SE Line – R.S.E.A

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

Electrical systems

Thermal imaging cameras are commonly used for inspections of

electrical systems and components in all sizes and shapes.

The multitude of possible applications for thermal imaging cameras

within the range of electrical systems can be divided into two

categories: high voltage and low voltage installations.

High voltage installations

Heat is an important factor in high voltage installations. When electrical

current passes through a resistive element, it generates heat. An

increased resistance results in an increase in heat.

Over time the resistance of electrical connections will increase, due

to loosening and corrosion for instance. The corresponding rise in

temperature can cause components to fail, resulting in unplanned

outages and even injuries. In addition, the energy spent on generating

heat causes unnecessary energy losses. If left unchecked, the heat

can even rise to the point where connections melt and break down; as

a result, fires may break out.

Examples of failures in high-voltage installations that can be detected

with thermal imaging:

• Oxidation of high voltage switches

• Overheated connections •

Incorrectly secured connections

• Insulator defects

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

imaging camera. A thermal imaging camera will help you to accurately

locate the problem, determine the severity of the problem, and

establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

A wide view of a substation can quickly show areas where unwanted high

resistance connections exist. No other predictive maintenance technology is

as effective for electrical inspections as thermal imaging.

One of the many advantages of thermal imaging is the ability to perform

inspections while electrical systems are under load. Since thermal imaging

is a non-contact diagnostic method, a thermographer can quickly scan a

particular piece of equipment from a safe distance, leave the hazardous

area, return to his office and analyze the data without ever putting himself

in harm’s way.

Thermal imaging cameras allow you to inspect high voltage installations

from a safe distance, increasing worker safety.

Continuity is very important to utilities since many people rely on their

services. Therefore thermal imaging inspections have become the core of

utility predictive maintenance programs throughout the world.

Thermal imaging cameras are used for inspections of electrical systems and

components in all sizes and shapes and their use is by no means limited to

large high voltage applications alone.

Electrical cabinets and motor control centers are regularly scanned with

a thermal imaging camera. If left unchecked, heat can rise to a point that

connections melt and break down; as a result, fires may break out.

Besides loose connections, electrical systems suffer from load imbalances,

corrosion, and increases in impedance to current. Thermal inspections can

quickly locate hot spots, determine the severity of the problem, and help

establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

Examples of failures in low voltage equipment that can be detected with

thermal imaging:

• High resistance connections

• Corroded connections

• Internal fuse damage

• Internal circuit breaker faults

• Poor connections and internal damage

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 avoid

dangerous situations.

Whether you intend to use thermal imaging cameras for

low voltage inspections in production plants, office facilities,

hospitals, hotels or domestic residences, FLIR Systems has

exactly the right thermal imaging camera for the job.

References: Flir Systems

The BTU07 is a full featured and low cost BTU meter with Modbus over RS485 capability developed specifically for sub metering applications. The DFSR737A is unique among BTU meters by having the BTU calculator separate from the flow sensor, which allows the flow meter to be installed where it is needed, but with the BTU calculator and display installed anywhere it is convenient for tenant reading. The BTU07 comes as a set together with the flow and temperature sensors.

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.

Digi-Touch

Digital Device Network for Lighting Control

Automated Logic’s Digi-Touch® Network dramatically reduces installation and wiring costs of field input devices, while increasing functionality of lighting switches. The Digi-Touch Network allows addressable Digi-Touch wall switches and Digi-Touch Input Modules to communicate with the LC series of Lighting Control Panels.

Powerful Microprocessor-Based Lighting Control Panels

Automated Logic’s Lighting Control (LC) line brings the power and simplicity of WebCTRL® to your building’s lighting systems. The LC line utilizes advanced microprocessors to provide superior lighting control, while delivering the rapid response required by lighting applications.

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

Multi-Equipment Application Controllers

M Line controllers are ideal for multi-equipment applications in commercial environments. These robust standalone controllers utilize native BACnet communications over a high-speed ARCNET 156 kbps network to ensure superior performance.

High Speed Ethernet Router

The LGR is an extremely powerful, high-speed device router that can connect hundreds of control modules to a BACnet/IP backbone. Support for BACnet/IP, BACnet over Ethernet, ARCNET 156kbps, MS/TP, and BACnet PTP communications are standard. Optional protocol translator packages and a wide range of communication ports allow the LGR to also serve as a gateway to a wide range of open and proprietary networks. Fully programmable, the LGR can also execute complex control strategies for high level system integration.

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.