Infrared Inspections: Keeping Systems Running Safely Using Fluke

Fluke infrared cameras can see what cannot be seen through the naked eye, and those are underlying machine faults. What could have been something disastrous that is undetectable can now be identified with the help of infrared cameras. Therefore, most maintenance professionals make it a habit to have daily infrared inspections to assure that all systems are running smoothly. In line with this, it also proves to be a useful tool when unofficial maintenance checks occur. But above all else, these inspections would even be more efficient using Fluke tools.

Advantages of using infrared cameras.

There is more beneath the surface of Fluke infrared cameras than its obvious function of detecting hot and cold spots. These devices are used in most inspections because they are efficient and easy to use. Not only that, but it provides workers with much-needed protection by allowing them to take inspection rounds from a safe distance. Moreover, these Fluke infrared cameras also come in different types to fit the ideal operation you have.

Here are twelve advantages of infrared cameras in operations…

  1. It can capture thermal images of all electrical panels and other high-load connection points such as drives, disconnects, and controls.
  2. Infrared cameras can see invisible thermal signatures to prevent faults before the damage occurs.
  3. Can measure temperature quickly, at a distance, and without touching the object you are measuring.
  4. Finding faulty terminations in high power electrical circuits.
  5. Locating overloaded circuit breakers.
  6. Identifying fuses at or near their current rated capacity.
  7. Identifying problems in electrical switchgear.
  8. Monitoring and measuring bearing temperatures in large motors or other rotating equipment.
  9. Identifying “hot spots” in electronic equipment.
  10. Identifying leaks in sealed vessels.
  11. Finding faulty insulation in process pipes or other insulated processes.
  12. Capturing process temperature readings.

How do infrared inspections benefit multiple systems to run smoothly?

Having annual infrared inspections in your schedule can benefit your equipment. This will not only ensure optimal health, but it will ensure that no unwanted downtimes can occur. Plus, the best part is that it does not only focus on one part of machines but all the facets that are included.

In line with this, having infrared inspections can accommodate multiple faults in one go. It can answer problems with electrical systems, electromechanical systems, process operations, and building diagnostics. Here is how it can help…

1 Use them in inspecting electrical systems.

Infrared cameras are great for detecting faults in electrical systems without even getting close to the target. They can capture thermal readings from a distance, but this is not all that they can read. Moreover, they can diagnose several different things as well. Here are some of them…

  • Unbalanced loads
  • Harmonics issues
  • Overloaded systems with excessive current
  • Loose or corroded connections that cause increased resistance in the circuit
  • Winding insulation failure in electric motors
  • Component failure
  • Wiring mistakes
  • Underspecified components

2 They can also be used in troubleshooting electromechanical systems.

They are also the perfect tools for examining motors, pumps, turbines, heat exchangers, gearboxes, and low-speed rotating equipment. You see, rotating motors or equipment, in general, can exhume rigorous amounts of temperature which makes them a perfect patient of Fluke infrared technology to find the following faults…

  • Reduced airflow from dust or debris
  • Alignment issues
  • Motor winding insulation problems
  • Power quality problems
  • Bearing issues
  • Lubrication problems

3 Process operations can also greatly benefit from infrared inspections.

The uses of Fluke in infrared inspections do not stop with electrical systems and electromechanical systems. But it goes as far as promoting safe inspections for refractory structures, tanks, vessels, steam systems, and heaters and furnaces. The industries that require these inspections are mostly ones that engage in petroleum and chemical processing, plastic, and steel.

This alone speaks volumes about how potentially hazardous inspection can be for most workers in the industry. However, with the use of Fluke tools, you won’t be sacrificing your safety since you’ll be able to take measurements from afar. Infrared inspections using Fluke tools can allow you to detect the following faults…

  • Damaged refractory insulation
  • Worn or leaking pipes
  • Defective valves and steam traps
  • Abnormal heat flow and heat gradients
  • Levels of solids, liquids, or gases in vessels such as storage tanks and silos

4 Building diagnostics

According to inertive, building diagnostics are made up of three main types and these are commissioning sensor-based monitoring, and investigation diagnostics. Technically, inspection is an important part of building diagnostics since buildings often do not perform as designed. Therefore, failures of building components and systems might take place.

