Describe how thermography is used for predictive maintenance.

Thermography, also known as infrared thermography, is used for predictive maintenance by detecting abnormal temperature patterns in equipment, which can indicate potential problems before they lead to failures. All objects emit infrared radiation, and the amount of radiation emitted depends on the object's temperature and emissivity. A thermographic camera captures this infrared radiation and converts it into a thermal image, which shows the temperature distribution across the surface of the object. In predictive maintenance, thermography is used to scan equipment such as electrical panels, motors, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and pipelines. Areas with abnormally high or low temperatures can indicate problems such as loose electrical connections, motor bearing failures, pump cavitation, heat exchanger fouling, or insulation damage. For example, a hot spot on an electrical connection indicates increased resistance due to a loose connection or corrosion, which can lead to overheating and failure. A hot bearing on a motor or pump indicates excessive friction and potential bearing failure. Uneven temperature distribution on a heat exchanger indicates fouling or blockage of tubes. By detecting these temperature anomalies early, maintenance personnel can take corrective actions, such as tightening connections, lubricating bearings, cleaning heat exchangers, or repairing insulation, before the problems escalate into costly failures. Thermography is a non-invasive and non-destructive testing technique, meaning it can be performed while the equipment is in operation without disrupting production. Regular thermographic inspections and trending of temperature data can provide valuable insights into the condition of equipment and help optimize maintenance schedules. However, it's important to consider emissivity variations and reflections from surrounding sources to avoid misinterpretation of the results.