Abstract:

At the IR/INFO 2011 Conference, Jack was introduced to some remarkable video and audio social media products.

Join Jack as he reviews how he implemented these products and how he monitors their performance to measure the success of increased visibility using social media.

Abstract:

Locating the source of water leaks in buildings constructed with non-absorbent materials, such as glass, pre-cast concrete panels, and stone facades can be expensive with little to no progress to show for the investment.

Intruding water travels quickly through these types of buildings and leaves behind a trail of damage without clues of its entry point.

Conventional infrared surveys that look for entrained moisture in the exterior layer of a building envelope often yield inconclusive results, leaving the building owner to contemplate the next step.

This presentation highlights a recent infrared inspection of a building that was experiencing the exact symptoms of water intrusion mentioned above.

By utilizing the building’s HVAC system combined with an interior and exterior infrared survey of the building envelope, the origin of water intrusion was accurately located on the exterior of the building.

The inspection also provided insight to the materials used for construction and the overall performance of the building.

Abstract:

While it is not possible to predict the actual extent of damage, if any, that may occur, we do know that equipment fails.

We also know that the failure can be from one end of the spectrum to the other.

That is to say, a 400-amp circuit breaker can fail internally and simply will not allow a person to reset it to the on position.

The same breaker can experience a tremendous amount of internal arcing, explode and the arcing carry over inside the Motor Control Center (MCC) to the point that the entire MCC is destroyed and the ensuing fire causes massive damage to the room and building.

Our approach in this paper is to focus on the more frequent failures and not dwell on extreme cases.

While extreme cases are severe, they are much less frequent and do not aid in building an overall case for the cost/benefit analysis of an infrared program.

Equipment failures often have financial consequences that extend beyond the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged components.

In some cases the cost of the component is the lesser of the expenses.

Production downtime can sometimes far outweigh the cost of replacing the equipment or component.

Trying to make a case for what can happen is difficult unless you provide examples of what has actually happened.

Historical data can provide a bridge from the theoretical to the real world.

With 20/20 hindsight and a large set of data, we can summarize the documented loss to production and equipment repair costs.

Using this data, we derive industry averages for cost benefit analysis creating a baseline or starting point for estimating future losses or savings.

This paper is meant to provide information and a thought process for those conducting infrared surveys, whether inside their own company or as an outside contractor.

Abstract:

For professional thermography, the first step in securing a new project involves generating a proposal.

This step, which precedes the conduct of any work, can make the difference between a project award or rejection.

Regardless of the type of inspection, preparing a proposal is a systematic approach that will clearly outline a scope of work, responsibilities of all parties involved, and the price.

This paper will offer insight as to how to approach a project and prepare a proposal which is likely to result in a project award.

Abstract:

Infrared thermography is an extremely valuable tool when trying to locate overheating issues within electrical power equipment.

Numerous case studies will be presented showing the IR scan and associated problems with each piece of equipment.

Dissolved Gas Analysis technology will also be discussed, focusing on how these test results can give indications of overheating problems within electrical power equipment.

Abstract:

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforces electrical safety regulations in the United States.

Although OSHA has not adopted and does not mandate NFPA 70E compliance, you can be cited for non-compliance.

If you wonder how this could be possible, remember that OSHA’s authority to do so stems from the occupational Safety and Health Act – in particular Sections 5(a)(1) and 29 CFR 1910.2(g).

Section 5(a)(1) “The General Duty Clause” of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, states that employers “shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees”.

This is the clause most cited by OSHA where unsafe work conditions are found to exist.

Section 29 CFR 1910.2(g) states a “National Consensus Standard” means any standard or modification thereof which has been adopted and promulgated by a nationally recognized standards-producing organization under procedures whereby it can be determined that persons interested and affected by the scope or provisions of the standard have reached substantial agreement on its adoption”.

NFPA 70E is considered a national consensus standard and as such, non-compliance leaves employers open for citation under this clause if they are found to not be in compliance.

This paper discusses in detail the interrelation of OSHA safety standards and NFPA in greater detail as well as discussing some of the major changes in the upcoming 2012 edition of NFPA70E.

Abstract:

Habitat for Humanity MN, with product and technical support from Fluke Thermography are monitoring and improving the building techniques of new home construction and home retrofits.

The results are teaching better building techniques to the construction workforce and producing more efficient, affordable homes for families.

This presentation will focus on affordable new and rehab residential construction projects in Minnesota.

Discussion will include both problems identified with the use of thermal technology as well as successes achieved, including the “net-zero” home (designed by the University of Minnesota’s College of Design) – a home that produces as much energy as it consumes.

The primary focus in the presentation will be the use of thermography as a tool to help achieve these results.

Abstract:

Fugitive gas emissions represent a significant liability for companies in the form of cost, safety, and potential environmental contamination.

In addition to the unwanted loss of product, hefty fines from regulatory agencies may also apply.

Under proper conditions, thermal imaging may be used to remotely detect evidence of a wide variety of gas leaks including sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and ammonia.

This paper will discuss this application in detail including proper selection of thermal imaging equipment, inspection techniques, and helpful hints to correctly identify and label various leakks.

Abstract:

Eleven years ago, the author published “NOT the low hanging fruit of Infrared Thermography” – a white paper discussing why thermographers should explore the many other upcoming applications for infrared…other than the electrical application.

Since then, many changes have occurred in the world of infrared (IR) and particularly in electrical infrared…most of them good.

To date, IR testing of switchgear remains the most popular infrared application.

This paper discusses the market forces, insurance requirements, government regulations and risk management thinking that are changing the electrical testing industry in general, and the electrical infrared testing application in particular.

Abstract:

Thermography applications have expanded with lower priced infrared camera availability; however, for those applications requiring high performance/high resolution thermography images such as construction fault diagnosis, image processing to achieve a suitable high resolution display has proven to be a difficult task.

NEC Avio Infrared Technologies Co., Ltd. has developed new infrared image processing techniques to improve thermography spatial resolution and temperature resolution for QVGA (320×240) display optimization.

The methods used and resulting effects shall be presented.

Abstract:

Increased awareness of the hazards of electrical arc flash and safety standards have led many companies to install infrared windows in their switchgear enclosures.

Accurate radiometric temperature measurement through an infrared window requires proper measurement technique and knowledge of the window’s transmittance value.

To simulate some of the challenges faced by practicing thermographers, several infrared cameras were used to measure the temperature of high emittance targets through different infrared windows under controlled conditions.

This paper compares test results and discusses how measurement results can differ among infrared cameras, how changes to ambient temperature influence measurement accuracy, how transmittance values vary with window type, and errors introduced by viewing angle