Abstract:

Thermography is a proven technology for detecting elevated temperatures within operating electrical distribution systems.

Typically performed on an annual basis, infrared inspections can detect evidence of overheating caused by loose/deteriorated connections, overloaded circuits, and imbalanced loads.

While infrared inspections can be valuable in helping to prevent unexpected failures, they provide a single “snapshot”, leaving the subject components unmonitored for the balance of the year.

Recent advances in technology have resulted in wireless sensors that monitor for the same types of defects that are detectable by thermal imaging.

When permanently installed on electrical enclosures, these sensors can provide year-round monitoring of electrical system components and can immediately alert personnel when problems arise.

This paper will discuss the theory and application of the Delta T Alert monitoring system and how it can be used to complement and enhance the effectiveness of an existing infrared inspection program within commercial office buildings.

Installation and set-up procedures of the system will be discussed along with actual case studies.

Abstract:

Throughout the evolution of infrared technology for predictive maintenance applications, electrical system inspections remain the cornerstone of the industry.

Despite being somewhat overshadowed in recent years by building science applications, the demand for infrared inspections of electrical systems remains high.

Accurate diagnosis begins with understanding electricity and what causes thermal anomalies.

This presentation will cover several types of defects that may be encountered during an infrared inspection including those associated with compromised connections, overload conditions, load imbalances, harmonics problems, and inductive heating.

Examples of these problems come from a multitude of settings including industrial, manufacturing, utility, and commercial sites.

The theory behind each type of defect, its thermal signature, and how to accurately confirm each will be discussed.

Abstract:

Most businesses recognize the importance of having a website.

In the rapidly evolving world of the internet, having a static website is not enough.

Today’s websites must be interesting, dynamic and easy to find.

There are eleven key elements of social media you can use to get your website noticed.

This presentation will focus on the four basic building blocks – audio, video, blogs, and micro-blogs – with the emphasis on how you can create a video using only a digital camera and a free video production site called Animoto.

Abstract:

Ultrasound and Infrared are complementary technologies for generalized PdM activities. Ultrasound will “hear” what infrared might not “see”.

Many IR thermographers are now incorporating ultrasound scans of enclosed electric cabinets as part of their inspection protocol to avoid potential arc flash incidents.

Historically, predictive activities for both technologies cover more than just electrical inspection; they might include inspection of bearings, gears, and valves to name a few. While sound quality and trending amplitude changes are often the most common methods of identifying issues ultrasonically, there are many situations that will call for more detailed analysis to help determine the severity and type of problem.

Ultrasound instruments are now capable of adding sound imaging through spectral analysis to enhance the diagnostic process.

This presentation will examine ultrasound imaging for electrical, mechanical and valve leak diagnostics.

The principles of spectral analysis as it relates to ultrasound inspection will be explained and clarified through case histories and actual examples of faulty bearings, gears, valve leaks, and electric emissions.

Abstract:

Although thermal imaging has long been used in the identification of moisture problems in buildings, it is often not the primary tool utilized due to a perception of high imager costs.

Over the past few years, prices on infrared imagers have been tumbling due to the introduction of the microbolometer sensor, mass production, and economies of scale.

At present, even entry level IR cameras can perform quite well when it comes to moisture mapping. Due to the effects of evaporative cooling, an IR camera can complement the forensic moisture audit by quickly and non-destructively identifying the location and size of moisture damaged areas.

This presentation describes how we were able to incorporate this technology into our business and reviews some of the many cases in which we successfully detected mositure using infrared thermography.

Abstract:

Transformers are the single most costly assets in a distribution system.

Transformers contain no moving parts and are thus one of the most reliable components of a power system.

Consequences of a transformer failure, financial and outages, can be very severe. Diagnostic testing of transformers minimizes the chance of an unplanned outage.

Transformers are subjected to both thermal and electrical stresses that are manageable within the design criteria.

Sometimes these stresses exceed the design criteria. If this happens the energy released will result in a partial destruction of solid and/or liquid insulation materials.

The low molecular compounds and gases, which are produced by these faults, are soluble in transformer fluid. Dissolved Gas Analysis, DGA, is a laboratory procedure that identifies and quantifies the concentrations of these “fault gases” dissolved in the oil.

Concentrations of gases and gas concentration ratios are used to characterize the existing faults. Early detection of incipient faults has “saved” many transformers.

DGA will be thoroughly discussed and will include the following components: Fault Gas Origins, Interpretation of Fault Gas Data Key Gas Correlations, Ratio Methods, Graphical Methods, and Case Histories.

Abstract:

Thermal imagers have long been used to detect evidence of problems within a wide variety of systems and structures including electrical distribution systems and building envelopes.

In order to fully quantify the severity of problems other information is often critical such as electrical load data and moisture levels. Recent developments now permit wireless transmission of vital diagnostic data from clamp-on ammeters and moisture meters directly to the infrared camera.

This paper will discuss how FLIR’s revolutionary MeterLink technology can help thermographers to document electrical load conditions including energy consumption and load imbalances.

This paper will also show how building inspectors and restoration specialists can quantify and document moisture levels in building structures, providing clients and insurance companies with quantified recommendations for dry times and damage estimates.

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• Process Control Supervisors
• Maintenance Managers
• Loss Control Specialists
• Reliability Engineers
• P/PM and NDT Personnel
• Manufacturers
• Quality Assurance Inspectors
• Home and Building Inspectors

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