Happy holidays everyone! We hope you enjoyed our December series on Predictive Maintenance and the use of thermal imaging. We look forward to working with you next year and providing you with quality service for your facility! IR Infrared Services thanks you for your business and we look forward with you toward a safe and prosperous 2011!
Brian
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Key Things to Remember About Predictive Maintenance
So now let’s pull it all together!
Key things to remember from this series:
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Key things to remember from this series:
- Reactive maintenance is costly and ineffective.
- Predictive Maintenance has several benefits; it is cost-effective, increases safety, and reduces maintenance costs and equipment replacement expense due to unexpected failures. It also reduces financial loss due to lack of production and personnel downtime.
- You need a good Predictive Maintenance Plan that includes baseline measurements and a clearly defined inspection schedule.
- Infrared thermography should be a key component of the inspection part of your Predictive Maintenance Plan.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Predictive Maintenance Inspection Schedules
At last, we get to the part of your maintenance program where I hope you’ll call me – Your Predictive Maintenance Inspection Schedule.
How often you inspect your equipment should be based on the work you’ve already done in creating your predictive maintenance program. However, keep in mind that as assets age or become heavily loaded, you may need to increase the frequency of your inspections. Don’t forget to conduct a follow-up inspection when repairs or modifications are made!
Skipping an infrared thermal survey can result in unidentified equipment problems that produce their own crises, which further postpones the already-delayed infrared scan. This can put you right back into a reactionary maintenance mode.
Consistent infrared thermographic scans are the only way to make thermography an effective tool in preventing avoidable equipment failures. Of course, we encourage you to start your Infrared survey schedule as soon as your equipment is first commissioned to establish baseline data. However, since we are talking about creating a new predictive or preventative maintenance program, you might use your first survey to create baseline data for your new database tracking system.
Regardless of when your initial survey occurs, a good guideline would be to conduct thermal scans annually. Of course, certain equipment will warrant more frequent surveys while highly reliable electrical components might not need another thermal inspection for as long as three years after your first one-year follow-up.
Because we know that a good maintenance program involves a regular follow-up schedule, we work to develop long-term relationships with our clients. Using our thermographic services ensures consistent results and reassures both your employees and your management that any equipment is in safe working order.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
How often you inspect your equipment should be based on the work you’ve already done in creating your predictive maintenance program. However, keep in mind that as assets age or become heavily loaded, you may need to increase the frequency of your inspections. Don’t forget to conduct a follow-up inspection when repairs or modifications are made!
Skipping an infrared thermal survey can result in unidentified equipment problems that produce their own crises, which further postpones the already-delayed infrared scan. This can put you right back into a reactionary maintenance mode.
Consistent infrared thermographic scans are the only way to make thermography an effective tool in preventing avoidable equipment failures. Of course, we encourage you to start your Infrared survey schedule as soon as your equipment is first commissioned to establish baseline data. However, since we are talking about creating a new predictive or preventative maintenance program, you might use your first survey to create baseline data for your new database tracking system.
Regardless of when your initial survey occurs, a good guideline would be to conduct thermal scans annually. Of course, certain equipment will warrant more frequent surveys while highly reliable electrical components might not need another thermal inspection for as long as three years after your first one-year follow-up.
Because we know that a good maintenance program involves a regular follow-up schedule, we work to develop long-term relationships with our clients. Using our thermographic services ensures consistent results and reassures both your employees and your management that any equipment is in safe working order.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Cost Analysis – or How Do You Get Management Buy-in?
Making the transition from reactive maintenance where there is a clear and obvious need for repairs to a predictive or preventative maintenance program can be challenging. However, there is plenty of data that careful, well-planned maintenance prolongs the life of equipment and prevents costly downtime. You may want to check out the NFPA 70B: Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance It contains insurance data that shows almost 50% of damage associated with electrical failures could be prevented with regular maintenance.
So how do you create a cost analysis? First, you need two pieces of information (1) the probability of a failure and (2) the cost of the failure. Multiply these two numbers to estimate how much you have invested in your infrastructure, including maintenance.
Remember to included unplanned downtime cost variables in the cost of your failure. These might include:
Lost revenue during downtime
Replacement cost of damaged electrical or production equipment
Repair costs, especially labor
Cost of scrap
Cost to clean and restart production
Now compare those costs to the cost of a maintenance program.
1. Calculate net income per hour of output for your production line or other critical process.
2. Calculate average downtime for each equipment failure and number of events per year.
3. Multiply the results of net income per hour of output (#1) by average downtime for each equipment failure and number of events per year (#2).
4. Estimate labor and equipment repair cost.
5. Add #3 and #4. This represents avoidable annual cost in lost revenue + repair.
6. Repeat cost calculation based on planned downtown where no revenue loss is incurred (the object of your maintenance program).
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
So how do you create a cost analysis? First, you need two pieces of information (1) the probability of a failure and (2) the cost of the failure. Multiply these two numbers to estimate how much you have invested in your infrastructure, including maintenance.
Remember to included unplanned downtime cost variables in the cost of your failure. These might include:
Lost revenue during downtime
Replacement cost of damaged electrical or production equipment
Repair costs, especially labor
Cost of scrap
Cost to clean and restart production
Now compare those costs to the cost of a maintenance program.
1. Calculate net income per hour of output for your production line or other critical process.
2. Calculate average downtime for each equipment failure and number of events per year.
3. Multiply the results of net income per hour of output (#1) by average downtime for each equipment failure and number of events per year (#2).
4. Estimate labor and equipment repair cost.
5. Add #3 and #4. This represents avoidable annual cost in lost revenue + repair.
6. Repeat cost calculation based on planned downtown where no revenue loss is incurred (the object of your maintenance program).
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com// or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Basic Steps to Create a Predictive Maintenance Program
Creating an effective Predictive Maintenance Program requires some upfront work. Not every piece of equipment in your facility is mission-critical. Knowing the failure rate of your equipment and your manufacturer recommendations is very important. You will need to create some type of database that holds this information as well as the tracking measurements of your program. Generally, these are the basic steps to setting up a Predictive Maintenance Program:
1. List your critical processes, applications and equipment
2. Prioritize each item on your list in order of the impact a failure would have. For example, high failure impact would be equipment that:
4. Create an inspection schedule based on failure probability and critical impact.
5. Set up a database that contains the above information for each process, application and piece of equipment.
6. Take baseline data and store it for each piece of equipment. Be sure to include repair histories, manufacturer recommendations and operator knowledge: when units broke/ how often, why, and what they cost to fix.
