Thermography Testing (TT)
Infrared Thermography is the process of acquisition and analysis of thermal information from non-contact thermal imaging devices. The practice quantitatively measures radiative heat emissions from objects for predictive and preventative maintenance programs.
Thermographic Inspection can be used to pinpoint components that are operating at a temperature higher than other components, indicating degradation, or to locate where energy losses are occurring such as in cryogenic fluid lines or steam pipes.
Use of Thermography
Thermography is used in predictive and preventative maintenance programs to reduce equipment down time. In addition, this prolongs equipment life, prevents schedule impacts due to untimely failures, and increases availability. Mechanical or electrical breakdowns of components are often preceded by changes in normal operating temperature. Advance notice of developing problems results in cost savings by resolving them before catastrophic failure occurs that could also damage other associated components.
Infrared scanning is a Non-Destructive technique which can be performed while the equipment is operating so there is no need for machine downtime and lost production.
Portable thermal imaging measurement systems provide images that can be stored on video recorders or built-in floppy disk drives for later recall during post analysis.
Advance notice of developing problems means they can be resolved or repaired during normal machine shutdowns rather than after a catastrophic failure that would cause lost man-hours and possible damage to other components associated with the failed item.
