| Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal imagers are the first line of defense in a predictive maintenance program. Changes in temperature are a key parameter in equipment monitoring and, since thermal imagery is non-contact, technicians can quickly measure equipment temperature without disrupting operations. Where thermal imagery stands out is unit measurement versus spot measurement.
Unlike an infrared thermometer that only captures temperature at a single point, a thermal imager captures an object's entire temperature profile as a two-dimensional picture. Technician can then review both critical components and the entire unit's surface heat or compare a known good unit to a problematic one and quickly determine where to investigate. Thermal imagers can also store previous and current images for comparison and upload images to a central database.
Common uses
- Monitor and measure bearing temperatures in large motors or other rotating equipment.
- Identify "hot spots" in electronic equipment
- Identify leaks in sealed vessels
- Find faulty insulation in process pipes or other insulated processes
- Find faulty terminations in high power electrical circuits
- Locate overloaded circuit breakers in a power panel
- Identify fuses at or near their current rated capacity
- Identify problems in electrical switch gear
- Capture process temperature readings
Application Reference – Motor Operating Temperature
When a paper plant had a problem with a pump control unit, thermal imaging showed that one of the three-phase power legs was running hot, indicating that the unit was drawing too much current through that leg. Maintenance personnel executed a work order and attempted a repair to the pump controller however, subsequent thermal imaging to evaluate the repairs showed that two legs were now running hot.
Maintenance attempted a second repair, but all three legs began to run hot. They removed the entire unit and replaced it. All of the tests and attempted repairs occurred before a catastrophic failure happened. No production time was lost, and no work-in-process material was damaged or lost. A sound predictive maintenance program that includes thermal imaging, takes steps to correct small problems before they become larger. | 
