If you’re having
unscheduled electrical outages for any reason, the chances
are good that you need to look at how to improve your infrared
inspection program. Thermal imaging is much less about what
kind of infrared camera you use than it is about using the
infrared camera you have well. Here are twelve steps, some
simple and others less so, that will help improve the results
you are getting from this remarkable technology.
Secrets to an
Effective
Infrared Condition Monitoring Program:
IR Routes
It is widely acknowledged
that the most efficient infrared condition monitoring program
is one that has a strong foundation of well designed and
thoughtfully constructed routes. The key to success in your
unique environment is to understand the six generic types
of routes used by thermographers and where they can be applied.
Improved Safety
During Infrared Inspections
of Electrical Equipment
There
are 5-10 serious arc flash incidents every day in North
America. These incidents result in approximately 2000 workers
being treated in burn centers annually. It is estimated
that arc flash incidents cost organizations hundreds of
millions of dollars. Updated just this year,
NFPA 70E now includes specific references to thermal imaging
and makes a number of important clarifications on electrical
safety.
Testing Building
Envelope Systems
Using
Infrared Thermal Imaging
This paper discusses the numerous applications
for thermal imaging technology currently being used to inspect
building envelopes. These include validation of structural
details, verification of energy performance (conduction and
air leakage), location of moisture intrusion, and the identification
of structural and system degradation of roofs and facades.
Examples will be given for each application and the basic conditions
required will be discussed.
Locating Levels
in
Tanks
and
Silos Using
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal imaging is a powerful tool for
locating and verifying levels in tanks and silos. When properly
used, thermal imaging can reveal not only the liquid/gas interface,
but also sludge buildup and floating materials such as waxes
and foams. Similar techniques can be used to locate levels
and bridging problems in silos containing fluidized solids.
This paper discusses the parameters and limitations
that must be addressed, shows techniques that can be employed,
and illustrates the discussions with numerous thermal images.
Understanding
Infrared Camera
Thermal Image Quality
You’ve no doubt purchased a digital camera
sometime over the past few years to replace your old film camera.
Often thermal camera brochures offer list specification that
you, as a user, may never be able to confirm or even understand.
This paper’s objective is to help you simplify
your understanding of how image quality is determined. Covered
are three topics that directly influence thermal image quality:
pixel resolution, thermal sensitivity, and non-uniformity correction.
A number of related topics are discussed as well.