IR/INFO Proceedings 2012

List of articles contained in the IR/INFO 2012 Proceedings:

Selling your Services Using Social Media

Allinson, John (Jack) N., BSc, AMS®

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
J.N. Allinson Associates, Inc.
Allinson Infrared Inspection Services, Inc.

222 University Blvd. North #2 Jacksonville, FL 32211

904-721-2177

www.allinson.com

Abstract:

At the IR/INFO 2011 Conference, Jack was introduced to some remarkable video and audio social media products.

Join Jack as he reviews how he implemented these products and how he monitors their performance to measure the success of increased visibility using social media.

Go Green or Go Home!

Bethel, Noah P., CMRP,
Vice President of Product Development

PdMA Corporation

5909C Hampton Oaks Parkway Tampa, FL 33610

813-621-6463, ext. 124

www.pdma.com
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Abstract:

In the wake of sweeping energy regulations and increased competitive strategies, aging facilities are no longer being allowed to perform at sub-energy efficient levels.

Ultimatums have been handed down to facilities to either increase their energy efficiency levels or face the inevitable plant closure possibility as corporations choose which facilities are too costly to maintain.

For those working at these aging facilities, asset reliability and energy efficiency have never been more important.

This paper will follow the efforts of multiple facilities within a corporation to increase their productivity through reliability and efficiency in an effort to survive the corporate axe.

Using a Building’s HVAC Systems and Infrared Technology to Solve Water Intrusion Problems

Brady, James

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
Brady Infrared Inspections, Inc.

935 Pine Castle Court Stuart, FL 34996

772-288-9884

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bradyinfrared.com

Abstract:

Locating the source of water leaks in buildings constructed with non-absorbent materials, such as glass, pre-cast concrete panels, and stone facades can be expensive with little to no progress to show for the investment.

Intruding water travels quickly through these types of buildings and leaves behind a trail of damage without clues of its entry point.

Conventional infrared surveys that look for entrained moisture in the exterior layer of a building envelope often yield inconclusive results, leaving the building owner to contemplate the next step.

This presentation highlights a recent infrared inspection of a building that was experiencing the exact symptoms of water intrusion mentioned above.

By utilizing the building’s HVAC system combined with an interior and exterior infrared survey of the building envelope, the origin of water intrusion was accurately located on the exterior of the building.

The inspection also provided insight to the materials used for construction and the overall performance of the building.

How Pest Thermography is a Good Candidate in Choosing a New Income Stream

Bruni, Bart

Level II Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer®

Bestec Exterminators, Inc.
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

954-458-5357

www.bestechomeinspections.com

Abstract:

In our ever-changing economy many companies are looking for new income streams.

In this paper we will examine pest thermography as a possible candidate. We will discuss two of the hottest money making pests to date as they relate to IR pest inspections.

We will look at what it takes to discover, identify, and report valuable information that will save an end user’s property from total destruction. We will also offer suggestions on how to market this service.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Infrared Programs

Cawlfield, Scott

President
Logos Computer Solutions, Inc.

3801 14th Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119

206-217-0577
206-217-0573

www.logoscomputer.com
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Abstract:

While it is not possible to predict the actual extent of damage, if any, that may occur, we do know that equipment fails.

We also know that the failure can be from one end of the spectrum to the other.

That is to say, a 400-amp circuit breaker can fail internally and simply will not allow a person to reset it to the on position.

The same breaker can experience a tremendous amount of internal arcing, explode and the arcing carry over inside the Motor Control Center (MCC) to the point that the entire MCC is destroyed and the ensuing fire causes massive damage to the room and building.

Our approach in this paper is to focus on the more frequent failures and not dwell on extreme cases.

While extreme cases are severe, they are much less frequent and do not aid in building an overall case for the cost/benefit analysis of an infrared program.

Equipment failures often have financial consequences that extend beyond the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged components.

In some cases the cost of the component is the lesser of the expenses.

Production downtime can sometimes far outweigh the cost of replacing the equipment or component.

Trying to make a case for what can happen is difficult unless you provide examples of what has actually happened.

Historical data can provide a bridge from the theoretical to the real world.

With 20/20 hindsight and a large set of data, we can summarize the documented loss to production and equipment repair costs.

Using this data, we derive industry averages for cost benefit analysis creating a baseline or starting point for estimating future losses or savings.

This paper is meant to provide information and a thought process for those conducting infrared surveys, whether inside their own company or as an outside contractor.

SuperResolution with Deconvolution in Detail

Hinkel, Sabine

Testo, Inc.

40 White Lake Road Sparta, NJ 07871

800-227-0729

www.testo.us

What to Look Forward to When you Decide to Bid on an Infrared Inspection Job

Griggs, Mark

Griggs Thermal Imaging

2160 Autumn Place Columbus, Ohio 43223

614-395-8654

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Abstract:

For professional thermography, the first step in securing a new project involves generating a proposal.

