EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Ultrasound probe seals

Nice one, Paul.

Here's the link (note also the .pdf available on the left).

Regarding a supplier ... have you made enquiries at Dow Corning in Belgium?

Could try Xiameter they seem to deal with DOw Corning stuff.

Just an update on progress in sourcing the DC Silastic Adhesive - a company called Azelis is the appointed distributor but I suspect they like to deal in DRUM quantities, however, they do supply it but it may take a while to go through a 'qualifying phase'. In the meantime I've found a US supplier who appears to do mail order - http://www.factor2.com/Silicone_Adhesive_p/a-100.htm - but that's just as much a problem to get. In the meantime I bet one of the hospital departments either use the stuff routinely for procedures or it comes as part of an implant kit, anyone on for finding out?

Has anyone checked with our friendly Gloucester-based ultrasound servicing company?

Maybe they can supply a few tubes of the stuff.

The price of the Silastic is a bit too rich for us - £280 for a carton of 6 tubes 57grams each. Hey-ho, something will turn up.

You could try

Polymer Systems Technology ltd
Unit 6, Vernon Building,
Westbourne Street,
High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire,
HP11 2PX
tel 01494 446610

Ask to speak to Derek Williams. The trick to an effective repair is a clean joint and proper use of the primer. It may be worth while to drill a small inspection hole in the case. X-ray it first to ensure you are not drilling into any circuitry. Flush out any debris, which is likely to be hardened gel. The silicone has a general cleaning agent which could be used to flush out the debris, through the inspection hole. Use the silicone to seal the joint and the inspection hole.

One way to ensure good flow of the silicone into the body of the probe is to use a vacuum line into the inspection hole. Seal the ends. Apply the silicone mixture, Well mixed ) librally to the joint. Under a vacuum gauge control, reduce and maintain the pressure with a stop valve. You can try this out on some old plastic box first to get the technique right. With the cured silicone drawn into the probe body you should have made an effective repair. Do your electrical safety test with salt water, or just water it doesnt matter.

If you are into repair of ultrasound probes you might want to consider testing them as well.

http://www.northernphysics.co.uk/home/UltraSound_QC.html

Disconnected elements can effect the quality of your image.