All objects warmer than "absolute zero" (-273șC) give off (or radiate) energy which cannot be detected by the naked eye. You cannot see this energy, but it is clearly visible in the infrared spectrum if you had the equipment to "see" and measure it. Infrared cameras view light (heat) in the infrared spectrum and re-modulate and computer enhance the image into the "visible" light range. The brighter the colour of the image, the hotter. Conversely, the darker areas indicate cooler points.
Today's commercially available equipment is generally capable of "seeing" and measuring the temperature of objects as cold as -20șC to as hot as 1,500șC (special filters are required above 300șC).
Use your mouse to "scan" the picture below for hot spots.
Use your mouse to "scan" the picture below for hot spots.
What are the typical applications?
While Infrared Thermography can be used to troubleshoot and diagnose many different faults, it is often used to identify problems in the following areas:
- Transformers - Main Feeder Panels - Distribution Panels - All Electrical Connections - Motors - Steam Traps - Distribution Panels - Sub-Feeder Panels - Bus Bars - Motor Controllers - Lighting Panels - Oven Insulation
Predictive Infrared Analysis Programs
Vibtech offers the only truly "predictive" Infrared program in the Southern Ontario marketplace. In order to validate this statement, we must first discuss the programs ttraditionally offered. Virtually all other programs are run in the following manner. On an annual basis, a thermographer is led around the plant and scans all electrical panels. When a problem (anomaly) is located, they capture an Infrared image, take a digital image, and then move on. Following the site visit, a report is made for each anomaly. The whole process is repeated the following year.
There are many problems associated with these programs. First and foremost is the fact that infrared images are not captured when panels are deemed to be O.K. This means that if a problem later develops causing a shutdown or failure, there is no way to go back and review the data - it doesn't exist! Second is the frequency between checks. Annual checks simply are not "predictive" in nature in that too many calls are missed. Third, there is no provision to follow-up the scan in order to ensure that correction action has been effective. And finally, there is no data which can be easily trended.
Vibtech's Predictive Infrared Analysis Program addresses these problems:
Full plant wide checks are done twice a year to identify problems before they result in catastrophic failures.
Thermal images are recorded on all points regardless of whether or not faults are found. These images are then stored for two years as reference.
Priorities levels are set for every anomoly. These are then recorded on a Trending Report which lists all equipment checked and the priority level assigned.
Follow-up surveys are scheduled two to three months after each complete plant survey. Previously noted anomalies are re-checked to ensure that corrective work has solved the problem.
A variety of reports are offered to ensure that information is provided in a timely and useful format.
Vibtech Analysis Ltd., is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
In the certification process, Vibtech received a letter of QS 9000 compliance from our auditors. It states, "... In reviewing the file we confirm that Vibtech's level of compliance with QS-9000 is ... particularly evident in the areas of cross-functional planning, business planning, benchmarking, disciplined problem solving and monitoring of delivery performance...".
