As part of our condition monitoring service, CBC Technical Services provides a thermal analysis program which includes thermography and digital temperature recording. Thermal analysis can reveal problems in a vast range of mechanical and electrical applications precisely, quickly and effectively.

Thermography uses cameras to measure infrared radiation, creating thermal images of equipment which show variations in temperature as brightly coloured patterns, providing crucial information for many applications, including:

Electrical (high & low voltage systems): Loose/over tight connections, overloaded components, uneven voltage distribution, failed/fatigued components and dead battery cells.

Mechanical: Condition of bearings, shaft misalignment, faulty electrical connections, plumbing leaks and blockages, defective seals and valves, storage tank levels, furnace tube coking, settlement and sludge build up, baseline temperature readings during commissioning of plant equipment and refractory surveys – inspection for loose or missing refractory lining in boilers, furnaces, reactors and similar high temperature vessels.

Digital temperature recording is a stand alone time and temperature tracker in a stainless steel button, which is affixed to equipment to record temperature at regular, adjustable intervals. Data is downloaded to specialised software for analysis of results.

Thermal measurement and analysis programs make information accessible without having to make contact with equipment, creating a safer workplace. They can assist in identifying potential failures or inefficiencies in time to prevent loss of production, breakdown of equipment or fire hazards. Their use is virtually unlimited; detecting the presence of heat or even cold anywhere can help in making a determination of equipment performance condition.

Used in conjunction with CBC’s vibration analysis and/or oil sampling programs, these highly effective plant awareness programs can improve plant up-time and reduce the cost of not knowing.