Skip to main content

609.239.4788

IR/INFO Conference
Proceedings 2014


List of articles contained in the IR/INFO 2014 Proceedings:

Applying Non Destructive Testing (NDT) to Marine Surveying

Allinson, John (Jack) N., BSc, AMS®

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
J.N. Allinson Associates, Inc.
Allinson Infrared Inspection Services, Inc.

222 University Blvd. North #2 Jacksonville, FL 32211

904-721-2177

www.allinson.com

Abstract:

It was in 1998 that Mr. Allinson (Jack) launched his fifth (5th) career as an Accredited Marine Surveyor specializing in Recreational Yachts and Small Craft.

The key deliverable of this business is a written report that elucidates either the “Condition” of the subject vessel or its suitability for a specific work event.

The need for this information is paramount regardless of whether clients are individuals who are purchasing, selling, financing or insuring a boat, a claims adjuster who is processing a damage claim, or a leasing company (on hire vs. off hire condition).

Non Destructive Testing procedures including visual inspection, oil analysis, airborne ultrasound and infrared thermal imaging coupled with repeatable standard procedures have been the keys to his success at gathering the right information to form a defensible opinion.

Join Jack as he guides you through over fifteen (15) years of practical experience in “Applying Non Destructive Testing to Marine Surveying”.

Search Engine Optimization – What Really Matters in Getting Your Website Noticed

Beauchemin, Oliver F.

Owner
Accolade Group LLC

PO Box 10 Waterville, VT 05492

802-644-8362

oliver@accoladegroup.com

Abstract:

What’s in and what’s out in making your website stand out against your competitors?

If you think you know how Google evaluates your website, you’re probably wrong.

What was true last year is probably not true this year. Google has made countless modifications to the algorithm that determines the value of a website and thus where it appears on the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPS).

This presentation will examine how Google currently evaluates webpages, how it positions results on SERPs, and current techniques that can help boost your website in the Search Results.

Thermal Patterns Associated with Conveyor Systems

Brady, James

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
Brady Infrared Inspections, Inc.

35 Pine Castle Court Stuart, FL 34996

772-288-9884

jbrady@bradyinfrared.com
www.bradyinfrared.com

Abstract:

Conveyor systems play an integral part in a facility’s operation by transporting products and goods from one location to another with minimal interaction of manpower.

They can range in complexity from single belt systems to advanced systems that sort, merge, and track goods along the way to their destination.

Both mechanical and electrical components interact in conveyor systems; each dependent on the other for reliable operation.

This talk will present thermal patterns associated with a conveyor system that included various types of workloads and common problems found within normal operations.

Trends in Sustainability

Carter, Rick

Executive Editor
Maintenance Technology Magazine

1300 South Grove Avenue, Suite 105 Barrington, IL 60010

610-283-8340

rcarter@atpnetwork.com
www.mt-online.com

Abstract:

As the cost of energy has increased, manufacturers have sought ways to use less of it.

This effort to achieve more “sustainable” operations – those that allow manufacturers to maintain or even increase production with less energy consumption – has resulted in a wide range of solutions.

Modern sustainable practices include those that introduce efficiencies through advanced equipment and revamped processes and maintenance strategies, as well as more basic tasks like recycling and re-use of materials.

Maintenance Technology magazine’s quarterly “On the Road to Sustainability” series of feature articles was created to highlight successful sustainable practices used in the manufacturing environment.

This presentation, given by “On the Road” author Rick Carter, is based on the series and highlights some of the most effective sustainable strategies of several world-class manufacturers.

Avoiding Common Mistakes that Can Compromise an Infrared Inspection Program

Gilbertson, Brad

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
Sandhills Thermal Imaging, LLC

439 Westwood Shopping Center, Suite 137 Fayetteville, NC 28314

910-835-1306

www.sandhillsthermalimaging.com
brad@sandhillsthermalimaging.com

Abstract:

Infrared technology is now a well established tool for the condition monitoring of both mechanical and electrical systems.