Most facilities either purchase or develop a specialized database. These databases are referred to as asset management systems (AMS) or computer managed maintenance system (CMMS). In addition to the information above, many of these systems also track warranty status, depreciation records and purchasing information.
So why am I, a certified thermographer, writing about predictive maintenance? Because steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 are generally when we get called in. The use of infrared (IR) cameras in predictive maintenance is well established. Using an infrared camera, we produce thermographic images of your equipment. These temperature measurements provide an early warning of potential equipment failures and unsafe working conditions.
We help create your baseline data, and then be part of your regular inspection schedule. Most mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment can be measured and tracked for your preventative and/or predictive maintenance program using infrared thermography. Most of our clients find that bringing us in while they are creating their programs is most cost-effective and efficient way of creating initial baseline data (and many times we find immediate issues that need attention!)
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
1. List your critical processes, applications and equipment
2. Prioritize each item on your list in order of the impact a failure would have. For example, high failure impact would be equipment that:
- Directly impacts safety, the environment, revenue, or customer relations
- Is unique or costly to replace, or used constantly (24x7)
- Is difficult to find spare parts for or has a long lead time for repair
4. Create an inspection schedule based on failure probability and critical impact.
5. Set up a database that contains the above information for each process, application and piece of equipment.
6. Take baseline data and store it for each piece of equipment. Be sure to include repair histories, manufacturer recommendations and operator knowledge: when units broke/ how often, why, and what they cost to fix.
Most facilities either purchase or develop a specialized database. These databases are referred to as asset management systems (AMS) or computer managed maintenance system (CMMS). In addition to the information above, many of these systems also track warranty status, depreciation records and purchasing information.
So why am I, a certified thermographer, writing about predictive maintenance? Because steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 are generally when we get called in. The use of infrared (IR) cameras in predictive maintenance is well established. Using an infrared camera, we produce thermographic images of your equipment. These temperature measurements provide an early warning of potential equipment failures and unsafe working conditions.
We help create your baseline data, and then be part of your regular inspection schedule. Most mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment can be measured and tracked for your preventative and/or predictive maintenance program using infrared thermography. Most of our clients find that bringing us in while they are creating their programs is most cost-effective and efficient way of creating initial baseline data (and many times we find immediate issues that need attention!)
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
How to Create a Predictive Maintenance Program
Now that’s really getting cold, I’m going to turn to uses of infrared thermography that will keep me inside and warm instead of up on a roof doing a moisture survey using thermography! In all seriousness, many of my clients use infrared thermography as part of their preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
Of course, maintenance programs aren’t “one size fits all”. Each predictive maintenance program should be developed based on your facility's size, equipment, regulations, and your productivity goals. So how do you create a predictive maintenance program?
First, it’s important to understand what some of the most common predictive maintenance methods are. Reactive maintenance is the kind of program that depends on you doing absolutely nothing. You run it til it fails or breaks. Remember that knock in your car engine? You have two choices – keep running it til the engine fails completely (mega car repair bill and lots of downtime!) or take it in to get it fixed. Letting your car engine fail when all it needed was regular oil changes is the equivalent of Reactive Maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance (PM) is when you create a schedule and perform maintenance repairs on your equipment whether it “needs it” or not. The schedule is based on either a specific amount of calendar time or machine run time. This is cheaper than reactive maintenance, but you still need personnel and a large inventory.
What this series is about is Predictive Maintenance (PdM). This means you track indicators over time to predict when equipment needs repair. An effective predictive maintenance program measures equipment on a regular basis, tracks those measurements, and then takes corrective action when measurements are about to go outside the equipment operating limits. This option is the most cost-effective method, but it does require some commitment on your part in order to effectively track performance.
Infrared surveys are particularly important for electrical equipment because failure of electrical equipment usually translates into critical mission failure. And, as you are aware, certain kinds of electrical failures pose life-threatening risks to workers.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Of course, maintenance programs aren’t “one size fits all”. Each predictive maintenance program should be developed based on your facility's size, equipment, regulations, and your productivity goals. So how do you create a predictive maintenance program?
First, it’s important to understand what some of the most common predictive maintenance methods are. Reactive maintenance is the kind of program that depends on you doing absolutely nothing. You run it til it fails or breaks. Remember that knock in your car engine? You have two choices – keep running it til the engine fails completely (mega car repair bill and lots of downtime!) or take it in to get it fixed. Letting your car engine fail when all it needed was regular oil changes is the equivalent of Reactive Maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance (PM) is when you create a schedule and perform maintenance repairs on your equipment whether it “needs it” or not. The schedule is based on either a specific amount of calendar time or machine run time. This is cheaper than reactive maintenance, but you still need personnel and a large inventory.
What this series is about is Predictive Maintenance (PdM). This means you track indicators over time to predict when equipment needs repair. An effective predictive maintenance program measures equipment on a regular basis, tracks those measurements, and then takes corrective action when measurements are about to go outside the equipment operating limits. This option is the most cost-effective method, but it does require some commitment on your part in order to effectively track performance.
Infrared surveys are particularly important for electrical equipment because failure of electrical equipment usually translates into critical mission failure. And, as you are aware, certain kinds of electrical failures pose life-threatening risks to workers.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Infrared Inspections of Flat Roofs
Here’s a few key factors to consider when thinking about whether infrared inspections should be part of your roof maintenance program:
1. Roof construction: Infrared roof inspections work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over, and in continuous contact with, a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. Roofs that have concrete pavers are not good candidates.
2. Time of Day: Generally infrared inspections are best performed at night after a sunny day. Daytime highs should be above 40F. There are other weather factors to consider – give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
1. Roof construction: Infrared roof inspections work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over, and in continuous contact with, a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. Roofs that have concrete pavers are not good candidates.
2. Time of Day: Generally infrared inspections are best performed at night after a sunny day. Daytime highs should be above 40F. There are other weather factors to consider – give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Predictive Roof Maintenance
“But the roof isn’t leaking!” is something I often hear from potential clients. If the roof isn’t actively leaking, often there is no motivation for facility managers to perform roof inspections of any kind. Typically, we are only called AFTER problems appear.
Is it really cost effective to have thermal roof scans done as part of your regular maintenance program?
Often when we inspect roofs, we will find wet areas that only comprise a small total of the entire roof. Especially in large commercial buildings where the total roof surface area can be tens of thousands of square feet large, the cost of replacing a roof can be huge.
When we use infrared thermography to identify specific areas for repair and subsequent re-assessment, we find that the savings in annual maintenance costs more than pays for the cost of the thermal roof scan.
