Infrared Diagnostics
Find your trouble spots before they shut your system down.
Thermal imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools used for predictive maintenance. Temperature measurements are made using a non contact infrared image.
Thermal imaging can detect temperature differences as small as .07 C. Typical industrial and mechanical problems occur when there is a temperature increase of 10 C or more. By using the thermal imaging camera, we can identify problems before they cause a problem.
The most common application is electrical inspections. As electrical connections become loose, there is a resistance to current that can cause an increase in temperature. This increased temperature can then cause components to fail, potentially resulting in unplanned outages. The efficiency of an electrical grid becomes low prior to failure, thus energy is spent generating heat, causing unnecessary losses. If left unchecked, heat can rise to a point that connections melt and break the circuit; resulting in possible fires.
Electrical systems can suffer from load imbalances, corrosion, and increase in impedance to current. Thermography can quickly locate hot spots and determine the severity of the problem. This maybe used to inspect breaker panels, motor control centers, disconnect switches, and transformers. Outdoor components, substations, switchgear, transformers, and outdoor circuit breakers can be inspected quickly and efficiently.
Electronic Equipment may also be evaluated with thermal imaging:
- printed circuit board can be evaluated and troubles identified
- thermal mapping of semiconductor device services
- circuit board component evaluation
- product type inspection of bonded structures
- inspection of hybrid micro circuits
- inspection of solder joints
Mechanical components can become worn and less efficient; causing an increase in the heat that is emitted. Mechanical systems that maybe monitored for predictive maintenance are bearings, motors, pumps, compressors and conveyor idlers. Electric motors can be observed for brush contact-wear and armature shorts, both of which typically produce excess heat but not necessarily vibration, prior to failure. Thermography can also provide useful data in building maintenance studies. Evaluation of built-up roofing systems for water leakage is a common application.