Introducing the science of thermography to the oil and gas industry


Stacey Lee


An Alberta company has introduced the science of thermography to the oil and gas industry, providing companies a diagnostic option that results in no loss of production.


Gary Bolton, owner of Trail Inspection Services, says his company is proud to provide thermal imaging services to oil and gas facilities throughout western Canada.


“Thermal imaging is used to detect problems before they become an issue, therefore reducing the need for costly shutdowns as the equipment does not need to be taken out of service during the inspection. Inspections can be conducted safely while the equipment is online,” explains Bolton.


He says that he can attend a site and detect problems with equipment based on heat signatures that are displayed on his hand held thermal imaging screen.


“We can go in and do preventative maintenance inspections and pick up on problems that you didn’t know were there. The (colour) pallet that I use most often picks up cold


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temperatures as a blue colour, whereas hot spots usually show up as a red colour… that is how I can detect differences.”


A palette is a colour scheme which is used to display thermal variations in an image. There are a wide selection of colour palettes available which allow greater flexability in the thermal inspection analysis and reporting. Bolton provides an example where a residential water leak, hidden by drywall, can be detected easily as the waters temperatures would be different from its environment. Detecting a heat related problem is no different.


“If something were misaligned it would maybe cause a bearing to overheat. You cannot see that with the naked eye, but the camera will pick up on that problem before a breakdown occurs.”


Thermography could also be useful in the detection of leaking valves and fluid levels. Bolton says he can even find a leak covered by a concrete slab in just a couple minutes.


As a certified thermographer, Bolton guarantees that Trail Inspection Services can help detect problems before they become headaches or prevent them altogether.


“Thermal imaging offers a non invasive means of monitoring and interpreting the various conditions on well sites and provides immediate answers in high resolution related to potential equipment failure.”


Bolton’s experience working in the oil and gas industry means he understands the need for safe, steady, production and he promises to quickly diagnose any problem. Bolton holds and maintains all relevant oil field safety tickets.


Approximately 3,200 square feet


#2, 2139 - 10th Avenue S.W., Medicine Hat, AB Lease @ $8.50 per square foot net


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Common problems/equipment examined via thermal imaging technology include steam pipes/traps, air leakage, switchgear, breakers, transformers, trapped moisture, thermal anomalies, mechanical drive wear, water damage, excessive wear, gas leaks and pump jacks.


TRAIL INSPECTION SERVICES THERMAL IMAGING


Approximately 8,100 square feet 1005 Brier Park Drive N.W., Medicine Hat, AB Lease @ $7.50 per square foot net


For more information contact:


Agents for the Sale, Lease and Management of Commercial And Industrial Real Estate


www.feleskyrealty.com 16 403-526-1952 THE WESTERN CANADIAN PIPELINE | APRIL 2012 www.trailinspectionservices.ca


GARY BOLTON Certifi ed Thermographer trailinspections@gmail.com


Phone: 403-336-1507 • Fax: 403-652-9997 • Industrial • Commercial • Residential • Oil & Gas


41074589•04/30/12


41074586


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