Thermography: predictive maintenance of equipment
Société des traversiers du Québec, 2018
The Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) observed some problems with the compressed air systems of the Jos-Deschênes II and Armand-Imbeau II ferries. crossing between Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine. Both ships were built less than a year ago. The STQ has therefore mandated 3E Eng. to conduct an audit of the ship’s compressed air system to identify solutions to the problems encountered. This audit included, among other things, a thermography inspection of compressors, an audit of compressed air leaks and a campaign to measure air pressures and temperatures at various critical points in the network.
This audit identified the causes of the various problems and made the necessary corrections. Although all the tools used for this audit have proven to be highly useful in diagnosing disorders, this case study focuses on thermography inspection of the vessel’s piston compressors. Indeed, the thermography identified an abnormal heating to the cylinder of a piston of one of the compressors. In response to this observation, the compressor was dismantled and a damaged part was replaced.
About thermography for predictive maintenance of mechanical equipment
A robust predictive maintenance program can make a difference when it comes to keeping production times. Infrared thermography is a powerful tool for inspecting and repairing mechanical equipment and electrical systems. An infrared camera allows you to quickly scan important areas in search of hot spots on electrical equipment and systems, signs of potential problems. In addition, thermal images provide visual evidence of a failure and repair. For these inspections, 3E Eng. uses an infrared camera FLIR Systems.