There has been a long standing misconception that equipment/system failures cannot be predicted. However, with predictive technology, a vast number of equipment failures can be successfully predicted in many categories of commercial and industrial equipment.Vibration measurement analysis has long been the choice. But the process is time consuming, expensive and quite often poses a safety concern as the inspection requires a “hands-on” method of approach exposing the inspector(s) to moving belts, extreme heats and other hazardous considerations.Fortunately modern technology has evolved into the use of Thermal Imagers which not only lowers the time involved and costs but it also increases the predictably of failure and virtually eliminates any safety concerns.Properly trained thermographers can perform a wide spectrum of predictive maintenance, such as:Rotating Machinery such as pumps, motors, compressors and blowers can be evaluated for premature bearing loss due to over, under, or improper lubrication or other excessive forces on the equipment.Electrical Equipment such as motors, cable, starters, and transformers can be evaluated for insulation failure caused by overheating or moisture intrusion.Heat Transfer Equipment such as exchangers and compressors can be evaluated for fouling often caused by sediment/material build-up.For in-depth assistance or further information on the analysis of your systems contact anyone of our highly trained and skilled thermography professionals located on our NACBI Inspector Locator.

Source: Using NACBI Thermal Imaging Specialists for PdM | NACBI Community Forum