16
Chapter
Predictive and preventative •
maintenance (continuous/xed
position monitoring of critical
equipment)
Besides these, there are many qualitative
remote monitoring applications where
imaging is the predominant feature. For
example, IR cameras can be used as part
of an early warning system for forest
res (Figure 12), detecting blazes before
signicant amounts of smoke appear.
Another example is using IR imaging to
look through condensation vapor that
would otherwise obscure an operator’s
view of equipment and processes. This is
being used in coking plants, veneer mills,
and plywood log handling operations,
among others (see Chapter 1, Figure 1).
Summary
As noted in the text, IR camera
temperature data may be used for
qualitative monitoring or for quantitative
temperature measurement and control.
In the former, thermal images are
obtained and interpreted based on
temperature contrast. It can be used
to identify image areas that correlate
to sub-surface details, liquid levels,
refractory, etc.
Quantitative measurements generally
require the IR camera to accurately
determine the temperature dierence
between the target object and its
surroundings. In remote monitoring, this
allows the temperature data to be used
for alarm purposes or to even shut down
equipment. Since temperature changes
slowly in many situations, the near-real-
time data communications of smart IR
cameras are more than adequate for
alarm and control systems.
Figure 12. Ngaro’s IRIS® Watchman forest re early warning system uses a FLIR IR camera.
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