This step, which precedes the conduct of any work, can make the difference between a project award or rejection.

Regardless of the type of inspection, preparing a proposal is a systematic approach that will clearly outline a scope of work, responsibilities of all parties involved, and the price.

This paper will offer insight as to how to approach a project and prepare a proposal which is likely to result in a project award.

Cost-Savings and Safety Benefits of Remote Thermal Imaging

Kochanek, Ed

Director of Regional Sales
FLIR Systems, Inc. Commercial Systems

9 Townsend West Nashua, NH 03063 USA

978-901-8000

www.flirthermography.com
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Abstract:

New remote thermal imaging solutions are gaining considerable attention among industrial end-users.

We will showcase applications that improve safety monitoring, process control, quality assurance, and security which are helping companies prevent expensive equipment failures, hazards, production losses, and intrusions.

Learn how FLIR Automation thermal cameras keep an infrared eye on substations, critical vessels, production lines, and parts inspections.

Also discover the promise of new Wi-Fi technologies that are making it possible to remotely control and stream images from portable handheld IR cameras for safe viewing of potentially dangerous targets.

IR Imaging to Locate Overheating Issues Within Electrical Power Equipment

Koehler, David

Materials Laboratory Manager
Doble Engineering Company Material Laboratory

5335 W. Minnesota Street Indianapolis, IN 46241

317-381-0901

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Abstract:

Infrared thermography is an extremely valuable tool when trying to locate overheating issues within electrical power equipment.

Numerous case studies will be presented showing the IR scan and associated problems with each piece of equipment.

Dissolved Gas Analysis technology will also be discussed, focusing on how these test results can give indications of overheating problems within electrical power equipment.

Reducing Substation Failures with Ultrasound Technology

Messer, Adrian

Manager of US Operations

UE Systems Inc.

864-224-4517
914-282-3504

www.uesystems.com
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Abstract:

Strategies for maintaining substation performance by spotting potential signs of trouble in advance is something many maintenance personnel contemplate.

The implementation of predictive technologies such as infrared thermography and airborne/structure borne ultrasound go a long way in improving asset availability and reducing the surprise element of flashover incidents.

This presentation will focus on airborne/structure borne ultrasound as an effective tool for locating arcing, tracking, corona, and partial discharge events in substation equipment.

Instruments based on this technology provide the ability to sense high frequency emissions produced by these potentially hazardous events and enable users to quickly find the source of the emission.

Some ultrasound instruments have the ability to record sound events to be used for spectral analysis, which is becoming an important component of condition analysis and diagnosis of electrical emissions.

After a brief overview of ultrasound technology, methods and principles of inspection and diagnosis will be discussed followed by examples and case histories.

OSHA and NFPA 70E

Miller, Rob

CMRP – Senior Technical Advisor
IRISS, Inc.

4914 Lena Road, Suites 105-106 Bradenton,FL 34211

877-704-7477

www.iriss.com
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Abstract:

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforces electrical safety regulations in the United States.

Although OSHA has not adopted and does not mandate NFPA 70E compliance, you can be cited for non-compliance.

If you wonder how this could be possible, remember that OSHA’s authority to do so stems from the occupational Safety and Health Act – in particular Sections 5(a)(1) and 29 CFR 1910.2(g).

Section 5(a)(1) “The General Duty Clause” of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, states that employers “shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees”.

This is the clause most cited by OSHA where unsafe work conditions are found to exist.

Section 29 CFR 1910.2(g) states a “National Consensus Standard” means any standard or modification thereof which has been adopted and promulgated by a nationally recognized standards-producing organization under procedures whereby it can be determined that persons interested and affected by the scope or provisions of the standard have reached substantial agreement on its adoption”.

NFPA 70E is considered a national consensus standard and as such, non-compliance leaves employers open for citation under this clause if they are found to not be in compliance.

This paper discusses in detail the interrelation of OSHA safety standards and NFPA in greater detail as well as discussing some of the major changes in the upcoming 2012 edition of NFPA70E.

The Role of Standards & Calibration in IR Thermography

Abstract:

Standards play a big role in infrared thermography, but there are several kinds of them.

Some are about the thermal imaging instruments themselves, their calibration and performance; and others are about using the instruments.

There are still others about the training and qualifications for the people who use thermal imagers.

Standards and practices vary in different places in the world.

This tutorial describes some of the key ones and how they relate to calibration of imagers and the regular use of infrared imaging equipment.

Better Building/Better Designs at Habitat for Humanity MN With the Help of Infrared Imaging

Pratten III, John W.

