Infra Red & Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging Cameras (IR)
All High Voltage Solution (HVS) condition monitoring surveys or insurance audits (either PD, HV - LV, energy or Mechanical audits) use an IR camera as one of its diagnostic tools.
Thermal imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for predictive maintenance. By detecting anomalies often invisible to the naked eye, thermography allows corrective action to be taken before costly system failures occur.
Applications
There are endless numbers of applications for thermal imaging cameras in the Predictive Maintenance Area:
Low Voltage Inspections
IR cameras are commonly used for electrical inspections, As electrical connections become loose, there a resistance to current that can cause an increase in temperature (I2 R = Watts) resulting in unplanned outages and injuries. In addition, the efficiency of an electrical grid becomes low prior to a failure, thus energy is spent generating heat causing unnecessary losses increasing your carbon foot print.
High Voltage Inspections
As with Low Voltage inspections, we use IR cameras to check the following areas:
Switchyards
Disconnectors, transformer connections, bushings.
Substations
Switchgear, transformers (cooling radiators – core temperatures), cables & circuit breakers. With IR technology it is possible to locate the exact source of the heating allowing corrective action to be prior to it becoming a real problem.
Mechanical
In many industries, mechanical systems serve as the backbone of operations. Thermography data & trending of data can be invaluable of complimentary information to vibration studies in mechanical equipment monitoring.
Using advanced software images can be down loaded & embedded into a report For further information on HV / LV audits, Insurance inspections and Condition Monitoring Surveys, please contact me on the numbers listed below.