Its use is considered a “best practice” throughout the facilities-services industry.

Although facility managers often believe they have a solid program in place, there are often defects in their approach. While implemented with good intentions, these oversights and shortcuts can create unintended consequences and lead to far bigger problems.

Left as they are, these programs can be a significant liability to the plant and its parent company.

A well-designed infrared program takes into consideration the greater regulator environment in which the plant operates, as well as providing management with the metrics with which to gauge the effectiveness of the program.

The benefits are reduced liability along with a program which demonstrates its own cost effectiveness.

This paper will address these issues and how to avoid the common mistakes which can undermine program effectiveness, thereby compromising any benefits which might otherwise have been achieved.

Ultrasound for Electrical Inspection to Detect Corona, Arcing, and Tracking

Hall, James

Ultra-Sound Technologies

100 Grove Park Lake Woodstock, GA 30189

770-517-8747

jim.hall@ultra-soundtech.com

Abstract:

It is my belief that many that try to use ultrasound for electrical inspections do not understand the theory, the basics of how to use the equipment, what to listen for, and how to deal with background or competing ultrasound.

This presentation will discuss the theory of airborne ultrasound for electrical inspection; why and when to use ultrasound, infrared, and corona cameras; how to deal with background or competing ultrasound; and demonstrate the use of ultrasound using an Electrical Display Cabinet (trainer) with an Ultrasound Inspection Window for arcing, tracking and corona.

Infrared Thermography: Is It Quality Control or Quality Assurance?

Hixson, Ben T.

Roofing Technical Director Principal
United Infrared, Inc.
Hixson Consultants, Inc.

8472 Adams Farm Road Randleman, NC 27317

888-722-6447

947 First Avenue West Alabaster, AL 35007

205-663-2220

www.unitedinfrared.com 
www.roofscanir.com

www.bedocs.com
www.waterproofingconsultant.com

Abstract:

Infrared roofing system surveys have been valuable tools for decision-makers since the 1980’s.

As use of infrared roofing surveys to detect concealed moisture thermal patterns has increased, we propose that contracting for an infrared thermal survey of existing roofing, with the owner’s anticipation of enjoying the savings afforded by salvaging existing insulation and avoiding demolition and disposal costs associated with total roof removal and replacement, should be the responsibility of the owner and therefore is quality assurance.

This presentation will confirm that a knowledgeable, skilled third party thermographer apart from the roofing contractor desiring to submit a competitive bid proposal should perform the infrared scan.

Further, meaningful roof thermal scans can be performed and provide valuable information at twenty (20) timeframes in a building’s service life. Everyone involved with the roof can benefit from an accurate scan and moisture contour map.

Saving Green or Going Green? Incorporating Infrared into your Energy Audit

Hopkins, Peter

Vice President
United Infrared, Inc.

PO Box 1403 Bonsall, CA 92003

760-593-2339

www.unitedinfrared.com
peter@unitedinfrared.com

Abstract:

Change is good, sometimes we don’t always see it for what it is worth but most times it can inspire amazing results.

Think about cars today and how many miles per gallon (mpg) they can get compared to when we were kids.

I remember when fuel was shy of $1 a gallon and you didn’t worry about the 10 miles per gallon; however, with fuel prices now over four times that, we are putting great emphasis on how many mpg’s we can get.

The problem with saving mpg’s for most is the failure to consider the bigger picture.

I look at homes this same way and believe simply changing a light bulb or even replacing your windows is not the fix.

You can have the most efficient refrigerator in the world but if you leave the door open, you will not realize the benefit.

Most people complain of the problem when they get their utility bill and think they are making a difference with their expensive fix to only find they have only made a cosmetic change in their life… i.e. “look at my new windows”!

Energy Audits have become more and more popular since the 1970’s.

They, of course, found their peaks during an energy crisis; however, my question is: Is the energy audit fully addressing the real problem?

Are people realizing the intended benefit?

It is my hope with this paper to bring focus to the simple science of how heat moves in a building and how utilization of an infrared camera especially with a blower door can drastically improve how many real mpg’s your building can get.

