Abstract:

While each individual Predictive Maintenance (PdM) technology can function properly alone, like in most group cases, they only truly flourish when working in unison.

Utilizing lubrication, vibration, or infrared as a second and third form of verification can often help identify and resolve equipment reliability issues.

Throughout this session we will investigate several common component failures and how each technology has a role to play in detection.

Attendees will acquire an understanding of several PdM technologies and how they can be used together to help minimize equipment downtime.

Abstract:

Images collected from proper use of an infrared imager often helps explain a process that is difficult to grasp with numerical measurements alone. This applies to inspections of electrical systems, rotating machinery, and structural components of a marine vessel.

The author is a SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor, Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer®, co-author of the Standard for Infrared Inspection of Recreational Yachts & Small Craft Constructed of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic and Composite Maters published in 2011 (aka “The Standard”) and has used infrared thermal imaging in his Marine Surveying business since 2003.

This year’s presentation will focus on a practical application of using an infrared imager attached to a cell phone can be successfully used for marine inspections versus a stand-alone infrared imager.

Abstract:

Routine infrared surveys to detect abnormal heat patterns in rotating mechanical equipment can provide excellent payback in industrial settings. Unexpected breakdowns of critical equipment are extremely costly and often delay production schedules. Infrared can also bolster the effectiveness of in-house vibration programs by quickly screening equipment that is critical to operations but otherwise may not be monitored.

This presentation highlights an ongoing quarterly inspection of various mechanical systems related to paper mill machinery. We will discuss the initial program design and field-related tasks necessary to set up the inspection program. Also presented will be findings documented from over 3,000 monitored points over a 3 year period.

Abstract:

Since the introduction of the FLIR GasFindIR around 2006 we have seen many new applications for gas imaging using a thermal camera. This presentation will cover the history of thermal gas imaging and discuss the many applications you can us a thermal camera to detect gas leaks. We will also cover the rules and regulations regarding optical gas imaging as it pertains to volatile organic compound gas detection as well as sulfur hexafluoride gas better known as SF6.

Abstract:

The success of a Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) program relies on more than just having the condition monitoring tools. Instead of asking which condition monitoring technology is better, the facility should start with a thorough understanding of the failure modes associated with their most critical assets.

In addition, aligning to more of a culture of reliability as opposed to a culture of firefighting can be the biggest obstacle of all. This presentation will deliver information for the attendees to think about when starting a condition monitoring program, suggested culture change management, creating awareness of the condition monitoring program, and ways to help create program buy-in from leadership.

Abstract:

The 2018 edition of the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace emphasizes performing a risk assessment to determine if a task involving electrical maintenance and, by extension, a thermographic inspection, is an acceptable risk and if so, ensuring that the risk is minimized as much as possible.

By the same token, it is also imperative that a thorough risk assessment is performed to evaluate all recognized hazards, utilize the hierarchy of controls to minimize risk to an acceptable level, and if the risk is determined to be unacceptable, either take steps to lower that risk to an acceptable level or make the informed decision not to perform the inspection at all.

This presentation will focus on the importance of performing risk assessments to minimize electrically-related hazards in performing thermographic inspections.

Abstract:

Badak LNG is a natural gas liquefaction company located in Bontang, Indonesia that produces LNG & LPG as its main products. To store LNG we have six storage tanks with a total capacity of 637,000 m3. All storage tanks are interconnected with a piping system with six main LNG transfer lines for shipping LNG through two loading dock facilities.

LNG tanks at Badak LNG are of the single containment type. The tanks were designed with a double walled shell containing perlite insulation between the walls. The main issue in LNG storage tanks is the probability of embrittlement of the outer shell material, which may occur due to settlement of perlite insulation or LNG leakage. Since the temperature of LNG is approximately -160ºC and the outer shell is made from carbon steel (ASTM A516 Grade 70) which can only withstand temperatures down to -20ºC, any space created due to settlement of the perlite insulation will subject the outer shell to cryogenic fluids which can lead to embrittlement.

Due to the above condition, a critical aspect of tank maintenance is to locate anomalies in the perlite insulation. Using infrared thermography the anomalies are detected by observing the thermal patterns of the outer shell of the LNG tanks.

This paper describes the Badak LNG program to maintain LNG tanks using infrared thermal imaging. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used to determine the condition of the tanks. Based on the risk analysis, follow-up action is scheduled and prioritized to ensure the tank is safe for further service.

Abstract:

The farther one can get from the subject of any thermal imaging survey while maintaining enough spatial resolution to achieve the needed image quality, the more efficient the data collection process becomes and the more useful the imagery becomes. This is the aerial infrared advantage.

Thermal imagery (IR) from aerial infrared thermal surveys of buildings, complexes, campuses, military bases and cities can be used for many purposes. Systems like supply steam and condensate return lines, hot water lines, chilled water lines, supply water mains, distribution piping, storm water drains and sewer lines can be monitored by looking at surface temperatures and importantly, patterns of heat on the surfaces. Heating and cooling distribution systems can be flown rapidly and inexpensively to provide thermal data for asset management planning, condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance (PdM) activities. As a result of finding and documenting the condition of various systems, energy usage can be reduced, infrastructure can be saved and informed decisions can be made, with all the related asset management benefits. The main categories of objects that are typically surveyed from the air and that are discussed in this paper are: flat and low-sloped roofs, heating and cooling systems, solar fields and waterways.

Abstract:

Infrared (IR) thermometry has been used for forty years to monitor tube metal temperatures in refining and chemical furnaces. The application of IR thermometry has often been characterized as highly operator dependent and therefore developed a very poor reputation in the industry from poorly applied and interpreted results. There is no question that when absolute accuracy is unimportant, IR thermometry has proven to be an excellent diagnostic tool for detecting tube hot spots from internal fouling and heat distribution non-uniformity in fired heaters. However, to capture the full capability of IR thermometry, a proven methodology is required to measure accurate temperatures in a repeatable process. This presentation will discuss common instrument and environmental errors and corrective practices during infrared tube temperature monitoring for refinery fired heaters.

Abstract:

Color is a fascinating subject when we take the time to think about it and what it means to our culture and our achievements. Since the discovery of the color spectrum by Isaac Newton in 1671, we have gained more knowledge about both the visible world and the invisible by what can be seen and felt.

As humans have gained more knowledge on our own visual spectrum – and limitations – we have also begun to learn that other creatures on Earth see differently. This paper will explore a brief history of how humans see and understand color by examining the historical record. I will also look at how other fauna see color, including the lack of color and visuals outside the human spectrum with focus on near-infrared and infrared spectrums.

Lastly, I will look at the ongoing experiments being done on humans to increase our visual spectrum range and its possible applications.