Thermography, a tool for reliability and safety

A thermography survey program, using appropriate equipment and properly trained personnel, can be an extremely effective cool to prevent equipment failures potentially resulting in lost production, equipment damage and personnel exposure to hazards. Basically, there are no limits to the application of infrared thermography in the hands of a certified, qualified inspector. Any equipment or object where temperature patterns or levels indicate equipment condition is a good application for infrared thermography. However, training and experience are essential in being able to safely collect useful data and to accurately interpret the data gathered. Without proper equipment operated by, and acquired data interpretation done by, well trained personnel with proper certification a thermography program can easily result in misinterpretation and lead to more harm than good