Abstract:

Wye sections are found in many, various refining processes. They typically serve to deliver product to be mixed with air or catalyst into a reaction chamber. Reactions usually generate heat, sometimes in the neighborhood of 1300 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Internal refractory linings are used to keep heat in the process, but due to abrasion via flow and pressure, the refractory lining can degrade over time.

Infrared thermography is a great tool to identify and monitor areas of refractory damage in Wye sections. Steps to mitigate heat transfer to the shell and recommendations of areas to inspect and repair the refractory lining during turnarounds are possible through the implementation and execution of an infrared inspection program.

This presentation will explain the design of a Wye section, its function in the refining process, and how infrared thermography can help avoid unplanned outages.

Abstract:

What is the difference between “Maintenance” infrared inspections and “Property” infrared inspections? A maintenance infrared inspection should be restricted to every day operations. The Maintenance Manager’s responsibility is defined as short term – to keep the production line up and operating. A property infrared inspection should be centered on the potential of catastrophic or major losses relating to electrical fires, business interruption and plant safety.

The Property Risk Manager’s responsibility is to use his/her best judgment to determine the amount of exposure for a fire, business interruption or personnel safety the company is willing to accept and it is defined as long term. Inspection criteria are centered on primary transformers, internal distribution substations, overhead distribution bus, air compressors, specialty process machines, and review of site contingency plans.

This presentation will cover NEC-70E and OSHA-1910 visible code violations combined with infrared thermal inspection findings for developing suggested repair recommendations. We will examine the site inspection results and equipment severity classifications for all observations listed, and place them in a table format for final review and recommendations.

Abstract:

Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) methods are used for determining discontinuities in the form of breaches and seam voids in low slope roofing and waterproofing assemblies.

The first ELD method was developed in Germany in the 1970’s. Since then, several different advancements have been made to the original EFVM methods allowing for greater accuracy and speed of testing.

ELD methods can be used on new construction to locate and repair breaches before they cause extensive water saturation in the roofing assembly. ELD methods can also be used in forensic testing situations to locate where water is entering the roofing/waterproofing assembly.

When ELD methods are used in conjunction with thermal imaging, both the extent of water inundation along with the locations of the membrane breaches can be determined.

Abstract:

Over the years, I have viewed so many images and reports of thermographic inspections being carried out with improper imager settings, that I have ended up adding a section in my training courses on “How Not To Do An IR Survey”. I show upcoming as well as experienced thermographers actual real world examples of poor and careless IR work.

This paper will show how improper thermal imager settings can result in potentially dangerous outcomes with plant equipment, personnel safety, and property. Examples of shoddy insulation, electrical, and motor inspections using improper thermal imager settings will also be shown.

This paper will further discuss the importance of possessing adequate knowledge and experience for the application and equipment being inspected to effectively detect discontinuities. It will also briefly highlight the recent changes to ASNT SNT-TC-1A Thermal Infrared certification, which now addresses this important issue.

Abstract:

For over 30 years airborne thermal imaging systems have provided a unique perspective for a number of applications. In the past, thermal imaging systems were expensive and were limited to use with either helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. The recent introduction of affordable, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, combined with lightweight thermal imagers has made aerial thermal imaging more affordable than ever.

This paper and presentation will discuss the many uses of thermal imaging from the air.We will discuss search and rescue, utility and building applications and how far away you can be to see someone or something. We will also discuss the latest trends and what to look for in a thermal imager when you are above your target.

Abstract:

The USA is experiencing an oncoming wave of structures becoming obsolete and in need of repair or replacement. The average age of the country’s bridges is about 43 years and a significant portion of these bridges are considered structurally deficient. Using the FHWA’s Structure Inventory and Appraisal (SI&A) database, bridge inspectors determine condition ratings of bridge components. These ratings, however, are generally subjective and are dependent on individual inspector knowledge and experience, along with varying field conditions. Preemptive steps must be taken to effectively prioritize maintenance of deficient structures.

In order to enable the efficient collection of initial diagnostic data and facilitate anticipatory decision-making by pinpointing deficient areas in concrete surfaces, NEXCO-West USA has developed a methodology for scanning structural surfaces using infrared thermography. The method uses software which highlights deficient areas in a variety of applications, including 1) mobile highway inspections, 2) marine inspections, and 3) stationary inspections from short to long distances in respect to the target surface.

In this presentation, we present data from multiple locations, and examine the efficacy of the software’s detection functionality. By using this method, we aim to minimize man-hours in the field and to give bridge inspectors the tools to gain more accurate data in initial inspection phases, which can be used to objectively rate structural conditions.

Abstract:

Power transformers are common features found in many commercial and industrial facilities.

In order to ensure reliability and long service life, transformers must be regularly tested and maintained.

Evaluating test results obtained with multiple test techniques provides an accurate assessment of power equipment allowing maintenance personnel to decide the next steps to ensure equipment reliability.

This paper discusses the application of multiple in-service test techniques for power transformers along with case studies showing how internal inspections correlate to test data collected prior to shutdown.

Abstract:

For those who want to operate a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), aka Drones, in the National Airspace System, there are many issues that are critical to understand.

We have all heard about the industry-specific value this emerging technology can present to entrepreneurs, but a clear understanding of the FAA regulations, NTSB rules and how to safely integrate all this into a very complex environment is a must.

This presentation will explore the regulatory side of this exciting new business opportunity, and how to capitalize on the financial benefits that this technology can provide thermographs.

Abstract:

Thermography is an important diagnostic tool used to locate defects in the conductive path of electrical equipment. Because every component contains some inherent resistance which causes heat to be generated as a current pass through it, we can use a thermal imager to “see” these components in action. Viewing this heat allows the understanding of the flow of power through the system, gives us the ability to imagine its resistance and understand where there may be defects in the current’s path.

Most electrical gear we encounter during the course of an infrared inspection such as wires, switches, connectors, fuse clips, and circuit breakers, are engineered to avoid getting excessively warm when operated below its maximum current rating. Some devices such as heaters, relays, and contactor coils are designed to be warm, and even “hot” when running normally. For most equipment, the heat that is generated is a product of the current flowing through it and the equipment’s resistance.

As the current flow increases and the resistance stays fixed, the additional heat will be seen uniformly across the components. Conversely, a localized defect in the conductive path of the equipment usually causes a localized increase in resistance, which in turn will cause additional heat to be generated at that isolated location.

This presentation will use Ohm’s law as the vehicle to illustrate why electrical current flow causes components to get warm, and why a local increase in resistance causes the excessive heat typically referred to as a “hot spot”. Using Ohm as a foundation, this presentation will discuss a real-life situation of 50 amp oven plug receptacles, which were found to be overheating during an inspection of the wiring in an apartment building.

Abstract:

Insurance, particularly property and casualty, has been slow to adapt to the digitalization of the worldwide economy. For too long, insurance has resisted change, relying on a model that hasn’t had a significant change since 1686 when Lloyd’s of London was founded. Since then, insurance has predominately stuck with the same model of doing business the same way and letting the world change around it.

With the rise of insuretech companies, a more educated consumer market, and a general shift in willingness to accept the status quo, insurance has begun to realize it is in need of change or it will be drastically changed or, maybe, replaced altogether.

This presentation will discuss the current state of the insurance industry and what must be done in order for it to adapt and succeed in the future.