Electrical Thermal Imaging
Electrical Thermal Imaging
Electrical Thermal Imaging
THERMOGRAPHY-
THERMOGRAPHY- APPLICATION NOTE
All objects, which have a temperature above absolute zero (0 Degree Kelvin) emit
infrared radiation, which can be measured on the infrared spectral band of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The technique of measuring & viewing this energy is
called infrared thermography or thermal imaging. Most thermal imaging systems
respond to wavelengths of 3 - 5 micrometers or 8 –12 micrometers.
The application of both Thermal imaging & Ultra sonic detection techniques are
based on a fundamental principle, ‘Electrical Failures are preceded by rise in
temperature & sound’. If you understand this basic principle, carry out effective
techniques to detect these failure ‘pre-cursors’ and take timely corrective action,
electrical equipment failures can be avoided. Although T-imaging applications are
numerous (quality checks, tank level monitoring, detection of steam leaks,
integrity of furnace refractory lining, etc.), we will discuss electrical applications
in this application note.
The electrical maintenance practices evolved over a period of time, and can be
seen from the above diagram. Breakdown to preventive to predictive to risk
/reliability based maintenance practices. Logically, high reliability plant &
equipment requires to be maintained accordingly. In countries like USA, UK,
France, Netherlands, etc., infrared inspections are now recognized and
recommended as a best practice for the inspection of electrical installations.
• Age
• Location
• Past failure /accident history
• Risk level
Sreejith
Pillai Sreejith
We will try to explain how thermal images are interpreted to predict equipment
failures. A few cases are explained below:
CASE 1
Detected unsafe condition: High temperature in R-phase cable lug & insulator.
Recommendations: Re-lug the R-core and re-terminate the cable. Replace the R-
phase insulator also. After taking the above corrective measures, carry out T-
imaging again and ensure that the hotspots do not exist.
Sreejith
Pillai Sreejith
CASE 2
Recommendations: Re-lug the cable B-core and re-terminate the cable properly. If
the high temperature problem persists, then replace the R-phase terminal contacts.
After taking the above corrective measures, carry out T-imaging again and ensure
that the electrical hotspot do not exist.
Sreejith
Pillai Sreejith
CASE 3
CASE 4
Sreejith
Pillai Sreejith
The annualized cost (of hiring the T-camera & not owning it) is obviously
insignificant when the benefits from Thermogrphy surveys are compared. The
advantages of T-Surveys outweigh the hiring cost of the T-survey equipment, as
can be seen below:
Interpreting Results
Conducting regular thermographic surveys is fine but unless the Thermographs are
interpreted and implementation priorities defined, the effectiveness of the whole
exercise will not be complete.
Sreejith
Pillai Sreejith
Conatct:
Pillai Sreejith
[email protected]
Sreejith