Importance of regular infrared inspections

Having a regular infrared inspection in the workplace in terms of keeping the quality of the systems and retain its efficiency. Infrared cameras like the Fluke Ti450 and Fluke TiS65 are very ideal for evaluating apparent temperature differences between components or materials that might lead to a system problem.

Infrared cameras are ideal for finding apparent temperature differences between components or materials that can point to a potential problem. With advanced focus systems, IR-Fusion technology, color alarms, and user-defined spot markers can help you find problems fast. IR Cameras are applicable on troubleshooting various systems such as:

Electrical Systems

Through an infrared camera, you can capture thermal information without actual contact which makes it safer to inspect electrical system. From a safe distance you can actually check on the following potential system problems:

  • Unbalanced loads
  • Possible 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

Electromechanical Systems

When it comes to inspecting motors, pumps, turbines, heat exchangers, gear boxes, and low-speed rotating equipment, the non-contact temperature capability of Fluke Infrared Cameras can detect:

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

Process Operations

Various processes that involve extreme temperatures and potentially hazardous conditions, like petroleum and chemical processing, can all benefit from the efficiency of infrared cameras. Using a Fluke infrared camera to inspect refractory structures, tanks, vessels, steam systems, and heaters and furnaces, can help you find:

  • 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

Building Diagnostics

Infrared cameras are also being used to both residential and commercial building inspections in order to diagnose:

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

For the best infrared cameras and other testing tools, Presidium.PH is your reliable partner! We are an official distributor of Fluke Industrial and Calibration products. Contact us at +63 2 464 9339 or email us at info@presidium.ph!

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Infrared Thermography: Explained

Machine failure don’t just happen in an instant. Most machine failures – whether its electrical, mechanical, process, or electronic- begins with a significant increase in operating temperature even before the problem occurs. Machine failure is usually like running out of your battery car. There’s no way to tell when you will run out of battery, one day your car just won’t start. Fortunately for machineries, there are devices that can detect and determine if there is an unusual heat activity that can possibly cause problems to your machine.

An Infrared Thermography can detect infrared energy emitted by an object, converting it to apparent temperature, and displaying the result as an infrared image. Infrared thermography came from the literal meaning “beyond red” (infrared) and “temperature picture” (thermography).

Why get an infrared camera?

An infrared camera allows you to capture thermal images without making direct contact with the equipment. That means you can capture thermal information from operating equipment at a safe distance and have a better chance of seeing temperature anomalies under normal operating conditions. Widely popular infrared cameras capture radiometric thermal images that contain apparent temperature measurements for each pixel within the image. This capability allows you to identify an anomaly and then drill down to calculate the apparent temperate of the points in question.

Big Benefit

The non-contact feature of infrared technology makes it ideal for a wide range of applications where components are moving, very hot, dangerous to contact, difficult to reach, impossible to shut off, or could be contaminated or damaged through contact. Infrared cameras are also helpful in detecting energy or moisture-related issues in a building envelope.

Unlike older thermal imagers that were larger, more expensive, slower, and poorer image resolution, newer versions of thermal imagers perform much better. They are more compact, with ergonomic cameras that are easy and fast to use, and they are much more affordable with high resolution images. With the help of these new thermal imagers, now it is speedier and convenient to conduct inspections and fix machinery issues that you may have overlooked.

If you’re looking for the best-performing thermal imager in the country, Presidium.PH has got it for you. You may reach them at +632 464 9339 or email them at info@presidium.ph.

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Benefits of Using Thermal Imagers

Thermal imagers, also known as infrared cameras, allow technicians to detect issues before they cause bigger problems or failures. While some equipment present obvious symptoms through unusual vibration or sounds, other electrical problems may only be detected by thermal patterns. It’s important to identify these issues before they lead to equipment failure or serious electrical hazards.

Infrared thermography offers a wide variety of advantages. It can speed up diagnosis, reduce – and possible even avoid – unscheduled downtime, and minimize damage to structure and contents.

