Infrared Thermography
Thermography is the method of employing a specialized, electronic infrared Thermal camera to notice thermal radiation (heat) emitted by an object. The technology permits skillful thermographers to find thermal anomalies (abnormal patterns of warmth invisible to the eye) that indicate attainable failure modes, faults, defects or inefficiencies at intervals a system or material.
While infrared cameras are relatively simple to use, interpreting the findings is more complex. With training and experience, however, remarkable information can be extracted from the thermal images that can help you better maintain systems and equipment, and monitor or improve the quality of products.
A few examples of where infrared is applied
Electrical Systems – Thermography is widely used to detect faulty electrical connections or overloaded circuits. The cost of preventing failures in electrical systems is often astronomical. For instance, most manufacturing processes are dependent on electrical energy, and failure can cost literally tens of thousands of rupees for every minute they are down. Using thermography many, if not most, electrical problems can be found and then scheduled to be repaired long before they would otherwise fail.
Mechanical Equipment - Infrared can locate abnormally warm motors or possible bearing failures. Infrared is a powerful tool for assessing the condition of motor assets. By no means will it be the only tool used, but in conjunction with other technologies, thermography allows for confirmation and advance warning of problems prior to failure.
Building & Roof Applications - Thermography has long been used for building diagnostics work. Test insulation performance, verify insulation placement, locate missing insulation, and find air infiltration or moisture damage. The potential for quality control of the installation of insulation is obvious but, in conjunction with the use of a blower door, the technology can also predict the performance of a building. Recently one of the large growth areas for thermography has been the detection of moisture in structures and the verification of flood-damaged buildings after the restoration process. Thermography can detect wet roof insulation that leads to premature roof system failure. The cost of premature failure and reduced life cycle in roofs is staggering. The cause is most often trapped moisture, which is readily detectable with the right conditions, equipment and training. It is not unusual for a thermal imager to pay for itself, literally, on one large roof inspection job!
Fluid Systems – Thermal imaging can find line blockages, storage tank levels, diagnose heat exchangers or pipe temperatures. Once a thermographer understands the basics of heat transfer, a whole host of applications begins to open up. The kinds of diagnostic problem solving possible with fluids are remarkable and the returns immense. Typically, for instance, there are no other means of verifying tank levels and the costs for not knowing a level range from a costly inconvenience to dangerously catastrophic.
Nondestructive Testing – Find de-lamination and moisture defects in composite materials. The aerospace industry, in particular, has grown to rely on lightweight composite materials from the space shuttle to commercial aircraft. Defects, however, can render composites dangerously weakened. Various active and passive thermal techniques can be employed to locate these before serious situation results.
Advantages of infrared Thermography
With regular intervals, Infrared diagnostic Service permits companies to scale back the chance of a special period of time, increase plus availableness and up-time, save money, conserve energy, guarantee quality and improve safety.
