PLANT CONDITION MONITORING

BY USING INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

CONTENTS

Introduction Infrared thermography Radiation process Image analysis Applications Advantages Comparisions Conclusion

ABSTRACT
Infrared condition monitoring techniques offer an

objective way of assessing the condition of plant equipment. Infrared Thermography is a condition monitoring technique used to remotely gather thermal information from any object or area, converting it to a visual image.

INTRODUCTION
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All electrical components have a tendency to heat up as their electrical properties deteriorate. Temperature is a key variable in virtually any situation and for all processes. In industry, radiation will result if any component is over heated. All this radiation around us can be imaged, measured and stored by an infrared system for analysis.

Infrared Thermography
IRT is a

condition monitoring technique. Gathers thermal information from any object. Converts it to a visual image.

Radiation process

Emitted from the object itself Reflected from a source in front of the object Transmitted from a source behind the object

Image Analysis

Applications
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

There are wide range of applications of the Infrared Thermography. Electrical Distribution Systems Mechanical Systems Structural Energy Loss Detection Leakage Location Pipeline Inspection

Electrical Distribution Systems

What Can Be Detected: Loose/deteriorated connections Overloads Imbalanced Loads Open Circuits Inductive Heating Harmonics Defective Equipment Benefits: locate problems quickly, without interrupting service drastically reduce costly, unscheduled power outages minimize preventive maintenance time and maximize troubleshooting effectiveness prevent premature failure and extend equipment life

Mechanical Systems
What Can Be Detected: Misalignment of coupled equipment Over/under lubrication of bearings Over/under tension of belted systems Excessive friction Defective Equipment Benefits: quickly locate misaligned coupled equipment increase equipment reliability, production, efficiency and quality of product minimize downtime by planning the required manpower and materials before shutdown improve worker productivity and morale by correcting potential problems proactively

Structural Energy Loss

What Can Be Detected: Missing, damaged, or improperly installed insulation Energy losses caused by air infiltration and exfiltration Water infiltration Damaged refractory Benefits: help reduce heating and cooling energy costs evaluate thermal performance of retrofits identify areas of latent moisture detect conditions conducive to mold or insect problems provide hardcopy proof of problems

Leakage Location

ADVANTAGES
Infrared inspection is non-contact.
Infrared thermography is two dimensional. Electrical equipment can be inspected during its

operation. Reduced inspection costs and time. Pinpointed maintenance can be carried out without inflicting needless damage on the surrounding area.

Comparisons
There are many relative merits in IRT when compared with the Conventional Maintenance Procedures. Maintenance Cost Processing Time Simultaneous Inspection Safety Factor Automation

Conclusion
Once the upset had occurred, thermography was key in locating and monitoring the affected areas thus allowing the inspectors insight into what was happening. This was accomplished with the unit online at normal production levels instead of shutting down prematurely, when neither parts nor manpower were available to effect proper repairs.
Infrared Imaging is an Effective Condition Monitoring System .