Using thermography as a proactive maintenance tool can increase your roof performance, extended its service life, and reduce overall maintenance. If you are a facility manager who is responsible for the maintenance of your building, why not contact us to learn more? For more information, call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Is it really cost effective to have thermal roof scans done as part of your regular maintenance program?
Often when we inspect roofs, we will find wet areas that only comprise a small total of the entire roof. Especially in large commercial buildings where the total roof surface area can be tens of thousands of square feet large, the cost of replacing a roof can be huge.
When we use infrared thermography to identify specific areas for repair and subsequent re-assessment, we find that the savings in annual maintenance costs more than pays for the cost of the thermal roof scan.
Using thermography as a proactive maintenance tool can increase your roof performance, extended its service life, and reduce overall maintenance. If you are a facility manager who is responsible for the maintenance of your building, why not contact us to learn more? For more information, call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Roof Scans in South Carolina
Do you have a roof leak but you can’t find the cause? Fixing both the roof and the problems caused by moisture damage can be a financial nightmare. Leaks can be almost impossible to find – especially when they have been around for awhile without any visible signs! Once the water is visible, extensive damage may already have occurred.
Roof inspection services should include thermal roof scans. I also recommend performing a roof scan as part of your commissioning process when taking possession of a new building (and especially when buying an older building!) Using thermography will make sure your roof is functioning well, or it can identify thermal anomalies so you can track and repair leaks.
Remember, we are getting ready to head into the rainy season. Wouldn’t you rather be sure NOW that your roof is functioning as it should – BEFORE the rain comes through?
When was the last time you checked what was going on behind the walls? Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Roof inspection services should include thermal roof scans. I also recommend performing a roof scan as part of your commissioning process when taking possession of a new building (and especially when buying an older building!) Using thermography will make sure your roof is functioning well, or it can identify thermal anomalies so you can track and repair leaks.
Infrared Thermography Surveys
We perform infrared roof scans following ASTM guidelines for locating wet roof insulation. As Level III certified thermographers, you can be sure that our roof surveys are as accurate as possible. Roof scans are cost-effective, non-intrusive, and should be part of an effective predictive maintenance plan.Remember, we are getting ready to head into the rainy season. Wouldn’t you rather be sure NOW that your roof is functioning as it should – BEFORE the rain comes through?
When was the last time you checked what was going on behind the walls? Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ways to Save on Your Commercial Utility Bills
If you are responsible for the maintenance of a large building or factory, rising energy bills are an ongoing concern. This past summer has seen record heat waves, resulting in increased energy consumption as we try to keep cool. Now as the seasons start to change and it begins to get cold, high energy costs continue to be a factor.
Proper building insulation is the most significant factor in reducing the energy consumption required to heat or cool a building. Unless you have a very old building, today’s insulation does not “go bad”. This doesn’t mean you can breathe a huge sigh of relief just yet.
When was the last time you checked what was going on behind the walls? Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Proper building insulation is the most significant factor in reducing the energy consumption required to heat or cool a building. Unless you have a very old building, today’s insulation does not “go bad”. This doesn’t mean you can breathe a huge sigh of relief just yet.
 |
| Building showing massive heat loss |
Two insulation factors can affect energy performance. First, missing insulation is a common problem. Once the walls go up, it’s hard to tell if your insulation is installed properly or if it’s missing entirely in places.
Second, if you have or have had any type of water leaks or moisture seepage, the insulation may be wet. Wet insulation has almost no insulating value at all.
 |
| Missing Insulation |
Thermal imaging services can accurately identify weak areas inside a building envelope. Using infrared thermal imaging, we can accurately determine the areas where insulation is insufficient, areas where there are water penetration problems, and air leakage through the building envelope.
Commercial building thermography is non-invasive and cost-efficient. Local insulation improvement can reduce heat loss during the winter or heat escape during the summer. The larger your building, the greater your potential savings.
When was the last time you checked what was going on behind the walls? Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
This Old House (or Office)
Recently I spoke with a woman who owns an old house that has been rennovated into offices. It's quite the charming place - high ceilings, hardwood floors, a big fireplace....and whoops...the water leaks everytime it rains. From the inside, water starts to flow around the joints of the chimney, dripping down the walls and onto the floors. Fortunately, she had "a guy" come in and re-caulk around the flashing last year.
Of course, it still leaks.
Am I surprised? No. This is an example of what we talk about on this blog - water leakage doesn't always show up at the source of the leak. Sometimes water leakage appears only after the insulation and walls are completely soaked through. You can't see the damage done until it's so bad the water visibly leaks through.
What is flashing, exactly? Flashing is a thin continuous piece(s) of sheet metal or other impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from an angle or joint. Flashing generally operates on the principle that, for water to penetrate a joint, it must work itself upward against the force of gravity or in the case of wind-driven rain, it would have to follow a tortuous path during which the driving force will be dissipated. Sometimes flashing gets loose, isn't properly installed, or isn't installed at all. Some flashing materials can deteriorate when they are exposed to the sun.
Was re-caulking the flashing the right choice? At this point, it's hard to tell. I do know that a preliminary infrared thermography screen would have been able to isolate the point of entry and any areas of damage, ensuring any repair was done right the first time.
Infrared thermography doesn't always have to be done for an entire building. Use it as a tool to isolate issues and to reduce your repair costs.
Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Of course, it still leaks.
Am I surprised? No. This is an example of what we talk about on this blog - water leakage doesn't always show up at the source of the leak. Sometimes water leakage appears only after the insulation and walls are completely soaked through. You can't see the damage done until it's so bad the water visibly leaks through.
What is flashing, exactly? Flashing is a thin continuous piece(s) of sheet metal or other impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from an angle or joint. Flashing generally operates on the principle that, for water to penetrate a joint, it must work itself upward against the force of gravity or in the case of wind-driven rain, it would have to follow a tortuous path during which the driving force will be dissipated. Sometimes flashing gets loose, isn't properly installed, or isn't installed at all. Some flashing materials can deteriorate when they are exposed to the sun.
Was re-caulking the flashing the right choice? At this point, it's hard to tell. I do know that a preliminary infrared thermography screen would have been able to isolate the point of entry and any areas of damage, ensuring any repair was done right the first time.
Infrared thermography doesn't always have to be done for an entire building. Use it as a tool to isolate issues and to reduce your repair costs.
Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Infrared Services - New Website Highlighting Infrared Thermal Imaging
It's been a hectic few weeks! We have a new look to our website and would love you to check it out. It's designed to be easier to navigate and to make it easier for you to find what you need. Please let me know what you think! http://www.irinfraredservices.com/
This also marks the debut of our new Premier Customer Membership group. As you know, I'm a big believer in predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is such a great tool for commercial business owners to maintain the health of their buildings as well as to proactively maintain machinery and equipment. It's almost like preventative healthcare - making sure you get in for your regular check-ups gives you the best chance of identifying potential issues early and while it they are still manageable.
