infrared thermal imaging

FORWARD

Infrared thermography has become a very popular means of testing electrical and mechanical systems over the past fifteen years. As it relates to predictive/preventive maintenance (P/PM), infrared thermographers look at the thermal energy that is emitted from an object or group of objects, explain what is normal, see abnormalities and report them. In turn, someone can act to fix whatever is wrong as long as they get the information in a usable, graphic and easy-to-understand fashion. This method works well on heat emissions from most objects, including building roofs. A well-prepared, graphic and accurate map of the infrared signatures of a roof can be of significant benefit to the roof consultant at all stages of that roof's service life. This type of testing is commonly referred to as an infrared roof moisture survey. Infrared thermography is not leak management, it is predictive maintenance. No matter how the water got into the substrate, the purpose of this type of survey is simply to find and document where the water is. Performing infrared roof moisture surveys while standing on the roof is not the best method because imagery from a walk-on survey is not as useful as aerial imagery.

ABSTRACT

Infrared thermographers literally walk by more work than they can do. The world is one big radiator, and new, non-traditional applications for infrared thermography are being found every day.

This paper discusses one of these non-traditional applications; specifically, the use of infrared thermography to find whether or not concrete reinforcing (grouting) has been properly placed in Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) or 'block' walls. These walls are being erected everywhere. They are used to build discount stores and shopping centers, schools and buildings of every size and shape. They are almost never built exactly to specifications, and by using infrared thermography it is possible to see and report the faults in the walls, so that timely repairs can be accomplished.

This paper discusses the development of the technique that we use to image and evaluate these building walls successfully, and to make usable reports of our findings. I also discuss some market factors for infrared on buildings in general.

Introduction To Infrared Thermography

Think of the world as a radiator...infrared thermographers do. Thermal energy travels at the speed of light in all directions. An infrared (IR) camera detects this [heat] energy and converts it into pictures or thermographs of heat. One can learn a lot about the world by looking through the lens of an infrared camera.

Think back to the 1990s. How important was building energy efficiency, building moisture or building quality? Now think about the past 6 months....has your boss asked you to study your energy usage? Thinking "green" has become in vogue. Why is that? Is it because your boss recently downloaded "An Inconvenient Truth" and Al Gore convinced him or her that global warming is real and something must be done about it? No "green" thinking is about "green-backs". Building costs and energy costs are on the rise and by inspecting a building with IR and other techniques, the owner can determine what needs to be done to manage the building asset better, use less energy and save money.

Abstract

The imagery (IR) from aerial infrared thermal surveys of facilities, complexes, campuses, military bases and cities can be used for many purposes. Systems like supply steam and condensate return lines, hot water lines, chilled water lines, supply water mains, distribution piping, storm water drains and sewer lines can be monitored by looking at surface temperatures/patterns. In the case of district heating systems, the distribution system can be flown rapidly and inexpensively to provide thermal data for asset management planning and predictive maintenance (PdM). As a result of finding and repairing leaks in the steam system, energy usage can be reduced with all the related benefits.

By John C. Klingler, P.E. Lewellyn Technology

Note: John presented a short course on this subject at IMC-2005 December 6-9, 2005 in Tampa

You have decided to conform to the requirements of NFPA 70E, the standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. You already have an electrical program for preventing shock; here is an explanation of how to address the 70E requirements for arc-flash.

By Lee Harrison

The Corona Story in Brief

The presence of corona activity is a good indication of trouble with nonceramic insulators and other transmission line equipment. But since corona radiates in the ultraviolet region of the light spectrum, it is invisible to the naked eye, and conventional corona cameras are ineffective in daylight because sunshine drowns out the corona's image. Responding to the need for better technology, EPRI researchers and engineers from Ofil Ltd. developed the DayCor daytime corona camera, which features bispectral imaging for effective use in daylight. This breakthrough camera, which has already been successfully field-tested on utility transmission systems, will enable utilities to perform comprehensive airborne inspections safely and economically.

ABSTRACT
The practical use of infrared thermography is, in a nutshell: looking at the thermal energy emitted from an object, explaining normality, seeing abnormalities and reporting them in a graphic, usable and easy-to-understand fashion, so that someone who is not familiar with the technology, can act to fix whatever is wrong. This works on heat emissions from all types of energy - not just electrical energy. There are many uses for infrared thermography other than inspecting electrical switchgear. In this paper I will discuss two of those other uses for infrared thermography.

On August 16th, 2007 Bill Giffen was involved in an Arc Flash incident with a 13,800 Volt Switch. He received 3rd degree burns to his left leg and 2nd degree burns to his arm, back and groin area

A Study of a Positive, and Growing, Return on Investment by Martin Robinson

A paper mill in South Carolina had a very successful infrared inspection program that management wanted to expand. However, the requirements of NFPA 70E were causing them to re-think their strategy since inspections of energized equipment was becoming more restrictive, more time consuming and more costly. Furthermore, 8% of the mill's applications had never been surveyed due to either switched interlocks (which automatically deenergize the equipment upon opening, thereby preventing access to energized components), or to incident energy calculations in excess of 100 cal/cm2 on certain equipment (which exceeds personal protective equipment [PPE] ratings, and would place personnel in extreme danger and open the company to OSHA fines).