Predictive maintenance
A portable thermal imager can be a very powerful tool in the hands of a maintenance engineer because it allows a rapid visual observation of plant to reveal anomalous temperature patterns which may signify the existence of a fault.
Thermography is a non-contact technique and enables observations to be made whilst the plant is in operation and under load. The user can also make his inspection at a safe distance and it is often possible to carry it out with safety guards and fences still in position.
Regular thermographic inspections can be used for predictive maintenance allowing faults to be recognised before they become serious, enabling remedial measures to be taken before a breakdown occurs.
Thermal Imaging is now widely used in the manufacturing industry and many instruments are commercially available. All modern instruments have adequate performance in terms of thermal and spatial resolution for most industrial tasks. The key to the choice of the correct instrument for the application lies in the facilities and features which are available and the value for money offered.
For predictive and preventative maintenance the key features include:
Portability: The instrument must be carried and used by the operator over extended periods of time possibly in locations which have difficult access and may be potentially hazardous.
Ease of use: A maintenance technician can be fully familiar with the operation of the instrument with minimal training. The controls must be simple and easily operated to allow quick, accurate results in all circumstances.
Recording of Results: The instrument must have the means to record thermal images and other data and preferably the means to include the information in reports for presentation to management or clients. Usually this would be done by the transfer of data to a PC software package.
For process monitoring, the requirements are different because the thermal imager would be used in a fixed location and there will probably be the need to process and display data on-line.
In these circumstances key features would include:
Rugged Housing: The equipment must be protected against dust, moisture, vibration and shock.
Remote Control: It may be necessary to control all the functions remotely, possibly from a process control computer.
Data Exchange: There will be a requirement to present information continuously to effect process control, raise alarms or give visual display. Digital exchange of information with a control or data logging computer is highly desirable. Over recent years, thermal imaging systems have become more sophisticated yet at the same time, user-friendly. Prices have fallen in real terms to the extent that the purchase of a thermal imaging system yields an excellent return on capital for a wide range of industrial applications. It is essential, however, to choose the system with care in order that the facilities provided match the requirements of the application.
