Thermography is the science of detecting and recording electromagnetic energy also known as thermal imaging, or infrared radiation. This technology has been used in heat seeking missiles and night vision equipment. It can also be used to detect temperature variations in electrical and mechanical equipment.
United Power Services, Inc. conducts infrared thermography with the FLIR P60 series infrared camera and ThermaCam Reporter Pro 2000 software. Our certified technicians can identify areas of increased heat in equipment that may be the first warning signs of a potential problem.
During an infrared scan the equipment does not have to be removed from service. In fact, it is preferable for the equipment to be operating at near full-load capacity so the severity of the finding can be measured with greater accuracy. An infrared survey from UPSI is a valuable tool in preventing power outages, rectifying safety issues, and avoiding catastrophic failures.
Examples of types of equipment that benefit from infrared surveys are:
| Electrical switchgear, breakers, buss connections, and contacts |
| Transformer connections |
| Compressor heads |
| Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and excitors |
| Bearings |
| Friction in drive gears and drive belts |