GE PT878GC Manual De Usuario

April 2004

Ultrasonic transducers are rugged, reliable devices. However, 
they are subject to physical damage from mishandling and 
chemical attack. The most common transducer problems are 
listed below.

1. LEAKS: Leaks may occur around the transducer and/or the 

flowcell fittings. Repair such leaks immediately. If the leaking 
gas is corrosive, carefully check the transducer and cables for 
damage, after the leak has been repaired.

2. CORROSION DAMAGE: If the transducer material was not 

properly chosen for the intended application, the transducers 
may suffer corrosion damage. The damage usually occurs 
either at the electrical connector or on the transducer surface. 
If corrosion is suspected, remove the transducer from the 
flowcell and carefully inspect the electrical connector and the 
transducer surface for roughness and/or pitting. Any 
transducer damaged in this manner must be replaced. Contact 
GE Panametrics for information on transducers in materials 
suitable for the application.

3. INTERNAL DAMAGE: An ultrasonic transducer consists of 

a ceramic crystal bonded to the transducer case. The bond 
between the crystal and the case, or the crystal itself, may be 
damaged by extreme mechanical shock and/or temperature 
extremes. Also, the internal wiring can be corroded or shorted 
if contaminants enter the transducer housing.

4. PHYSICAL DAMAGE: Transducers may be physically 

damaged by dropping them onto a hard surface or striking 
them against another object. The transducer connector is the 
most fragile part and is the one most subject to damage. Minor 
damage may be repaired by carefully bending the connector 
back into shape. If the connector cannot be repaired, the 
transducers must be replaced.

Note: Transducers must be replaced in pairs. Refer to Chapter 

4, Programming Site Data, to program the replacement 
transducer data into the meter.

Contact GE Panametrics if you cannot solve a transducer-related 
problem.