Among the several holidays observed during this month is World Standards Day. Celebrated internationally each year on October 14, the day honors the efforts of the thousands of experts who develop voluntary standards within standards development organizations. The aim of World Standards Day is to raise awareness among regulators, industry and consumers as to the importance of standardization to the global economy.
Standards play an important role in thermography as they serve as guides for qualifications of personnel, equipment usage, non-contact temperature measurement, and infrared inspections of objects and processes. Because they specify procedures and requirements for reporting, standards help to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
For over 25 years, Infraspection Institute and its personnel have been actively involved in standards development for thermal imaging and noncontact temperature measurement. As co-authors and publishers of standards for thermography, we are proud of our contributions and thank our colleagues who have helped us to shape and advance our profession.
Infraspection Standards
At present, Infraspection Institute publishes the most comprehensive list of standards for infrared thermography. Coauthored by numerous expert thermographers, these standards outline industry best practices and are updated regularly to reflect current trends and technology.
Eleven comprehensive standards covering equipment operation, temperature measurement, and specific thermographic applications are available from Infraspection Institute. Each standard provides simple and straightforward procedures along with the requirements for properly documenting test results. These documents are a ‘must-have’ for anyone who specifies, performs, or oversees infrared inspections.
With the onset of seasonably cooler weather, autumn is the time to prepare your steam system for the upcoming heating season. Testing your steam traps before the season begins can help to pinpoint costly leaks prior to winter.
Traditionally, two different non-destructive technologies have been employed to test steam systems – contact ultrasonics and temperature measurement. Used individually, each of these techniques has limitations that can lead to false positive and/or false negative results. Combining temperature measurement with ultrasound can result in a highly accurate test method by following a few simple steps:
Measure trap inlet to ensure that temperature is above 212º F. If trap inlet is below 212º F, ascertain why steam is not reaching trap
Listen to the trap outlet with contact probe of ultrasonic unit. Continuous hissing or rushing sounds usually indicate a failed trap
Ascertain that trap is cycling periodically. Frequent cycling may be caused by an undersized or worn trap
Tag defective traps and document in a written report
Re-test defective traps after repair to ensure effectiveness of repair
Always be sure to follow appropriate safety precautions especially when working with high pressure steam or when using ladders or lift equipment.
In celebration of IR/INFO’s 27th anniversary, Infraspection Institute is pleased to announce a special offer combining the world’s most respected infrared training and certification program with the industry’s original technical conference.
Attend IR/INFO and receive a tuition voucher for up to 100% discount on a 2016 Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course.
Special offers may not be combined with any other discount. Training course vouchers must be used by 12/31/16. Tuition vouchers are transferable to a third party for a $500 administrative fee.
At present, Infraspection Institute publishes the most comprehensive list of standards for infrared thermography. Coauthored by numerous expert thermographers, these standards outline industry best practices and are updated regularly to reflect current trends and technology.
With the onset of seasonably cooler weather, autumn is the time to prepare your steam system for the upcoming heating season. Testing your steam traps before the season begins can help to pinpoint costly leaks prior to winter.