Scheduling regular thermal roof scans can also save you money on insurance and roof replacement costs.
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
Thank you so much for your continued business! We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
This also marks the debut of our new Premier Customer Membership group. As you know, I'm a big believer in predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is such a great tool for commercial business owners to maintain the health of their buildings as well as to proactively maintain machinery and equipment. It's almost like preventative healthcare - making sure you get in for your regular check-ups gives you the best chance of identifying potential issues early and while it they are still manageable.
Scheduling regular thermal roof scans can also save you money on insurance and roof replacement costs.
We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html
Thank you so much for your continued business! We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thermal Imaging and Commissioning
That about wraps it up for our series on commissioning. Key things to remember:
1. Commissioning makes sure mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems function the way they were supposed to function and that they meet any published standards they are supposed to meet.
2. Most commissioning is done up front, when the system or equipment is installed.
3. On-going commissioning can (and should) be done as part of your ongoing maintenance program to ensure optimum performance.
4. Thermal imaging and infrared scans are part of commissioning.
(Don't worry - there won't be a quiz later!)
In other news - we are re-vamping our website to make it more interactive. If you have any ideas about what you'd like to see changed, don't be shy! Leave me a comment! I look forward to hearing from you.
1. Commissioning makes sure mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems function the way they were supposed to function and that they meet any published standards they are supposed to meet.
2. Most commissioning is done up front, when the system or equipment is installed.
3. On-going commissioning can (and should) be done as part of your ongoing maintenance program to ensure optimum performance.
4. Thermal imaging and infrared scans are part of commissioning.
(Don't worry - there won't be a quiz later!)
In other news - we are re-vamping our website to make it more interactive. If you have any ideas about what you'd like to see changed, don't be shy! Leave me a comment! I look forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
HVAC Commissioning and Infrared Imaging
And last but not least, our series on commissioning ends with a look at HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Commissioning. Just like mechanical and electrical commissioning, the point of HVAC Commissioning is to ensure that your HVAC system is working the way it is supposed to work. To maximize the energy efficiency of your commercial building, you must be sure that your environment isn’t compromised by inadequate or poorly sealed ductwork, plumbing issues or other problems related to improperly functioning HVAC systems.
This was really brought home to me in a conversation I had with a developer friend of mine. Seems every time a new unit in a block of condos is sold, the new owner turns on the A/C and water leaks start showing up within a couple of days.
It turned out the problem is a missing piece in the air conditioning system – easy to fix, but hard to find. And of course, now the developer is responsible for fixing the leak and the resulting issues (replacing drywall, re-painting, etc.). This is just a simple example of an improperly functioning HVAC system – but multiply this problem in a large multi-system commercial building and the costs rise exponentially!
Like mechanical and electrical commissioning, thermography and thermal imaging have a role to play in HVAC Commissioning. The Building Commissioning Association (BCA), an organization of commissioning professionals, gives this example:
“I also carry a thermal-imaging camera to find leakage in buildings and to see which equipment in existing buildings is on and which is not on…For example, a prep school dining hall was cold and, through thermal imaging, I found that no steam was entering the coil. In the sub-basement, I would have had to crawl under pipes and ducts where rats and mice like to be. Instead, I was able to take thermal images of the ducts to see where the heat was being stopped. I found that the condensate trap had failed at the coil, so no heat was getting through on either duct branch.”*
*Source: http://www.distributedenergy.com/november-december-2009/concept-of-commissioning-2.aspx
This was really brought home to me in a conversation I had with a developer friend of mine. Seems every time a new unit in a block of condos is sold, the new owner turns on the A/C and water leaks start showing up within a couple of days.
It turned out the problem is a missing piece in the air conditioning system – easy to fix, but hard to find. And of course, now the developer is responsible for fixing the leak and the resulting issues (replacing drywall, re-painting, etc.). This is just a simple example of an improperly functioning HVAC system – but multiply this problem in a large multi-system commercial building and the costs rise exponentially!
There are actually three different kinds of HVAC Commissioning:
- Retrocommissioning: Commissioning of an existing system that was never commissioned
- Recommissioning: Subsequent repeat commissioning of a system that was once commissioned
- Continuous Commissioning: Incorporating commissioning activities into operating and maintenance processes so that no separate recommissioning processes are required
Like mechanical and electrical commissioning, thermography and thermal imaging have a role to play in HVAC Commissioning. The Building Commissioning Association (BCA), an organization of commissioning professionals, gives this example:
“I also carry a thermal-imaging camera to find leakage in buildings and to see which equipment in existing buildings is on and which is not on…For example, a prep school dining hall was cold and, through thermal imaging, I found that no steam was entering the coil. In the sub-basement, I would have had to crawl under pipes and ducts where rats and mice like to be. Instead, I was able to take thermal images of the ducts to see where the heat was being stopped. I found that the condensate trap had failed at the coil, so no heat was getting through on either duct branch.”*
Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.*Source: http://www.distributedenergy.com/november-december-2009/concept-of-commissioning-2.aspx
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What is Mechanical Commissioning?
Last week we started our discussion about commissioning. Commissioning is the Process by which an equipment, facility, or plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications. So, mechanical commissioning is the process that verifies and documents the performance of mechanical systems against defined objectives and criteria.
In other words, does it work like it’s supposed to work? Imagine installing a huge CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) in a power station and then just assuming it works correctly without checking! Talk about a really disastrous decision!
Now, although my business is infrared thermography, infrared scans are only a part of mechanical commissioning. For example, I might work with a team of mechanical commissioners to verify that certain parts, like rotating equipment, of the mechanical systems are operating as they should. (Mechanical applications for thermal imaging almost always involve rotating equipment.) Excessive heat is generated by friction caused by faulty bearings, inadequate lubrication, misalignment, imbalance, misuse, or normal wear.
During mechanical commissioning, thermography can be used to scan and verify the operating capacity of:
• Electrical switchgear, breakers, bus connections, and contacts
• Transformer connections
• Mechanical couplings on rotating equipment
• Process piping and heat exchangers
• Compressor heads
• Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and exciters
• Bearings
• Drive gears and drive belts (for excessive friction)
CCGT & HRSG Commissioning and Validation
Thermography as part of the validation of temperature profiles throughout a HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) boiler during the commissioning process is an invaluable tool in finding and assessing the condition of the boiler. It can be used to evaluate the overall temperature levels and to look at specific areas of interest such as the roof and floor penetrations, bellows arrangements, expansion joints, and inspection hatch gaskets and locate problems associated with excessive conduction and gas leaks.
