Abstract:

One of the biggest problems faced in analyzing electrical equipment is determining where the true problem is located.

Fault Zone Analysis should be utilized to ensure that the actual problem is being detected and not just a secondary problem caused as a result of the real problem.

This paper will discuss the diagnostic process for electric motors and outline six specific fault zones that should be looked at, which include the power circuit, insulation condition, stator condition, rotor condition, air gap and power quality.

Abstract:

Over the last couple of decades, there have been many changes to infrared imagers and audio/visual equipment that make data gathering easier and more accurate.

Since infrared thermography companies have been servicing the industrial, manufacturing, commercial, residential and so many other industries, many new applications have been developed and more are being discovered and presented at forums like this all around the world.

My time in infrared has been a learning experience. Over the last 15 years as an infrared thermographer, and 10 years in business, Oregon Infrared has performed inspections for a wide array of applications and has captured over 100,000 images.

I have run across some examples of common problems in gathering accurate data which I call “Data errors”.

In this presentation I will illustrate some of the issues I have learned from and hope to help my fellow thermographers avoid some of the mistakes I have made over the years. Also included will be some examples of tips and tricks to make an infrared survey more efficient.

Abstract:

Mold Inspectors and Remediators are now using infrared thermography to help diagnose and attack hidden microbial problems in buildings.

Being armed with as much information as can be gathered allows inspectors to complete indoor air quality inspection and mold remediation with the highest degree of success possible.

This paper will discuss the techniques used to incorporate infrared data and air quality test results with data from other invasive testing methods.

Abstract:

Pest detection is one of the newest thermographic applications for building diagnostics.

Infrared inspections for pest detection differ significantly from traditional infrared inspections for energy loss and moisture infiltration.

This paper discusses the specific tools, techniques and special challenges faced by the Integrated Pest Management Thermographer and focuses on the protocols unique to this application.

Abstract:

The proliferation of computers and solid state electronics in the modern workplace has been accompanied by an increase in the presence of destructive harmonics within electrical distribution systems.

Symptoms of destructive harmonics include, but are not limited to: nuisance tripping of circuit breakers, blown fuses, failed motors, and overheated transformer windings and neutral conductors.

Since harmonics are often accompanied by a temperature rise, thermography can be used to detect evidence of their presence. This paper will discuss the causes, effects, and symptoms of harmonics as well as techniques for dealing with harmonics.

Abstract:

Windflow Technology have designed, built and installed a prototype half-megawatt wind turbine on the Port Hills of Christchurch, New Zealand. They have planning approval for a 104 turbine windfarm. This paper describes:

• the novel gearbox design, being 4-stage epicyclic, with flexible planet pins to aid load sharing, and a hydraulic torque limiter to reduce peak loads on the machinery
• vibration monitoring, analysis of source of audible noise, and the resulting gearbox design modifications to run quieter
• online monitoring after re-installation, including remote communications and a basic level of shutdown protection

Abstract:

A brief walk through of why and how an individual can verify the radiometric (temperature) calibration of their infrared thermal imager and why some popular myths are untrue. There are three main obstacles to doing verification on a regular basis.

First, the equipment suppliers seldom recommend that you do it. Second, very few users have learned how to do it successfully. Finally, the uncertain but clever user can often rationalize their way out of the work by adopting popular myths like: “If the equipment exhibitors wanted me to do it, they would have told me how”; or “Even if it is not to specifications, I can’t do anything about it”; and the most popular, “I don’t need to know, I only look for temperature differences”.

This presentation will provide a more balanced and rational view of calibration and instrument performance plus provide some methods for verifying the temperature calibration of your imager and how to track it over time. Your confidence in your equipment will be more solidly based once you begin to collect real numbers instead of myths.

Abstract:

Due to the nature of electrical switchgear, 90% of the components that a thermographer wishes to inspect are normally behind cabinet doors, switched interlocks, etc., making it impracticable for the thermographer to safely and routinely inspect live switchgear.

The recognition and adoption of the safe working practices outlined in NFPA 70E have led to the acceptance of IR windows as an approved, safe method that allows live inspections to be completed while ensuring that the thermographer is safe.

However, there is still a lot of confusion regarding the implementation of IR windows into a thermographic inspection program. The most common questions regarding IR windows are:

• How do I work out where to put the windows?
• How many infrared windows do I need?
• What can I see through an infrared window?
• How do I use infrared windows?

Infrared inspection windows are a real benefit to a thermographer. They make our work safer, faster and more accurate, but only when installed and used correctly. This paper will discuss in detail the points outlined above and dispel some of the most commonly held misconceptions regarding IR windows.

Abstract:

Currently, there are several forms of active thermography. This paper will introduce thermographers to the different methods of active thermography and will give a brief overview of each method.

Some types of active thermography discussed will include reflective or transmissive heating as applied to pulsed, pulsed phase, lockin, vibro, thermoelastic stress analysis and thermomechanical couplings in solids thermography. Also covered will be current and possible future uses for active thermography.