“A picture is worth a thousand words.” We have all heard this phrase; however, when looking at an infrared image, we should add, “if interpreted correctly!”Many infrared imagers are advertised as fully automatic instruments that require nothing more than “point and shoot” operation. While thermography is a science, it is also an art or craft requiring a skilled human operator for both conducting the inspection and interpreting the data obtained. Accurate analysis of thermal imagery still relies upon a properly trained and experienced operator who thoroughly understands the structures or systems that he or she is inspecting.
All Infrared Surveys performed by Jersey Infrared Consultants are conducted by Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers®, in accordance with current industry practices and published standards. Certifying our personnel to the highest level possible and providing regular continuing education underscores our commitment to providing our clients with the best service available.
Education Programs Now Available
Jersey Infrared Consultants are pleased to offer educational programs for your facility, staff, or organization. These information based programs are presented by Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers® and are designed for all levels and trades, including maintenance staff, upper management, project managers, engineers, and architects.
Seminars range from general Overview of Infrared Thermography to specific application programs. The Overview of Infrared Thermography covers a wide range of topics including the basic concepts of infrared thermography, commercial and industrial applications, and standards that apply to infrared surveys. Our application programs go into detail on specific types of infrared surveys or infrared windows.
All attendees receive written material,including notes and support information, to help apply the information learned in their daily work.
Planning for an Infrared Flat Roof Moisture Survey
With Spring showers come roof leaks! An infrared inspection of your roof can detect evidence of problems and provide direction for the necessary repairs before problems get out of hand. When the infrared survey is completed properly, the written report, along with the marks on the roof, should provide clear identification of the locations and amount of roof areas with moisture.>Planning for your Infrared Flat Roof Moisture Survey starts with collecting the following vital information:
- Membrane: what type of membrane; is it smooth, covered with gravel or a coating; is it ballasted?
- Size: approximately how many square feet (nearest 1,000); how many levels or sections are included; is it the entire roof?
- Special notes: any special access or security; does the roof drain well or pond; is there a specific date by which the report is needed?
Once this information is collected, our staff can work with you to develop a plan that will meet your facility’s needs. Sample report and additional information is available on our website.
IR Electrical System Surveys – Hot is Not Always a Problem
Generally, a thermal anomaly or hot spot identified during an IR Electrical System Survey indicates a problem such as a loose connection or overloaded circuit. For some electrical components, however,high temperature operation is normal and an infrared imager can be used to help ensure that these devices are functioning properly.
Capacitors used for power factor correction are good examples of components that are normally warm. Properly functioning capacitors should operate above ambient temperature and their casings should be uniform in temperature when compared to similar units under similar load.
Thermal overload relays are found in many motor controllers. The elements of these relays, often called heaters, may operate at high temperatures when the circuit is under load. When compared to adjacent phases, these elements should be similar in temperature with no pronounced hot spots.
Jersey Infrared Consultant’s thermographers have the proper training and experience with both infrared thermography and commercial electrical systems to correctly interpret the thermal patterns found during your Infrared Electrical System Survey.