Contents
Overview
Other IR Applications
Sample IR Images:
- Boiler Steam Lines
- Pipe Delamination
- Material Build-up
- Heat Tracing
- Deposits in Piping
- Pipe Delaminations
- Oil Line Build-up
Overview
Piping runs throughout facilities. Although the infrared applications are more limited on insulated and cladded lines, issues such as build-up, delaminations, insulation problems, heat tracing, and other aspects can be evaluated using infrared technology.
1. Boiler Steam Lines
Maverick Inspection was contracted to scan the steam lines at a large power generation facility. The survey was an integral part of the early implementation of an energy conservation plan. Poorly insulated lines were identified throughout the plant. Heat loss was evident even on lines that had been re-insulated as recently as 2 years prior to inspection. In this image, poor or damaged insulation is apparent on the U-bend of the upper line and on the right-hand portion of the lower line. With the rising costs of fuel, energy efficiency has become a greater priority for industry.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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2. Pipe Delamination
During routine scanning at a chemical production facility, delamination of the fibreglass pipe from the teflon liner was revealed. Such delamination could result in diminished production capacity, reduced product quality, and a risk to the welfare of personnel in the event of failure. These lines are scanned when new and monitored on a regular basis.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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3. Material Build-up
The internal build-up is visible on the inside diameter of this line, as is the flow pattern. You are not seeing "through" the piping in this image. Rather, there is an evident difference in the rates of heat transfer to the outside of the pipe between the moving fluid vs. the build-up.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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4. Heat Tracing
This image was taken to verify that the heat tracing banded to the process line would have adequate heat transfer. The insulation had to be partially removed in order to gather the information desired in this particular application.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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5. Deposits in Piping
The gradual deposit of material over time in this line resulted in restriction. The level of the deposits is evident from grade with a thermal imaging system.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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6. Pipe Delaminations
This is another image showing delaminations of the lining from the outer layers of process pipes. A large area is obvious on the front of the pipe to the left. There is a smaller area that has just started on the side of the pipe beside it.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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7. Oil Line Build-up
Although it can be difficult to tell what the thickness of build-up is in process lines such as in this sales oil line, the areas of restriction can be located and identified. Trending these areas with periodic thermal scans provides valuable information about the progression of build-up. In this image, there is a clear trough cut through the build-up by the oil as it makes its own path along the underside of the bend.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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