So, there you have it! Thermography isn’t the whole answer to mechanical commissioning, but it certainly plays an important part!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
In other words, does it work like it’s supposed to work? Imagine installing a huge CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) in a power station and then just assuming it works correctly without checking! Talk about a really disastrous decision!
Now, although my business is infrared thermography, infrared scans are only a part of mechanical commissioning. For example, I might work with a team of mechanical commissioners to verify that certain parts, like rotating equipment, of the mechanical systems are operating as they should. (Mechanical applications for thermal imaging almost always involve rotating equipment.) Excessive heat is generated by friction caused by faulty bearings, inadequate lubrication, misalignment, imbalance, misuse, or normal wear.
During mechanical commissioning, thermography can be used to scan and verify the operating capacity of:
• Electrical switchgear, breakers, bus connections, and contacts
• Transformer connections
• Mechanical couplings on rotating equipment
• Process piping and heat exchangers
• Compressor heads
• Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and exciters
• Bearings
• Drive gears and drive belts (for excessive friction)
CCGT & HRSG Commissioning and Validation
Thermography as part of the validation of temperature profiles throughout a HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) boiler during the commissioning process is an invaluable tool in finding and assessing the condition of the boiler. It can be used to evaluate the overall temperature levels and to look at specific areas of interest such as the roof and floor penetrations, bellows arrangements, expansion joints, and inspection hatch gaskets and locate problems associated with excessive conduction and gas leaks.
So, there you have it! Thermography isn’t the whole answer to mechanical commissioning, but it certainly plays an important part!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Electrical Commissioning - What is It?
I know I talk alot about using infrared thermography to identify heat loss, electrical surveys, roof surveys and predictive maintenance through thermography scans. I'm going to spend the next few weeks exploring "commissioning" - what it is, why it's important and how to get it done.
First - basics! What is commissioning? It is defined as the Process by which an equipment, facility, or plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications.
In laymen's terms, this means that we check to make sure it works like it's supposed to work! There are multiple kinds of commissioning: electrical commissioning, mechanical commissioning, and HVAC commissioning.
I am focusing on Electrical Commissioning this week simply because the electrical distribution system is the foundation for every other system in your commercial building. Let's face it, if the electrical system isn't working, neither is your communication, fire and/life safety, security, or any other mechanical systems!
It might seem like overkill to go through the commissioning process, but did you know that Factory Mutual did a study on losses associated with electrical failures? Over 50% of the 766 losses were caused by inadequate maintenance and testing, costing close to $4 million dollars! I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't be happy taking that kind of preventable loss to my bottom line!
Electrical power system commissioning:
• Determines if the components and system have been properly installed and are not damaged
• Reduces downtime
• Reduces risk of equipment failure
• Increases safety
• Improves insurability
• Reduces liability exposure of the designers and installers
• Improves system performance
• Determines whether components and systems operate properly and meet the design intent
• Determines if components and systems are in compliance with the project specifications and design
• Reduces construction schedule delays
• Saves money
So if you have a new or remodelled commercial building, or are installing, upgrading or maintaining your commercial power system, feel free to give us a call and set up an electrical commissioning visit to your site. Make sure you are getting what you pay for, and that your building and systems are functioning according to specifications!
Sources:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/commissioning.html
http://www.powerstudies.com/content/resources/Cx-TypicalProblems.pdf
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
First - basics! What is commissioning? It is defined as the Process by which an equipment, facility, or plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications.
In laymen's terms, this means that we check to make sure it works like it's supposed to work! There are multiple kinds of commissioning: electrical commissioning, mechanical commissioning, and HVAC commissioning.
I am focusing on Electrical Commissioning this week simply because the electrical distribution system is the foundation for every other system in your commercial building. Let's face it, if the electrical system isn't working, neither is your communication, fire and/life safety, security, or any other mechanical systems!
It might seem like overkill to go through the commissioning process, but did you know that Factory Mutual did a study on losses associated with electrical failures? Over 50% of the 766 losses were caused by inadequate maintenance and testing, costing close to $4 million dollars! I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't be happy taking that kind of preventable loss to my bottom line!
Electrical power system commissioning:
• Determines if the components and system have been properly installed and are not damaged
• Reduces downtime
• Reduces risk of equipment failure
• Increases safety
• Improves insurability
• Reduces liability exposure of the designers and installers
• Improves system performance
• Determines whether components and systems operate properly and meet the design intent
• Determines if components and systems are in compliance with the project specifications and design
• Reduces construction schedule delays
• Saves money
So if you have a new or remodelled commercial building, or are installing, upgrading or maintaining your commercial power system, feel free to give us a call and set up an electrical commissioning visit to your site. Make sure you are getting what you pay for, and that your building and systems are functioning according to specifications!
Sources:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/commissioning.html
http://www.powerstudies.com/content/resources/Cx-TypicalProblems.pdf
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Does Infrared Imaging Work for All Kinds of Roofs?
I recently spoke to a prospective customer who asked me if Infrared Imaging would work for his building. His roof was covered with concrete pavers. What a great question!
First of all there are multiple factors in determining if thermal infrared imaging will be an effective choice in creating your roof maintenance program.
Roof scan surveys work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over and in continuous contact with a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. It doesn't really matter if your roof surface is smooth or gravel surfaced (although if it's gravel, the stones should be pea-sized or smaller - no Flintstones boulders!)
If your roof is covered with concrete pavers, it is probably NOT a good candidate for an accurate infrared inspection (but you call me and I'll check it out at no charge just to be sure). If your roof has an especially thick insulation system, it can be harder to image if the moisture is present only at the very bottom of the insulation layer.
Even though this customer's roof wasn't a candidate for a thermal roof scan, his HVAC (heating and air conditioning) system definitely was, and we were able to locate some vulnerabilities in his system that he didn't even know were there! I'm always amazed at how much is going on in a building that is not visible to the naked eye.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
First of all there are multiple factors in determining if thermal infrared imaging will be an effective choice in creating your roof maintenance program.
Roof scan surveys work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over and in continuous contact with a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. It doesn't really matter if your roof surface is smooth or gravel surfaced (although if it's gravel, the stones should be pea-sized or smaller - no Flintstones boulders!)
If your roof is covered with concrete pavers, it is probably NOT a good candidate for an accurate infrared inspection (but you call me and I'll check it out at no charge just to be sure). If your roof has an especially thick insulation system, it can be harder to image if the moisture is present only at the very bottom of the insulation layer.
