Thermal imaging

ADC Rig Inspection Services thermographers hold recognised qualifications and conform to internationally recognised safety standards for condition monitoring ISO 18436. ADC Rig Inspection Services thermographers are qualified Level 1 quality assured thermographers with an in depth knowledge of heat transfer principles, proficient in the use of thermal imaging equipment and have a detailed application knowledge.

Any object with a temperature above absolute zero (0K, -273.15°C) emits infrared radiation. The hotter an object is the greater the amount of infrared radiation the object emits. This radiation cannot be detected by the human eye without the use of specialist thermal imaging equipment.Fluke Ti-25

The thermal imaging camera detects the differing intensities of infrared radiation emissions from the target and produces a visible light image. This image is then interpreted by the qualified thermographer to determine whether a fault exists.

Images indicating a fault can then be downloaded to a computer with specialist thermal imaging software installed. The image can then be further manipulated by the ADC Rig Inspection Services thermographer and a full report produced from the images taken with interpretation of these images.

High levels of training in thermography are essential when it comes to successfully undertaking a thermographic study. Depending on the material, surface finish and temperature of the target, properties attaining to the infrared radiation emission of the target can alter. Even reflections caused by external sources of infrared radiation such as the thermographer himself and the camera can have an effect on the infrared radiation detected by the camera. Therefore a high level of training is required by the thermographer to ascertain a true understanding of the temperature signature of the target being studied.

Thermographic inspection is a non-intrusive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of monitoring equipment internally. This fast non-contact method of internal inspection allows faults and potential faulty to be identified quickly without the need to shut down or isolate operation of critical equipment thus reducing down time to a minimum during routine maintenance and fault diagnosis.

Electrical Systems

Inappropriately used or damaged electrical circuits can result in damage to the electrical system or electrical equipment, these faults are often difficult to identify until they result in a shut down. Thermal imaging can identify problems such as overloaded circuits, broken down insulation, high resistance connections and poor ventilation. These faults can be determined accurately and quickly before a problem develops into a break down.

In-depth knowledge of how electrical circuits operate under varied load conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis of whether a circuit is functioning correctly or if it is displaying fault symptoms. ADC Rig Inspection Services thermographers have the necessary experience to interpret these images and identify any faults.

Typical equipment subject to thermographic inspections are distribution systems, switches, circuit breakers, transformers, cable runs, motors, pumps, fans, control equipment – VFD/SCR units.

Mechanical Systems

Thermal signatures of mechanical equipment such as bearings, seals and valves can be interpreted by the thermographer to determine whether a fault exists and the criticality of the fault. Faults such as dry bearings, leaking seals and missing pipe insulation can all be identified from a thermographic study. This study can be completed while the equipment is online and operating at normal load conditions, meaning there is no need for a shut down of any equipment during study.

The level of experience of the ADC Rig Inspection Services inspectors is such that identification of a fault is made easier due to the in depth knowledge of the equipment under load conditions. This aids the thermographer in identifying a potential fault through a thermographic study.

Typical mechanical equipment subject to thermographic inspections are bearings, seals, valves, pipes, steam traps, pipe insulation, brake systems, gearboxes and engines.

Bearings:

Bearings

Motors:

Motors

Electrical:

Electrical

Rotary Table:

Rotary-table

Please contact us for more information on our services and experience.