Thermographic Testing

Vibrotech Reliability Services Limited

What is Thermography?

Infra Red Thermography is a technique for producing a visible image of invisible (to our eyes) infra red radiation emitted by objects due to their thermal conditions

Thermography
Objectives of Test
To detect hot or cold areas To determine absolute temperature To view Thermal profiles To detect temperature loss

Thermography
Infra Red is part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
It travels in straight lines at the speed of light The useful part is divided between Short and Long wavelengths Use of the correct wavelength is essential

Test Equipment
Hand held portable camera Battery Powered Operating at correct wavelength Range..-20c to +1500c Sensitivity..0.1c at 30c Real time display Image Recording capability

Why Thermography?
Non Contact Rapid Scanning Data can be recorded in differing formats Images produced are comprehensive & reliable Is there a viable alternative?

Principles of Operation

Object radiates infra red radiation Temperature difference Differences are detected and displayed visually Emissivity values must be observed

Advantages
Non Contact Non Intrusive Can work at a distance Fast and Reliable Portable Convincing Results

Limitations
Non Intrinsically safe There must be a temperature difference for certain surveys Operator experience is essential Filters may be needed for certain applications Sensitivity and Resolution reduce with distance and angle of view

Electrical
Switch Gear Fuse boxes Cable runs Electrical connectors Insulation Transformers

Junction Box

Fan

Fuse Box

I 3

Electrical Connections
Used for the detection of;
Corroded connections Slack / loose connectors Connectors at too high an operating temperature Hot spots

Transformers
Electrical connections Insulators Thermal profile Operating temperature Liquid Level

Refractory Linings
Torpedo ladles Boilers Furnaces Exhausts Ducting Kilns

Rotary Kiln - Access Door

3 1

1 2

Kiln - Refractory Lining

4 0 1 0 4 0 1 4 4 2 3 3 2 3 2

8 5

5 0

5 4

0 3

2 2

Torpedo Ladle

Steel Carrying Ladle

Building Surveys
Used to detect,
Lack of insulation Cold air infiltration Draughts Moisture traps Hot / warm air escaping Structural Integrity Heating / Cooling

Building Surveys

Building Surveys
Moisture/Water Ingress
Leaking Roof Bridged Cavity Leaking pipes

Refinery & Petro-Chem

Vessel Surveys Blockages Defective lagging or insulation Steam traps Erosion / Corrosion

Vessel Surveys

Flare Stacks

Process Plant

The above Thermograms show how Thermography can be used as a very fast and effective maintenance tool.
The image on the right has a defective cylinder

Process Plant
Thermography may be used for;
Corrosion surveys Ensuring valve operation Leaks Blockages

Process Plant
Hot spots Cold spots (Cryogenics) Damaged or missing insulation Tank levels

Miscellaneous
The detection of process or manufacturing faults Can be used as a quality control tool