This paper will focus on the role of thermal imaging in building energy audits.

Tools for a Thermographer

Kochanek, Ed

Director of Regional Sales Eastern Region
FLIR Systems, Inc. Commercial Systems

25 Esquire Road North Billerica, MA 01862

978-901-8000

www.flirthermography.com
ed.kockanek@flir.com

Abstract:

Thermal imaging is a non-destructive test technique with numerous applications for structures and electrical and mechanical systems.

Whether you are a building inspector, energy auditor, or someone interested in facility maintenance, the infrared camera is not your only tool.

Visual inspections, moisture meters, and ammeters are all routinely used to help confirm the cause of thermal patterns.

This presentation will look at several tools that complement the infrared camera and help you get the job done.

This presentation will also discuss how these tools work and communicate together, making report generation easier and faster than ever before.

Using Solar Blind UV Imaging to Find Faults on High Voltage T&D Systems

Lumpkin, Natalie

Sales Manager – North America
Ofil Systems USA

2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 280 Atlanta, GA 30339

770-485-0675

www.ofilsystems.comm
Natalie.Lumpkin@ofilsystems.com

Abstract:

Ofil presents the DayCor® solar blind bi-spectral technology that is being used for predictive maintenance by T&D utilities during the past years.

According to CIGRE and EPRI, this technology should be used mainly because it provides, in real time, a clear visualized diagnostic picture of the system’s state.

Improper installations in high voltage systems; design errors; material mishandling; environmental influences; and contamination are several factors that lead to ‘infant mortality’ of grid installations.

Using a UV imaging system in combination with other NDT methods can efficiently provide a clear view of the signs of early deterioration.

Environmental Thermography of the Water Cycle in the Great Outdoors

McKenna, Thomas (Tom) E.

Delaware Geological Survey
University of Delaware

257 Academy Street Newark, DE 19716

302-831-8257

mckennat@udel.edu

Abstract:

Heat transfer and water flow are highly coupled processes in the natural environment so the distribution of heat can be used to characterize hydrology.

I am using thermography as an investigative tool in the outdoor environment. Surveys of creeks, wetlands, lakes, bays and beaches have been done via walking surveys, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, blimp, and fixed tower platforms.

Work includes investigations for contaminants at industrial sites and temporal imaging of tidal water flow in wetlands.

This paper will discuss challenges associated with this application including oblique imaging, varying emissivity, and targets with small thermal contrasts  (<10 Co and typically < 5 Co) within noisy thermal environments.

Electrical Equipment Reliability with Ultrasound & Infrared

Messer, Adrian

Manager of US Operations

UE Systems Inc.

864-224-4517
914-282-3504

www.uesystems.com
adrianm@uesystems.com

Abstract:

Ultrasound and infrared technologies are a perfect match when conducting inspections of electrical equipment.

At any voltage, thermal anomalies and sources of ultrasound such as tracking and arcing can occur.

Corona can also occur at 1000 volts and greater. Any of these conditions threaten the reliability of the equipment being inspected.

Typical electrical components that can be inspected with ultrasound and infrared include switchgear, load interrupter switches, breakers, transformers, motor control centers, and terminal transition cabinets.

This presentation will provide information on how using both infrared and ultrasound together for electrical inspections can allow more problems to be found sooner, and also how safety is increased when using ultrasound to scan enclosed electrical gear prior to opening for further inspection.

As a further complement to infrared inspections, sound file examples will be played in a spectrum analysis software to show how to properly diagnose electrical anomalies.

EPRI Online IR Substation Monitoring Project

Noce, Gary

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

2 John Hall Drive Ocean View, DE 19970

484-432-9251

www.epri.com
gnoce@epri.com

Abstract:

Utilities are continuously looking for technologies that can help them maintain or improve equipment reliability.

One available technology, infrared imaging, is already used because of its fault detection capabilities.

The main challenge encountered with this technology is the fact most cameras used are portable and require manual operation.

