Predictive maintenance is key to ensuring critical machinery’s optimum health. Unwanted downtimes and machine failures can put the business at risk, so machine assessments must be done routinely to ensure they are in optimum condition.
Based on the machine usage, critical machines risk getting damaged. Temperature rises are almost linked to mechanical and electrical breakdowns. If predictive maintenance is avoided, this could lead to unwanted breakdowns. Infrared thermography is often used in these cases to measure unusual temperature rise through two-dimensional images that show the surface temperature of things.
As business owners, you must know what thermography reporting entails and how professionals offer their services. The following blog is here to act as a guide to help you learn how thermography report occurs. We will discuss the different steps a predictive maintenance solution provider takes to prepare a thermography report.
How Does a Predictive Maintenance Provider Create an Infrared Thermography Report?
The infrared thermal report preparation process usually consists of 3 main steps, which are as follows:
Route Planning
The first step to thermography is understanding what machinery is critical based on operations, maintenance, and safety staff. In this context, critical machinery is one that, in case of failure, could lead to risk to business, property, or public safety.
The technicians take the time to review each machine to determine which machines count as critical. Once done, they plan the inspection route through the thermal imager software. The location of each machine is listed in the route, along with photos that will be taken there. Once done, the image will be loaded with the data to direct the technician along the right path.
Reminder Notes
While planning the route, the project supervisor would need to create route-specific instructions. Typically, these instructions can include:
1. Safety First
In case of a dangerous machine, proper safety guidelines should be mentioned to ensure the technician is safe. They must identify the do’s and don’ts to follow so they remain safe.
2. Specific Instructions
They can also point out any particular instruction, including where to stand, when to stop, and how long to ensure consistency from trip to trip.
3. How to
If the supervisor is training a novice, they can include more thorough instruction on properly conducting thermography.
4. Specific Information
If any special conditions apply, they also need to be addressed, including weather conditions, high background heat, etc.
These notes aren’t just for show; they are essential as they help compare equipment conditions from one thermal reading to the next.
Reporting Option
Once the thermography inspection is done, the collected data is sent to the maintenance department for report creation. The professional creates reports to communicate findings and formulate an action plan in case of any anomalies.
The thermography report document follows a general format in which the digital and thermal images are attached for each critical machine under review. The pictures, date, time, equipment designation, problem number, and work order number are included. This information is vital for you to check, as it offers information on the machine’s potential issues and the actions to consider.
Final Note about Thermography Report
In the end, a thermography report is crucial as it helps understand the issues the critical machinery may face due to mechanical or electrical breakdowns occurring inside. A predictive maintenance company can help provide thermal imagery services to document the problems that may be present in critical machinery. Through these steps, you can understand how the report will be prepared.
FAQs – Thermography Report
1. Why is Documenting Thermal Findings Important in a Thermography Report?
Documenting thermal findings is crucial in thermography report drafting. The reason is that the report provides a comprehensive and visual representation of the affected area. A well-documented report enhances the credibility of findings and ensures it clearly explains thermal findings.
2. How Does a Professional Label and Organize Thermal Images in a Thermography Report?
A professional predictive maintenance provider labels and organizes thermal imaging systematically. They use clear and descriptive labels for each image, indicating the location, equipment, and component being inspected. In addition, they arrange images in a logical sequence to contribute to the overall clarity of the report.
3. What Role Does Equipment Specification Play in a Thermography Report?
Equipment specification is another element of the thermography report that is quite crucial. Document the make and model of the thermal imaging equipment used to improve the report’s credibility.
4. How Do Weather Conditions Impact Thermography Reporting?
Weather conditions significantly impact thermography reporting. Changes in weather, such as rain, can affect temperature readings and the accuracy of thermal images. In a thermography report, mention the prevailing weather conditions during the inspection. This transparency ensures a complete understanding of the environmental factors influencing the findings, promoting a thorough and reliable Thermography Reporting process.