The general steps to conduct a building diagnostic are:

  1. Collect data
  2. Identify the problem
  3. Define solutions
  4. Implement repairs
  5. Verify results

Fluke’s greatest function is to perform all these 5 steps with ease and security. Considering that thermal imaging has been saturated with building diagnostics for a long time. We’ll give you a run-through on how thermal imagers can be useful when it comes to detection and providing solutions.

Thermal inspections using Fluke can let you…

  • Improperly installed or missing insulation
  • Heat loss or gain
  • Air leakage and air bypass
  • Improperly installed or damaged HVAC ductwork
  • Leaks in buried steam or water lines
  • Moisture intrusion in walls, ceilings, and roofs causes damage to insulation and building materials tiresome boast exude

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! So basically, those are the great functions of infrared cameras and how it keeps systems running smoothly. Basically, these tools will ultimately help you in everyday operation to keep your systems locked and steady. So, are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You are in luck since Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

https://presidium.ph/shop/?wlfilter=1&product_cat=fluke-infrared-cameras

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5 Amazing Things About Fluke Pocket Thermal Cameras

We all know Fluke thermal cameras come in a big telephone-like structure, but did you know that there’s a portable one? Small but terrible is a way to describe the Compact Fluke PTi120 Pocket Thermal Camera. You would never wish to underestimate its capabilities since it boasts absolute efficiency and ease for workers who are in the industrial field.

Technically, having anything portable always stands as efficient and useful. This pocket thermal camera is considered one of the favored devices for industrial workers for its small design. But this little tool isn’t just known for its “portable” nature, but it also has a lot of amazing functions and benefits to offer workers during operations.

The benefits of Fluke Pocket Thermal Cameras…

Regular inspections can help you develop great quality in terms of machine work. And one of the tools that promote the quality of industrial machines is none other than Fluke pocket thermal cameras. Even informal inspections hold so much importance. In line with this, using a small thermal camera can give you an opportunity to give machines a quick scan.

By doing this, you’ll have more advantages of knowing faults before waiting for drastic measures to take a turn. Pocket thermal cameras can be very well helpful. You can simply fit it into your back pocket and take it out whenever you feel like there’s something fishy about how your machine’s acting.

1 It is portable that you can fit it in your pockets.

Sometimes, big problems require small solutions. One of the best advantages of pocket thermal cameras is being small. Who doesn’t want devices that can fit in your pockets? Its sleek frame can easily fit anywhere! You won’t even get bothered by its weight since the Fluke pocket thermometers are considerably light. This is definitely one tool that you want to have with you the entire day when making inspection rounds, or if you need a handy device that you can pull out any time when the situation calls for it.

2 You can automatically save your thermal images.

Devices nowadays are truly a wonder. They make your life easier, and the Fluke pocket thermal cameras are not indifferent to this innovation. By using this tool, you won’t have to undergo the painful process of taking out USBs and sticking them to the right places, rather now, all you need is wifi.

Yes, that’s right, you can now take thermal images and send them with your Fluke tool via wifi! In this way, you can send real-time diagnostics as soon as you get the results. This will be advantageous in reducing unwanted downtimes and providing timely and accurate diagnostics.

3 Use it for quick temperature scans.

As we’ve mentioned, these pocket thermal cameras are ideal for quick temperature scans since they will likely be tucked in your pockets for the entire day. This camera can also be beneficial in pinpointing and conducting simple and fast tests for possible issues with pieces of equipment. You no longer need to walk long distances to get the right tool for the job since the best tool for it can already fit in your pockets!

