infrared thermal imaging

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.