Courtesy of Thermal Vision (USA)
Applications
of Infrared Thermography
Infrared
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"Seeing"
in the infrared wavelengths reveals abnormal conditions in a variety of
applications.
In electrical systems poor connections produce
heat. Heat raises resistance and more resistance produces even more heat. This
cause and effect loop eventually results in a runaway condition and electrical
failure. Mechanical systems produce heat due to inadequate lubrication, the
resulting heat further deteriorates whatever lubrication exists and again a
runaway condition develops. These simplified explanations are a small sample of
why infrared inspection can prevent failures and save money. Some applications
of Infrared Thermography Are:
Condition
|
Result
|
|
Electrical - poor connections |
failure - energy loss - poor voltage - fire |
|
Electrical - overloads |
failure - insulation deterioration - fire |
|
Electrical - unbalanced phase current |
motor overheating - wiring overload |
|
Electrical - corona discharge |
component & insulation deterioration - electrical failure |
|
Mechanical - bearings |
bearing failure - damage to rotating & stationary parts |
|
Mechanical - couplings |
coupling failure - lost production - damage to other equip |
|
Mechanical - drives |
drive failure - lost production |
|
Mechanical - leaking valves - steam traps |
energy loss - loss of product - contamination - pollution |
|
Mechanical - thermal insulation (pipes, refractory etc.) |
energy loss - process upset |
|
Mechanical - locating buried thermal lines and underground steam leaks |
save time - energy loss |
|
Building heat loss - insulation - air infiltration |
energy loss - comfort |
|
Building flat roof moisture penetration |
energy loss - roof structure deterioration |
|
Thermal processes |
upset conditions - poor quality - lost product |
|
Search & rescue, surveillance, post fire hot spots - & more |
miscellaneous applications |