I. Project Background
The normal operation of a modern large general hospital heavily relies on the stable and continuous performance of life support pipeline networks, such as the central oxygen supply and vacuum suction systems, as well as various electromechanical devices. Traditional inspection methods for leak detection and equipment diagnosis, such as manual listening, soap water application, or system pressure hold tests, often prove inefficient and struggle to accurately locate hidden issues when faced with elevated concealed pipelines, complex ambient noise, and the requirement for non-stop system operation. To enhance the intelligence level of logistical support and emergency response capabilities, a tertiary hospital introduced the Hertzinno HA3A 128-channel handheld acoustic camera to conduct non-contact, high-precision acoustic imaging inspections of the hospital-wide life support pipelines and critical electromechanical equipment.
II. Core Inspection Scenarios and Technical Applications
Scenario 1: Precise Long-Distance Detection of Micro-Leaks in the Central Oxygen Supply System
Medical oxygen pipelines operate as a pressurized transmission network, where micro-leaks not only waste energy but also pose safety risks. Leveraging its 128-channel, high-sensitivity MEMS microphone array, the HA3A acoustic camera can acutely capture the broadband ultrasonic signals (2kHz-100kHz) generated by gas leaks. Inspection personnel can operate effectively from a distance of 2.5 meters from the target, eliminating the need for scaffolding or close approach. Utilizing advanced beamforming algorithms, the device successfully located several micro-leak points with leakage rates as low as 0.0032 L/min, achieving a localization accuracy of ±1° (error ≤1cm at a 1m distance). The leak points are displayed in real-time as high-resolution pseudo-color acoustic images, clearly overlaid on the device's 5-inch touchscreen visible light image, achieving a "what you see is what you get" visualization of the leak source.
Scenario 2: High-Sensitivity Detection of Vacuum Leaks in the Suction System
Leaks in a vacuum suction system manifest as air being drawn inward. The sound pressure level of such leaks is extremely low and easily masked by ambient noise. The HA3A's dedicated "Vacuum Leak" detection mode, combined with upgraded AI algorithms, effectively filters out low-frequency ambient noise from environments like wards and corridors. Operating in the 40kHz ultrasonic frequency band, the device achieves a spatial resolution of ≤1cm (tested at 1m distance). This enabled the successful identification of several minor sealing ring failures at vacuum terminal interfaces and main pipeline connections, ensuring the seal integrity and effectiveness of the vacuum system.
Scenario 3: Early-Stage Mechanical Noise Diagnosis for Auxiliary Electromechanical Equipment
In underground equipment floors and rooftop machine rooms, the HA3A was used in "Mechanical Noise" mode to inspect rotating equipment such as air handling units, cooling water pumps, and medical air compressors. Maintenance engineers could monitor, via Bluetooth headphones, abnormal audio signals precisely isolated from complex background noise in real-time, while simultaneously observing the live spectrum diagram displayed on the device screen. This combination of "listening" and "viewing" helped the team identify characteristic signals of early-stage bearing wear and rotor imbalance, enabling predictive maintenance and effectively avoiding the risk of sudden equipment failure impacting medical services.
III. Closed-Loop Inspection Data and Intelligent Management
Precise Spatial Positioning: Upon detecting an anomaly, inspectors can activate the device's built-in Class II laser rangefinder with one click to quickly obtain the precise distance to the target point (0.1-30m, accuracy ±1mm). This provides an accurate spatial coordinate reference for subsequent repair work order dispatching and elevated access operations.
On-Site Report Generation and Annotation: The HA3A supports direct data recording on the device. Inspectors can annotate saved acoustic images using various methods like text, voice memos, and tags, instantly generating on-site records containing key information. This eliminates the need for carrying additional computers, significantly improving field operation efficiency.
Seamless Data Transfer: After the inspection, data can be quickly exported via the device's Type-C interface or Wi-Fi. The analysis reports, containing precise leak locations, acoustic images, and on-site annotations, can be directly archived into the hospital's logistical work order management system. This creates a complete data闭环 (closed loop) from "problem identification" to "work order dispatch" and finally "maintenance record archiving."
Summary
By introducing the HA3A acoustic camera, the hospital successfully implemented a non-contact, high-precision, and intelligent inspection method for its life support pipelines and critical equipment. This solution not only addressed the challenges of traditional methods in reaching elevated pipelines and identifying early, weak signals but also significantly enhanced the reliability, safety, and operational efficiency of the hospital's logistical support through precise data recording and convenient management workflow.