4 Small but durable!

As all Fluke tools are known, they are undeniably rugged, safe, and reliable. And these qualities don’t cancel out even the smallest of tools. You might think that the Fluke pocket thermal camera is fragile, but you might want to think again. With an IP54 enclosure rating and a 1-meter drop survival, the PTi120 was built to be tossed in your tool bag. It can endure rough handling, yes, but keep in mind that the longevity of your tools depends on how you care for them.

5 You can get your preferred level of infrared.

Make locating problems easier by simply adjusting the visible light image. Detecting hot and cold spots is generally quite difficult without a trained eye, especially spotting the problematic ones. However, rest assured that the Fluke pocket thermal camera can be able to make your life easier by being its user-friendly self. In this way, second-guessing and false results can be minimized to a down low! Cool right?

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

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Fluke Thermometers: How to Get the Best Results!

There is no tool timelier than a Fluke thermometer during the surge of a pandemic. When we are limited to giving physical touch while working, we turn to instruments that can do the job for us. Fluke thermometers are not only supportive of diagnosing technical issues but are also capable of doing thorough temperature reads of different objects. However, this may also vary from the actual object you are measuring.

Recap! A lot of people mistake IR Thermometers for Thermal Imagers. So, what’s the difference? A simple explanation that sets these two fluke devices apart is that Fluke thermometers take an individual number which is the temperature measurement of a single spot on your target. Meanwhile, a thermal camera gives you thermal readings that let you visualize the actual hot and cold spots scenario.

Going back, it’s safe to say that it’s in everyone’s knowledge, Fluke thermometers are great in terms of performance! However, some might not be getting the full experience of these innovative thermometers. This is why we’re telling you how you can get the best results from Fluke thermometers!

Know your IR thermometer’s distance-to-spot ratio

The distance-to-spot ratio is known as the field of view. The field of view plays a critical role in terms of accuracy. This is because the angle of vision it sees will be the average of the temperature it detects.

Additionally, the distance-to-spot ratio also pertains to the size of the area (or spot) being measured. Make sure that the target is larger than the spot size the unit is measuring. The smaller the target, the closer you should be to it. When accuracy is critical, make sure that the target is at least twice as large as the spot size.

Watch out for shiny, “low emissivity” objects.

Yes, shiny objects have the tendency to bewilder your IR gun which as a result can give inaccurate results. According to EnnoLogic, IR thermometers are pre-set at an emissivity of 0.95.  However, objects with much lower emissivity ratings, such as polished metal, will give false temperature readings.

Another source from Thermo Works stated that most organic materials, including the by-products of plants and animals, have an emissivity rating of 0.95. In return, these are the ideal surfaces to point at if you want accurate results. Meanwhile, polished metals and other shiny things are known to have very low emissivity levels since they tend to be very reflective of ambient infrared energy.

Steam or dust can affect the accuracy of IR thermometers.

Remember that these elements can confuse readings for the simple reason that they blur the lens. Naturally, blurry lenses can result in inaccurate readings for infrared thermometers. Think of it this way, if you look through a camera with blurred lenses or steam, those elements will show in the photos. Therefore, before shooting your IR gun, always make sure to wipe the lenses with appropriate tools to better its reading process.

Avoid temperature-shocking your infrared thermometer.

We know that Fluke is known for its excellence of being the most versatile test tool in the market, and it’s not wrong. However, some of its tools are also quite sensitive depending on their usage. Nevertheless, don’t mistake this aspect as a weak spot since this does not dampen its high-performing nature.

Letting your Fluke thermometer simmer in its surroundings can ultimately grant you more chances to get accurate readings. Give your thermometer at least 20 minutes to bask in its given environment. For example, you’ve just only done temperature checks in a cold room and then moved on to a much warmer area. Immediately putting your device on the spot might not get you the most “spot-on” results, instead, let it sit and take in the surrounding for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke Maintenance tools in the Philippines. Thus, if you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools in the market!

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