Why should I consider having an infrared survey?

An infrared survey can detect a problem before it manifests itself into a costly failure. It is very common to find a loose wire that can be repaired for less than $100. But, if it were allowed to fail, the cost could skyrocket to thousands of dollars for equipment, repair or replacement. Or worse, an electrical failure can lead to fire. Loss of life and injury are the ultimate price. In addition, a fire can lead to damage that can render the building unfit for occupancy. Losses can mount when businesses are unable to operate, and building owners lose income.

Do I have to shut down my operation?

One of the great things about conducting an infrared scan is the equipment doesn’t need to be shut down. In fact, it is preferable for the equipment to operate near full-load capacity. That way we can measure the severity of the finding with greater accuracy. Having a survey conducted prior to a scheduled outage will afford the opportunity to acquire any needed replacement parts ahead of time.

Examples of what can be scanned:

• Electrical switch gear, breakers, bus connections, and contacts
• Transformer connections
• Mechanical couplings on rotating equipment
• Process piping and heat exchangers
• Compressor heads
• Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and excitors
• Bearings
• Friction in drive gears and drive belts
• Refractory systems (e.g., boilers, kilns, molten material containment)
• Steam traps and piping insulation
• Tank levels and insulation problems

What do I get besides a pile of pictures?

The photos of the electrical system condition are only the starting point. You'll receive reports that can be tailored to your needs. Working with your personnel, we develop the specific information to be included in your report that can bring light to the severity of the situation.

Our reports include an image of the condition, both in infrared and visual light, our analysis as to why the condition exists, and suggestions for correcting the problem.

• Estimated cost to repair before failure: $##
• Estimated cost to repair after failure: $##
• Estimated business interruption to total production: #%
• Estimated number of days location could experience business interruption: # days

For more information contact:
Sandy Sanor
(703) 739-0350
Email: Sandy_Sanor@hsb.com