Failure Prevention by Acoustic Emission Detection

AE sensors are highly sensitive listening devices that form the vital link between the structure or material under test and the analysis instrumentation. Acoustic emissions are stress waves produced by sudden structure changes in stressed materials.

Materials Deformation: The classic sources are defect-related deformation processes, including plastic deformation and crack growth. AE sensors 'listen' for the sound of failure occurring in materials and structures. Pressure vessels, storage tanks, offshore rigs, heat exchangers, piping, reactors, lift devices and nuclear power plants are just some of the structures that can be monitored. Crack growth due to fatigue, stress corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement and creep can be detected and located using this technology.

Leaks, Flow Contaminants, NDT: AE technology is also highly effective in detecting and locating high pressure leaks, monitoring product flow in pipes to detect the presence of contaminants such as sand in crude oil and warning of blocked filters. In addition it is increasingly being used as an effective method of non-destructive testing (NDT) for the integrity of composite materials and structure. Matrix cracking, delamination and fiber breakage are all mechanisms that can produce AE signals when stress is applied.


AVT have been producing high quality Acoustic Emission Sensors (AE Sensors) and Instrumentation for over 20 years. Acoustic Emission Technology is rapidly finding increased applications across a broad spectrum of industries and our sensors meet the most stringent demands, including use in hazardous areas where ATEX certification is mandatory.

Contact us for further information 0161 486 3737