An acoustic survey is only useful if the findings get fixed

Finding a leak is a start. Turning it into a completed repair, then checking the result, is what makes an acoustic survey useful.

For maintenance teams in mining, manufacturing and utilities, the strongest starting point is a repeatable workflow: decide what needs inspecting, capture enough context to act, assign responsibility and return to the asset afterwards.

Start with the inspection question

Decide whether the immediate task is compressed-air or gas leak detection, mechanical fault investigation, or electrical partial-discharge detection. These are not interchangeable requirements.

The FLIR Si2-LD supports leak detection and mechanical fault identification. The Si2-Pro adds electrical partial-discharge detection. Match the model to the work rather than assuming every acoustic camera performs every inspection.

Plan a route that can be repeated

List the assets and areas to inspect. Record the normal operating conditions, access restrictions and site safety requirements. Agree who will assess findings and who can authorise corrective work.

Do not assume the Si2-LD or Si2-Pro is suitable for a classified hazardous area. Confirm equipment suitability against the site's classification before inspection. Electrical work must follow the site's safety procedures and competent-person requirements.

Capture context, not just an image

A useful finding record should include:

• A unique reference and asset location.
• The inspection date and relevant operating conditions.
• The acoustic image and supporting notes.
• What the inspector observed, separate from the proposed diagnosis.
• The person responsible for reviewing the finding.
• The next action and its status.

An acoustic indication is evidence for assessment. It is not, by itself, a guarantee of the failure mode, repair urgency or financial saving.

Turn findings into work orders

Review the survey with the maintenance team. Decide which findings need additional investigation, which are ready for corrective work and which should be monitored. Keep the inspection reference attached to the work order so the repair can be traced back to the original evidence.

For leak-related business cases, use your own operating hours, energy costs and a defensible costing method. Keep estimates distinct from measured savings, and avoid adding overlapping findings together as if they were independent losses.

Reinspect and close the loop

Return to the repaired asset under comparable conditions where practical. Record the follow-up evidence, the work completed and any limitations in the comparison. A completed work order and a verified inspection result are separate records; keep both.

Over time, a consistent route and finding register make it easier to distinguish new issues from unresolved ones and to track whether corrective work is keeping pace.

Choose the model for your survey

• FLIR Si2-LD: compressed-air and gas leaks, plus mechanical fault identification.
• FLIR Si2-Pro: leak and mechanical inspection, plus electrical partial-discharge detection.

Explore the Si2-LD or explore the Si2-Pro.

Tell GoThermal which assets you need to inspect and whether electrical partial-discharge detection forms part of the requirement. Request a quotation.

Current promotion

Save 15% on the FLIR Si2-LD and Si2-Pro until 31 December 2026. The offer applies exclusively to these two models. Request a quotation confirming the applicable configuration, promotional pricing and ordering terms.

Compare the eligible models and explore the Si2 promotion.

Sources

• FLIR Si2 promotion flyer, valid until 31 December 2026 (PDF)
• FLIR Si2-LD: official product information
• FLIR Si2-Pro: official product information