One of the many uses for Infrared Thermal Scanning is in the area of electrical systems. Thermal-Diagnostics just completed a large job for a Logistics company in Whittier, CA
The Job
Starting with a 750KVA transformer on the exterior of the building:
On through the main panel;
And to the various sub panels:
and Step-down transformers;
A fire pump system;
and an emergency diesel generator, I must have walked two miles to cover it all.
This was a typical electrical fault scan required for fire insurance rating by one of their customers.
The value of Thermal Scanning in a Preventative Maintenance program.
Thermal scanning has been a staple in the PM and PdM fields (Planned maintenance & predictive maintenance) It is one of the tools used, along with ultrasound, vibration analysis and laser alignment to keep a factory's equipment running at top performance and to maintain reliability standards.
In a recent White Paper on PdM, an example was given of using IR Scanning to monitor the chain drive conveyor system in a GM V-8 engine assembly plant. In the example, a bearing was spotted that was showing thermal indications of incipient failure due to lack of lubrication. Cost of "pro-active correction" = $80 for labor and materials. Projected cost of allowing it go run to failure worked out to be over a million dollars in labor, materials and lost production! Now, you tell me IR inspection it too expensive!
How can this be applied in a "residential" environment?
Thermal Scanning is not just for commercial or industrial applications. Its benefits are just as valid for a residence. Possibly more so since they often do not get the attention of a professional crew of maintenance personnel, working full time. Residential maintenance is more often "reactive" rather than pro-active, unfortunately.
Thermal Scans for Residential Properties:
- Moisture intrusion from plumbing and roof leaks.
- Missing or miss-installed insulation.
- Dangerous Electrical faults / fire hazards.
- Energy Loss scans for air infiltration/exfiltration & missing or damaged weather stripping.
- Failures/faults in embedded radiant heating systems.
- HVAC system air leaks and damaged or blocked condensers.
- Insect infestations. Got bees in your walls? I can see them!
- Concrete block wall (CMU's) grout missing.
Infrared is also used in Medical and Veterinarian diagnosis settings. Did you know that a Medical Thermal Scan can detect breast cancer as soon as 10 years earlier than a conventional mammogram?
Veterinarians use Thermal Scanning for horses, to diagnose soft tissue damage that does not show up on an X-Ray.
The thermal scan will quickly show areas of excessive blood circulation (inflammation) or lack of blood flow due to soft tissue injury sustained by the animal. Their only tools before the introduction of IR was observation and palpitation (physical manipulation). There are even training courses being offered to Thermographers now to learn this niche application of Infrared use.
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