Setting Up a Comprehensive Thermal Imaging Preventive Maintenance Program

Question:

Hello everyone, I am seeking advice on setting up a Thermal Imaging Preventive Maintenance program for a facility with numerous motors and rotating equipment of different sizes. Despite searching online, I have been unable to find a comprehensive guide or sample Thermal Imaging PMs. Can anyone offer suggestions or steer me in the right direction? Thank you, Gregory. (Sent from my iPhone)

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For a comprehensive example of an electrical thermography report, check out this link: https://www.thermalimaging.ae/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Electrical-Sample-Report-1.pdf. In addition to focusing on the electrical side, consider also incorporating thermal imaging for the mechanical side to detect potential issues like hot spots in motors or coupling problems. If you have any questions or need guidance on setting up a thermal imaging preventive maintenance program for your facility's multitude of motors and rotating equipment, feel free to reach out to Jim Cerda at JJC Consulting. He can provide valuable insights and assistance in optimizing your thermal imaging PM plan.

Click on the document attachments to discover my experience working in Mexico where I implemented predictive maintenance systems involving vibration analysis, ultrasound, oil analysis, and thermography. The attachments contain a concise training manual, a procedure for preventive maintenance, and various examples. I trust that they will prove beneficial to you. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights. My profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-frend-646076128/.

Hello Greg, We have successfully implemented a thermography Preventive Maintenance (PM) program at our site, which is conducted annually. To ensure thorough coverage, we have designated specific equipment to be inspected each month, such as Motors, Transformers, Junction Boxes, Distribution Boxes, Switchgears, and Overhead lines. During the PM, we conduct thermography scans on all equipment and generate detailed reports. The data collected is then stored for future comparison during the next PM. We make sure to schedule the inspections at the same time of year to maintain consistent ambient temperatures for outdoor equipment. Check out my article on essential tips for thermography, particularly focusing on Overhead Power Lines Thermography, on LinkedIn. This technique allows us to identify faults and potential weak areas in overhead lines, making it a crucial part of our surveillance regime. Hope this information proves helpful for your Thermal Imaging PM setup. Warm regards, Mutahir Rasool.

When establishing a thermal imaging preventive maintenance program, start by utilizing equipment lists from a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or another inventory tool. Eliminate items not suitable for infrared measurement and prioritize critical equipment prone to failure or causing production bottlenecks. Group critical equipment by area or function in 2- to 3-hour inspection blocks using a database or spreadsheet. Capture baseline images with a thermal camera for each piece of equipment and consider regularly capturing images of key components. Document routes, location descriptions, inspection notes, emissivity, RTC levels, and alarm levels in software. For future inspections, upload previous images onto the camera if supported. Customizing this guide from Fluke to align with your company's CMMS will help create maintenance plans generating work orders based on different schedules.

Hi Gregory, If you're looking for a comprehensive resource on thermography, consider checking out BINDT's Infrared Thermography Handbook Volumes 1 & 2. These handbooks cover a wide range of topics related to thermal imaging and can be a valuable reference for your work. When starting your thermal imaging survey, begin with the electrical side by inspecting all panels for any potential issues. If this type of survey has not been conducted before, you may uncover a variety of findings that need attention, depending on factors like equipment age and usage. For rotating equipment, thermal imaging can be a helpful supplementary method alongside other condition monitoring techniques like vibration analysis. It can provide valuable insights for investigation purposes, though it may not always be the primary method of detection. When dealing with different equipment types such as furnaces with refractories and hydraulic systems, the use of thermal imaging may need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Best regards, Michalis Hadjiandreou Original Message: Sent: 09-24-2023 11:42 From: Gregory Lyn Subject: Thermography PM Hello members, I work for a facility that has hundreds of motors and rotating equipment of various sizes. I have been tasked with setting up a thermal imaging preventive maintenance program, but I have been struggling to find a good guide or sample PMs online. Can anyone offer any advice or point me in the right direction? Thanks, Gregory Sent from my iPhone

Hi Gregory, setting up a thermal imaging preventive maintenance program can indeed be a complex task but can significantly help in early detection of equipment failures. In my experience, it's crucial to first identify critical assets because they usually determine the level of inspection frequency. Diverse equipment might need different imaging techniques, so it's best to consult the equipment manufacturer's guidelines. For the imaging process itself, you might want to work with an experienced thermographer, who can help you interpret the IR images accurately and avoid misinterpretation. You can also explore certification courses in Infrared Thermography, which provide robust guidelines and case studies on setting up an effective thermal imaging PM program. I hope this helps!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What are the key components of a comprehensive Thermal Imaging Preventive Maintenance program for facilities with motors and rotating equipment? - A comprehensive program should include regular thermal imaging inspections of motors and rotating equipment, data analysis to identify potential issues, scheduling of maintenance activities based on findings, and documentation of all inspections and maintenance actions.

FAQ: 2. How can I develop a Thermal Imaging PM plan for my facility?

Answer: - Start by assessing the types and sizes of motors and rotating equipment in your facility, then create a schedule for regular thermal imaging inspections based on criticality and usage. Consider investing in thermal imaging equipment and training for staff to conduct these inspections effectively.

FAQ: 3. What are the benefits of implementing a Thermal Imaging Preventive Maintenance program?

Answer: - By detecting potential issues early through thermal imaging inspections, you can prevent unexpected equipment failures, reduce downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and improve overall operational efficiency. Additionally, a proactive maintenance approach can help save on repair costs in the long run.

FAQ: 4. Where can I find resources or guidelines for developing a Thermal Imaging PM program?

Answer: - You can reach out to industry associations, equipment manufacturers, or specialized service providers for guidance on setting up a Thermal Imaging PM program. Additionally, attending relevant workshops or training programs on thermal imaging technology can enhance your understanding and skills in this area.

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