Introduction to the Technology

Infrared technology has been applied to electrical inspection applications since the early 1960's, when electric utility companies originally embraced this concept. Since that time, many useful applications have been discovered. Equipment that conducts, generates, or consumes power will emit heat as a result of energy loss. When these devices become less efficient, the heat emitted tends to increase. Imaging systems called radiometers incorporate electronic sensors that respond to infrared radiation.
Using a radiometer to view your electrical equipment displays a graphic profile of thermal conditions present at the time of the
survey, which can then be used to determine trouble spots. 

Infrared Thermal Imaging

According to The National Fire Protection Association's; article 70B titled "Electrical Equipment Maintenance,"  infrared inspections of electrical systems are beneficial to reduce the number of costly and catastrophic equipment failures and unscheduled plant shutdowns. Such infrared inspections, performed by qualified and trained personnel, have uncovered a multitude of potentially dangerous situations. Proper diagnosis and remedial action of these situations have also helped to prevent numerous major losses." The same document goes on to say, "Routine infrared inspections of electrical equipment should be performed annually." Where warranted, more frequent infrared inspections should be performed semiannually or quarterly.

Features and Benefits

Non-obtrusive Surveys
Early detection of problems will eliminate catastrophic failures and shutdowns

Electrical Applications  

Description:
 The first law of thermodynamics suggests that power cannot actually disappear; it will simply be transformed into another form of energy. In the case of a poor connection or other high resistance problem, electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy, which increases the temperature at the point of higher resistance. As the resistance goes up, the severity of the problem increases, as does the need for attention. With no intervention, a component can reach a state of catastrophic failure, which can  result in an electrical fire or a total shutdown of the system involved. This is a very costly and often dangerous situation in any industry. 

 There are a number of different ways to test this increase in resistance in an electrical system, many of which require contact with the system itself. Infrared thermography, on the other hand, remotely locates the area of high resistance by identifying areas of higher temperature. In other words, thermography is a non-contact measurement tool. Infrared inspections identify electrical anomalies in an accurate, efficient, and safe fashion. The severity of the problem and the repair priority can be determined by categorizing the temperature rise of the fault as compared to a properly operating component under the same loading conditions. 

Building Applications

Description:
Infrared thermal imaging also provides useful information for building maintenance. 
Roofing

A common application for thermal imaging is the evaluation of build-up roofing systems. Leaks in the roof allow moisture to become trapped in the insulation below. Solar loading of the trapped moisture causes the temperature to rise, and the area will retain heat for longer periods than those spots with dry insulation. This inspection, which allows for a very accurate location of the affected areas, takes place shortly after sundown. The areas are marked using cans of spray paint, and often reveal that only small portions of the roof are found to be in need of repair. A high payback occurs when only the wet areas of the roof are repaired rather than the entire roof. 

The outside of buildings can also be evaluated for energy loss. These inspections are best performed during the time of year when the inside temperature is quite different from the outside temperature. This creates a greater delta (change) between the inside and outside to maximize the results of the inspection. This inspection can reveal energy loss around window and door seals, insulation voids, and construction defects. Moisture penetrated walls and ceilings can also be identified before damage becomes extensive.

Mechanical Applications  

Description:
Mechanical systems are composed of assemblies of moving parts. As mechanical equipment begins to fail or operate in an undesirable fashion, there will usually be a change in the normal thermal pattern of the equipment as compared to the thermal pattern of a properly operating system. Over time, bearing wear, belt tension, and coupling misalignment will generate friction. Infrared thermal imaging provides valuable guidance for preventive/predictive maintenance teams servicing mechanical systems. The information provided by this type of imaging directs technicians where to focus during maintenance periods.

 
Electric Motors
Thermal imaging can also help you track the temperature at which your electrical motor is operating, which is crucial to the longevity of the motor. For example, for every 10¬*C above allowable maximum operating temperature, the life of the motor is reduced by half. This damage is irreversible. In many industries, this can amount to thousands of dollars a year in lost profit. There is a wide variety of equipment that can be included in an infrared mechanical inspection program, such as:

• Motors 
• Pumps 
• Fans 
• Bearings 
• Shafts 
• Drives 
• Pulleys 
• Gearboxes 
• Generators 
• Compressors 
• Conveyer systems 
• Robotic equipment

Miscellaneous Applications 

                         Description
The application of high-resolution thermographic equipment in the maintenance of building equipment and structures is virtually unlimited, and new applications are continually being discovered. The following is a partial list of proven applications: 
                          Aircraft - composite repairs, structural problems
                          Law Enforcement - search and rescue, fire survey
                          Manufacturing Process Controls - paper mills, data cards
                          Mechanical - pumps, bearing wear, coupling alignment
                          Plumbing - fluid transfer systems, steam traps

Payback

 One incident of equipment failure averted by a thermal imaging survey can provide an immediate return on your inspection investment.

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