Infrared - Thermography
The infrared camera evaluates and converts heat energy into meaningful temperatures. Components in various states of failure emit more heat as a direct result of more energy dissipated into the component.
This extra energy is caused by increased friction in mechanical devices and higher resistance in electrical devices. The following equipment types can be surveyed using thermography:
Applications and Conditions Detected
Common components, equipment types, and the typical faults detected.
| Application | Conditions Detected |
|---|---|
| Drives / Conveyors, Pillow Blocks, Couplings, Gears, Power Transmission Belts, Pulleys, Shafts | Overheated bearings or rollers; shaft, pulley, or coupling misalignment; lubrication failure; uneven pressure. |
| Motors | Overheating of windings and bearings; blockages in cooling passages; friction or damping; material deformation; brush contact problems; rotor faults. |
| Pumps / Compressors / Fans / Blowers | Overheated bearings; high compressor discharge temperature; high oil temperature; broken or defective valves. |
| Heavy Duty Equipment (Tires, Bearings, Brakes, Hydraulics, Kiln) | Overheating of brakes, tires, bearings, pulleys, or gears; gear or pulley misalignment; blockages in hydraulic systems. |
| Mechanical Drive Turbines and Steam / Gas Turbine Generator Units, Exhaust Ducts | High lube oil temperature; high bearing temperatures; faulty stop/control valve operation; uneven metal temperature; leaking shaft seals; gas turbine firing issues including deterioration in firing chambers and cross-firing tubes. |
| Valves (Shutoff Valves, Relief Valves, Steam Traps) | Leakage; blockage. |
| Electrical Inspections and Electrical Equipment | Unbalanced loads; eddy current heating; improperly sized fittings; broken strands; bad connections; faulty breakers or fuses; overloaded conditions; MCC component faults; distribution line or cable tray/conduit issues. |
