Inspection Process

Initial Infrared Survey

 

Upon entering a location for the first time, the infrared specialist does a sight inspection, evaluates the needs, and decides how to proceed with the full survey. Since the thermographer knows neither the facility nor the plant personnel, it is vital that a plant employee be present and able to spend the necessary time with the thermographer, even though these inspections may be done at the busiest times of the year. The plant employee can answer any questions that may arise while valuable relationships are being built for the future. The plant employee knows the layout of the plant and is there to aide the thermographer in safety procedures.

 

All equipment is powered up and an attempt is made to put as much load on the electrical system as possible.  However, anomalies may exist at lower amperage rates and can be effectively analyzed even though the temperature differentials are lower.  The training of the thermographer allows analyzation of equipment under almost any load. Once the equipment has been up and running for ten to fifteen minutes, all electrical connections, fuse disconnects, breakers, starters, and the utility company's components are examined.  Motors, reducers, bearings, and other moving components are also checked at this time. The more equipment that is investigated, the more thorough the survey will be. With safety being a priority, the thermographer will be wearing high voltage gloves and leather over protectors, a face shield, and will stand on an electrical mat when opening boxes as they are running. The procedure is fairly simple and very efficient.  Pepper Maintenance promises to be absolutely thorough, working under the Academy of Infrared's highest standards.

 

Plant safety is of the utmost importance to Pepper Maintenance Systems and safety is the greatest benefit in the performance of a survey.  Under no circumstances shall plant personnel come in contact with an electrical panel unless authorized to do so. Plant safety practices vary from location to location.  Some facility practices are good and some fall short.  For example, when a common two-by-four is used to engage the knives of a fuse disconnect, safety of all involved is threatened.  Pepper Maintenance Systems takes no responsibility for these actions and discourages this type of practice. Safety is a vital aspect of an infrared survey and electrical components must be respected for what they do and the damage they can cause.  A safe infrared survey produces a feeling of security for all involved.