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Infrared Thermography & Passive Ultrasound for Electrical System Inspections

Ultrasound World II Conference Clearwater Beach, FL November 6-9, 2005

Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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Introduction
Infrared Thermography use of a thermal imager to detect, display and record the thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object Passive Ultrasound use of an ultrasonic translator to detect, measure and record sound patterns for an object Traditionally, these technologies have been used individually; however, combining them overcomes limitations of each and can provide complimentary data

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Typical Modern Imagers

Camera Sensitivity

Imagers can detect delta Ts as small as 0.1 C


Handprint on table detectable for up to several minutes

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IR and Ultrasound for Electrical Distribution Systems Uses: Preventive/Predictive Maintenance Condition Monitoring Quality Assurance Forensics

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Common Causes of Thermal Anomalies Loose/deteriorated connections Imbalanced Loads Overloads Open Circuits Inductive Heating Harmonics Defective Equipment

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Common Causes of Ultrasound Anomalies Corona Arcing Tracking Partial Discharge

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Loose/Deteriorated Connections

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Loose/Deteriorated Connections

Loose/Deteriorated Connections

Imbalanced Loads / Overloads

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Open Circuits

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Inductive Heating

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Destructive Harmonics

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Blocked Transformer Radiators

Low Oil in OCB

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Defective Insulators

Defective Lightning Arrestors

Clear Line of Sight Not Always Possible


Resist temptation to provide repair recommendations
Apparent loose connection due to defective internal contact Breaker causing power outages
Replacement was required

Diagnosing Exceptions & Recommendations


Avoid using temperature rise as a severity indicator
Bushing indicated low to moderate temperature rise of 10 F Problem due to loose internal connection with arcing Arcing can cause sudden catastrophic failure!

Airborne Ultrasound
Airborne ultrasonic testing complimentary to IR Uses ultrasound translator to detect ultrasonic frequencies associated with corona, arcing & tracking Same preparations as IR Inspections Training and certification recommended

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What to Listen For

Corona

Tracking

*>28.4F 28.0 27.0 26.0

24.4

Arcing

25.0 24.0 23.0 *<23.0F

26.8

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Key Points
Clear line of sight required Equipment must be under load Atmospheric conditions can affect results IR equipment can affect accuracy Safe work practices must be used Results dependent upon operator skills
Proper training imperative for success!

Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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Benefits of Combining IR & Ultrasound


Technologies require same preparations - Save preparation time Technologies compliment each other - Detect problems that individual technology could miss Combined technologies: - Are completely passive - Are non-destructive - Require no interruption of service - Can be performed remotely - Can help to improve reliability & reduce downtime

Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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Who is Infraspection Institute


Independent organization providing training, certification and support for infrared thermographers. Our Level 1, 2 and 3 Certification courses meet the training requirements for NDT personnel in accordance with the ASNT document, SNT-TC-1A. Since 1984, Infraspection Institute has trained nearly 7000 Certified Infrared Thermographers worldwide.

Recognized by the US Office of Patents & Trademarks only Infraspection Institute is authorized to issue the Certified Infrared Thermographer mark to qualifying individuals.

Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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How We Can Help You


We support the practicing thermographer in order to help you get the most from your IR inspection program! We maintain a comprehensive website containing thermal images, class schedules and information about thermography. For more information or to register for classes, Call: 609-239-4788 Online: www.infraspection.com Online: www.irinfo.org

IR Training for the REAL World


Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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About the Instructor


R. James Seffrin is a Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer with over 20 years field experience in commercial and industrial thermography. Jim has authored several papers and technical articles on thermography. He has co-authored several standards including the Infraspection Institute Guidelines. He has also worked as an expert witness in legal cases in several states and in Europe. An Infraspection grad in 1984, Jim joined Infraspection as an instructor and curriculum developer in 1997. Jim became Director of the Institute in 2000. You are likely to meet Jim at one of our courses or at our annual IR/INFO symposium.

Copyright 2004 Infraspection Institute

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