What are the key components to inspect in infrared thermography?
In infrared thermography, which is a non-destructive testing technique used to detect temperature variations, the key components to inspect are: 1. Electrical connections: Inspect for hotspots in electrical panels, connections, and wiring, which can indicate loose connections, corrosion, or overloaded circuits. 2. Rotating equipment: Inspect bearings, motors, pumps, and other rotating equipment for unusual temperature patterns, which can indicate bearing wear, misalignment, or lubrication issues. 3. Insulation: Inspect insulation on pipes, vessels, and equipment for areas of heat loss or gain, which can indicate damaged or missing insulation. 4. Refractory linings: Inspect refractory linings in furnaces, reactors, and other high-temperature equipment for hot spots, which can indicate refractory degradation or failure. 5. Fluid levels: Identify fluid levels in tanks and vessels based on temperature differences between the liquid and gas phases. 6. Blockages: Detect blockages in pipelines and heat exchangers based on temperature differences caused by restricted flow. 7. Steam traps: Verify proper operation of steam traps by observing temperature differences between the inlet and outlet. 8. Heat exchangers: Inspect for fouling and tube blockages by looking for temperature irregularities across the heat exchanger surface. Anomalies in these components often indicate developing problems that can be addressed proactively, preventing equipment failure and improving overall system efficiency.