Certified IR windows for safe preventative maintenance
March 2016Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Thermal imaging is a well-established and proven method of preventative maintenance to electrical equipment. But the process does not come without risk. Removing panels to gain access to switchgear for thermal inspection is a risky business. The danger of arc flash – a short circuit through the air that creates a fireball explosion – is great. Simply dropping hand tools or a cover panel, making accidental contact with energised parts or changing the state of equipment are common triggers and the results can be fatal. These hazards are bad enough anywhere, but even more so in the petroleum industry.
The use of an IRISS IR window effectively allows the switchgear to remain in an enclosed and guarded condition, so the IR scan becomes a non-invasive task. Infrared passes through the window’s transmissive polymer lens without compromising the IP65/NEMA 4X seal on the enclosure panel.
This not only keeps personnel safe but it also allows the system to be thermally inspected under normal load conditions. As a result both quantitative and qualitative data can be acquired on the status of the electrical system. Furthermore, applications previously considered to be too hazardous for thermal imaging, can be brought into the regular inspection schedule.
Maersk choose IRISS inspection windows
Manufactured in 2013, the Maersk Intrepid is a drilling rig that has been designed to operate in the harsh environment of the North Sea. Up to 150 people stay on the rig at any one time so, safety and fire prevention are paramount and to minimise the risk Maersk operates a rigorous preventative maintenance programme for all electrical equipment on board, in line with NFPA 70E and SOLAS regulations.
Maersk chose IRISS windows because they are well tested in the market and comply with all safety standards required by the offshore industry. The products were recommended and supplied by TCAM AS of Norway, a local partner of IRISS that specialises in preventative maintenance solutions.
The majority of the thirty IRISS windows ordered by Maersk were custom rectangular CAP-CT 24 types. IRISS supplied the windows for Maersk Intrepid during September 2015, allowing rig engineers to undertake fast thermal inspection of critical components. The IR windows ensure the compliance with industry standards, reliability of assets and most importantly personnel safety.
Microdieseling – the explosions you never hear
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Microdieseling is a pressure-induced thermal degradation mechanism in which entrained air bubbles are compressed so rapidly that the surrounding oil ignites, producing soot, varnish and sludge. WearCheck explains how it happens, why the damage varies, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...Electrostatic spark discharge – when static strikes back Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how static electricity accumulates in modern low-conductivity lubricants, why compact system designs and fine filtration make ESD more likely, and how to recognise the degradation it leaves behind.
Read more...High-speed cameras for crash testing Horne Technologies
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vision Research has expanded its Phantom C-series with two cameras optimised for crash and safety testing, offering 4 and 8 megapixel sensors rated to 170G, up to 1180 frames per second, and Phantom Academy application training planned for South Africa next year.
Read more...SKF extends remanufacturing expertise to bearing clearance modification SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Using its clearance modification expertise, SKF helped a mining equipment OEM salvage spherical roller bearing inventory that would otherwise have been scrapped, confirming a new capability within its remanufacturing services and avoiding redundant procurement.
Read more...When maintenance-system compliance starts replacing plant reliability Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck ARC division manager, Annemie Willer argues that the greatest threat to effective maintenance is no longer a lack of technology, but the gradual replacement of technical judgement by CMMS compliance, leaving no one owning the machine.
Read more...Nitration: the acid you didn’t see coming Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Nitration is as destructive as oxidation in many engines but far less understood. WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how nitrogen oxide gases degrade lubricants, why the process is difficult to detect, and what oil analysis can reveal before damage occurs.
Read more...KSB makes mechanical seals for its own pumps and other brands
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
KSB Pumps and Valves is expanding its range of mechanical seals to fit its own pumps and competitor brands. The portfolio covers component and cartridge seals, API 682-compliant systems, slurry and high-pressure seals, and ATEX-certified solutions, supported by refurbishment and field service capabilities.
Read more...Omniflex delivers ICCP systems in London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection systems for landmark London buildings, protecting reinforced concrete from corrosion and extending the service life of commercial, retail and heritage sites.
Read more...Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.
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