Level III – ASNT Compliant

Fluke Thermography Plymouth, MN

800-443-5853

www.fluke.com
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Abstract:

Habitat for Humanity MN, with product and technical support from Fluke Thermography are monitoring and improving the building techniques of new home construction and home retrofits.

The results are teaching better building techniques to the construction workforce and producing more efficient, affordable homes for families.

This presentation will focus on affordable new and rehab residential construction projects in Minnesota.

Discussion will include both problems identified with the use of thermal technology as well as successes achieved, including the “net-zero” home (designed by the University of Minnesota’s College of Design) – a home that produces as much energy as it consumes.

The primary focus in the presentation will be the use of thermography as a tool to help achieve these results.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY WORKSHOP TUTORIAL
How to Create an Effective Electrical Maintenance Program

Robinson, Martin

IRISS

Abstract:

Have you ever wondered just how to start an electrical maintenance program but didn’t know where to start?

Join us for a 1⁄2 day workshop designed to give you an overview of the critical requirements of a successful program.

The workshop outlines a typical Electrical Distribution system and will discuss in detail the key factors required of an electrical maintenance program, how to approach the maintenance requirements of each piece of equipment within the distribution system and how these processes integrate together.

Tutorial Outline

  1. Overview of NFPA70B and NFPA70E
  2. RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) Processes for Electrical Maintenance
  3. Condition Based measurement Techniques (IR, Ultrasound, MCA- Motor Current Analysis)
  4. Electrical Safety and Standards Compliance
  5. Building the Business Case for an Electrical Maintenance Program

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  1. Implementing NFPA 70B processes in line with the requirements of NFPA70E
  2. Understanding RCM processes and their benefits.
  3. Correct use of condition based measurement techniques (IR, Ultrasound, MCA, etc…) and the required measurement parameters for good data collection and report generation
  4. How to successfully combine maintenance tasks with the required safety standards
  5. Complete an outline document for the business case for your electrical maintenance Program

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY:

For over 30 years, Martin Robinson has been a pioneer in the field of maintenance technology. He spent 18 years in the British Army specializing in field maintenance of combat fleet vehicles. Mr. Robinson continues to be an innovator and pioneer the technological benefits of Infrared Thermography internationally. He has met with, consulted, or advised international maintenance and reliability leaders on electrical preventive maintenance and electrical safety standards of NFPA and OSHA. A recognized authority in the field of Infrared Thermography (IR), Mr. Robinson has designed CBM programs to include IR, Non-destructive Testing (NDT) and implementation of green energy initiatives and energy management strategies.

The solutions Mr. Robinson designed, engineered, patented and manufacture are industry leading and include the world’s only industrial-grade infrared windows capable of passing durability and impact requirements; the first ultrasound ports; emissivity standardization label system; and the world’s only transmissive PDU panels. In 2001, he split the products from the services of GM Tech and moved the specialty manufacturing of the IRISS line of products to the US, and in 2007, incorporated IRISS, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida.

Using Thermal Imaging to Detect Fugitive Gas Emissions

Scott, Rodney J.

President
Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® & Instructor
Invizions, Inc.

2519 State Route 61 Norwalk, Ohio 44857

419-663-8621

www.invz.net
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract:

Fugitive gas emissions represent a significant liability for companies in the form of cost, safety, and potential environmental contamination.

In addition to the unwanted loss of product, hefty fines from regulatory agencies may also apply.

Under proper conditions, thermal imaging may be used to remotely detect evidence of a wide variety of gas leaks including sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and ammonia.

This paper will discuss this application in detail including proper selection of thermal imaging equipment, inspection techniques, and helpful hints to correctly identify and label various leakks.

Power Quality Case Studies

Sinicola, Frank

GFI

1414 Outlook Avenue Bronx, NY 10465

888-511-8721

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Abstract:

Most companies have a preventive maintenance program in place for the electric power system within their facilities.

However, facilities can still experience disturbances or failure of switch gear and/or equipment that can affect their operation.

This paper will provide a brief overview of problem and solution statements for several case studies.

These solutions can save facilities money by implementing efficiencies to power usage and avoiding major damage to equipment.

The annual cost of power quality related problems are in the hundreds of millions.

Although thermography is a good tool for identifying a potential failure, it is just one of the tools utilized in solving power quality (PQ) problems.

Industry studies have indicated 80% of PQ problems are created within the facility, the remaining 20% are utility related, which include normal operational switching and power disturbances within the power supply.

A power disturbance within the utility supply can amplify an existing condition within the facility.

Facility related causes are improper wiring and grounding practices which are not in compliance with code.

Another facility related cause besides the equipment itself is the effect of equipment on other equipment.

