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.
Friday, June 25, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