Here are the various use of thermal imagers:

  • Most types of equipment
  • Collecting data in hazardous environments from a safe distance
  • Scanning large areas such as walls, ceilings, and roofs quickly
  • Gathering data without disrupting production
  • Quickly identifying irregularities in specific locations
  • Detecting problems before failure

These advantages not only help technicians and contractors, but also produce additional benefits for troubleshooting and preventive and predictive maintenance. Some of these include:

Increased safety

Technicians can inspect areas and equipment from a safe distance. They don’t need to interrupt operations, nor have to climb ladders or use a lift to scan ductwork and high ceilings.

Improved reliability

Reduce unscheduled downtime by attaining more accurate information for easier maintenance and repairs. Easily identify and address the problem before it results in large-scale losses.

Better assurance of repairs

An infrared camera allows technicians to quickly scan repaired components or structural areas to very that a repair was successful, or identify if further repairs are needed.

Successful commissioning of new installations

Infrared thermography can be used to document the condition of new equipment at the time of acceptance. The baseline documentation can be used to verify the manufacturer’s performance specifications or provide a basis for comparison at another time.

Improved production rate and quality

Preventive or predictive maintenance can minimize equipment malfunctions and failures.

Monitor equipment deterioration

Maintain optimum production efficiency by monitoring the condition and characteristics of your equipment with a thermal imager, against predetermined tolerances. This will allow you to repair or replace deteriorating components before they fail completely and potentially cause unplanned downtime.

Invest in a quality thermal imager from Fluke and reap the benefits.

Presidium.PH is an official distributor of Fluke Industrial Group and Fluke Calibration products in the Philippines. For more information, contact Presidium at +632 464 9339.

 

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How to safety check your meter in the field

Every measurement and calibration process undergo strict inspection. It is important to have a precautionary check of every tools that will be used in order to assure the success and safety of the operation. Whenever you are assigned for a large or even small-scale measurement operations, these quick steps can help ensure your measurement device is safe and ready to go.

Use common sense

This is probably one of the most common and important things that you must attain when doing safety checks. Make it a habit to take a closer and detailed look at your equipment and accessories before you begin any operation. Check if it is broken or if there are any shattered parts on your device. It is essential to know every in-and-out of your device to easily determine if it is functional. If you wouldn’t let other people borrow it from you because of its condition, then you shouldn’t use it yourself.

Inspect leads

Electrical measurement operations pose high risk for people who are conducting it. Hence, make sure to perform an inspection on the test leads before using any electrical testing instruments. This is to ensure that the device can safely and accurately conduct electricity for the job at hand. Be sure your leads have minimum exposed metal on the following:

    • Double insulation.
    • CAT ratings that equal or exceed those of the meter.
    • Finger guards.
    • Shrouded connectors.

Continuity testing

You can use your meter’s own continuity testing function to check for any internal breaks. This ensures that your device is accurately providing results and is not prone to error when the actual operation starts. Try checking test lead resistance by:

    • Selecting Ω, touching probe tips and being sure the leads are 0.1 – 0.3 Ω.
    • Inserting leads in V/Ω and COM inputs.

Verify correct voltage rating

Make sure that the device meter that you will be using and its accessories are appropriately rated and designed for the system. Whenever you are conducting any electrical measurement, set the voltage at the right meter and verify its rating to ensure accurate results and measurements

Safety checking your equipment before any measurement operation can reduce hazard and ensure that all equipment is ready to go. Whether voltage testers or digital millimetres, a quick safety scan before working can save time and money. To ensure the guaranteed safety of your operation, you also need a trusted provider that can supply you long-lasting calibration and measurement tools.

Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the Philippines. Fluke is the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of any electronic test tools. We can assure you that our line of measurement tools are safe and highly functional. You can trust us to bring you the most trusted test tools that can bring you not just accurate results but also safe operations.

For more info, you can contact us at +632-464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph

 

 

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The various electrical wiring and panels testing tools

For electricians and technicians, the power and distribution panels and the nearby wiring systems are the best starting point to troubleshoot electrical disruptions.

The voltage and current are the two most common electrical measurements or details that are usually taken from the panels and surrounding wiring. However, in some scenarios, the technician may also want to test for the continuity or measure peak voltage, peak current, minimum or maximum voltage or current over time, temperature, harmonics, power factor, transient voltage, temperature or even analyse waveforms to isolate specific problems.

