A list of features that compares Ultragraphyx to other measurement technologies.
- Ultragraphyx can be applied at every stage in construction, before the building is airtight. At these stages, thermography or Blowerdoor cannot be used.
- This enables the user to measure airtightness quality of building parts, such as prefabricated elements and window frames before and after installation in the building , when construction fault are often easy and cheap to repair. Repairing when the building is finished is in many cases not possible without breaking down building facades. Prevention is better than cure.
- Ultragraphyx is a qualitative measurement, just like thermography, smoke or the anemometer during a pressure test. This means that a certified Blowerdoor test is often still necessary after the completion or renovation of the building.
Thanks to continuous quality control enabled by Ultragraphyx, this final test is a mere formality - Ultragraphyx visualizes airtightness and clearly identifies any problems. A picture is worth a thousand words.
- The Ultragraphyx measurement is repeatable. Measuring twice under the same circumstances produces the same picture. An Ultragraphyx measurement is much more informative and easier to interpret than a cloud of smoke during a BlowerDoor test.
- Ultragraphyx is not limited by weather conditions. The Blowerdoor test can only be performed if the wind force is below 4 Bft. Infrared imaging can only take place if there is sufficient temperature difference over the building façade (during night and in winter). For a good thermographic image, the building façade should be dry and should not been exposed to direct sunlight in the hours before the measurement.
Ultragraphyx uses inaudible ultrasonic sound and Is insensitive to weather conditions. - An Ultragraphyx measurement can be performed while the building is in use. Normal business operations do not have to be interrupted. The ultrasonic sound is inaudible and the measurement is quickly executed.
With a Blowerdoor or smoke test, the building often needs to be evacuated. - The use of smoke (paraffin) during a Blowerdoor test is often not allowed or unwanted. This is especially true for cleanrooms, hospitals, and surgical theaters.
- Ultragraphyx can just as well be used for indoor measurements, where thermography is not applicable because all spaces have the same temperature.
With Ultragraphyx, potential indoor fire hazards or sealing problems can be quickly identified. For example at fire doors or air sealings around plumbing and pipes through walls. - An Ultragraphyx measurement can be carried out without much preparation. For a Blowerdoor measurement, the building must be airtight, ventilation openings must be taped or closed. For thermography, the building must be heated (or cooled).
- Ultragraphyx works with inaudible ultrasonic sound and there is no danger of damage to the construction. During a Blowerdoor test, the under and overpressure can release poorly applied foils or seals.
- Ultrasonic sound is more suitable than audible sound for airtightness measurements. Thanks to the very short wavelength of the ultrasonic sound , it can easily pass through holes and cracks, while it is better attenuated by solid materials (such as window glass). This provides a better resolution and more contrast than would be possible with audible sound. Because ultrasound is inaudible, higher intensity levels can be used without inconvenience.
- Ultragraphyx can also find the smallest air leaks, which are invisible with smoke or thermography.