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The Think Thermally and MotorTalk blogs are updated monthly, written by Snell instructors and consultants for those interested or involved with infrared thermography and electric motor testing (EMT). Electrical, mechanical, building applications, and EMT are covered in this blog along with discussions on theory, equipment, tips, news, and much more.
IR Talk

Thermal Perceptions vs. Reality

Looking back over the years, as thermal imaging has grown in popularity, it has come to the public eye through movies, television and news. In some cases it’s depicted incorrectly while in others it’s closer to reality.

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Edificaciones – Problemas normalmente encontrados

Existen muchos problemas u obstáculos que normalmente podrían encontrarse en el proceso de inspección infrarroja de un edificio. Muchos de estos problemas u obstáculos no resultan aparentes hasta que se está en el lugar de la inspección. En este blog no se cubrirá como realizar la inspección de edificaciones, pero la siguiente información podría ayudarle en su próxima inspección de edificaciones.

Motor Talk

Don’t be Intimidated by Technology

I urge you, set your iPhone, iPad or Droid phone down for a few minutes, quit watching your HD LED 3D television, and spend a few minutes reading this blog.

IR Talk

Follow-up Infrared and Requalification Inspections

As a traveling service thermographer, I do not have very many opportunities to conduct follow-up inspections to repairs completed after my report is submitted. But, back in the day when I was working on one site full-time, I learned the benefit of doing follow-up inspections. Follow-ups are one of the best learning opportunities we have for both the individuals at the site (electricians, mechanics, engineering, and management) and the thermographer.

Français

Que le vrai thermographiste se lève?

Lors des présentations au début des cours, l’un de mes sujets préféré est: Pour quelle raison suivez-vous ce cours? Voici quelques réponses typiques reçues.

Qui devrait être choisi pour devenir le thermographiste de la compagnie?

Voici une liste de réponses à la question "Pourquoi êtes-vous au cours?"

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Inspecciones mecánicas infrarrojas de set de fajas o correas.

Vista frontal de la polea y set de fajas o correas.

Al realizar inspecciones infrarrojas de equipos mecánicos como parte del mantenimiento predictivo, debemos comprender el funcionamiento básico de los equipos, las potenciales fallas que podrían presentarse en los mismos y los posibles patrones térmicos normales y anormales que podríamos encontrar al realizar inspecciones con la cámara termográfica. En este documento nos basaremos específicamente en las inspecciones infrarrojas de set de fajas o correas.

Motor Talk

Alphabet Soup and Motor Testing Safety

I was in the military for the better part of a decade, so acronyms are something I’ve grown accustomed to. But, sometimes their overuse gets downright ridiculous. I had an e-mail from a former student just a week ago reminding me of this that was chock full of letters. He wrote, “The NFPA says PPE for EMT.”Or, translated for the layperson, The National Fire Protection Association says Personal Protective Equipment for Electric Motor Testing. Whew … okay, maybe acronyms aren’t so bad, but alphabet soup aside, he needed an answer.

Buildings

Buildings - Problems Normally Encountered

There are many problems or obstacles we encounter in the process of conducting a building inspection. Many of these do not become apparent until we are on-site. This discussion is not going to cover how to perform building inspections, but these items may help you on your next inspection.

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¿Cuáles podrían ser las posibles aplicaciones para la termografía infrarroja?

Me siento afortunado de trabajar con las cámaras termográficas, pues es una tecnología que nos permite ver lo que nos rodea desde una nueva perspectiva que nuestros ojos muchas veces no nos pueden mostrar, que nos permite analizar situaciones desde otra lógica y que nos permite detectar eventos que podrían pasar desapercibidos. Lo anterior nos invita a explorar y alcanzar nuevos conocimientos.

Motor Talk

Motors 101: How Do They Work and What Does EMT Tell Me? Part 2 of 2

In the previous blog, Motors 101: Part I, we discussed how electric motors work, albeit a simplified version. Now that you’ve got a bit of a grip on that topic, it’s much easier to get your mind around what exactly electric motor testing (EMT) does for us. Many times when discussing the types of failures that can be discovered with EMT, I’m met with some level of disbelief. Much of this disbelief stems from a lack of familiarity of both motor design and how the testing protocols themselves work.