ED Prevent

THERMOGRAPHY

THE HEAT MAP FOR GENUINE EFFICIENCY

Thermography – Thermal imaging solutions
The Heat Map for genuine Efficiency

Machines and process equipment emit heat in the form of electromagnetic radiation, displaying thermal patterns that revealvaluable information about their operating condition. When these patterns are captured as thermal images and then analyzed by experienced engineers with thermal imaging equipment who have knowledge of machinery, heat generation and heat transfer, significant performance problems can be identified.

Engineering Dynamics Thermal imaging services takes into consideration and addresses the following facts:

• Industry consumes energy to heat and cool materials and chemicals and it uses insulation to maintain desired temperatures.Insulation inefficiencies are costly.
• Friction generates heat and leads to wear. The cost of excessive wear in maintenance budgets can be significant.
• Some machines need to be cooled and do not perform efficiently when overheated. Overheating machines can slow down or even stop production.
• Electrical circuit faults can stop production and in extreme cases can become fire hazards. If you consider these facts associated with energy utilization, temperature control and friction, the benefits of a comprehensive Thermographic Imaging Service are substantial. Combine this with high caliber, experienced engineers equipped with the latest equipment and software and the benefits grow further.<

Thermographic Imaging Services from Engineering Dynamics can help you manage these cost-intensive, high-risk areas of your business most effectively. Benefits to your operation:

• Prevents unplanned downtime due to electrical faults.
• Reduction in energy costs by identifying heat loss or cooling system leaks.
• Reduction in maintenance costs and downtime losses by identifying abnormal conditions – before they lead to catastrophic failure.
• Improvements in machine efficiencies by identifying cooling system inefficiencies.
• Potential to reduce insurance premiums via fire hazard detection.
• The range of applications is limited only by your imagination.

Specific examples of what can be identified using Thermal Imaging technology include:

• Insulation degradation that leads to costly, unwanted heat transfer – particularly for lagged equipment and refractory linedvessels.
• Hot Joints caused by faulty connections in electrical circuits. Electrical phase unbalance that can lead to power loss in electrical motors.
• Misalignment of bearings and gears.
• Hot Bearings due to incorrect installation or lubrication practices, as well as bearings that are approaching the end of their fatigue life.
• Blockages and Dead Spots in circulation systems, such as the cooling tubes of heat exchangers, can be identified without the need to ‘crack’ lines.

Other Abnormalities that can be solved:

• Insulation Voids / Building Envelopes
• Refractory and Furnace Interiors
• Heat Exchangers / Difference in Thermal Capacitance
• Concrete / Asphalt delamination
• Water ingress in composite materials
• Paper manufacturing
• Gas / Liquid levels
• Leaking Valves / Steam Traps
• Pipes / Hoses – Hydraulic trouble shooting
• Bearings / Drive Belts
• Electrical Switchgear
• Motor Control Centers
• Gear Lubrication Problems

Infrared Windows

Infrared cameras are based on digital camera technology and therefore require a direct-line-of-site to record an accurate image. Infrared surveys are hampered by cabinet designs that obscure the targe components being imaged and thermographers are put at risk by having toopen cabinets or doors in an attempt to gain access to the internal components that they wish to image.

Even the most comprehensive risk assessments and method statements cannot avoid the obvious risks involved. The use of Infrared windows is becoming more common place. In fact electrical panel manufacturers are now fitting Infrared inspection windows, grills, mesh screens, etc. in an attempt to make their panels infrared friendly. Sorem’s Infrared Windows, the H.VIR was developed in 1995.

It has been tested by a number of customers and international laboratories (UL, BV, LCIE…) and also by most international electrical equipment manufacturers. Various special H.VIR versions are available to operate under special conditions. The group 1 material is recommended for shortwave (2 – 5 µm) or band II Infrared imaging equipment. The group 2 material can be used for both band II (2 – 5 µm) and band III (7-14 µm) Infrared imaging equipment. Three sizes are available 52, 71 and 95mm diameter.