ACOUSTIC DIAGNOSTICS

The Sensory Analysis Protocol: Sound Signature Diagnostics

Hearing Protection: Mandatory at all times. Brief removal only for diagnostic listening.
Safe Zones: Never approach rotating components. Use listening posts.
Baseline: Compare against "Healthy" commissioning audio files.

ZONE A: INTAKE & SPIRAL

Normal: Smooth Rush. Abnormal: Clunk/Bang (Debris), Whistling (MIV Leak).

ZONE B: RUNNER & VANES

Normal: Deep Hum (8.3Hz). Abnormal: Rock-Crushing (Cavitation), Grinding (Seal Contact).

ZONE C: DRAFT TUBE

Normal: Muffled Roar. Abnormal: Thumping/Pulsing (Vortex Rope 0.2-2Hz).

ZONE D: BEARINGS/GEN

Normal: Smooth Whirr. Abnormal: High-Pitched Squeal (Oil Collapse), Crackling (Brushes).

High turbidity (>500 NTU) amplifies sound levels. Silt particles hitting metal create a "grinding" overlay.

PRECISION RULE: Apply +20% tolerance to cavitation intensity thresholds during March-May floods.