While the technology is effective, the process can be time consuming and requires personnel to perform the survey work and later feed the data into a system for analysis.

Infrared (IR) cameras with online substation monitoring capability have existed for many years.

The challenge lies in intelligently processing the data in a way that improves the accuracy and confidence of the IR measurement; this requires developing algorithms having data input to key parameters.

If IR cameras with intelligent data processing could be used, then automated systems could be designed to provide online 24/7/365 monitoring of thermal conditions of substation equipment.

This project seeks to validate this idea. A successful project outcome may increase station reliability by detecting impending equipment failure before an event that may lead to outage occurs.

Some of the key research questions which this research will aim to answer include the following:

  • Can infrared substation inspections be completely automated to maximize the value proposition?
  • What are the factors that contribute to the difference in actual temperature measurements obtained and how can they be measured and corrected for?
  • Can knowledge gained from this project be implemented into present monitoring and maintenance strategies and what effect would this have?

Through the project research, efforts will be made to derive algorithms that can correct, to the extent possible, those factors that can influence absolute infrared (IR) thermal measurement accuracy that, if successful, may result in:

  • Temperature correction algorithms that can be applied by a utility in their IR substation inspection practices.
  • Utilities being able to deploy 24/7/365 substation-wide infrared and visualization systems to effectively monitor the thermal conditions of substation or switchyard equipment and derive early indications of equipment condition concern, thus increasing reliability and avoiding unplanned outages.
  • Add value to the IR inspection process by increasing the confidence in the absolute thermal measurement of a substation component
  • An approach for real time condition based monitoring and/or temperature trending of station assets.
  • A potential reduction in the number of false alarms (smart alarming).

The benefit may include higher service reliability by lowering unscheduled outages and preventing reliability events.

This presentation will be an update on the project which includes an EPRI Laboratory IR development system that includes a designed substation component defect simulation test bed that allows for the simulation of defects in substation type components (e.g. insulators, conductors, metal surfaces, etc.) under controlled conditions.

The data collected are being used to develop IR algorithms.

The Business Case: Using Permanent Electrical Safety Devices to Protect Personnel, Productivity and Profit

Robinson, Martin

President, IRISS, Inc.

4914 Lena Road, Unit 105 Bradenton, FL 34211

941-907-9128

www.iriss.com
m.robinson@iriss.com

Abstract:

The use of permanent electrical safety devices (PESD) is a hot topic.

Their popularity is growing as companies strive to improve profitability, uptime and safety.

So what are PESDs and what could they mean for your facility?

Infrared inspection windows are typical examples.

They allow the testing of fully energized electrical systems without risk to personnel.

Those who are implementing PESD based programs are reaping significant benefits in terms of efficiency gains, cost control and fire prevention. Because lower PPE levels are required, inspections are quicker.

In this presentation, we will review the different PESDs and their role in your electrical safety programs.

We will also discuss real world applications where PESDs were incorporated and how companies benefited from the use of PESDs.

Bonus Track: IRISS Certified Installer Course

From installation to calculating emissivity and transmissivity, this course is designed to provide the hands-on experience to confidently install and use IRISS IR windows and ultrasound ports.

As an IRISS Certified Installer, you will know the critical steps needed to efficiently perform surveys on electrical components while using IR windows.

What You Will Learn:

  • Safety Around Electrical Cabinets
  • IR Inspections for Electrical Maintenance
  • Introduction to Ultrasound for Electrical Testing
  • IR Windows and Ultrasound Ports
  • IRISS Custom IR Window Solutions
  • How to Install IRISS Product Lines
  • Tagging and Asset Management

Thermography in the Insurance Industry

Smith, J.R.

Director / Level III Thermographer
HSB Thermography Services

Cleveland, OH 44035

216-588-1381

www.hsb.com
ronald_smith_jr@hsb.com

Abstract:

It is becoming more prevalent for insurance companies to request an infrared survey be performed or perform infrared themselves in-house.

This paper will focus on Hartford Steam Boiler’s infrared program and how our program has developed over the last 30 years.

