Infrared thermometers are effective inspection tools for locating and documenting hot and cold spots quickly. Surface temperature plays a critical role in routine maintenance and can tell a lot about the condition of the plant and critical machinery. While often invisible to the eye, air leakage, moisture accumulation, blockages in pipes, structural features behind walls, even overheating mechanical components and electrical circuits, can all be detected and documented with handheld and miniature fixed infrared thermometers. By looking at surfaces with such temperature inspection tools, users can locate hot and cold spots, often indications of underlying problems, and focus maintenance efforts on exactly what needs repairing.
Infrared thermometers measure the energy emitted from a surface and convert the information into a temperature. Inspections can be done safely and conveniently – simply point the instrument at the target, pull the trigger and read the temperature. Measurements take only a fraction of a second and often have an accuracy of often better than 1%. Laser sighting helps locate small targets in low light and in tight spaces.
The latest generation of portable infrared thermometers from Raytek and Ircon, incorporate advanced features to support inspection efforts. These include data logging, audible alarms and user-friendly analysis and reporting software for detailed inspection documentation.
On-line infrared measurement of temperature is being used more and more in maintenance applications and is very effective at drawing attention to high temperature areas that, if left, could cause plant failure and production loss.
Critical plant equipment like compressors, transformers, boiler tubes and even electrical switchgear can be monitored with the new range of low cost miniature sensors. Outputs from these units when connected to the control system can provide early warnings to enable planned shutdown and spares procurement. In essence these units provide a simple non-contact temperature alarm switch.
In summary, portable and fixed temperature inspections should be added to the maintenance inspection checklist to save time and effort in locating existing and potential problems as well as reducing downtime and lost production.
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