Even though this customer's roof wasn't a candidate for a thermal roof scan, his HVAC (heating and air conditioning) system definitely was, and we were able to locate some vulnerabilities in his system that he didn't even know were there! I'm always amazed at how much is going on in a building that is not visible to the naked eye.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Is Infrared Thermography Just a Scam?
It always surprises me when I meet people in the business of building maintenance who haven't heard of using infrared thermography to create thermal roof scans. Infrared images of roofs can be used to identify areas of weakness or damage on the roof, contaminated insulation and other potentially devastating commercial roof issues.
Oftentimes there is an element of doubt as to how efficient and accurate roof scans are. So, I thought that today I'd give you a few facts about thermography and infrared imaging that you might find interesting.
1. It's not new. Infrared thermography was first used to detect moisture entrapment on flat and low slope roofing systems almost 40 years ago!
2. As a professional practice, it has standards and regulations. More specifically, certified thermographers follow the professional standards in the Standard Practice C-1153 manual produced by the ASTM in 1990.
3. A proactice approach that combines infrared inspections with proper repairs reduces annual maintenance costs - and the energy savings that result from reduced energy expenses - more than pays for the investment in an annual thermographic building contract.
An interesting case study that evaluated the effectiveness of thermography on a large warehouse for a period of five years can be found here: Source: http://www.irinfo.org/articles/article_roof.html
In the meantime, feel free to call or email me if you have any questions about infrared thermography!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Oftentimes there is an element of doubt as to how efficient and accurate roof scans are. So, I thought that today I'd give you a few facts about thermography and infrared imaging that you might find interesting.
1. It's not new. Infrared thermography was first used to detect moisture entrapment on flat and low slope roofing systems almost 40 years ago!
2. As a professional practice, it has standards and regulations. More specifically, certified thermographers follow the professional standards in the Standard Practice C-1153 manual produced by the ASTM in 1990.
3. A proactice approach that combines infrared inspections with proper repairs reduces annual maintenance costs - and the energy savings that result from reduced energy expenses - more than pays for the investment in an annual thermographic building contract.
An interesting case study that evaluated the effectiveness of thermography on a large warehouse for a period of five years can be found here: Source: http://www.irinfo.org/articles/article_roof.html
In the meantime, feel free to call or email me if you have any questions about infrared thermography!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
4 Reasons to Have an Energy Scan as Part of Commercial Building Maintenance
If you are in the business of commercial building maintenance, an easy way to reduce heating and cooling costs is to schedule annual Energy Surveys (also known as Energy Scans). Here are four reasons why:
1. Locate heat loss that is invisible to the naked eye, but clearly identifiable to a thermal scan.
2. Pinpoint missing, wet, and damaged insulation.
3. Locate causes of mold, ice dams, and frozen pipes.
4. Find cold air infiltration and moisture buildup.
The cost to find the root causes of energy loss in your building is a fraction of the money saved by improving building envelope efficiency!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
1. Locate heat loss that is invisible to the naked eye, but clearly identifiable to a thermal scan.
2. Pinpoint missing, wet, and damaged insulation.
3. Locate causes of mold, ice dams, and frozen pipes.
4. Find cold air infiltration and moisture buildup.
The cost to find the root causes of energy loss in your building is a fraction of the money saved by improving building envelope efficiency!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What's Going On Behind YOUR Walls?
Hmmmm...all references to Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart aside, what really IS behind your drywall? How do you know that your concrete masonry walls are properly reinforced using concrete grouting and rebar?
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) or 'block' walls are everywhere - in buildings of every kind, size, and shape. After the CMU wall is built, it can be painted or it might get a brick facing or a stucco finish. It's almost impossible to see any structural integrity issues at this point!
In the past, the only way a building owner could tell if quality work was done was to drill or hammer holes into the concrete wall. Of course, this only gives you a small sample size - which means you could have massive structural integrity issues only a few feet away from the hole! The most popular way to make sure that grouting and rebar in place is to require the builders to install inspections port, cut into the block faces. This is a very costly, time-consuming and sloppy method.
Of course with infrared thermography, we now have an easy way to find structural deficiencies in either the components (like the concrete blocks, grouting, and rebar) or in the building's thermal envelope. Make sure your building is safe and efficient!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscansThursday, May 20, 2010
May is Roof Scan Month!
Since May is my self-designated “Roof Scan Month”, I wanted to review some of what we’ve covered this month. (Relax, there’s not really a quiz!)
Infrared roof scan inspections can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor and materials.
Benefits of using Infrared Thermography for Roof Scans are:
* Flat roof leak detection for buildings, plants, facilities
* Identify water damaged portions of a roof quickly and accurately
* Eliminate unnecessary replacement of good roofing
* Document problems before the warranty/bond expires
* Locates wet insulation which may indicate a failing roof system
* Identifies areas of heat loss
Infrared technology is used by to detect moisture through temperature differentials across virtually every type of roof surface. Infrared analysis is a non-destructive testing method that quickly identifies both large and small areas of saturation.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Using Infrared Thermography Surveys to Scan Your Roof Finds Areas of Damage
Infrared roof scans and surveys are all performed following ASTM guidelines for locating wet roof insulation.
So How Do Roof Surveys Work?
Roof Scans are usually scheduled 2-3 hours after sunset. This is because the sun radiates energy (heat) onto the roof and roof substrate during the day. After sunset, as it starts to cool, the roof radiates the heat back into the atmosphere. This process is called radiational cooling and it is what makes roof surveys using thermography possible.
The areas of the roof that are wet retain heat longer than dry areas. Infrared imagers can “see” these areas. In addition to detecting areas of damage that lead to roof leaks, it’s also the perfect time to conduct heat loss and other infrared services!
The reports provided from a Roof Scan Infrared survey give your roofing professionals the information they need to recommend cost-effective removal and replacement of the wet areas – extending the life of your roof!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
So How Do Roof Surveys Work?
Roof Scans are usually scheduled 2-3 hours after sunset. This is because the sun radiates energy (heat) onto the roof and roof substrate during the day. After sunset, as it starts to cool, the roof radiates the heat back into the atmosphere. This process is called radiational cooling and it is what makes roof surveys using thermography possible.
The areas of the roof that are wet retain heat longer than dry areas. Infrared imagers can “see” these areas. In addition to detecting areas of damage that lead to roof leaks, it’s also the perfect time to conduct heat loss and other infrared services!
The reports provided from a Roof Scan Infrared survey give your roofing professionals the information they need to recommend cost-effective removal and replacement of the wet areas – extending the life of your roof!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Why is My Roof Leaking?