The measurements of these factors can be done through the use of the right equipment but with the proper protective gear, of course.

Here are some of the important tools that electricians and technicians usually use for testing various measurements on electrical wiring and panels:

Voltage Testers

This kind of tool is being used to quickly access the presence of voltage. Some advanced and new tools have been also devised to measure voltage without really using test leads. Take Fluke’s T6-600 or T6 – 1000 as examples.

Digital Multimeters

DMMs are called the Swiss Army Knife of measurement tools for nothing. Technically, this versatile and flexible instrument can measure or test voltage, current, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, diodes, duty cycle, and more. Just like the Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter and Fluke 3000 FC, you can’t go wrong with Fluke’s digital multimeters.

Clamp Meters

Clamp meters are very convenient to use for accessing wirings in tight spaces, panels that are beyond easy reach, and extra-large conductors. Fluke’s top-seller Fluke 381 Remote Display True-RMS AC/DC Clamp Meter with IFlex is your best option for this one, so check it out!

Insulation Testers

You can now quickly find problems on your electrical system by saving and comparing measurements over time on a wireless device. See Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Multimeter for yourself!

Infrared Cameras and Thermometers

Rugged, handheld Infrared non-contact cameras and thermometers quickly measure surface temperatures in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. Infrared cameras are ideal for quick inspection of electrical panels in order to determine potential problem areas before further testing and troubleshooting. Check out our very own Fluke VT04A Visual IR Thermometer!

Fluke is an internationally-acclaimed and trusted manufacturer of electrical testing tools. In the Philippines, Presidium.PH Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke products. For additional queries, contact Presidium at +632 464 9339 or info@presidium.ph.

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Clean power for smoother day-to-day operations

It’s inevitable that big machineries lie the ones companies use in manufacturing companies, require a huge amount of power in order for it operate. In a day to day basis, hundreds of thousands of machines are operating so you can just imagine the all that power being consumed in a certain location. It’s taken a lot of research and developments, but there is actually a way to consume less or good power quality.

 

Good Power Quality is defined as a steady supply voltage that stays within a prescribed range, steady frequency close to the rated value, and smooth voltage curve waveform. There are devices that are able to measure the quality of power used, and these devices can also optimize the productivity of the power used. But what is the importance in doing all of this? Let’s find out.

 

The consequences of poor power quality, such as power factor and harmonics, can not only be a direct hit on the bottom line because of surcharges by local utilities, but also because dirty power can cripple crucial equipment and lead to downtime.

 

Origins of most power problems inside facilities.

 

  • Installation – improper grounding or routing of wires, or undersized distribution.
  • Operation – equipment is being operated outside design perimeters.
  • Mitigation – improper shielding or lack of power factor correction
  • Maintenance – deteriorated cable insulation

 

Even though a machine has been properly installed, it can still later on show multiple issues and problems as it is constantly being used and the machine itself ages as well. Moreover, power issues can also come for external factors such as unpredictable outages, voltage sags, and power surges.

 

Even though there is a cost associated with power quality, it is still important that you invest in the right tools and devices that will help you control the power that is running through your machines. Because if not, it may easily destroy your machines, and that will be a much bigger cost.

 

Fluke power quality and energy tools, including single-phase and three-phase loggers and analyzers, are designed for industrial and commercial applications to measure power quality and quantify those associated costs.

 

For inquiries, you may message https://presidium.ph/contact-us/ or contact us at (02) 464 9339

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What works better: Digital Multimeter or Clamp Meter

Success can be measure on how well you equip yourself to do your work. When it comes to electrical testing processes, it is essential to be sure of the tools you are going to use for the job. Determining the right electrical testing tool requires a thorough assessment of your needs. Though you have two of the best electrical measuring devices in Digital Multimeters and Clamp meters, there is nothing better than understanding the true operation of both of these products and how each of them can provide different benefits on your measurement operations.

