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INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING

Introduction Thermal imaging is simply the process of converting


infrared (IR) radiation (heat) into visible images that depict
Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic method, the spatial distribution of temperature differences in a
based on object surface temperature detection. The scene viewed by a thermal camera.
infrared (IR) radiation emitted from an object is recorded
and visualized in the form of a temperature distribution
map. The resulting image, known as a "thermogram", can
Thermography for Electrical Application
be used to determine; structural defects, electrical faults,
Heat is an important factor in high voltage installations.
mechanical faults, physiological changes in people &
When electrical current passes through a resistive element,
animals, and much more.
it generates heat. An increased resistance results in an
increase in heat. Over time the resistance of electrical
A thermal imager is an industrial tool that displays and
connections will increase, due to the loosening and
has an ability to store two-dimensional images of an
corrosion for instance. The corresponding rise in
object’s surface temperatures. All objects emit infrared
temperature can cause components to fail, resulting in
radiation based on their temperatures; thermal imaging
unplanned outages and even injuries. In addition, the
makes it possible to view equipment temperature
energy spent on generating heat causes unnecessary
conditions – which are invisible to the naked eye. This
energy losses. If left unchecked, the heat can even rise to a
enables you to easily detect anomalies in the
point where connections melt and break down; as a result,
temperatures of electrical or mechanical components,
fires may break out.
that are hotter or colder than similar objects within the
same environment.
Examples of failures in high-voltage installations that can Thermography for Building Inspection
be detected with thermal imaging include:
Inspecting buildings using a thermal imaging camera is a
• Oxidation of high voltage switches powerful and non-invasive means of monitoring and
• Overheated connections diagnosing the condition of buildings. Thermal imaging
• Incorrectly secured connections technology is one of the most valuable diagnostics tools for
• Insulator defects building inspections. Using thermal imagery, we can
identify problems early, allowing them to be documented
Electrical cabinets and motor control cabinets are and corrected before becoming more serious and more
regularly scanned with a thermal imaging camera. Besides costly to repair.
loose connections, electrical systems suffer from load
imbalances, corrosion, and increases in impedance to Moisture intrusion or leaks within buildings can not only
current. By conducting a low voltage survey using a cause damage to the buildings but can also lead to a health
thermal imaging camera we can quickly locate any hot hazard for the occupants due to mold growth.
spots and determine the severity of the problem.
Building diagnostics inspection with a thermal camera can
Examples of failures in low voltage equipment that we help:
can detect with thermal imaging include:
• Visualize energy losses
• High resistance connections • Detect missing or defective insulation
• Corroded connections • Source air leaks
• Internal fuse damage • Find moisture in insulation, in roofs and walls, both
• Internal circuit breaker faults in the internal and the external structure
• Poor connections and internal damage • Locate water infiltration in flat roofs
• Undersized Cabling • Detect breaches in hot water pipes
• Detect construction failures
We can spot these and other issues at an early stage with
a thermal imaging camera. We will help you accurately We often conduct cooling loss surveys for clients who find
locate the problem, determine the severity of the that their power consumption costs have soared due to
problem, and establish a time frame in which the excess operation of air-conditioner or excess operation of
equipment should be repaired. air conditioner to achieve the setpoint temperature.

We can spot these and other issues at an early stage with a


thermal imaging camera. We will help you accurately locate
the problem, determine the severity of the problem, and
establish a time frame in which the repairs or rectification
can be done.

Copyright © 2022 by ENERGENIQ


WWW.ENERGENIQ.COM.PK
Thermography for Mechanical System Advantages of Thermal Imaging
Mechanical systems serve as the backbone of operations. • Zero to minimal down-time: Due to the non-contact
Thermal data collected with a thermal imaging camera and non-invasive nature of thermal imaging,
can be an invaluable source of complimentary thermographers can carry out thermal analysis
information to vibration studies in mechanical equipment inspections while the plant or equipment is still fully
monitoring. operational.
• It saves money: Thermal imaging can detect faulty
Mechanical systems will heat up if there is a misalignment components or systems at an early stage, thus allowing
at some point in the system. Conveyor belts are a good the company to plan and conduct remedial work within
example of this. If a roller is worn out, it will clearly show a scheduled maintenance window. By early fault
in the thermal image so that it can be replaced. detection, damage to vital operational systems may be
avoided saving thousands of dollars in unexpected
Typically, when mechanical components become worn down-time.
and less efficient, the heat dissipated will increase. • Accuracy and speed: Thermal imaging surveys can
Consequently, the temperature of faulty equipment or quickly scan and measure the temperature distribution
systems will increase rapidly before failure. By of entire surfaces of electrical and mechanical
periodically comparing readings from a thermal imaging equipment under normal load conditions, eliminating
camera with a machine's temperature signature under the need for pre-inspection work and lengthy
normal operating conditions, we can detect a multitude preparation.
of different failures. • 100% non-invasive: Thermal imaging cameras (or
infrared cameras), are passive instruments meaning
Motors can also be inspected with thermal imaging they detect infrared energy emitted of the subjects
cameras. Motor failures like brush contact-wear and surface. This passive and non-invasive approach
armature shorts typically produce excess heat prior to ensures the thermographer can maintain a safe
failure but remain undetected with vibration analysis, distance from the potentially hazardous equipment.
since it often causes little to no extra vibration. Thermal Furthermore, there is no potential for damage to occur
imaging gives us a full overview and allows us to compare to the systems or equipment as a result of the thermal
the temperature of different motors. Other mechanical survey.
systems we monitor with thermal imaging cameras • Significantly reduces the risk of Occupational Health
include; couplings, gearboxes, bearings, pumps, & Safety issues in the workplace: Intervention through
compressors, belts, blowers and conveyor systems. early detection can prevent hazardous equipment
failure, personal harm, and risk of fire.
Thermal imaging can also be used to give valuable • Infrared Thermography and Risk Compliance:
information about the condition of the pipe, tube and Thermographic surveys support the processes involved
valve insulation. Inspecting the condition of the insulation in regulatory compliance with Health and Safety
material surrounding the pipework can be crucial. Heat Legislation while meeting insurance specified risk
losses due to failing insulation and cladding will show up assessment and prevention criteria.
very clearly within the thermal images we take, allowing
you to quickly repair the lacking insulation and prevent ENERGENIQ provides Infrared Thermal Imaging with
significant energy losses or other damages. trained and certified individuals to perform the testing and
usage of state-of-the-art instrument for testing. With
ENERGENIQ it’s not an image capturing service, we have
experienced electrical and mechanical engineers who have
vast experience of design, assessment, testing and auditing
which bring vast experience in diagnosis, analysis, and
recommendation for anomaly correction toto customer in
form of thermal imaging reports.

Copyright © 2022 by ENERGENIQ


WWW.ENERGENIQ.COM.PK

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