Maintenance programmes rely on regular plant inspection to determine the presence of underlying problems. Plant personnel are required to periodically visit the systems and machines within a facility to anticipate the need for preventative or corrective maintenance.
Handheld infrared non-contact thermometers provide maintenance engineers with a quick, safe and accurate way to scan surfaces and locate hot or cold spots, which could indicate underlying problems. Defective components can often be identified by measuring the absolute temperature of the component, the temperature differential between the component and its environment, or the temperature difference relative to other components running at similar load. By analysing the results of data collected over time, changes in the temperature of objects can be used to determine if failure is likely.
Finding the hot spots
Most mechanical systems generate thermal energy during operation and temperature monitoring can aid the evaluation of operating conditions. Temperature checks should be performed regularly to locate hot spots or heat imbalances on devices such as drives, bearings, transmissions, pumps, pulleys, and conveyors. Electrical equipment has similar measurement demands. Busbars with loose or oxidised joints, for example, will rapidly exhibit higher than normal temperatures due to increased electrical resistance.
Simply finding the heat however, does not necessarily mean that a problem is present. To properly evaluate the presence of hot spots, the load and acceptable operating temperature ranges for the load, as specified by the manufacturer, must be known. Exact measurement of spot temperature values can then be used to identify abnormalities, since even temperature differences of 5 to 10° could indicate trouble in certain cases. Handheld infrared thermometers can quickly and accurately measure small variations in surface temperature and are therefore a useful aid to maintenance activity decision making.
The PhotoTemp MX6 is the latest generation handheld infrared thermometer from Raytek. Designed to provide more than a temperature reading on a display, features include datalogging, the ability to store temperature data from multiple locations along an inspection route, flexible display options such as maximum, minimum, average and differential temperature, audible alarms and Windows-based software for temperature trend analysis and report preparation.
Enhanced features include a built-in digital camera, which allows visual recording of temperature measurements. The detailed images are easily downloadable from the unit for inclusion in inspection reports.
Test bench for temperature calibrating power semiconductors Beckhoff Automation
Temperature Measurement
Precise temperature characteristics are essential for performing power cycling tests on power semiconductors. Infineon Technologies determines these characteristic curves on a test bench using PC-based control. As a result, calibration has become more precise and the efficiency of the entire test laboratory has increased significantly.
Read more...Fire prevention strategies with thermal imaging
Temperature Measurement
Effective fire prevention strategies focus on identifying, reducing and managing fire risks before they become incidents. Through proactive measures, planning and reliable detection technologies, organisations can create safer environments and minimise the likelihood of fire outbreaks.
Read more...High-precision fill quantity control in food supplement production
Temperature Measurement
Vital Products was looking for a precise and efficient solution to check the weight and ensure the completeness of its products. Minebea Intec, a specialist in industrial weighing and inspection technologies, was able to provide a solution.
Read more...Infrared solutions for glass manufacturing challenges Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
In the glass industry, infrared temperature monitoring is crucial for maintaining product quality and process efficiency. Instrotech has infrared sensors and cameras which provide non-contact temperature measurements, making them ideal for these high-temperature environments.
Read more...Decarbonising a heat and power plant Valmet South Africa
Temperature Measurement
Valmet is delivering a boiler fuel conversion for a combined heat and power plant in Poland. After modernisation, coal will be replaced entirely with certified forest biomass supplied by local providers.
Read more...New temperature transmitters with Profibus connectivity
Temperature Measurement
Siemens is enhancing its temperature measuring device portfolio with the transmitter duo, Sitrans TH420 PA and Sitrans TF420 PA. Both devices feature Profibus connectivity, advanced safety functions and expedited commissioning all in one unit.
Read more...Enhancing industrial efficiency through advanced temperature control Iritron
Temperature Measurement
Iritron has been offering modular smart thyristor drives to the local and international mining, minerals and metals market, including the latest new leading innovations in temperature control technology. These drives combined with advanced proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control will change the way large industries manage their heating processes, reducing costs and extending equipment lifespan.
Read more...Non-contact infrared thermometer
Temperature Measurement
AMETEK LAND has developed a new non-contact infrared thermometer for precise measurement and control during deposition processes in optical fibre manufacturing.
Read more...The critical role of temperature measurement in flame hardening Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
Flame hardening is a heat treatment process widely used on parts made from mild steels, alloy steels, medium carbon steels and cast iron. Accurate temperature measurement is not just important, but critical for the success of flame hardening.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version