 

Digital Multimeter

 

There is an impression that digital multimeter is a direct contact instrument while clamp meter is an inductive instrument. This leads to the conclusion that the only difference between the two is their input method. However, Digital Multimeter (DMM) is essentially a voltage measuring tool that is capable of current inducing abilities. DMM enables an electrician to measure milliunits (millivolts, milliamps, and milliohms) with its high resolution feature. It also allows electrical measurements with the exception of current unless it is equipped with a clamp accessory. Technically, if you are looking to just generate accurate voltage measurements, then DMM is the one that is primarily designed to conduct such measurement operations.

 

Clamp Meter

Clamp meters, in comparison, measures to the nearest tenth of a unit, rather than in the milli-units provided by digital multimeters. In electronic work this is a perfect and efficient resolution. This tool is essentially a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities which makes it easier to conduct measurements on the load side of a breaker. Simultaneous voltage and current measurements are simply part of troubleshooting. However, there are dilemmas on how theses simultaneous measurements can be conducted via one meter only. For electricians, a clamp meter is the most versatile diagnostic tool available. However, the exact combination and utilization of test equipment still depends on the type of work you will be facing, and the type of measurements you need to make. Here are some of the situations and ideas you may consider during your measurement operations:

 

  • If your job requires only the basic voltage measurements, then you can use a basic DMM
  • If you need the high resolution and advanced features not found on clamp meters, a high-end DMM could fit with that.
  • If you just need to ensure all three phases on your feeders are pulling the same current, a basic clamp meter is all you need
  • An advanced clamp meter is right for you if you have intermittent breaker trips that you need to resolve.

Bottom Line Benefits

Both of these tools have their own advantages from each other but it can be safe t say that it perfectly fit for each other. Whenever there are simultaneous measurement needs, you can utilize both of these instruments together in a one-compressed tool in order to accurately measure any current and voltage leads.

 

In relation, we all know it’s costly not to have the right tools for the job. That is why you need a trusted provider that you can always count on for your measurement needs. Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of high-quality electronic test tools in the country. You can count on us to provide you every testing tools you need whenever and wherever your operations are! Have accurate measurements of your electrical processes with our wide array of Fluke digital multimeters and clamp meters.

 

For more info, you can contact us at +632-464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph.

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Boosting the ROI of your Infrared Camera

An infrared camera, also known as a thermal imager, can be a big investment for any company or individual. While it is a very useful tool, it is still important to determine your Return on Investment (ROI). There are a lot of variables that contribute to your ROI, depending if you’re a plant manager, or a contractor/consultant. Here are some of them:

 

For Industrial Plant Managers, ROI can come from using infrared cameras for inspection and troubleshooting. Factors include:

 

Saved downtime

 

There’s no need to turn off equipment during an inspection so plant managers don’t lose valuable production time.

 

Increased productivity

 

Infrared inspections are non-contact, which means that technicians can scan large areas from a safe distance, and at a faster speed.

 

Improved production efficiency

 

Subtle problems can be found and addressed easily before they have a major impact on production.

 

Reduced capital expenses

 

Maintaining equipment properly can extend their average life expectancy. Through a thermal imager, technicians can find and repair problems before the equipment breaks down.

 

For Consultants and Contractors, ROI is based on how much more money can be earned by using a thermal imager. Factors that can increase sales include:

 

Increased productivity

 

Complete more work in less time by being able to quickly scan areas to find air leaks, insulation gaps, moisture, and overheated electrical components.

 

Easier sales

 

Eliminate guesswork and show potential clients exactly what the problem is, and what needs to be repaired, on an infrared camera.

 

More word of mouth referrals

 

With a thermal imager, you will not only resolve problems, but also send customers a before and after scan of the same area so they can compare results. This will lead to more satisfied clients and more referrals.

 

To get a quick estimate on your ROI, try using the Fluke Thermal Imaging ROI Calculator.

 

Fluke is a trusted manufacturer of numerous tools and test instruments including infrared cameras. In the Philippines, Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke products. For additional queries, contact Presidium at +632 464 9339 or info@presidium.ph.

