Choice of IR camera for predictive maintenance 3

[forensiclab]

We wish to purchase an IR camera for predictive maintenance work, mainly electrical panels. Budget is limited and we are therefore attracted to the IR Snapshot, which appears to the cheapest (about US$14K). However its resolution (120x120)appears to be less than others. Has anyone found this to be a problem, or have any other comments.

 

[DougMSOE]

Could you rent one?

 

[peebee]

I have no direct experience with IR cameras. However, I know and trust a test engineer that swears that the only IR camera worth a damn is the Forward Looking Infrared Systems (FLIR) camera. Knowing him, it's probably also the most expensive.

Hope this helps.

 

[Andiri]

We use Snapshot, works fine. Enough detail to locate the hotspot on 66, 30, 6.6kV and 525V systems, from as far as 8m.
As a first time buyer, I would also try a few cameras (if renting is an option) to find what suits your needs and budget.

 

[peebee]

Don't forget you should be trained to properly interpret the results. You might be better off hiring someone who does this every day to come in once a year to scan your stuff.

 

[DanDel]

An IR camera with a resolution of 120 x 120 would be, at best, marginal for predictive maintenance. You would have trouble distinguishing between connections that were physically close together, such as single-phase C/Bs in a panel. You may not be able to tell if a problem is a cable connection or an internal problem on a small C/B also. You would not be able to see anything very clearly unless you were very close physically. I can't believe that you have to settle for this resolution at that price range.

Some of the main points I would look for in an IR camera, besides resolution, are:

Real-time video. You need a camera that operates just like a video camera, with constant refreshing of the picture. Some cameras have a snapshot only feature, which takes one shot every 2-3 seconds. This makes locating a problem very time consuming. With a good camera and a knowledgeable technician, it should take literally two seconds to scan a panel.

Actual temp readings. Some cameras won't give you an actual hot-spot temperature, so you can compare it to a normal connection and determine the temperature rise. This is the critical value to decide how quickly a repair must be made.

Other factors: battery life, weight, picture storage capacity, ease of use, dependability, etc.

FLIR is definitely a big name, they have absorbed both Agema and (I think)Inframetrics, which were the two biggest companies previously. Also, check out Raytheon's Amber line, if they are still available.

 

[busbar]

So it's safe to assume my Hughes Probeye 650 with argon bottle hanging off of it has been upstaged? {Sorry—I just couldn't resist.}

 

[DanDel]

busbar, maybe the Smithsonian might be interested....

 

[Andympw]

We too are evaluating infrared cameras. We initially used the Hughes and graduated to a FLIR short wave camera in the 90's. I have been impressed with both the new FLIR and the Mikron cameras that we have seen for evaluation. The one disappointment we have is that the new long waves don't seem to be able to eliminate solar reflections on metallic surfaces. You end up still having to change angles around the objects, not really a big deal. The FLIR is more expensive for the top end model(P60). Mikron has a radiometric camera(7515) for around $25k(US), I think. Maybe take a look at the IR860 by Cantronic Systems for a low cost unit.

 

[wbd]

I would have to agree with peebee. While it may be nice and convenient to have a high tech piece of equipment on hand, one must not overlook the training. There is a whole level of certification programs for IR techs. Evaluation of what your are looking at and having someone trained to interpet the results, may overweigh the advantage of having this in-house vs contracting it out. There is continuing training to maintain certification. You need to answer these questions honestly:
1. How much are you going to use this equipment? (basically what is the payback period? buying vs contracting)
2. Are you willing to invest in the training to qualify a in-house individual to compentently perform this work?
3. Are you willing to maintain that persons certification?
4. Are you willing to train 2 people, so if that first individual leaves you aren't up the proverbial creek?
5. What is the annual cost of maintaining this equipment?
wbd