengthen competitiveness in national safety diagnostics and expand applications to various fields such as autonomous vehicles, intelligent factories, and smart healthcare, which are core industries of the 4th Industrial Revolution." He added, "Currently, it is at the sensor stage that detects elastic waves in a designated resonant frequency band, but in the future, we plan to broaden the bandwidth and develop a complex sensor that includes broadband and acceleration."
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