Plant Management
representation of the unseen IR spectrum. In addition to highlighting temperature variations and hotspots in real time through the LCD display, the ideal cameras marry high-precision thermal images with visible light images in full screen, picture-in-picture or blended views, for enhanced problem detection and analysis. These cameras are able to download recorded images to a computer, for further analysis with the provided software, and for saving in a comparative database.
and other components that emit heat before failure occurs can prevent the unexpected equipment breakdowns of moving equipment.
■ Power distribution systems. Thermal imaging can identify bad electrical connections, imbalances, overloads, harmonics, and other impending electrical equipment failures, and prevent uneven or inadequate power supply as well as downtime.
■ Process control equipment, pipes, valves, steam traps and tanks/ vessels Paper, glass, steel and food product production all require the uniform application of heat. Portable thermal cameras can be efficiently used to troubleshoot problems and determine the optimum spot to install a thermocouple or infrared sensor. Fluids need to be delivered
to the right place at the right time and in the right amounts: a thermal image can often pinpoint an obstruction in pipes, allowing corrective action before the whole loop goes down. Process control valves are
Fig. 2. The Fluke Ti125 Thermal Imager, offering IR-Fusion technology.
Spot temperatures Within the computer program, the image can reveal specific spot temperatures, a grid of temperature readings, minimum-maximum-average temperatures of a specifically selected area of the image, emissivity and reflectivity can be adjusted, level and gain can be adjusted, the palette can also be changed, and more. The software can then be used to create the required reports, documenting the findings.
Fig. 3. Image of an overheating electric motor taken with a Fluke thermal imager.
28
www.engineerlive.com
Applications ■ Motors, pumps, fans, compressors, bearings, windings, gearboxes, conveyors, etc. Thermal inspections of the bearings, shafts, casings, belts, gearboxes
also critical to delivering fluids to processes at the right time: here a
thermal imager can be efficiently deployed in order to to monitor for evidence of leakage, sticking or excess friction. Thermography can help to identify failed steam
traps and whether they have failed open or closed. In general, if a thermal image shows a high inlet temperature and a low outlet temperature, then the trap is functioning correctly. Any other combination indicates the possibility that a potential problem could occur..
■ Facility maintenance – Buildings, roofs, insulation, heating , ventillation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Here, thermography can be used to identify a whole
range of energy issues, including missing or damaged insulation, air leakage, moisture intrusion in roofs and walls, actual and potential mould areas, thermal bridges
and water leakages. ■
Ken West is UK Regional Marketing Manager – Industrial Tools, Fluke (UK) Ltd, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
www.fluke.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58