NDT is a wide group of analysis techniques used in science and technology industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component or system without causing damage. A diverse range of industries use NDT for detecting defects and irregularities and assessing safety in equipment and assets, and the growing need to utilise NDT is a result of companies looking to extend the asset life of their plant facilities in addition to adhering to increased regulation.
Infrared thermography
Infrared thermography is one of the more sophisticated NDT methods recently applied in detecting heat generating anomalies, and has become a major player to achieve reliability and quality for both mechanical and electrical equipments, through the implementation of Equipment preventive maintenance programs, heat is detected by an infrared camera. The camera translates heat to a visual image normally called a thermograph. Infrared thermography is the science of acquisition and data analysis of thermal information from non-contact thermal imaging devices.
Examples of diagnostics:
Detection of Heat Loss due to bad Thermal insulation
First picture shows a visual image of a 30MW-steam turbine where we can see the thermal insulation covering the turbine cylinder and the main steam inlet pipes to turbine, with temperature 480?C, and pressure of 60 bars. The second picture shows the infrared image of the same turbine, and we can clearly see the bright areas that indicate the heat leakage from the weak points of the insulation. This leakage may lead to temperature drop, and consequently thermal stresses which have fetal effect on the turbine cylinder.
Detection of High Pressure Steam Leakage
First picture shows a visual image of high pressure seal steam inlet to turbine. The case was; unknown source of steam leakage within the area, nobody can see it since it is dry superheated steam; one can just feel it and hear the terrible noise. It is unsafe to run the unit with this situation. There will be a high consumption of steam, and the area around the turbine will be extremely hot. The second picture shows the infrared image of the same area. In this image the source of the steam leakage was obviously seen
Another examples:
- Condition Monitoring
- Mechanical, friction, heat losses
- Tanks and vessels
- Heat exchangers and condensers
- Fluid flow problems
- etc.
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