 

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On having better energy saving decisions

Various energy saving methods and energy-saving appliances or devices have been around in the market for years now. There’s no wonder that energy-saving hacks is really important nowadays because of the unstable price of energy from various utility companies.

 

This is where the importance of thorough power quality analysis and energy studies comes out. This is to ensure that the overall electrical system health of any facilities is well taken care of and assessed for any malfunctions and/or wear and tear that can even cause higher electrical consumption.

 

Now, in order to have a comprehensive systems analysis and energy studies, you’ll need an ideal tool that can help you out – just like the Fluke 1738 Advanced Power Energy Logger.

 

This tool is effective for:

 

  • Load studies — verify electrical system capacity before adding loads. The 1738 is also suitable for NEC 220 load studies.
  • Energy assessments — quantify energy consumption before and after improvements to justify energy saving expenditures.
  • Harmonic measurements — uncover harmonic issues that can damage or disrupt critical equipment.
  • Voltage and current event capture — monitor for dips, swells, and inrush currents that cause false resets or nuisance circuit breaker trips.

 

Fluke 1738 is a three-phase advanced Fluke Connect compatible-power logger for making critical power quality and energy decisions in real time. It also automatically captures and logs voltage, current, power, harmonics, and other associated power quality values. The tool provides the highest safety rating in the industry: 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III rated for use at the service entrance and downstream and automatically logs all measured values and stores more than 20 separate logging sessions.

 

Since the tool is part of the Fluke Connect® system of software and more than 30 wireless test tools, the Fluke 1738 allows the technicians and electricians to access and share data remotely with their entire team via Fluke Connect app. You can also access the logger through the facilities’ Wi-Fi infrastructure so you can maintain safer working distances, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits, and check ins.

 

Energy consumption is indeed a vital issue that always needs to be addressed properly and thoroughly to make sure that no financial resources is being compromised. Hence, a comprehensive power quality and energy study is very crucial as well. Make sure that you got the best Fluke products with you at work to ensure effectiveness, reliability, and durability all in one tool.

 

Visit www.presidium.ph for more information!

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The difference between Infrared Thermometer and a Thermal Imager

Around 200 years ago, famous British composer and astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered infrared (IR) radiation. Today, Herschel’s discover is being used by technicians in many fields to detect and fix problems.

 

Now a new innovation has come through. Developed with British Innovator Infrared Integrated Systems Ltd., the new Fluke VT02 Visual Thermometer aims to combine affordability and functionality with this infrared device. It will benefit technicians who once had to choose between limited IR thermometers and costly thermal imagers.

 

A one of a kind product

According to Tim Wheatly, Chief Technical Officer of Irisys, “the VT02 is genuinely a new category of product.” It is incomparable to a spot radiometer or a thermal image as their function and use is very different. It is definitely a new style of product.

Out with the old, in with the new

Microbolometer, a type of thermal imager, used to be big and bulky6 when it was first developed in the later 80s. Now, thermal imagers are built small enough that they can be handheld. It may come in quite an expensive price but you are sure that it is a great product with good quality and use. Today, thermography devices are used by many professionals such as firefighters who use it to see through smoke.

Infrared thermometers Vs. Thermal Imagers

Infrared thermometers and thermal imagers basically has the same function but there is a big difference between the two. The low-cost option would be an infrared thermometer. The way it works is that it measures the average surface temperature of a “spot”; a spot that varies in size depending on the specification of the thermometer, and its distance from the target. An infrared thermometer is user-friendly that it requires little to no training. However, it can have a few disadvantages. Taking a detailed temperature profile may be impossible with an IT as it can be difficult to know exactly how large the area you are measuring is.

 

A thermal imager on the other hand, expensive as it may be, can provide a more detailed and sophisticated result. A single image can provide hundreds or thousands of individual temperature readings, one for every pixel view. These images can be recorded, and processed for viewing using a software. But you might need an expert or do more training before you can get the most out of your thermal imagers.

 

If you are looking to buy a device for thermography, you might want to start investing in products that will give you great results. It may require you to shell out more money, but the investment will be worth it if it means you get accurately correct results. For thermal imaging devices, you may check out our product list at http://www.presidium.ph

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