Do you wince when you see the weather report calling for rain, knowing that the pesky leak the roofers can’t seem to fix is going to start dripping water down the walls of your business – or worse – dripping water onto your equipment?
It can be frustrating when you see evidence of water seepage but no one can locate the reason why!
Did you know that as much as 90% of all water intrusion problems occur within 1% of the total building or structure exterior surface area?
Even more amazing is that approximately 99% of waterproofing leaks are from reasons other than material or system failures!
Part of the reason that the source of the leak can be hard to locate is that water travels. Where the water breaks through may actually be quite a distance from the actual leak. In commercial buildings, that means that literally thousands of feet of roof space is suspect.
Roof scans, sometimes called roof surveys, use infrared thermography to spot thermal anomalies in the roof. It’s like providing GPS coordinates to the needle in the haystack!
It can be frustrating when you see evidence of water seepage but no one can locate the reason why!
Did you know that as much as 90% of all water intrusion problems occur within 1% of the total building or structure exterior surface area?
Even more amazing is that approximately 99% of waterproofing leaks are from reasons other than material or system failures!
Part of the reason that the source of the leak can be hard to locate is that water travels. Where the water breaks through may actually be quite a distance from the actual leak. In commercial buildings, that means that literally thousands of feet of roof space is suspect.
Roof scans, sometimes called roof surveys, use infrared thermography to spot thermal anomalies in the roof. It’s like providing GPS coordinates to the needle in the haystack!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Outright Failures Identified by Thermal Scans
This month we are talking about maintenance and how thermal imaging should be an integral part of your building maintenance program. It's easy to tie in how catastrophic equipment failure can hurt your business. It's also easy how to see if your equipment is running at peak, it can save you money.
However, infrared inspections can save you money in other ways. And in today's economy, who doesn't want to cut costs?
* Reduced inventory of maintenance parts
* Labor cost savings by avoiding serious equipment failures
(downtime for labor personnel while equipment is non-functional)
* Energy savings by sealing building leaks
* Savings from decreased downtime through increased output
* Reduced waste and scrap parts by improving equipment operation
* Safer working conditions (reduced injuries to maintenance and operating personnel)
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
However, infrared inspections can save you money in other ways. And in today's economy, who doesn't want to cut costs?
* Reduced inventory of maintenance parts
* Labor cost savings by avoiding serious equipment failures
(downtime for labor personnel while equipment is non-functional)
* Energy savings by sealing building leaks
* Savings from decreased downtime through increased output
* Reduced waste and scrap parts by improving equipment operation
* Safer working conditions (reduced injuries to maintenance and operating personnel)
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Baseline Infrared Imagery
Although I strongly believe in scheduling semi-annual or annual infrared thermography scans as part of your maintenance plan, it is helpful to create a baseline scan for all new equipment as well.
What is a baseline scan? A baseline scan provides baseline data for comparision for subsequent infrared scans. It makes it easier and quicker to troubleshoot potential issues and helps spot problems before they become catastrophic. With baseline scan records, trend analysis of motors and bearings can provide an early warning of impending problems.
Your company invests a substantial amount of money into equipment. To get the best return on that investment, it makes sense to keep that equipment at its peak efficiency - and to have the peace of mind to know it is operating that way from the point of installation. Doesn't it make sense to have a baseline scan done of any new equipment?
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
What is a baseline scan? A baseline scan provides baseline data for comparision for subsequent infrared scans. It makes it easier and quicker to troubleshoot potential issues and helps spot problems before they become catastrophic. With baseline scan records, trend analysis of motors and bearings can provide an early warning of impending problems.
Your company invests a substantial amount of money into equipment. To get the best return on that investment, it makes sense to keep that equipment at its peak efficiency - and to have the peace of mind to know it is operating that way from the point of installation. Doesn't it make sense to have a baseline scan done of any new equipment?
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What is an Arc Flash Event?
One of the scariest and most catastrophic events that can happen in any type of building (but especially in a chemical or manufacturing plant) is an Arc Flash Event. Not only can an arc flash cause enormous amounts of damage to equipment, it can cause serious injury or even death.
An Arc flash (or arc blast) is an electrical explosion resulting from a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground.
Arc flash incidents are common and costly, and the frequency of reported accidents is increasing. Each year, arc flash events cause millions of dollars in equipment damage, injuires and deaths. Often times these injuries are caused by shrapnel from the damaged equipment hurtling through the air at over 700 miles per hour.
Infrared scans are able to spot abnormally high operating temperatures and identify them as Critical faults, giving you and your company the opportunity to fix it at a fraction of the cost of an arc flash event - and more importantly - protect the safety of your team.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
An Arc flash (or arc blast) is an electrical explosion resulting from a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground.
Arc flash incidents are common and costly, and the frequency of reported accidents is increasing. Each year, arc flash events cause millions of dollars in equipment damage, injuires and deaths. Often times these injuries are caused by shrapnel from the damaged equipment hurtling through the air at over 700 miles per hour.
Infrared scans are able to spot abnormally high operating temperatures and identify them as Critical faults, giving you and your company the opportunity to fix it at a fraction of the cost of an arc flash event - and more importantly - protect the safety of your team.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What is Predictive Maintenance?
I talk alot about thermal imaging being part of a predictive maintenance plan. So what exactly is predictive maintenance? What makes it different from preventative maintenance? And lastly, which is more cost effective - predictive maintenance or preventative maintenance?
What is Predictive Maintenance?
Predictive maintenance is a way to evaluate your current equipment to determine its condition so you can predict the optimimum time to perform maintenance. The goal is to perform maintenance when maintenance activity is most cost-effective and before the equipment loses performance within a threshold. Most Predictive Maintenance inspections are done while your equipment is in service so your normal system operations aren't disrupted. Thermal imaging scans are an ideal way to do predictive maintenance on your equipment.
Predictive Maintenance is different from preventative maintenance which is usually performed on a set schedule based on usage statistics or time. Preventative maintenance is done regularly whether it is needed or not.
Preventative Maintenance is labor intensive, ineffective in identifying problems that develop between scheduled inspections, and therefore is not as cost-effective as Predictive Maintenance. On the other hand, since Predictive Maintenance inspections are performed while your equipment is in service, you minimize the disruption of normal system operations as well as labor costs, result in substantial cost savings and higher system reliability.
What is Predictive Maintenance?
