Though numerous failure modes cannot be predicted, many common failure modes of waveguide assemblies can be avoided by properly accounting for your applications demands and implementing a preventative maintenance program.
For pressurized waveguide systems, checking the pressure, or having automated pressure sensing systems, may prevent a low pressure incidence causing moisture/debris entering the system and degrading performance. If the outer jacket/coating of a waveguide cable run is important in preventing environmental ingress, chemical and visual inspections should be performed regularly along the cable length.
Water ingress can be quickly repaired or prevented if humidity sensors or indicators are installed in proximity to threatened flange areas. In systems where water exposure cannot be avoided, proper drainage can be implemented with drainage holes or tubes set in areas where water collection could eventually lead to water ingress.
Temperature sensors at critical locations can be used to avoid thermal breakdown, or automated systems could reveal accelerated aging from thermal stress profiles.
If the budget and time allows, regularly replacing and testing each component of a system outside of peak operation times can lead to a limited downtime and a healthy system. If an incident does lead to failure, having waveguide assembly replacement components on hand could eliminate costly downtime.
Pasternack stocks a wide variety of waveguides that are available for same day shipping.