Abstract:

It has been known for some time that ultrasound and infrared technologies complement each other when conducting inspections of switchgear over 1000 volts. At this voltage and higher, the electrical potential field is such that corona and tracking conditions can occur. Yet, very little information has been published describing techniques for performing thermal, ultrasonic and visual inspections to detect these enigmatic problems.

This presentation will attempt to take the mystery out of the occurrence of corona and tracking in metal-clad switchgear and present case studies that have been documented over the past three years. Thermograms and ultrasound audio files will be integrated into this presentation to show their relationship to problems that occur in this type of electrical equipment.

Abstract:

I learned about “Knowledge Management” from a corporate speaker at an insurance company’s team building retreat. It did not really sink in until we did this exercise. There were 5 teams and each had to build a rollercoaster from paper, cardboard, toothpicks, and tape. The winner was the team that kept the marble on the rollercoaster the longest before hitting the floor. One team won the competition and that team was labeled “consultants”. The winning team members were divided up equally and placed on the 4 remaining teams. Now the objective was to build another rollercoaster with the same type of materials. The only difference was that each team would gain the “Knowledge” from the consultants and their previous experience. The object was that every team had to stay up longer than the previous winning time. By openly sharing knowledge, every one of the teams learned from the previous mistakes and successes and every team was able to build a better rollercoaster.

Working in the infrared industry is a continual learning experience. Hopefully, some of the information shared in this paper will help you build a better rollercoaster with fewer mistakes.

This paper will discuss:

1. Where to gather data to cost justify a new infrared program
2. Tips on route building
3. Tools to automate data collection and report generation and how to maximize their benefit
4. Looking at the trends in the infrared industry, how they can affect you, and how you can capitalize on them

Abstract:

The main objective for this project was to observe the infrared spectrum through electrically charged gas resulting in a plasma. I was studying the transmission of infrared light through the plasma and hypothesized that the plasma would not affect infrared viewing. To test my hypothesis, I designed a plasma chamber and performed tests on Argon, Helium, and Neon plasmas.

This paper will present the data supporting my hypothesis that these plasma had no affect on transmissivity in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract:

As demands on maintenance departments and inspectors have increased, some of the “tribal knowledge” of how specific items in the plant and or production process has been disappearing due to layoffs and early retirement of key people. Ultrasound technology can now provide inspectors with a complete range of inspection, recording, analysis and reporting capabilities. These new advances in ultrasound technology are ideally suited to help adopt methods and technologies to assist a new generation of inspection personnel.

This presentation will describe the basics of the technology, how it has evolved, and the latest advancements in digital instruments and software, which will help assure asset reliability, reduce unplanned downtime and improve system efficiencies.

Abstract:

Thermography has been used to inspect the condition of refractory lined vessels and piping for many years now. It is a proven and accepted method for locating damaged and missing refractory material. Most companies, however, do not fully understand all the benefits of performing refractory surveys. They mainly use thermography only before a plant turnaround to determine the extent of refractory damage in order to estimate the materials and labor needed for the repairs. This paper discusses the fundamentals of refractory inspection and how Thermal Diagnostics Limited has been using Infrared Thermography within Trinidad and Tobago as an effective means of predicting areas of future refractory problems in addition to pre-turnaround surveys.

Abstract:

Performing a complete and thorough infrared survey on a roofing system has many different, important components. This paper will cover aspects of roofing system evaluations with IR equipment, discussions on various types of roofing systems across the country, examples of roofs that were diagnosed incorrectly and what thermographers need to be aware of when inspecting a roofing system. Also included will be an update of the roof program we have established with certain participants that shows the yearly tracking of roof performance when a long term commitment to roof inspections has been established.

Abstract:

Thermal growth of machinery has long been recognized as a phenomenon that needs to be addressed when considering asset care. Ideally, one would determine how much machinery would “grow” and then offset it when it is being aligned to compensate for the anticipated “growth”. When it comes to precision shaft alignment, thermal growth has been given scant attention. If taken seriously, thermal growth would be properly identified as a subset of “dynamic movement”.

In this presentation we will provide information that dispels some of the myths that persist about thermal growth, dynamic movement and precision alignment. Far too many practitioners are still guessing at the offsets to use when aligning. Many are also still overly-reliant on OEM-provided targets that are obviously inaccurate. We will present some fundamentals that can be used to better determine the true dynamic movement of machinery. Drawing from field observations as well as research done by Infraspection Institute, it is hoped that a broader more complete view of machinery alignments will be possible.