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Thermography.
Thermal
imaging has evolved into
one of the most
valuable diagnostic tools
used for predictive
maintenance. Thermal Imaging also called
thermography, is the
production of non-contact
infra-red or ‘heat’ pictures
from which temperature
measurements can be made.
By detecting the anomalies
often invisible to the
naked eye, thermography
allows corrective action
before costly system failure occurs. Portable
infra-red imaging systems
can scan equipment
and structures, then
instantly convert the
thermal images to
visible pictures for quantitative temperature
analysis.
Imacs
Ltd
would like to introduce this method of Preventative, Predictive
Maintenance service.
We believe that the benefits of this technology should be available to our
customers. Our mission is to be able to supply a quality service at
minimal cost with maximum return for our customers.
With
many companies supplying to ‘Just in Time’ schedules it is important to
reduce or even predict machine failure.
The following page will give examples on how Thermal Imaging can be utilized in
the industrial environment.
Electrical
Installations.
Bus
bar connections
Distribution
fuse boards
Loose
machine connections caused by vibration
.
Loading
due to contactor wear.
As electrical connections become loose, there is a rise in resistance to current
that can cause an increase in temperature. This increased temperature can then
cause component failure. In addition, the efficiency becomes low prior to
failure, thus energy is spent generating heat. If left unchecked, heat can rise
to a point that connections melt and break the circuit, as a result, fires may
occur.
Besides
loose connections, electrical systems suffer from load imbalances, corrosion,
and increase in impedance to current. Thermography can locate hot spots,
determine the severity of the problem, and help establish the time frame in
which the equipment should be repaired.
Mechanical.
Motors
and Gearbox bearings
Drives
and pulleys
Heat
exchanger and radiator ventilation
Motor
fans
Mechanical
wear and high friction problems
Blocked
pipes
In
many industries, mechanical systems serve as the backbone of operations.
Typically, when mechanical components become worn or less efficient, the heat
emitted will increase. Consequently, the temperature of faulty equipment or
systems will increase rapidly before failure. Typical mechanical systems
monitored in a predictive maintenance infra-red program include bearings,
motors, pumps, compressors and conveyor idlers. Most mechanical systems will
heat up if there is improper lubrication or misalignment.
Temperature
applications.
Furnace
doors
Furnace
brick work
Heating
element faults
Key Benefits
- Historical trending.
- Statistical Process Control.
- Stress and load studies.
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