A tool for reliability and safety: predict and prevent equipment failures with thermography

Infrared thermography can help to proactively identify equipment failures before they can occur. If equipment is allowed to operate until failure, there may be significant damage, increased personnel risk exposure and/or lost production. Thermography is a rapidly evolving technology both in capability and in industry acceptance as a tool for preventing electrical failures. It can also be misused or misinterpreted, leading to invalid conclusions. The authors present an overview of the technology, its potential power or pitfalls if misused and provide recommendations of equipment and training/certification. Several case histories are presented illustrating a variety of applications where thermography has been used in the development, operation and maintenance phases of equipment life to avert equipment failures. The intent of this paper is to provide information to help users and potential users effectively and safely use this technology to improve the operating reliability and safety of their facility.