What is infrared thermography and how does it work?
AME now offers Infrared Thermography as an added service to complement our award winning Plant & Equipment Inspection services
Infrared thermography is the process of using a thermal imager to detect infrared radiation (heat) that is emitted by an object. This technology allows operators to validate normal operations and, more importantly, locate thermal anomalies (abnormal patterns of heat invisible to the eye) which indicate possible faults, defects or inefficiencies within a system or machine asset.
A few examples of where Infrared Thermography is used to help our clients locate thermal anomalies:
- Electrical Systems (faulty electrical connections or overloaded circuits)
- Mechanical Equipment (abnormally warm motors or possible bearing failures)
- Fluid Systems (line blockages, tank levels or pipe temperatures)
- Building Applications (detect missing insulation, air insulation or moisture damage) Low-Slope Roofs (locate wet roof insulation)
While infrared imaging systems are relatively simple to use, interpreting images taken with this equipment can be far more complex and challenging. With training and experience, however, remarkable information can be extracted from an infrared camera that can help asset managers and maintenance personnel alike better maintain systems and equipment while monitoring or improving the quality of products.
When it comes to inspecting equipment with infrared, certain conditions are needed. It is also important for the thermographer to have a strong foundation of basic radiometry and heat transfer, knowledge of how the mechanical equipment operates, as well as a solid background on the infrared camera’s capabilities and limitations. AME staff members are highly trained and knowledgeable in successfully operating these systems.
| Figure I – The causes of an abnormally warm motor bearing are not always obvious but infrared is a key means of finding those which are running hot. |  |
Most common applications of infrared thermography
Ongoing electrical switchboard surveys
Visually inspect electrical systems for a wide range of problems including loose connection’s, corroded elements, load imbalance, short circuits and other potentially dangerous faults. Some facilities have a vast amount of switchboards, conducting electrical inspections on large establishments with many switchboards can be time consuming and costly, by conducting these inspections using Thermography can dramatically reduce time and costs in this area, and often give more accurate results at much lower costs. The criteria of these types of inspections cover the requirements of AS/NZS 3000 & AS/NZS 3017 for electrical installation checks and periodic/ongoing inspections
Mechanical Inspections
Survey a wide range of mechanical systems such as motors, pumps and other types of rotating equipment for lubrication, alignment and cooling problems as well as identifying failing components before they fail. Thermography is ideal for identifying low speed rotating equipment such as rollers on conveyers by reducing time taken to identify failed or failing rollers, as well as identifying fluid levels, steam trap inspections and insulation performance.
Pre & Post Shutdown Surveys
Visually inspect pipework, chutes & hoppers, conveyer rollers etc. pre-shut to quickly identify any failed/failing rollers, linings, blockages and thinning that may have occurred during service to give very accurate condition assessments and allow ample time to schedule these replacements into the next shutdown. This gives maintainers confidence that they are only replacing what is needed and not wasting time, money and resources on maintenance that is not required and not missing vital components that could cause issues after start up. Post-shut surveys can be conducted to give confidence that all repairs were successful and indicate if all new pipework or tank linings have adhered correctly, and all blockages were cleared and the process is performing as required
Product Storage & Process Tanks
Allows quick and easy assessment from the tank externals the exact condition of how full the tank is, condition of its internal linings and any areas of thinning in the shell due to erosion or corrosion to give very accurate information on any preventive maintenance requirements without taking the tank off line and draining.
Condition Monitoring
Allows ongoing monitoring of componentry to get accurate information about integrity such as process pumps and motors. Alternatively, can be used to monitor known issues to track deterioration rates to allow actuate scheduling of repair and or maintenance before failure.
Our Thermography Services
AME inspection services include but not limited to;
- Electrical switchboard installation checks
- Condition monitoring
- Ongoing electrical switchboard & power plant surveys
- Refractory condition assessments
- Pipework and ducting internal lining condition & blockage assessments
- Product storage
- Any Mechanical & electrical componentry assessment
- Leak detection of liquids, solids as well as heating and cooling
- Building inspections for termites
Our Infrared Thermography services are suitable for any and every stage of a project, from initiation through to ongoing maintenance and support. AME has a diverse range of inspection services to supply customers with manufacturing and maintenance inspection and testing support.
Contact our Infrared Thermography team and Asset Management Specialists on +61 8 9466 7444