Predictive Maintenance:

Thermal Imaging

Infrared thermal imagers are the first line of defense in a predictive maintenance program. Changes in temperature are a key parameter in equipment monitoring and, since thermal imagery is non-contact, technicians can quickly measure equipment temperature without disrupting operations. Where thermal imagery stands out is unit measurement versus spot measurement.

Unlike an infrared thermometer that only captures temperature at a single point, a thermal imager captures an object's entire temperature profile as a two-dimensional picture. Technician can then review both critical components and the entire unit's surface heat or compare a known good unit to a problematic one and quickly determine where to investigate. Thermal imagers can also store previous and current images for comparison and upload images to a central database.

Common uses

• Monitor and measure bearing temperatures in large motors or other rotating equipment.
• Identify "hot spots" in electronic equipment.
• Identify leaks in sealed vessels.
• Find faulty insulation in process pipes or other insulated processes.
• Find faulty terminations in high power electrical circuits.
• Locate overloaded circuit breakers in a power panel.
• Identify fuses at or near their current rated capacity.
• Identify problems in electrical switch gear.
• Capture process temperature readings.

Application Reference – Motor Operating Temperature

Maintenance attempted a second repair, but all three legs began to run hot. They removed the entire unit and replaced it. All of the tests and attempted repairs occurred before a catastrophic failure happened. No production time was lost, and no work-in-process material was damaged or lost. A sound predictive maintenance program that includes thermal imaging, takes steps to correct small problems before they become larger.