Although thermography has been in existence for many years, the tools are becoming lighter, more affordable and easier to use. “Much like any other technology,” says Mathias Mosig, Fluke’s business development manager for thermography products, “thermographic cameras have evolved into a tool that can be used by virtually anyone.”
Mosig identifies three trends in thermography. Firstly, there is a shift from only experts being able to use the technology towards the maintenance technician being able to use it. Secondly, the technology is becoming more affordable. And thirdly, the applications of thermography for industrial maintenance are expanding rapidly. These three trends make it vital for companies such as Fluke to make available to the market thermographic test tools that are both affordable and easy to use.
Mosig explains: “A thermographic camera would typically be used to identify hot spots in systems, which can then be analysed using a power quality tool. The basic premise is you identify the problem and then set about finding out what it is.”
Nonetheless, he points out that a thermographic camera is a fairly complicated product and proper training is essential for the end user. For this reason, local Fluke distributor Comtest sends people to Fluke regularly for training on the latest technology. It also hosts Fluke visitors who do presentations for Comtest dealers and value added resellers.
Mosig says that he is hoping to identify additional local markets that can benefit from the use of thermography. The infrared cameras are largely used for industrial maintenance by companies like Eskom, Sasol, Mondi Paper and Ferrochrome. However, Mosig is optimistic that he will uncover new markets for the test tools.
During his trip to South Africa, Mosig held presentations on infrared temperature measurement and applications for thermal imaging and point measurements. He also introduced the new Ti40 and Ti50 IR Flexcam Series of thermal imagers, which use infrared fusion technology to merge visible light images with infrared images on one display.
Comtest’s Brendan Campbell says: “In our approach to customers, we are targeting maintenance in general, showing them the various techniques that can be used for predictive maintenance and showing them how to prevent unscheduled downtime that could cost far more than the initial investment in infrared technology. We look at a company’s style of maintenance and determine how we can change that using various solutions, including thermography.”
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