Fluke offers a wide range of infrared measurement tools, what are the right solutions for the electricity sector?
Alexander Bardakov: Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imaging cameras can detect potential electrical problems in many types of routine maintenance applications. They are ideal for electrical systems, ventilation systems, air conditioning and heating, electromechanical diagnostics and constructions.
Designed to be easy to use, these two cameras incorporate infrared fusion that superimposes a thermal image on an image in the visible to provide more information and put it in context.
It is possible to add images and notes to the mission order so that maintenance personnel have a complete view of the tasks to be performed.
What benefits can electricians offer their customers using infrared measurements?
Alexander Bardakov: The main advantage of infrared measurements is the saving of time. High temperatures in or around equipment are sometimes indicative of an upcoming problem. Our thermal imaging cameras can help electricians detect these failures and correct them before they become truly problematic. These cameras are designed for everyday use, in the most difficult environments and in a wide variety of applications.
Portable thermal imaging cameras are best suited for preventive maintenance, electrical inspections and frontline troubleshooting. For example, electric motors are used in many sectors and often perform critical processes. The failure of these engines can block production and amount to millions of euros or lead to dangerous conditions such as a flood.
Tiltable lens thermal imaging cameras are used to aim at a specific point, both remotely and nearby. These cameras can be useful in many applications, from electrical installations to research and development tasks.
Fixed thermal imaging cameras are more suitable for the continuous collection of infrared data. These cameras are ideal for research, scientific and engineering applications.
A few years ago, the acquisition of an infrared camera was a big investment. Today, there are economical entry-level models. What solutions do you propose?
Alexander Bardakov: Fluke offers several economical cameras with interesting performance. Our entry-level compact thermal camera is the Fluke PTi120 thermal camera. Designed to quickly make measurements on a daily basis, it automatically captures a digital image in the visible at the same time as an infrared image. Its 3.5" LCD touch screen makes troubleshooting easy. Robust and reliable, it is equipped with an IP54 housing and resists falls from a height of up to 1 meter.
Specific knowledge is required to perform performance and evaluation measurements. What support do you offer to users?
Alexander Bardakov: Fluke provides users with a range of information and helps customers make the most of their thermal measurements. The Fluke Academy program is one of our main training tools. It contains several courses and seminars that aim to strengthen customer knowledge. It includes a webinar on energy loss detection based on thermography that details how to identify failures of electrical equipment such as cables, connections, fuses, circuit breakers and transformers. We also offer two-day seminars that deal for example with maintenance based on thermography.
What are the expected developments in infrared thermography in the coming years?
Alexander Bardakov: The use of thermography will become more widespread and its use will become more practical. It will improve detection at larger ranges. Some smartphones already incorporate developments that add thermography functions. Drones can also be used to capture images in inaccessible locations.
We are also working to further automate the routine maintenance workflow. The first developments are completed and allow direct recognition by the thermal camera of the identifier of the resource in the form of a QR code or barcode. Our latest models incorporate this function. The user can therefore assign the thermogram to the appropriate resource in the computer-aided maintenance management system.
How will your solutions integrate with the sectors of tomorrow in which data is central?
Alexander Bardakov: The Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imaging cameras both have data-specific features that allow users to track their electrical resources by labeling them, either using a QR code affixed to the resource or a handwritten label. Once the images are tagged, staff can easily view trends on each component of the equipment and diagnose problems before sending a team to take care of maintenance.
This data is even more usable with fluke connect software that collects, records and displays machine data recorded by more than 80 fluke tools and sensors. Metrics can be stored in the cloud to remain accessible to teams, both on a smart device and on a computer.
