Infrared Thermography &

Passive Ultrasound for

Electrical System Inspections

Ultrasound World II Conference

Clearwater Beach, FL
November 6-9, 2005

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

 Introduction

• Infrared Thermography – use of a thermal imager to detect,

display and record the thermal patterns and temperatures
across the surface of an object

• Passive Ultrasound – use of an ultrasonic translator to

detect, measure and record sound patterns for an object

• Traditionally, these technologies have been used

individually; however, combining them overcomes
limitations of each and can provide complimentary data

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

Typical Modern Imagers
 Camera Sensitivity

Imagers can detect delta T’s as small as 0.1 C

Handprint on table detectable for up to several minutes

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IR and Ultrasound for Electrical Distribution Systems

• Uses: Preventive/Predictive Maintenance

Condition Monitoring
Quality Assurance
Forensics

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• Common Causes of Thermal Anomalies

Loose/deteriorated connections
Imbalanced Loads
Overloads
Open Circuits
Inductive Heating
Harmonics
Defective Equipment

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• Common Causes of Ultrasound Anomalies

Corona
Arcing
Tracking
Partial Discharge

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Loose/Deteriorated Connections

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Loose/Deteriorated Connections
Loose/Deteriorated Connections
Imbalanced Loads / Overloads

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Open Circuits

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Inductive Heating

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Destructive Harmonics

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Blocked Transformer Radiators
Low Oil in OCB

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Defective Insulators
Defective Lightning Arrestors
Clear Line of Sight Not Always Possible

• Resist temptation to provide repair recommendations

– Apparent loose connection due to defective internal contact
– Breaker causing power outages
• Replacement was required
Diagnosing Exceptions & Recommendations

• Avoid using temperature rise as a severity indicator

– Bushing indicated low to moderate temperature rise of 10 F
– Problem due to loose internal connection with arcing
– Arcing can cause sudden catastrophic failure!
 Airborne Ultrasound

• Airborne ultrasonic testing complimentary to IR

• Uses ultrasound translator to detect ultrasonic

frequencies associated with corona, arcing &
tracking

• Same preparations as IR Inspections

• Training and certification recommended

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 What to Listen For

• Corona

• Tracking *>28.4°F

28.0

27.0
24.4
26.0

• Arcing 25.0
26.8
24.0

23.0

*<23.0°F

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 Key Points
• Clear line of sight required

• Equipment must be under load

• Atmospheric conditions can affect results

• IR equipment can affect accuracy

• Safe work practices must be used

• Results dependent upon operator skills

– Proper training imperative for success!

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

Benefits of Combining IR & Ultrasound

Technologies require same preparations

- Save preparation time

Technologies compliment each other

- Detect problems that individual technology could miss

Combined technologies:
- Are completely passive
- Are non-destructive
- Require no interruption of service
- Can be performed remotely
- Can help to improve reliability & reduce downtime

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

Who is Infraspection Institute
• Independent organization providing training, certification and
support for infrared thermographers.

• Our Level 1, 2 and 3 Certification courses meet the training

requirements for NDT personnel in accordance with the ASNT
document, SNT-TC-1A.

• Since 1984, Infraspection Institute has trained nearly 7000 Certified

Infrared Thermographers worldwide.

• Recognized by the US Office of Patents &

Trademarks only Infraspection Institute is authorized
to issue the Certified Infrared Thermographer® mark
to qualifying individuals.

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

 How We Can Help You
• We support the practicing thermographer in order to help
you get the most from your IR inspection program!

• We maintain a comprehensive website containing thermal

images, class schedules and information about
thermography.

• For more information or to register for classes,

Call: 609-239-4788

Online: www.infraspection.com
Online: www.irinfo.org

IR Training for the REAL World™

Copyright © 2004 Infraspection Institute www.infraspection.com

 About the Instructor
R. James Seffrin is a Level III Certified Infrared
Thermographer with over 20 years field experience
in commercial and industrial thermography.

Jim has authored several papers and technical

articles on thermography. He has co-authored
several standards including the Infraspection
Institute Guidelines. He has also worked as an
expert witness in legal cases in several states and
in Europe.

An Infraspection grad in 1984, Jim joined

Infraspection as an instructor and curriculum
developer in 1997. Jim became Director of the
Institute in 2000. You are likely to meet Jim at one
of our courses or at our annual IR/INFO
symposium.

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