Fluke offers a wide range of infrared measurement tools, what are the right solutions for the electrical industry? Alexander...
Alexander Bardakov: The Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imagers detect potential electrical problems in many types of routine maintenance applications. They are ideal for electrical systems, HVAC systems, electromechanical diagnostics and construction.
Designed for ease of use, both cameras feature infrared fusion, which superimposes a thermal image on a visible image to provide more information and put it into context.
Images and notes can be added to the job order to give maintenance personnel a complete view of the tasks to be carried out.
What advantages can electricians offer their customers by using infrared measurements?
Alexander Bardakov: The main advantage of infrared measurements is that they save time. High temperatures in or around equipment are sometimes a sign of trouble to come. Our thermal imaging cameras can help electricians detect and correct these faults before they become a real problem. These cameras are designed for everyday use, in the toughest environments and in a wide range of applications.
Portable thermal imaging cameras are ideal for preventive maintenance, electrical inspections and front-line troubleshooting. Electric motors, for example, are used in a wide range of industries, and often carry out critical processes. Failure of these motors can bring production to a standstill, costing millions of euros, or lead to dangerous conditions such as flooding.
Thermal cameras with steerable lenses are used to aim at a precise point, from a distance as well as close up. These cameras can be useful in a wide range of applications, from electrical installations to research and development tasks.
Fixed thermal cameras are best suited to the continuous collection of infrared data. These cameras are ideal for research, scientific and engineering applications.
A few years ago, the purchase of an infrared camera represented a major investment. Nowadays, entry-level models are available at low cost. What solutions do you offer?
Alexander Bardakov: Fluke offers a number of low-cost, high-performance cameras. Our entry-level compact thermal imaging camera is the Fluke PTi120. Designed for fast, everyday measurements, it automatically captures a digital image in the visible range along with an infrared image. Its 3.5" LCD touchscreen makes troubleshooting easy. Robust and reliable, it features an IP54 enclosure and withstands falls from heights of up to 1 meter.
Specific knowledge is required to carry out performance and evaluation measurements. What support do you offer users?
Alexander Bardakov: Fluke provides users with a wealth of information and helps customers make the most of their thermal measurements. The Fluke Fluke Academy is one of our main training tools. It contains a number of courses and seminars designed to enhance customer knowledge. These include a webinar on thermography-based energy loss detection, which details how to identify faults in electrical equipment such as cables, connections, fuses, circuit breakers and transformers. We also offer two-day seminars on thermography-based maintenance, for example.
What developments are expected in infrared thermography over the next few years?
Alexander Bardakov: Thermography will become more widespread and practical. It will improve detection at longer ranges. Some smartphones already incorporate developments that add thermography functions. Drones can also be used to capture images in inaccessible places.
We are also working to automate routine maintenance workflows even further. Initial developments have been completed, enabling the thermal camera to directly recognize the resource identifier in the form of a QR code or barcode. Our latest models integrate this function. The user can then assign the thermogram to the appropriate resource in the computer-aided maintenance management system.
How will your solutions fit in with tomorrow's data-intensive industries?
Alexander Bardakov: The Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imagers both feature data-specific capabilities that allow users to track their electrical assets by tagging them, either with a QR code affixed to the asset or a handwritten label. Once the images have been tagged, staff can easily view trends on each equipment component, enabling them to diagnose problems before sending out a team to carry out maintenance.
This data is made even more actionable with Fluke Connect software, which collects, records and displays machine data recorded by over 80 Fluke tools and sensors. Measurements can be stored in the cloud to remain accessible to teams, whether on a smart device or a computer.