Prior to reviewing the case studies we will discuss electrical basics and tips.

Are Electrical Switchgear Surveys Still the Low-Hanging Fruit  of Infrared Thermography?

Stockton, Gregory R.

President
Stockton Infrared Thermographic Services, Inc. & United Infrared, Inc.

8472 Adams Farm Road Randleman, NC 27317

888-SCAN-4-IR

www.unitedinfrared.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract:

Eleven years ago, the author published “NOT the low hanging fruit of Infrared Thermography” – a white paper discussing why thermographers should explore the many other upcoming applications for infrared…other than the electrical application.

Since then, many changes have occurred in the world of infrared (IR) and particularly in electrical infrared…most of them good.

To date, IR testing of switchgear remains the most popular infrared application.

This paper discusses the market forces, insurance requirements, government regulations and risk management thinking that are changing the electrical testing industry in general, and the electrical infrared testing application in particular.

Understanding Imager Specifications

Swirnow, Wayne

Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer®
Infrared Imaging Services, LLC

PO Box 221 New City, NY 10956

845-641-5482

www.infraredimagingservices.com

Abstract:

Infrared imagers are a form of data acquisition equipment having operational specifications and limitations similar to many other forms of test and measurement instrumentation.

In all cases, the instrument’s function is to capture an external stimulus (voltage, pressure, G force, weight, radiant energy, etc.) and convert it to a qualitative graphical display or quantitative numerical measurement for the user.

Through a deeper understanding of how the imager works as a piece of data acquisition equipment rather than just a “camera”, the thermographer will gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities.

This paper will explore several key operational and performance specifications of thermal imagers and interpret them as they apply to their daily use in thermography.

Thermography Image Processing Technique Provides High Resolution QVGA (320 x 240) Display

Tamura-san, Tetsu

SOLTEC Corporation
an NEC Avio Infrared Technologies, Ltd. Company

12977 Arroyo Street San Ferando, CA 91340

818-365-0800

www.NECAvioInfrared.com

Abstract:

Thermography applications have expanded with lower priced infrared camera availability; however, for those applications requiring high performance/high resolution thermography images such as construction fault diagnosis, image processing to achieve a suitable high resolution display has proven to be a difficult task.

NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd. has developed new infrared image processing techniques to improve thermography spatial resolution and temperature resolution for QVGA (320×240) display optimization.

The methods used and resulting effects shall be presented.

Identifying the Root Cause of Energy Loss

Vics, Howard M.

Technical Director, United Infrared
BPI Certified Building Analyst & Envelope Instructor/Proctor
Building Science Master Certification
Certified Level II Infrared Thermographer
RESNET Certified HERS Rater

Building Performance Consulting of NY
1344 Sumner Ave. Schenectady, NY 12309

518-368-4546

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract:

When we consider that we all live in, and heat and cool, a “box”, the most significant component of energy loss is through the surfaces that separate us from the weather (the building “envelope”).

This presentation will focus on the use of IR in assessing imperfections in the building envelope.

We will also discuss the use of the “Blower Door” as an additional diagnostic tool to characterize weaknesses in the thermal boundary.

These weaknesses allow for heat transfer by both conductance and air movement (air leakage).

We will include thermal images of insulated, uninsulated and partially insulated building envelopes, both with and without the use of the blower door.

With an understanding of energy movement across the thermal boundary, we can show how to quantify energy loss and provide solutions for energy conservation to the home owner.

Temperature Measurement of Electrical Components when Viewed through IR Windows

Ward, Garry

Director
Industrial Precision Instruments P/L

Unit 15 634-644 Mitcham Road Mitcham, Melbourne 3132 Austrilia

011-61-3-9-9872-5055

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract:

Increased awareness of the hazards of electrical arc flash and safety standards have led many companies to install infrared windows in their switchgear enclosures.

Accurate radiometric temperature measurement through an infrared window requires proper measurement technique and knowledge of the window’s transmittance value.

To simulate some of the challenges faced by practicing thermographers, several infrared cameras were used to measure the temperature of high emittance targets through different infrared windows under controlled conditions.

This paper compares test results and discusses how measurement results can differ among infrared cameras, how changes to ambient temperature influence measurement accuracy, how transmittance values vary with window type, and errors introduced by viewing angle

Who Should Attend

  • Thermographers
  • Process Control Supervisors
  • Maintenance Managers
  • Loss Control Specialists
  • Reliability Engineers
  • P/PM and NDT Personnel
  • Manufacturers
  • Quality Assurance Inspectors
  • Home and Building Inspectors

How You Will Benefit

  • Education
  • Learn New Technology
  • Networking
  • See Latest Developments
  • Share Ideas
  • Discover New Applications & Techniques

Conference Co-sponsors