Technological advances in electronics, sensors, and transducers over the last couple decades have made it cheaper and easier than ever to get real time data from refrigeration systems. Unfortunately for our refrigeration operators and technicians, advances in X-ray vision have been much more scarce. That means we might have to get a little more creative when the traditional methods and the electronic readouts aren’t helping troubleshoot system issues.
One method that can be useful is Thermography. Thermography is the simple and easy process of looking at temperature variations on the surface of an object, most often with infrared cameras. Infrared cameras are now relatively inexpensive and can yield interesting results. They also are non-invasive and quick and easy to use. Some facilities, particularly food and beverage, might already utilize these items in other processes. If you ask around at your facility, you might even find one you can borrow for an afternoon.
If you know what you are looking for, thermographic images can quickly tell you if your system is suffering from some common ailments. Here are a few common signs and symptoms that thermography can help with.
• A sudden temperature drop in a liquid line might be a sign of a restriction within a pipe, or a valve not fully open.
• Unexpectedly hot condensing temperatures can be a sign of non-condensables within the system.
• Checking coolers for warm spots can help indicate what areas are getting poor air flow. It can also be indicative of air infiltration due to poor sealing or insulation failure.
• Compressor imaging can show unexpected hot spots due to overheating components or poor lubrication.
• Excessively hot discharge lines can indicate a compressor problem.
• Frost and ice buildup in unintended locations.
Analyzing the results of thermography can be challenging because many of its results are comparative. Therefore, it is important to get baseline data so you can have a better idea when something gets out of hand. Thermography can be particularly impactful in situations where many similar components such as compressors, pumps, electrical panels, etc. are used in similar applications. If used alongside the many other tools in our refrigeration toolbelt, thermography can be a great service tool and even help predict failures. If you find yourself in need of some preventative maintenance or service repair, Carlson & Stewart Refrigeration is available 24/7 to help with Service and Installation needs.