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
43.7C

40
SP01

35

30

25
22.7C

Fan
37.4C
35

AR01

30

25

20
18.7C

Fuse Box
38.1C

35

LI01
30

25
23.3C

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

129.3C
SP03
SP01
LI01

SP02

120
110

SP04
100
90
80
77.8C

Kiln - Refractory Lining

48.7C
LI01
SP01SP04

SP03

58.5C

45
50

40
SP01

SP02

35

40

SP02
30
30

25
22.5C

SP03
22.6C

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