Elaborating on some of the lessons we have learned over this time period, this presentation will cover some of our claims data regarding electrical losses such as common causes of failures, costs, etc.

Also discussed is how insurance companies differ and some common misconceptions regarding the industry as a whole.

Using a Combination of Infrared Thermography and Airborne Ultrasound Techniques to Find and Document Problems in Steam Systems

Stockton, Gregory R.

President
Stockton Infrared Thermographic Services, Inc.

8472 Adams Farm Road Randleman, NC 27317

888-SCAN-4-IR

www.ElectricIR.com
greg@stocktoninfrared.com

Abstract:

Steam is used to heat and cool buildings, heat raw materials, process and finish products in manufacturing, and to generate electricity.

In the US, it costs approximately $25 billion dollars annually to feed the boilers generating steam alone…and costs are rising, but there are many opportunities for energy savings.

A steam system consists of generation, distribution and recovery – the boilers, the distribution system and the condensate return system.

Steam engineers want contractors that understand steam well enough to check boilers, distribution systems, steam traps, drip legs and related distribution equipment.

Using a combination of infrared and ultrasound techniques, an infrared thermographer can offer an extremely valuable service to a whole new set of clients.

This paper discusses the technology, safety and risk management considerations, and techniques for finding and documenting problems with steam systems.

Properties of Emissive Materials

Swirnow, Wayne

President
Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
Infrared Imaging Services, LLC

PO Box 221 New City, NY 10956

845-641-5482

www.infraredimagingservices.com

Abstract:

It has long been known that all real world objects above zero Kelvin radiate infrared energy.

Emissivity is the term used to describe the rate at which the surface of an object can transfer radiated energy.

Experienced thermographers are well aware of emissivity and its relationship to reflectivity, but what exactly is it which makes the surface property of one material a good emitter and another a poor emitter?

This paper will explore the topic of emissivity and will examine the surface properties of materials to explain the difference.

Thermal Imaging and Roof Warranty Perils

Vance, Timothy J.

Soprema, Inc.

733 East Main Street Apple Creek, OH 44606

330-703-0921

22tvance@gmail.com

Abstract:

As a thermographer, have you ever thought about what warranty issues might be involved in your infrared inspection of a flat roof?

Several issues might present themselves if you are not careful.

These may include, but are not limited to

a) unmet expectations by the building owner;
b) invalidating the owner’s potential warranty claim;
c) negative publicity from the owner because of an unclear purpose; and
d) involvement in messy litigation.

In short, thermal imaging of low slope roofing systems is not a “point and shoot” application.

This paper will discuss several important issues associated with infrared inspections of low slope roofs and how they may be used in support of a warranty claim.

Use of Thermal Imaging to Analyze Large Refrigeration Heat Exchangers

Vosburgh, Keith

Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer
Total Energy Solutions

176 Crescent Road Waterford, MI 48327

248-904-8559

totalenergysolutions.llc@gmail.com

Abstract:

Refrigeration systems are critical for extending the shelf life of our food as well as beverage cooling.

Energy is actively pumped from a cold storage section of the system via refrigerant, heat exchangers, motors, and compressors.

The system has different modes of operation during cooling, defrost, and resting states.

System energy dynamics change during system state transitions and present interesting thermal variations of system constituent elements.

All of these components present the opportunity to use thermography to examine thermal patterns across various system elements during system operation.

This thermography project presents research and development testing of a new refrigeration evaporator assembly designed to be used in commercial walk-in food coolers, beverage coolers, and other various large cooler applications.

Thermal pattern distributions are studied using thermography, to better characterize cooling efficiency of a new heat exchanger relative to a comparable currently available competitor product and thermal energy flow impacts on other system elements.

The stated goal is to visually differentiate large system operational energy efficiency differences between both products.

Who Should Attend

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

How You Will Benefit

  • Education
  • Learn New Technology
  • Networking
  • See Latest Developments
  • Share Ideas
  • Discover New Applications & Techniques

Conference Co-sponsors