BTU Meter

Mechanical Installations

In many industries, mechanical systems serve as the backbone

of operations.

Thermal data collected with a thermal imaging camera can be

an invaluable source of complimentary information to vibration

studies in mechanical equipment monitoring.

Mechanical systems will heat up if there is a misalignment at

some point in the system.

Conveyor belts are a good example. If a roller is worn out, it will

clearly show in the thermal image so that it can be replaced.

Typically, when mechanical components become worn and less

efficient, the heat dissipated will increase. Consequently, the

temperature of faulty equipment or systems will increase rapidly

before failure.

By periodically comparing readings from a thermal imaging

camera with a machine’s temperature signature under normal

operating conditions, you can detect a multitude of different

failures.

Suspected roller Overheated bearing

This thermal image shows an electric engine under normal operation.

Motors can also be inspected with a thermal imaging camera.

Motor failures like brush contact-wear and armature shorts

typically produce excess heat prior to failure but remain

undetected with vibration analysis, since it often causes little

to no extra vibration. Thermal imaging gives a full overview and

allows you to compare the temperature of different motors.

Other mechanical systems monitored with thermal imaging

cameras include couplings, gearboxes, bearings, pumps,

compressors, belts, blowers and conveyor systems.

Examples of mechanical faults that can be detected with thermal

imaging are:

• Lubrication issues

• Misalignments

• Overheated motors

• Suspect rollers

• Overloaded pumps

• Overheated motor axles

• Hot bearings

These and other issues can be spotted at an early stage with

a thermal imaging camera. This will help to prevent costly

damages and to ensure the continuity of production.

Motor: Bearing Problem.

Motor: Internal Winding Problem.

References: Flir Systems

Introduction

Ever since the first commercial thermal imaging camera was

sold in 1965 for high voltage power line inspections, by what

would later become FLIR Systems, the use of thermal imaging

cameras for industrial applications has been an important market

segment for FLIR.

Since then thermal imaging technology has evolved. Thermal

imaging cameras have become compact systems that look just

like a digital video camera or digital photo camera. They are easy

to use and generate crisp real-time high-resolution images.

Thermal imaging technology has become one of the most

valuable diagnostic tools for industrial applications. By detecting

anomalies that are usually invisible to the naked eye, thermal

imaging allows corrective action to be taken before costly

system failures occur.

Powerful Microprocessor-Based Lighting Control Panel

Automated Logic’s Lighting Control LC08 panel brings the power and simplicity of WebCTRL® to your building’s lighting systems. The LC08 utilizes an advanced microprocessor to provide superior lighting control, while delivering the rapid response required by lighting applications

Zone Controller

Automated Logic’s ZN220 provides unprecedented power and flexibility through fully programmable networked controllers. The ZN220 controllers connect to the Building Automation System (BAS) network using BACnet over ARCNET 156 kbps or MS/TP. The ZN220 supports a line of RS room sensors using its Rnet port.

Powerful Multi-Equipment Controllers

ME 812U Line – Powerful Multi-Equipment Controllers

The ME812U controllers have the speed, power, memory, and I/O flexibility to handle the most demanding control applications in the industry. Capable of controlling multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously, this robust BACnet controller can support complex control strategies with plenty of memory for trends, and is capable of third party integration using other communication protocols.

Powerful Multi-Equipment Controller and Router

ME-LGR Powerful Multi-Equipment Controller and Router

Combining the features of our powerful multiequipment controller with a high-speed BACnet® router, the ME-LGR can do it all. Need 100 Mbps communications to a critical control site? Need to control multiple pieces of equipment at that site? Need to integrate third-party equipment on a proprietary network with your BACnet system? No problem. The ME-LGR can do it all, and it can also serve as a router to controllers on an ARCNET 156 kbps or MS/TP network.

Powerful Gateway

Automated Logic’s Equipment Portal (EQ-PRTL) sets a new standard for integrating other manufacturers’ equipment into WebCTRL®. EQ-PRTL is a powerful gateway to a single piece of equipment /device using proprietary or open protocols such as Modbus and LonWorks. Support for BACnet® over ARCNET 156 kbps and MS/TP communications are standard.

A Tool for Sustainable Building Operations

Automated Logic’s EnergyReports™ application is an incredibly flexible, easy-to-use reporting tool that gives facility managers the power to produce a wide variety of reports showing a building’s energy consumption. Using dynamic and animated color graphs, EnergyReports allows users to compare energy consumption or demand over different periods with simple drop-down menus and calendar control options. A click of the mouse enables users to normalize consumption data, convert the data to cost or carbon dioxide emissions, and change engineering units on the fly. This gives facility managers a powerful tool to minimize energy consumption, maximize comfort, and achieve sustainable building operations

Balancing Efficiency with Comfort

WebCTRL Environmental Index – Balancing Efficiency With Comfort

As energy prices continue to soar, facility managers are under increasing pressure to find ways to cut building operating costs. A simple solution would be to decrease energy consumption, but smart managers know that sacrificing comfort for energy savings could lead to even bigger financial problems. After all, studies have shown productivity decreases as comfort levels decline, leading to lost revenues in companies and difficult learning environments in school systems. What’s needed is a way to measure comfort, so managers would know exactly how far to cut energy usage without negatively impacting comfort.

Automated Logic’s Environmental Index provides the solution. Since the key component of comfort is temperature, ALC’s index starts with assigning point values based on the difference between zone temperature and heating and cooling set points. Other factors, such as humidity and CO2 levels, can also be computed into the numeric system to reflect one “comfort” score for all factors. This is a powerful tool for facility managers who need to identify buildings with performance problems or ensure buildings don’t become less efficient as changes are made.

Universally Understood Graphical Programming

EIKON-LogicBuilder for WebCTRL is the most advanced graphical programming tool in the industry. With the click of a button, you can build complex control algorithms, diagnose problems, and run real-time or simulated operational data to evaluate the performance of a control sequence. EIKON-LogicBuilder makes it easy to understand control sequences as it does not use cryptic “line by line” computer code.

Key Features and Benefits

Intuitive graphical programming tool eliminates the need for complex programming or cryptic computer code.

Powerful library of microblocks (control functions) provide the flexibility to develop simple and complex control sequences.

Universally understood graphic symbols make control algorithms easy to understand.

Flexible simulation mode enables the user to view the control routines before system installation which simplifies development and troubleshooting.

Live Graphic Function Blocks (GFBs) are a valuable troubleshooting tool that allow system performance to be viewed in real time.

Complete integration with WebCTRL workstation software for seamless facility programming.

Instant project documentation captures development process.

An extensive library of sample GFBs provides pre-engineered solutions to many typical HVAC control applications. They can be used as-is, or easily modified in EIKON to meet special requirements.

Complete compatibility and functionality with BACnet®, ASHRAE’s industry standard protocol, for programming BACnet objects.