Setting Up Inspection Routes

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Proper planning prevents poor performance. This frequently repeated phrase has been applied to many disciplines and has application in thermography as well. One of the greatest appeals to thermography as a PdM tool is the wide range of potential applications. However, without planning the varied uses for thermography can cause one to lose focus and compromise program efficiency.

Using preplanned routes can improve inspection efficiency by serving as a roadmap for your inspection activities. When setting up inspection routes, keep the following in mind:

1. When possible, use established routes from other PdM technologies such as vibration analysis.

2. Routes should be of same class or hierarchy for subject equipment. As an alternative, establish routes based upon physical location.

3. Keep in mind requisite travel times between locations.

4. Establish routes to ensure that subject equipment will be under proper load.

5. Never include more equipment in a route than can be accomplished in a single work shift.

When following a route during an inspection, any equipment not inspected should be noted in the final project report.

Properly conducting an infrared inspection is one of the many topics covered in the Level I Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer^® training course. For course locations and dates or information on our Distance Learning courses, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.