Thermography
TCR Advanced uses thermography tests to find temperature anomalies present in the equipment during its operation. This is based on remote viewing and is a non-contact method of testing. This inspection method is based on the fact that most components in a system show an increase in temperature when malfunctioning. The increase in temperature in an electrical circuit could be due to loose connections or a worn bearing as seen in the case of mechanical equipment. By observing the heat patterns in operational system components, faults can be located and their seriousness evaluated.
As a recent addition to NDE, helicopters may be used for testing in large regions. Any hot object that emits heat radiation is captured with an infrared sensor, which picks up the radiation to form the image of the hot body. The hot and cold regions on the surface can be analyzed for the healthy condition of the object. Thermography is useful in applications such as deposits or blockages in pipelines carrying hot or cold fluids, refractory or insulation deterioration in furnaces, boilers, heaters, converters, etc. It is also utilized with Electric sub-stations for control panels, transformers, switchgear, etc. for overloading, loose or damaged contacts, overheated bearings in rotary equipment, e.g. motors, generators, turbines, etc.
As physical contact with the system is not required, an inspection can be made under full operating conditions causing no loss of production or downtime.