Infrared Thermography Inspection Services

What is infrared thermography inspection?

An infrared thermography inspection uncovers thermal anomalies that may indicate increased risk of fire, machinery breakdown, or business interruption. Carried out by an experienced property risk engineer, infrared testing can identify areas of excess heat which can be indicative of defects, wear, or impending failure. For instance, infrared electrical inspections may show a hot spot suggesting an overload, poor connection, or faulty insulation. In a mechanical setting, abnormal temperature patterns might indicate issues like friction, misalignment, or wear. By using infrared testing to identify these hotspots early, facility managers and maintenance teams can take corrective action before a more significant problem or even a catastrophic failure occurs.

It’s critical to conduct infrared testing periodically so you can map the progression to failure and catch abnormal heat before it reaches the point of imminent failure.

An infrared thermography inspection should include severity and impact ratings based on internationally recognized standards. Using such a rating system will include information about potential impact, temperature thresholds, and criticality of equipment. Infrared thermography inspection services are best applied when used in combination with other testing and inspection activities such as fire protection engineering, arc flash analysis, and electrical safety audits.

These images taken by a Global Risk Consultants engineer show hydraulically operated motors experiencing mechanical friction, metal-on-metal contact. The resulting heat, combined with other factors, created a risk of fire exposure that needed to be mitigated quickly.

What is infrared thermography?

Infrared thermography is the science of capturing and analyzing thermal information from machinery using infrared cameras. Every object with a temperature above absolute zero emits infrared radiation that’s invisible to the human eye but can be detected by specialized sensors and cameras.

Infrared thermography cameras capture this emitted radiation and convert it into a thermogram, or visual image, representing the temperature distribution across the object's surface. The amount of infrared radiation emitted by an object increases with its temperature. Thermographic testing can measure these emissions across a surface making it possible to form a thermal map of that surface and identify any areas of concern.

Infrared testing is fast, accurate, and non-destructive. It helps risk managers and company leaders better understand fire risks in electrical equipment and other machinery. Infrared thermography inspections and thermographic testing are best carried out by a property risk engineer with a cutting-edge camera to show a piece of equipment’s progression toward failure.

What are the benefits of infrared thermography inspections?

Infrared thermography inspection services have many advantages, making them an indispensable tool for various industries – from food-and grain to manufacturing to power generation. Here are some of the prominent benefits:

Non-invasive and non-destructive: Infrared thermography inspection services are non-contact, meaning equipment, structures, or systems don't need to be taken apart or shut down for evaluation. That minimizes disruptions to operations.

Safety: Detecting hotspots in electrical and mechanical systems can prevent potential fires, explosions, or other hazardous incidents. By identifying these risks early through thermographic testing and infrared electrical inspections, necessary preventive actions can be taken to ensure a safer environment for workers.

Cost-effective: By identifying issues at an early stage, organizations can avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Moreover, by preventing unscheduled downtimes, businesses can avoid losses and maintain operational efficiency.

Quick and efficient: Thermographic inspections cover large areas in a short time, making it possible to assess multiple systems or vast facilities quickly.

Comprehensive visualization: Infrared thermography provides a visual representation of temperature discrepancies. This visual aid makes it easier for technicians and maintenance personnel to locate and address problem areas.

Enhances preventive maintenance: With the ability to detect issues before they escalate, infrared thermography complements preventive maintenance strategies, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of assets.

Versatility: Infrared imaging can be applied to a myriad of scenarios, from checking the insulation in buildings to monitoring the health of electrical circuits or even assessing human body temperature in medical applications.

Eco-friendly: By aiding in the detection of energy wastage due to poor insulation or system inefficiencies, thermography inspections can contribute to more energy-efficient operations, reducing the carbon footprint of facilities.

Infrared thermography inspection services perform best when carried out by highly skilled risk engineers with cutting-edge cameras. Click here to learn more about how Global Risk Consultants helps businesses detect and reduce risks with infrared technology.