Abstract:

“Cold Molding” is a labor intensive process typically reserved for “Custom” boat builds. More often than not this process is used for Convertible Sportfish boats used for offshore fishing tournaments. A boat of this pedigree typically takes at least a year to complete and sells for over three million ($3,000,000.00) USD. The “Cold Molded” process uses strips of thin wood veneers and epoxy resin to create the complex shape of a boat hull.

The author is an Accredited Marine Surveyor (SAMS-AMS), Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer®, co-author of the Standard for Infrared Inspection of Recreational Yachts & Small Craft Constructed of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic and Composite Materials published in 2011 (aka “The Standard”) and has used Infrared Thermal Imaging in his Marine Surveying business since 2003.

This year’s presentation will demonstrate how the Standard was used to detect moisture intrusion in a Sixty-Six (66) foot custom convertible wooden cold molded sportfishing boat.

Abstract:

With hundreds of thousands of documents being added to the Internet daily, how is it possible for Google to analyze, catalog, and index everything? The old methods still work but their efficacy is decreasing. What’s replacing them?

Content Marketing solves the problem of search for both the Searcher and the Search Engines. The main focus of Content Marketing is to create Pillar Pages with concomitant Cluster Topics that will be useful to both the Searcher and the Search Engine.

Content Marketing is not a new topic but it is the culmination of the transformative algorithmic updates that have been unleashed by Google over the past four years.

We will look at what Content Marketing means and we will – together – create a Pillar Page with supporting Cluster Topics.

Lastly, we will look at two web-pages from the infrared world that are nascent Pillar Pages which have given their owner especially high rank in the realm of web-page visibility.

Abstract:

Transmission lines are the critical backbone of the utility power grid. They are the “heavy lifters” of electricity, providing the link between electrical generation plants and substations that distribute power to the consumer. Power outages on these lines can be widespread affecting from several hundred to thousands of customers. Typical thermal problems occurring on such lines include loose connectors and splices. Equally to blame are failed insulators which are the result of damage due to corona discharge.

This presentation is based on a recent project that used solar-blind UV cameras and infrared thermal imagers to inspect a large transect of 138kV transmission lines in Florida. The results of this study will look at the common factors these technologies share and point out their unique strengths for inspecting transmission lines. Also presented is how drones were used to document and classify the severity of reported problems.

Abstract:

Thermal imaging has been used to trouble shoot all types of electrical equipment since the invention of the infrared camera. There are just as many mechanical applications for thermal imaging that can be of benefit, as well. This presentation will discuss several different applications such as bearings, motors, heater tubes, and moisture detection. We will also discuss the return on investment with this technology and how you can expand the use of the camera beyond your typical electrical bolted connection.

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to inform fellow thermographers about the cost benefits of performing infrared electrical surveys. The paper will cover cost of repairs before failure and cost after failure, HSB’s internal claims data, claims data from property insurance carriers, as well as some figures from NFPA.

Focusing on HSB’s infrared program, I will discuss how our program has developed over the last 35 years. The presentation will also cover some of our claims data regarding electrical losses such as common causes of failures, costs, etc. I will also present claims figures from property carriers we partner with as well as statistics from NFPA on a national level.

This paper will present:

• A brief history of HSB and our infrared program
• Tracking of findings with cost avoidance ratios
• Some of our claims data related to electrical losses
• Claims figures from property carriers when an electrical loss results in a fire
• Figures from NFPA related to electrical losses

Abstract:

Structural problems in a CMU building are a real problem. If the wall receives a trauma, like a hurricane force wind or tornado and customers or workers inside the building are hurt, the legal ramifications can be devastating. A forensic examination of a block wall laid on the ground post-event could reveal some structural deficiencies. The building owner, architect, structural engineer, general contractor and masonry contractor can and probably will be held accountable if and when these deficiencies are documented.

One might think that the best way to know whether the grouted cells, bond beams, insulation and other components of a CMU wall are properly placed is to open the wall with hammer or hammer-drill where the grout or insulation is supposed to be and see if it is there. But, this test is inadequate because this sample is much too small (often less than one ten thousandth of a percent) to make a quantitative judgment of the entire wall structure. Also, a tiny sample does not show where blockages (to the proper filling of insulation) exist and/or where too much grout exists. The only other effective options are to X-ray the walls or tear them down, both of which are extremely expensive. This paper will outline how infrared thermography comes to the rescue!

Abstract:

The uses of Infrared thermography are numerous and well known to most: preventive maintenance, moisture intrusion, animal husbandry, and more. However, one area that is often overlooked is the use of infrared thermography in the use of art analysis.

For years, paintings have been analyzed using x-ray technology to look through paintings of some of the masters of the craft. In this paper we will look at why infrared technology is being used to analyze paintings, how the process has been done, and we will look at some of the findings from these scans and how the results have changed the way we look at these master works.

Abstract:

Thermal imaging has long been used to help assess moisture damage within homes following a loss. Although thermal imaging is a powerful forensic tool, it can provide greater benefit when used proactively. In 2016, Nationwide Private Client started a campaign to help decrease structural and personal property damage caused by water. As part of a routine site visit, our Risk Consultants who are also certified infrared thermographers, use thermal imaging to inspect all interior surfaces of a home where plumbing is present. Thermal anomalies associated with latent moisture are then addressed before extensive damage can occur. This paper will address our proactive use of thermal imaging, image analysis, and demonstrate how our use of thermal imaging has saved our company in excess of 6 million dollars.

Abstract:

With the accumulated quantity of thermal images, historical data, and complex diagnosis criteria, it becomes challenging for IR service professionals and clients to effectively manage, organize, locate and analyze thermal data and to generate high-quality data statistics and reports to evaluate asset status.

This presentation will introduce an innovative data-driven intelligent PdM IR system and its solutions to the challenges. We will also illustrate how this system can help IR professionals perform inspections intelligently, save significant time when creating reports, bring more value to the customer, and generate more business.