PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE:
Thermal Imaging for Mechanical Applications
All machinery produces heat, whether we are looking at an electric motor, a combustion engine, a gearbox, or a conveyor. Using infrared cameras, we can see the friction that is produced in a mechanical system. In the case of electric motors we can identify bearing problems quickly and easily as the bearings generate more heat as they become pitted, or when they are under-lubricated and sometimes over-lubricated. Electric motors also produce heat from the load that is put on them. This bakes the insulation inside that motor which will eventually lead to a breakdown in its insulation and cause a short that will essentially burn up the motor. Operating an electric motor at 10 degrees Celcius over its design temperature will cut the life of the motor in half. This means that trending the temperatures on a motor can really benefit a company by studying them in order to make repairs before they break down.
We can also look at steam traps, compressors, and all kinds of valves using infrared cameras. Any rotating machinery or process that generates any friction or heat is a great candidate for an infrared survey. We can even see the misalignment between a pump and a motor as misalignment stresses this configuration and generates heat in both components.
thermal imaging cameras for predictive maintenance: Mechanical applications
ICI ToughCam Infrared Camera
For infrared surveys on mechanical equipment ICI offers the ToughCam infrared camera. This inspection tool provides a 160X120 resolution image, 4 movable measurement points, and 3 area boxes for max., min. or average temperatures. It also has temperature alarming capability, 40 seconds of voice annotation, and a fold-out LCD display. This low cost unit weighs 19 ounces and has lens options for inspectors who need a lot of camera for a low price.
ICI Duracam320 Infrared Camera
For the infrared professional ICI offers the DuraCam 320 for infrared mechanical surveys. This system provides 320X240 image resolution along with all the bells and whistles an infrared thermographer needs. The DuraCam functions include 10 movable measurement points, 5 area boxes for max., min. or average temperatures, temperature alarms, built-in visible light camera, articulating eye piece, camera-top mounting LCD, and a remote control. This camera package is fully featured at a great price for any inspector.
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