FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is infrared thermography and how does it work?

Thermography is a type of infrared imaging. Infrared cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation.

Q. Is infrared thermography for me?

As a maintenance professional, if you are under task to to keep your facility or utility reliable, with zero unexpected breakdowns, and zero catastrophic failures, then you will find infrared thermography is an indispensable tool in a total maintenance program.

Q. Can thermal imaging cameras see through the walls?

No. It appears as though you are but what you are actually seeing is the temperature changes on the wall due to material or moisture directly on or behind the wall. And no, it can't see through clothing or windows.

Q. How does infrared thermography detect moisture?

As moisture evaporates, it creates a cooling effect similar to getting out of the shower and standing under a fan.

Q. Do I need to shut down my equipment in order to have an infrared inspection?

No, in fact, all equipment must be operational during the inspection. Your electrical/mechanical equipment should be under full load during the inspection. The higher the current flow, the more power will be dissipated.

Q. Do I have to prepare for your Predictive Maintenance visits?

Usually identifying which machines you want checked, is all the preparation that will be needed. Our technicians quickly learn where your equipment is and go about their business without interfering with maintenance or production schedules.

Q. The equipment we have is new, there is no reason to check it.

Unfortunately, age has no relationship to hot connections. Poor initial installation has been the cause of many failures.

Q. Is a hot spot bad?

A hot terminal connection affects your system in a couple of ways:

1. It is a power loss. You are paying extra in your electrical bill for all hot connections. The electrical meter does not care whether the power is going to turn a motor or heat the air. Therefore, a hot connection reduces plant efficiency.

2. Failure. Most damage occurs when the electrical connection actually fails. The arc that is caused when the connections separate will melt most metals. A connection that would have cost $200 in parts and lab our to repair could cost the owner in excess of $500,000 in damage.

3. The fire caused by the failure could destroy an entire complex.

Q. What is included in the report?

You will receive a comprehensive report with an inventory of all scanned images with digital side by side. It will provide in clear written detail all the thermal anomalies detected as well as recommendations for repair.

Q. Should new construction be inspected?

Absolutely! New construction does not guarantee perfection. Locate problems and eliminate any problems not visible to the naked eye.

Q: Are Reports Available for Viewing/Downloading On line?

A: Yes, we offer a leading edge on line repository system where each client will be allocated a login name and password at time of survey. When the survey is completed, the report will be posted on line for download, viewing, sharing etc.

Q: What is the Cost of a Thermographic Survey?

A: The cost of a Thermographic Survey is based on the amount of work that is involved in the Survey, please contact our office for details