Predictive maintenance is a way to evaluate your current equipment to determine its condition so you can predict the optimimum time to perform maintenance. The goal is to perform maintenance when maintenance activity is most cost-effective and before the equipment loses performance within a threshold. Most Predictive Maintenance inspections are done while your equipment is in service so your normal system operations aren't disrupted. Thermal imaging scans are an ideal way to do predictive maintenance on your equipment.
Predictive Maintenance is different from preventative maintenance which is usually performed on a set schedule based on usage statistics or time. Preventative maintenance is done regularly whether it is needed or not.
Preventative Maintenance is labor intensive, ineffective in identifying problems that develop between scheduled inspections, and therefore is not as cost-effective as Predictive Maintenance. On the other hand, since Predictive Maintenance inspections are performed while your equipment is in service, you minimize the disruption of normal system operations as well as labor costs, result in substantial cost savings and higher system reliability.
Infrared thermography is used for the predictive maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and building diagnostic systems. Some specific examples include:
- motors
- pumps
- bearings
- compressors
- conveyor idlers
- loose connections
- corrosion
- load imbalances
Implementing an infrared thermography program as part of your predictive maintenance is easily justified by its ROI.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What is Infrared Thermography?
Recently I talked to someone about how thermography could reduce his maintenance costs for his building and identify structural issues before they become expensive problems. During our conversation, I realized how it is still a relatively new service for many so I thought I'd do a series of blogs explaining what infrared thermography is and why you should incorporate an annual scan into your building maintenance plans.
What is Infrared Thermography?
Simply explained, it is the production of non-contact infrared or heat pictures from which temperature measurements can be made.
IR Infrared Services uses a portable infrared imaging system to take pictures of your building and equipment. Those pictures show levels of heat in color. For example:
This equipment looks perfectly normal to
the naked eye, right?
But an infrared picture shows a dangerous
issue that, if left unfixed, could cause
alot of expensive damage.
What is Infrared Thermography?
Simply explained, it is the production of non-contact infrared or heat pictures from which temperature measurements can be made.
IR Infrared Services uses a portable infrared imaging system to take pictures of your building and equipment. Those pictures show levels of heat in color. For example:
This equipment looks perfectly normal to
the naked eye, right?
But an infrared picture shows a dangerous
issue that, if left unfixed, could cause
alot of expensive damage.
Thermal images provide visible pictures for quantitive temperature analysis. You can then take corrective action before costly system failures. This is why Infrared (IR) thermography is a valuable tool for predictive maintanence and process monitoring systems.
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Flat Roofs and Moisture Issues
A friend of mine lives in a condo. The condo is part of a group of buildings with flat roofs. There have been repeated issues with roof leaks over this past winter. The roofers have been out multiple times, fixing the leaks when they show up. Drywallers and painters are a constant fixture. In her frustration, she wondered why they can't just find and fix the roof leaks or why they don't just replace the entire roof. She wonders how much her HOA fees will increase because of the repeated visits from the roofers.
It's stories like this that prove the value of infrared imaging. Often the place where the leak shows up can be very far away from where the actual roof damage exist. As water enters the roof through the waterproofing layer(s) by tears, cuts, poorly sealed penetrations, failed flashings and caps, the insulation below can become laden with water and trapped in the roof substrate. If left in disrepair, the concrete deck absorbs or traps water, the wood deck rots. The metal deck rusts, and water intrudes into the building’s interior. Often the visible signs (wet walls, for example) are not even close to the actual roof damage, so examining the roof above where the leak occurs often reveals nothing. That's not where the problem is.
Infrared imaging is a proven method for identifying and defining moisture problems in your roof. This way you can correct problem areas without the tremendous expense of replacing the entire roof. Next time, I'll explain how this works!
It's stories like this that prove the value of infrared imaging. Often the place where the leak shows up can be very far away from where the actual roof damage exist. As water enters the roof through the waterproofing layer(s) by tears, cuts, poorly sealed penetrations, failed flashings and caps, the insulation below can become laden with water and trapped in the roof substrate. If left in disrepair, the concrete deck absorbs or traps water, the wood deck rots. The metal deck rusts, and water intrudes into the building’s interior. Often the visible signs (wet walls, for example) are not even close to the actual roof damage, so examining the roof above where the leak occurs often reveals nothing. That's not where the problem is.
Infrared imaging is a proven method for identifying and defining moisture problems in your roof. This way you can correct problem areas without the tremendous expense of replacing the entire roof. Next time, I'll explain how this works!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Is Infrared Thermography Expensive?
Have you ever put off going to the doctor for a physical because you didn't know how much it would cost? Or avoid having a car mechanic listen to that little ping in the engine? We imagine the expense will be so great that we wait, and then the little issue becomes a really big issue!
Since many consider Infrared Testing of Electrical Equipment to be a preventative measure, they put it off until a really big issue comes up. They might think it's a very expensive test and not economically feasible.
Would it surprise you to learn that the typical inspection cost per day is between $500 and $1050? Once a baseline infrared inspection is done, the frequency of follow-up inspections depends on the number of problems found during the initial survey, and may gradually reduce to once every 3-5 years.
How much can you save on your building insurance with regular infrared inspections? In many cases, the cost of the inspection results in lowered premiums that more than make up for the cost of preventative electrical component testing through infrared inspections.
So don't wait for a little easily fixable issue to turn into a roaring fire costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Find out if a full-service electrical infrared survey is right for your business!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Since many consider Infrared Testing of Electrical Equipment to be a preventative measure, they put it off until a really big issue comes up. They might think it's a very expensive test and not economically feasible.
Would it surprise you to learn that the typical inspection cost per day is between $500 and $1050? Once a baseline infrared inspection is done, the frequency of follow-up inspections depends on the number of problems found during the initial survey, and may gradually reduce to once every 3-5 years.
How much can you save on your building insurance with regular infrared inspections? In many cases, the cost of the inspection results in lowered premiums that more than make up for the cost of preventative electrical component testing through infrared inspections.
So don't wait for a little easily fixable issue to turn into a roaring fire costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Find out if a full-service electrical infrared survey is right for your business!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Faulty Breaker Box Can Cause Thousands of Dollars of Damage
Quick! Go take a look at one of the breaker boxes in your building. I bet it looks normal doesn't it? Maybe a little like this?Here is a Thermal scan of the same breaker box. Note the abnormal heat level on the left. Scary isn't it?
This is why most commercial insurance companies provide discounts for property managers who conduct regular thermography scans of their buildings. What could be a horrific issue is easy to fix when you know it's there.
Thermal imaging is the only non-intrusive safe way to inspect for issues that you can't see with the naked eye.
Thermography picks ups other issues as well, including energy leaks. It's a win-win!
IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thermalimageguy
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