What is Infrared Energy?

All objects warmer than "absolute zero" (-273ºC) radiate energy which cannot be detected by the naked eye, but it is clearly visible in the infrared spectrum if you have the right equipment.

Infrared cameras view energy (heat) in the infrared spectrum and re-modulate the image into the "visible" light range. The bright areas of the image, indicate heat - the darker areas indicate cooler sections.

Today's commercially available equipment is capable of "seeing" and measuring the temperature of objects from as cold as -20ºC to as hot as 1,500ºC.

Click here to view a sample Infrared Thermography Report (972Kb)

Steam Trap

Thermal photograph showing proper temperature gradient across trap.

Thermal photograph showing hot spot in an electrical panel.

Typical Applications

While Infrared Thermography can be used to troubleshoot and diagnose many different faults, it is routinely used to identify problems in the following areas:

• Transformers
• Main Feeder Panels
• Sub-feeder Panels
• Distribution Panels
• All Electrical Connections
• Motors/Motor Controllers
• Bus Bars
• Lighting Panels
• Any Electrical Connection
• Steam Traps
• Oven Insulation
• Roof Insulation

Thermal photograph showing heat loss through a roof membrane.

Predictive Infrared Analysis Programs

All successful Predictive Maintenance Programs have a number of critical characteristics.

• The frequency between checks must be adequate to permit failures to be predicted, thereby avoiding expensive downtime and interruptions to production.
• All measurements must be captured and stored for future reference and analysis.
• There must be some method of trending data.
• Reporting must meet management's needs, be specific about problems, and clearly indicate corrective work required.

Vibtech offers the only truly "Predictive" InfraRed Program:

• 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 stored as reference.
• Priority levels are set for every anomaly.
• All data is entered into a Trending Report which lists all equipment checked, its condition and the priority levels assigned to each.
• 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:

Thermal photograph reveals a fault on one phase of a three phase disconnect switch.