In the last chapter, we discussed how inspectors are similar to superheroes, utilizing thermal imaging technology to detect moisture intrusion and other problems that go unnoticed.
The powers of thermal technology do not stop there; they extend into the industrial and manufacturing spheres as well.
Factory supervisors and company heads also use thermal cameras to combat usual building issues. Moisture intrusion, electrical malfunctions, and hot/cold spots may pose a greater threat to factories and warehouses than the average home. Such problems will affect machinery and products and are potential safety hazards.
Warehouse operations use thermal imaging for predicting maintenance of bearings, motor drives, electrical panels, electric motors, just to name a few. Inspectors scan, look, and analyze the temperatures of mechanical and electrical equipment. These critical items of production create their own heat signature that determines wear and weakness. Everything has a heat signature. This information allows planned preventive maintenance, rather than running equipment to failure. This is not only cost-effective; it also prevents possible injuries to workers and subsequent lawsuits.
FLIR is an industry leader in thermal technology. Below is a link to one of their videos, demonstrating how such technology works in terms of electrical and mechanical applications.
Thermal Cameras for Electrical / Mechanical Applications
Thermal imaging not only monitors the health of the equipment, it is also a preventive measure against sickness.
Moisture intrusion can affect the Indoor Air Quality by ruining ventilation systems. This will be damaging to a worker’s health, as he or she will be breathing in lackluster air. A sick worker is, of course, not a productive or happy worker. Ultimately – on the company’s side, moisture intrusion and other building concerns will negatively affect health, inventory, and operations.
It is a common misconception to think that inspectors merely examine houses; they also inspect a wide variety of buildings and their technical knowhow covers multiple fields. As a result, they are an asset and many companies bring them on as consultants. Using thermal technology, an inspector will save companies money and headaches.
Reasonably speaking – an inspector is a superhero, maintenance person, and health advocate all rolled into one. Center Grove Inspections has many years of experience in manufacturing facilities and is well trained and equipped to provide this information to maintenance personnel.
Stay tuned for Chapter 3!
-Jim
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