What is Thermography in electrical maintenance?

Thermography is a method of inspecting electrical and mechanical equipment by obtaining heat distribution pictures. The increase in temperature in an electrical circuit could be due to loose connections or a worn bearing in the case of mechanical equipment.

What is Thermography engineering?

The technique uses thermographic cameras to detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (around 9,000–14,000 nanometers or 9–14 µm) and produces images of this thermal radiation, known as thermograms. …

What is electrical thermal imaging?

Thermography is a non-destructive test method that may be used to detect poor connections, unbalanced loads, deteriorated insulation, or other potential problems in energized electrical components.

How do you take thermography?

Types of Thermographic Inspection Devices A spot radiometer (also called a point radiometer) is the simplest. It measures radiation one spot at a time, with a simple meter reading showing the temperature of a given spot. The auditor pans the area with the device and notes the differences in temperature.

How much does thermography cost?

The average cost is around $150 to $200. Medicare does not cover the cost of thermography. Some private health insurance plans might cover part or all of the cost.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of thermography?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Thermography

  • No need to take the electrical installation out of service since it can be used during normal operating conditions.
  • It is a non-contact and a non-destructive test method, used from a safe distance.

What is infrared thermography used for?

The primary goal of infrared thermography is to confirm machinery is running normally and to detect abnormal heat patterns within a machine, indicating inefficiency and defects. Inspecting mechanical equipment using infrared thermography is a big advantage for asset managers tasked with condition monitoring.

What can thermography detect?

Thermography is a test that uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) is the type of thermography that’s used to diagnose breast cancer. DITI reveals temperature differences on the surface of the breasts to diagnose breast cancer.

Can FLIR see electrical wires?

They can see things into walls up to four inches thick. They can even locate electrical wiring.

Does insurance pay for thermography?

Is Thermography covered by insurance? Some insurance companies cover thermography screenings, but most do not. Payment is due at the time of service. We have found that some companies will reimburse or give a partial reimbursement and are happy to provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance company.

How reliable is thermography?

Providers of thermography screening say that it is reliable and harmless, but research suggests that is it less likely to be less accurate than mammography. Data from a 4-year phase of one study indicated that thermography accurately detected only 43% of breast cancers.

How is infrared thermography used in mechanical maintenance?

Infrared thermography is a tool that has become more and more widely used for preventative maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems over time. It takes advantage of the infrared radiation properties to extract useful conclusions for the condition of the equipment under test.

How is thermography used in predictive maintenance programs?

Since heat is often an early symptom of equipment damage or malfunction, it makes sense that it is a key performance parameter monitored in predictive maintenance (PdM) programs. Infrared thermography is a tool that has become more and more widely used for preventative maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems over time.

When do you need to use the thermography inspection tool?

As physical contact with the system is not required, inspections can be made under full operational conditions resulting in no loss of production or downtime. The thermography inspection tool is a device designed for plant condition monitoring, preventative maintenance and process monitoring applications.

When did Samuel Langley invent the thermography?

The modern thermographic equipment, however, takes advantage of the invention of the bolometer in 1881 by Samuel Langley, who was able to detect the infrared radiation emitted from a cow at a distance of three hundred meters.