Most people inspecting steam traps believe it to be a  straightforward thing. It should be hotter on the steam side of the trap and cooler on the condensate side. Because there are many different styles of steam traps and several different methods of removing the condensate, it may not always be that simple.

Every 21^st Century maintenance program should include monitoring of energized critical motors. Monitoring motors can identify many mechanical anomalies within the motor or driven load.

Commençons cette discussion en précisant qu’il s’agit en fait de la « température apparente » des commutateurs. Tel que discuté dans nos cours de niveau I et de niveau II, les surfaces métalliques nues sont de mauvais émetteurs, et que d’essayer de pouvoir capter leur température radiométrique précise est presque impossible. Cela dit, nous pouvons utiliser la température apparente des contacts de commutateurs pour nous donner une meilleure idée de l’importance d'un défaut dépisté.

Often during the building inspection process, one will discover issues the building owner does not necessarily want to be found. These issues include, but are not limited to; air leakage, moisture, and conduction losses/gains. All issues found are going to cost money to correct, with some more than others. The cost of these faults or anomalies can be quite high, to the point where some building owners may try to discredit your findings. While many property owners want to be made aware of the problems that exist in their structures, it is the cost of repairs that can be discouraging.

Iniciaremos aclarando que al referirnos a la temperatura en los contactos de un switch o desconexión hablaremos de ‘temperatura aparente’, pues como se indica durante nuestros cursos de Termografía de Nivel I y Nivel II, el metal sin forro o desnudo no emite mucho por lo que una medición radiométrica exacta resulta casi imposible. Habiendo dicho lo anterior, podemos utilizar la ‘temperatura aparente’ de una desconexión para tener una idea del grado de severidad de una anomalía detectada.

While an infrared camera’s standard lens is likely fine for most circumstances, the option to add a telephoto or wide-angle lens can prove useful in certain building inspection situations. First, if you are new to infrared and think you may have the need for an optional lens, know that not all camera models are designed for one, so be sure to check this before you buy. Also, these lenses are an optional accessory so be sure they fit within your budget.

Let’s start this discussion by clarifying that on switch contacts we should be saying “apparent switch temperature”.  As discussed in both our Level I  and Level II courses bare metal surfaces do not emit well, and accurate radiometric temperature of them is a near impossibility.

Often during the building inspection process, one will discover issues the building owner does not necessarily want to be found. These issues include, but are not limited to, air leakage, moisture, and conduction gains or losses. The issues found are going to cost money to correct, some more than others. The cost of these faults or anomalies can be quite high, to the point where some building owners may try to discredit your findings. While many property owners want to be made aware of the problems that exist in their structures, it is the cost of repairs that can be discouraging.

Evaluando el programa de termografía

It was close to 25 years ago that my 20-year career in the US Naval Submarine Service led me to a job in Tampa, Florida. Little did I know, that, I was on a career path in an emerging technology. A path that would outrage some in the electric motor manufacturing and repair industries. A path for a technology that would provide significant maintenance capabilities for any commercial facility that had critical electric motors. It was both an exciting and intimidating time.