Understanding Infrared Thermography Reading 3

Although the calculations are quite straightforward. the effective use of the guidelines
is far from trivial because filling in the blanks can be a challenge. Here your historical
database can be of substantial help. Of equal importance is a thorough knowledge of
the criticality of the component or system to the operation of the facility to project the
nature and extent of each of the failure scenarios. If your knowledge in this area is
limited, rely on appropriate facility personnel for the information.
The historical database can help you estimate the percent likelihood of each scenario.
as well as the associated costs. When preparing cost estimates. remember to include
man hours, transportation of parts and equipment, cost of rcplacemem parts and
equipment and damage to adjacent equipment. Avoided maintenance may also be
included. Another factor in cost benefit determination that is worth considering is the
long term savings in excess power that would have been consumed by components
and systems restored to optimum operational efficiency by timely service or repair.
Overheated componems invariably draw more current than they should either through
direct I 2 R loss or because of excess friction or other inefficiencies. These kilowatts of
power lost represent lost revenue – for every every hour that the situation is not
corrected, kilowatt hours are lost in the form of dollars that cannot be billed to
customers.
Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang