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Keeping Your World Up & Running®
Keeping Your World Up & Running®
Comes with a 640 x 480 resolution and field of view that provides the flexibility to capture measurements in tight spaces or from a distance. This value-added kit includes the REED LM-8000 Environmental Meter, REED R6010 Pinless Moisture Meter, REED R6015 Wood Moisture Detector & REED 8706 Digital Psychrometer/Thermo-Hygrometer for FREE.
Comes with a 640 x 480 resolution and field of view that provides the flexibility to capture measurements in tight spaces or from a distance. This value-added kit includes the REED LM-8000 Environmental Meter, REED R6010 Pinless Moisture Meter, REED R6015 Wood Moisture Detector & REED 8706 Digital Psychrometer/Thermo-Hygrometer for FREE.
A rugged and easy to use, this infrared camera also provides accurate and creates high-quality images.
Features
Capture more than you'd expect
Equipped with a unique combination of 640 x 480 resolution and field of view that offers the flexibility to capture measurements in tight spaces or from a distance, even the novice thermographer can capture images of critical issues before they become failures. This tool offers the highest resolution in its class, along with features such as temperature measurements of up to 1202°F (650°C), it is suitable for most industrial environments.
Applications
REED LM-8000 Multi-Function Environmental Meter
This compact 6-in-1 environmental meter measures air velocity, air temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, light and contact temperature. The LM-8000 features Data Hold, Minimum/Max functions and has been designed for one handed operation.
Features
Applications
REED R6010 Pinless Moisture Meter
This non-destructive moisture detector measures moisture content in tiles, wood and building materials by simply running the probe over the surface area. The R6010 is capable of measuring up to 1.6" (40mm) and features user adjustable alarms and built-in self calibrating functions.
Features
Applications
REED R6015 Wood Moisture Meter
This wood moisture detector uses the electrical resistance principle to measure wood moisture of approximately 170 different species of wood. The R6015 features an automatic temperature compensation (ATC) probe for increased accuracy and includes a remote hand-press for flexibility in the field.
Features
Applications
REED 8706 Psychrometer / Thermo-Hygrometer
This Digital Psychrometer provides simultaneous relative humidity and air temperature readings, as well as automatically calculating wet bulb and dew point temperatures without needing to consult charts.
Features
Applications
When conducting infrared inspections, high-quality images that allow for better analysis, presentation, and professionalism are essential.
With a sharply focused image, there is a distinct contrast between areas of varying thermal energy on the surface being inspected. This allows the individual detector elements (also known as pixels) to clearly report the intensity of the energy being focused on them.
When the focus is poor, the incoming energy isn't as concentrated on individual detectors, and their response is skewed. This can lead to temperature measurements that are significantly off, resulting in expensive downtime and possible safety hazards.
Thermal imagers are made with 100% diamond-turned germanium lenses covered with a specialty coating, providing premium quality images.
LaserSharp Auto Focus allows you to select and focus on a specific target
Easily choose and focus on your target
LaserSharp™ Auto Focus uses a built-in laser distance meter that provides both speed and precision. The laser-driven target detection pinpoints the target while the camera focuses to capture a precise, high-quality image. With LaserSharp Auto Focus, you can:
Choose multiple targets at different distances
MultiSharp™ Focus takes multiple images from different focal distances and combines them into one clear image. With a simple point and shoot, you can go from being completely out of focus, to complete focus, throughout the field of view. With MultiSharp:
1.Middleground in focus
2.Foreground in focus
3.Background in focus
Shoot from a distance
Infrared inspections can take you into multiple types of environments with many types of equipment. Interchangeable lenses that require no calibration give you the versatility and the image quality needed to conduct inspections in almost any environment.
High voltage power pole, captured with a TiX560 camera and standard lens
The same power pole captured from the same distance, but with a 2x telephoto lens
The same power pole captured from the same distance, but with a 4x telephoto lens
Whether you are troubleshooting or conducting maintenance inspections, having easy access to more information faster is always a big benefit.
Document information on the equipment you're inspecting
With IR PhotoNotes™, voice or text annotation, you can easily document critical information about each piece of equipment and its location. Each "note" attaches to the image, so you never have to search or match up notes to images.
 |
 |
Image Info | |
| IR Sensor Size | 320 x 240 |
| Distance to Target | 0.69 m |
Main Image Markers | |
| Name | Temperature |
| Centerpoint | 29.1°C |
Capture digital and infrared images at once
IR Fusion™ technology combines visible light and an infrared image into one, giving you better clarity.
IR Fusion picture-in-picture mode: Ironbow palette
IR Fusion picture-in-picture mode: AutoBlend
IR Fusion color alarm
Seven benefits of on-site infrared inspections
Review thermal images side by side, making it easy to compare today's reading with the baseline or other historical images.
Today’s thermal imagers have become a realistic solution for everyday electrical maintenance as they are rugged, easy to use, and much more affordable than even just a few years ago. It's a straight-forward process, where a qualified technician or electrician points the thermal imager at the equipment in question and scans the immediate area, looking for unexpected hot spots. The imager produces a live image of the heat emitted from the equipment and with the quick squeeze of the trigger, a thermal image is captured. When the inspection is complete, the image is uploaded to a computer, Apple®, iPhone® or iPad® for closer analysis, reporting, and future trending.
There are a few basic how-tos to consider... electrical load, safety, and emissivity. In this application note, we walk you through these, as well as the Top 5 Checklist, and much more.
Read the Application Note
| Data Storage and Image Capture | |
| Extensive Memory Options | Removable 4 GB micro SD memory card, 4 GB internal flash memory, save to USB flash drive capability, upload for permanent storage |
| Image Capture, Review, Save Mechanism | One-handed image capture, review, and save capability |
| Image File Formats | bmp, jpeg, is2 |
| Memory Review | Thumbnail and full screen review |
| Software | Full analysis and reporting software with access to the Fluke Connect system |
| Analyze and Store Radiometric Data on a PC | Yes |
| Export File Formats with Fluke Connect Software | Bitmap (.bmp), GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF |
| Voice Annotation | 60 seconds maximum recording time per image; reviewable playback on camera, optional Bluetooth headset available but not required |
| IR-PhotoNotes | Yes - 2 images |
| Text Annotations | Yes. Including standard shortcuts as well as user programmable options |
| Remote Control Operations | Remote display through Fluke Connect |
| Battery | |
| Batteries (Field-Replaceable, Rechargeable) | 2 x lithium ion smart battery packs with five-segment LED display to show charge level |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours per battery (actual life varies depending on settings and usage) |
| Battery Charging Time | 2.5 hours to full charge |
| Battery Charging System | Two-bay battery charger or in-imager charging. Optional 12 V automotive charging adapter |
| AC Operation | AC operation with included power supply (100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) |
| Power Saving | User selectable sleep and power off modes |
| Temperature Measurement | |
| Temperature Measurement Range (Not Calibrated Below -10°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) |
| Accuracy | ±2°C or 2% (at 25°C nominal, whichever is greater) |
| On-Screen Emissivity Correction | Yes (both value and table) |
| On-Screen Reflected Background Temperature Compensation | Yes |
| On-Screen Transmission Correction | Yes |
| Color Palettes | |
| Standard Palettes | 9: Rainbow, Ironbow, Blue-Red, High Contrast, Amber, Amber Inverted, Hot Metal, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted |
| Ultra Contrast Palettes | 9: Rainbow, Ironbow, Blue-Red, High Contrast, Amber, Amber Inverted, Hot Metal, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted |
| Color Palettes | |
| Macro-25 Micron Lens: 25 MAC2 | Yes |
| 2 x Telephoto Lens: TELE 2 | Yes |
| 4 x Telephoto lens: TELE4 | Yes |
| Wide angle lens: WIDE 2 | Yes |
| General Specifications | |
| Color Alarms (Temperature Alarms) | High temperature, low temperature, and isotherms (within range) |
| Infrared Spectral Band | 7.5 to 14 µm (long wave) |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 122°F (-10 to 50°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C) without batteries |
| Relative Humidity | 10 to 95% non-condensing |
| Center-Point Temperature Measurement | Yes |
| Spot Temperature | Hot and cold spot markers |
| User Defined Measurement Boxes | 1 expandable-contractible measurement box with MIN-MAX-AVG temp display |
| Hard Case | Rugged, hard carrying case; soft transport bag |
| Dimensions | 10.9 x 4.8 x 6.5" (27.7 x 12.2 x 16.7 cm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg) |
| Safety | IEC 61010-1: Overvoltage category II, Pollution Degree 2 |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility | IEC 61326-1: Basic EM environment. CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A |
| Australian RCM | IEC 61326-1 |
| US FCC | CFR 47, Part 15 Subpart B |
| Vibration | 0.03 g2/Hz (3.8 g), 2.5 g IEC 60068-2-6 |
| Shock | 25 g, IEC 68-2-29 |
| Drop | Engineered to withstand 2 meter (6.5 feet) drop with standard lens |
| Enclosure Rating | IEC 60529: IP54 (protected against dust, limited ingress; protection against water spray from all directions) |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes |
Featuring a rugged and easy-to-use infrared camera with a 640 x 480 resolution that provides sharper, crisper images and more exacting temperature measurements. Never lose sight of an issue with the 3.5" LCD screen, stream infrared data and operate the camera remotely with Fluke Connect Desktop software.
Fast responding, pocket size design allows for one-handed operation.
Non-invasive pinless moisture detector with backlit LCD display.
Designed specifically to measure moisture in approximately 170 species of wood.
Accurate and fast responding measurements of air temperature, dew point and wet bulb temperatures and humidity. Optional probe for contact/differential temperature measurements.
 |
 |
 |
||
| Model | Fluke Ti480 PRO | Fluke Ti401 PRO | Fluke Ti300+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared Resolution | 640 x 480 (307,200 pixels) | 640 x 480 (307,200 pixels) | 320 x 240 (76,800 pixels) | |
| Super Resolution | Yes, in software. Captures and combines 4x the data to create a 1280 x 960 image | |||
| IFOV (Spatial Resolution) | 0.93 mRad | 0.93 mRad | 1.85 mRad | |
| Field of View | 34 x 24° | 34 x 24° | 34 x 24° | |
| Distance to Spot | 1065:1 | 1065:1 | 532:1 | |
| Thermal Sensitivity* | ≤0.05 at 30°C target temperature (50 mK) | ≤0.075 at 30°C target temperature (75 mK) | ≤0.075 at 30°C target temperature (75 mK) | |
| Temperature Range | -4 to 1832°F (-20 to 1000°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) | |
| MultiSharp™ Focus | ||||
| LaserSharp™ Auto Focus | LaserSharp™ Auto Focus for consistently in-focus images | |||
| Manual Focus | ||||
| Laser Distance Meter | Yes, calculates distance to the target for precisely focused images and displays distance on screen | |||
| Optional Lenses | Pre-calibrated smart optional lenses: wide angle, 2x and 4x telephoto, macro-25 micron | |||
| Wireless Connectivity** | Fluke Connect™ app compatible. Wireless connectivity to PC, iPhone® and iPad® (iOS 4s and later), Android™ 4.3 and up, and WiFi to LAN | |||
| IR-Fusion® | Five modes of image blending (AutoBlend™ mode, Picture-in- Picture (PIP), IR/Visible alarm, Full IR, Full visible light) add the context of the visible details to your infrared image | |||
| Display | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | |
| Design | Pistol-grip design for one-handed use | |||
| Frame Rate | 60 or 9 Hz versions | 60 or 9 Hz versions | 60 or 9 Hz versions | |
| Software | Full analysis and reporting software with access to Fluke Connect desktop | |||
| Voice Annotation | 60 seconds maximum recording time per image, reviewable playback on camera; Bluetooth headset optional, but not required | |||
| Text Annotation | Yes, including standard shortcuts as well as user programmable options | |||
| Video Recording | Standard and radiometric | |||
| Streaming Video (Remote Display) | Yes, see the live stream of the camera display on your PC, smartphone, or TV monitor. Via USB, WiFi hotspot, or WiFi network to Fluke Connect Desktop software on a PC; via WiFi hotspot to the Fluke Connect™ app on a smartphone; or via HDMI to a TV monitor | |||
| Remote Control Operation | Yes, through Fluke Connect™ mobile app | |||
| Alarms | High temperature, low temperature, and isotherms (within range) | |||
| Warranty | Two-years (standard), extended warranties are available | |||
*Best possible **Fluke Connect™ not available in all countries
Fluke engineers have delivered an innovative mobile platform and tool that helps solve everyday problems, allowing you to instantly document measurements, retrieve historical data, and share live measurements with your team. All handled by the Android™ or iOS smart phone you already carry.
Fluke Connect with ShareLive™ video call is the only wireless measurement system that lets you stay in contact with your entire team without leaving the field. The Fluke Connect mobile app is works with over 20 different Fluke products - the largest suite of connected test tools in the world.
Make the best decisions faster than ever before by viewing temperature, mechanical, electrical and vibration measurements for each equipment asset in one place. Get started saving time and increasing your productivity.
By Sat Sandhu, Fluke
Electronic circuits and components come in a variety of shapes and forms. All electronics operate with current flowing, which in turn leads to power dissipation. This power dissipation manifests itself primarily in the form of heat. Hence a key factor in the design, tests, verification and troubleshooting of all electronics, is heat management. With increasing circuit complexity and or reduction in size, heat management of electronics is taking on a more significant role in the design phase and also in the subsequent phases of test, verification and troubleshooting.
Thermal imaging cameras (TI) are an ideal tool to use in mapping out the heat patterns on electronic circuits and components. Two major advantages of Thermal imaging over contact temperature measurement devices are:
If you would like to learn more about:
Detailed anatomy of an infrared camera
By Sat Sandhu, Fluke
Infrared cameras, also called thermal imagers, are useful for troubleshooting motor problems as well as for monitoring motor condition for preventative maintenance in power generation, manufacturing and commercial plants. Thermal images of motors reveal their operating condition as indicated by surface temperature. Such condition monitoring is important as a way to avert many unexpected motor malfunctions in systems that are critical to manufacturing.
The onset of motor failures can often be detected by a variety of techniques, including vibration, ultrasound and thermal imaging.
Thermal image of machinery
Why thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging is an effective way to assess equipment condition. Thermal imaging enables you to:
What to scan?
To get started in building heat profiles of your motors, it is a best practice to capture good quality infrared images when the motors are running under normal operating conditions. That gives you baseline measurements of the temperature of components. An infrared camera can capture temperatures of all the critical components: motor, shaft coupling, motor and shaft bearings, and the gearbox.
When you are working with low electrical loads, the indications of a problem may be subtle. Thus a minimum of 40% of design load is recommended (National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70B), and the higher the load, the better. When inspecting in low load situations, be sure to note all possible problems, even if they reflect only a small temperature difference. As a load increases, the temperature will increase too and if a problem exists, expect greater temperature differences at higher loads.
Coupling: This image shows an alignment issue on a motor coupling.
Angular misalignment
The centerline of the two shafts intersect are not parallel.
Combo: This heat pattern indicates an operational motor.
Parallel misalignment
The centerline of the two shafts are parallel but not concentric.
All motors should list the normal operating temperature on the nameplate. Abnormal temperatures, which will show up on a thermal imaging inspection, can be an indication of:
Inadequate cooling because of insufficient air flow. Clearing this issue may only require minor cleaning on the air intake grills.
Power quality issues such as unbalanced voltage or overload or harmonics. All of these will cause excessive heat dissipation.
Impending bearing failure. An overheating bearing is an indication of an impending bearing failure. Bearing condition degrade for a number of reasons:
Insulation failure. With failing insulation of the motor windings the overall motor temperature increases this overheating causes failures and reduces insulation time.
Shaft misalignment. Most misalignment cases are a combination of parallel and angular misalignment (see images above).
Creating regular inspection routes that include thermal images of all critical motor/drive combinations and tracking to those baseline images will help you determine whether a hotspot is unusual or not, and help you verify if the repairs were successful.
Click on a category to view a selection of compatible accessories with the Fluke TI401-PRO-KIT Infrared Camera Kit - Includes FREE Products with Purchase.
| Data Storage and Image Capture | |
| Extensive Memory Options | Removable 4 GB micro SD memory card, 4 GB internal flash memory, save to USB flash drive capability, upload for permanent storage |
| Image Capture, Review, Save Mechanism | One-handed image capture, review, and save capability |
| Image File Formats | bmp, jpeg, is2 |
| Memory Review | Thumbnail and full screen review |
| Software | Full analysis and reporting software with access to the Fluke Connect system |
| Analyze and Store Radiometric Data on a PC | Yes |
| Export File Formats with Fluke Connect Software | Bitmap (.bmp), GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF |
| Voice Annotation | 60 seconds maximum recording time per image; reviewable playback on camera, optional Bluetooth headset available but not required |
| IR-PhotoNotes | Yes - 2 images |
| Text Annotations | Yes. Including standard shortcuts as well as user programmable options |
| Remote Control Operations | Remote display through Fluke Connect |
| Battery | |
| Batteries (Field-Replaceable, Rechargeable) | 2 x lithium ion smart battery packs with five-segment LED display to show charge level |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours per battery (actual life varies depending on settings and usage) |
| Battery Charging Time | 2.5 hours to full charge |
| Battery Charging System | Two-bay battery charger or in-imager charging. Optional 12 V automotive charging adapter |
| AC Operation | AC operation with included power supply (100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) |
| Power Saving | User selectable sleep and power off modes |
| Temperature Measurement | |
| Temperature Measurement Range (Not Calibrated Below -10°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) |
| Accuracy | ±2°C or 2% (at 25°C nominal, whichever is greater) |
| On-Screen Emissivity Correction | Yes (both value and table) |
| On-Screen Reflected Background Temperature Compensation | Yes |
| On-Screen Transmission Correction | Yes |
| Color Palettes | |
| Standard Palettes | 9: Rainbow, Ironbow, Blue-Red, High Contrast, Amber, Amber Inverted, Hot Metal, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted |
| Ultra Contrast Palettes | 9: Rainbow, Ironbow, Blue-Red, High Contrast, Amber, Amber Inverted, Hot Metal, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted |
| Color Palettes | |
| Macro-25 Micron Lens: 25 MAC2 | Yes |
| 2 x Telephoto Lens: TELE 2 | Yes |
| 4 x Telephoto lens: TELE4 | Yes |
| Wide angle lens: WIDE 2 | Yes |
| General Specifications | |
| Color Alarms (Temperature Alarms) | High temperature, low temperature, and isotherms (within range) |
| Infrared Spectral Band | 7.5 to 14 µm (long wave) |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 122°F (-10 to 50°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C) without batteries |
| Relative Humidity | 10 to 95% non-condensing |
| Center-Point Temperature Measurement | Yes |
| Spot Temperature | Hot and cold spot markers |
| User Defined Measurement Boxes | 1 expandable-contractible measurement box with MIN-MAX-AVG temp display |
| Hard Case | Rugged, hard carrying case; soft transport bag |
| Dimensions | 10.9 x 4.8 x 6.5" (27.7 x 12.2 x 16.7 cm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg) |
| Safety | IEC 61010-1: Overvoltage category II, Pollution Degree 2 |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility | IEC 61326-1: Basic EM environment. CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A |
| Australian RCM | IEC 61326-1 |
| US FCC | CFR 47, Part 15 Subpart B |
| Vibration | 0.03 g2/Hz (3.8 g), 2.5 g IEC 60068-2-6 |
| Shock | 25 g, IEC 68-2-29 |
| Drop | Engineered to withstand 2 meter (6.5 feet) drop with standard lens |
| Enclosure Rating | IEC 60529: IP54 (protected against dust, limited ingress; protection against water spray from all directions) |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes |
Featuring a rugged and easy-to-use infrared camera with a 640 x 480 resolution that provides sharper, crisper images and more exacting temperature measurements. Never lose sight of an issue with the 3.5" LCD screen, stream infrared data and operate the camera remotely with Fluke Connect Desktop software.
Fast responding, pocket size design allows for one-handed operation.
Non-invasive pinless moisture detector with backlit LCD display.
Designed specifically to measure moisture in approximately 170 species of wood.
Accurate and fast responding measurements of air temperature, dew point and wet bulb temperatures and humidity. Optional probe for contact/differential temperature measurements.
|
|
|
|
||
| Model | Fluke Ti480 PRO | Fluke Ti401 PRO | Fluke Ti300+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared Resolution | 640 x 480 (307,200 pixels) | 640 x 480 (307,200 pixels) | 320 x 240 (76,800 pixels) | |
| Super Resolution | Yes, in software. Captures and combines 4x the data to create a 1280 x 960 image | |||
| IFOV (Spatial Resolution) | 0.93 mRad | 0.93 mRad | 1.85 mRad | |
| Field of View | 34 x 24° | 34 x 24° | 34 x 24° | |
| Distance to Spot | 1065:1 | 1065:1 | 532:1 | |
| Thermal Sensitivity* | ≤0.05 at 30°C target temperature (50 mK) | ≤0.075 at 30°C target temperature (75 mK) | ≤0.075 at 30°C target temperature (75 mK) | |
| Temperature Range | -4 to 1832°F (-20 to 1000°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) | -4 to 1202°F (-20 to 650°C) | |
| MultiSharp™ Focus | ||||
| LaserSharp™ Auto Focus | LaserSharp™ Auto Focus for consistently in-focus images | |||
| Manual Focus | ||||
| Laser Distance Meter | Yes, calculates distance to the target for precisely focused images and displays distance on screen | |||
| Optional Lenses | Pre-calibrated smart optional lenses: wide angle, 2x and 4x telephoto, macro-25 micron | |||
| Wireless Connectivity** | Fluke Connect™ app compatible. Wireless connectivity to PC, iPhone® and iPad® (iOS 4s and later), Android™ 4.3 and up, and WiFi to LAN | |||
| IR-Fusion® | Five modes of image blending (AutoBlend™ mode, Picture-in- Picture (PIP), IR/Visible alarm, Full IR, Full visible light) add the context of the visible details to your infrared image | |||
| Display | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | 3.5" touchscreen 640 x 480 LCD | |
| Design | Pistol-grip design for one-handed use | |||
| Frame Rate | 60 or 9 Hz versions | 60 or 9 Hz versions | 60 or 9 Hz versions | |
| Software | Full analysis and reporting software with access to Fluke Connect desktop | |||
| Voice Annotation | 60 seconds maximum recording time per image, reviewable playback on camera; Bluetooth headset optional, but not required | |||
| Text Annotation | Yes, including standard shortcuts as well as user programmable options | |||
| Video Recording | Standard and radiometric | |||
| Streaming Video (Remote Display) | Yes, see the live stream of the camera display on your PC, smartphone, or TV monitor. Via USB, WiFi hotspot, or WiFi network to Fluke Connect Desktop software on a PC; via WiFi hotspot to the Fluke Connect™ app on a smartphone; or via HDMI to a TV monitor | |||
| Remote Control Operation | Yes, through Fluke Connect™ mobile app | |||
| Alarms | High temperature, low temperature, and isotherms (within range) | |||
| Warranty | Two-years (standard), extended warranties are available | |||
*Best possible **Fluke Connect™ not available in all countries
Fluke engineers have delivered an innovative mobile platform and tool that helps solve everyday problems, allowing you to instantly document measurements, retrieve historical data, and share live measurements with your team. All handled by the Android™ or iOS smart phone you already carry.
Fluke Connect with ShareLive™ video call is the only wireless measurement system that lets you stay in contact with your entire team without leaving the field. The Fluke Connect mobile app is works with over 20 different Fluke products - the largest suite of connected test tools in the world.
Make the best decisions faster than ever before by viewing temperature, mechanical, electrical and vibration measurements for each equipment asset in one place. Get started saving time and increasing your productivity.
By Sat Sandhu, Fluke
Electronic circuits and components come in a variety of shapes and forms. All electronics operate with current flowing, which in turn leads to power dissipation. This power dissipation manifests itself primarily in the form of heat. Hence a key factor in the design, tests, verification and troubleshooting of all electronics, is heat management. With increasing circuit complexity and or reduction in size, heat management of electronics is taking on a more significant role in the design phase and also in the subsequent phases of test, verification and troubleshooting.
Thermal imaging cameras (TI) are an ideal tool to use in mapping out the heat patterns on electronic circuits and components. Two major advantages of Thermal imaging over contact temperature measurement devices are:
If you would like to learn more about:
Detailed anatomy of an infrared camera
By Sat Sandhu, Fluke
Infrared cameras, also called thermal imagers, are useful for troubleshooting motor problems as well as for monitoring motor condition for preventative maintenance in power generation, manufacturing and commercial plants. Thermal images of motors reveal their operating condition as indicated by surface temperature. Such condition monitoring is important as a way to avert many unexpected motor malfunctions in systems that are critical to manufacturing.
The onset of motor failures can often be detected by a variety of techniques, including vibration, ultrasound and thermal imaging.
Thermal image of machinery
Why thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging is an effective way to assess equipment condition. Thermal imaging enables you to:
What to scan?
To get started in building heat profiles of your motors, it is a best practice to capture good quality infrared images when the motors are running under normal operating conditions. That gives you baseline measurements of the temperature of components. An infrared camera can capture temperatures of all the critical components: motor, shaft coupling, motor and shaft bearings, and the gearbox.
When you are working with low electrical loads, the indications of a problem may be subtle. Thus a minimum of 40% of design load is recommended (National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70B), and the higher the load, the better. When inspecting in low load situations, be sure to note all possible problems, even if they reflect only a small temperature difference. As a load increases, the temperature will increase too and if a problem exists, expect greater temperature differences at higher loads.
Coupling: This image shows an alignment issue on a motor coupling.
Angular misalignment
The centerline of the two shafts intersect are not parallel.
Combo: This heat pattern indicates an operational motor.
Parallel misalignment
The centerline of the two shafts are parallel but not concentric.
All motors should list the normal operating temperature on the nameplate. Abnormal temperatures, which will show up on a thermal imaging inspection, can be an indication of:
Inadequate cooling because of insufficient air flow. Clearing this issue may only require minor cleaning on the air intake grills.
Power quality issues such as unbalanced voltage or overload or harmonics. All of these will cause excessive heat dissipation.
Impending bearing failure. An overheating bearing is an indication of an impending bearing failure. Bearing condition degrade for a number of reasons:
Insulation failure. With failing insulation of the motor windings the overall motor temperature increases this overheating causes failures and reduces insulation time.
Shaft misalignment. Most misalignment cases are a combination of parallel and angular misalignment (see images above).
Creating regular inspection routes that include thermal images of all critical motor/drive combinations and tracking to those baseline images will help you determine whether a hotspot is unusual or not, and help you verify if the repairs were successful.
Click on a category to view a selection of compatible accessories with the Fluke TI401-PRO-KIT Infrared Camera Kit - Includes FREE Products with Purchase.
