A tool for reliability and safety: predict and prevent equipmentfailures with thermography

摘要

Infrared thermography can help to proactively identify equipmentnfailures before they can occur. If equipment is allowed to operate untilnfailure, there may be significant damage, increased personnel risknexposure and/or lost production. Thermography is a rapidly evolvingntechnology both in capability and in industry acceptance as a tool fornpreventing electrical failures. It can also be misused ornmisinterpreted, leading to invalid conclusions. The authors present annoverview of the technology, its potential power or pitfalls if misusednand provide recommendations of equipment and training/certification.nSeveral case histories are presented illustrating a variety ofnapplications where thermography has been used in the development,noperation and maintenance phases of equipment life to avert equipmentnfailures. The intent of this paper is to provide information to helpnusers and potential users effectively and safely use this technology tonimprove the operating reliability and safety of their facility