Fault diagnosis method using a spot temperature gun for qualitative and quantitative detection

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Technical application article: Measurement tools – contactless infrared thermometers. Testing tasks: qualitative and quantitative detection. Discover and fix faults faster! Professional maintenance technicians have gradually discovered that when temperature serves as a clear indicator of performance or critical conditions, Fluke’s non-contact temperature sensors enable them to identify and resolve faults more quickly and efficiently. The Fluke spot temperature gun boasts many advantages such as speed, portability, accuracy, and ease of use: simply aim it at the target, pull the trigger, and the temperature value of that target can be read immediately. The following are three basic applications of the Fluke spot temperature gun to help users resolve faults: 1. Spot measurement: Determining the “absolute” temperature of the surface of the object being measured. 2 Temperature difference measurement: Comparing the temperatures at two or more locations, or the temperatures at different times. 3 Temperature scanning: Identifying parameters that can indicate the condition of a fault, such as relative temperature, hot spots or cold spots. Temperature indication: Ordinary thermometers cannot measure temperature through glass; their readings reflect the surface temperature of the glass. It may be difficult to make accurate measurements on polished metals and reflective surfaces. If possible, fast-drying paint can be used on the surface of the object being tested ； For high-temperature test objects, heat-resistant \"engine enamel\" can be used for this purpose. Ordinary tape can also be used, or a spray lubricant such as WD-40 can be applied to the surface. These surface treatment techniques can all increase the emissivity of the surface being measured, thereby enabling accurate readings to be obtained. Objects suitable for measurement with a spot temperature gun: industrial equipment. Since the spot temperature gun uses a non-contact measurement method, it increases the safety level when taking measurements in hazardous areas. Using a Fluke non-contact infrared thermometer, it is possible to easily obtain the immediate temperature of the following objects: surfaces with very high temperatures, locations that are difficult to reach, powered distribution panels and equipment, as well as the interior and surrounding areas of moving machinery. Electrical maintenance: Check for heat buildup caused by loose connections ； Diagnose connection faults in battery packs and distribution panel terminals, ballasts, switching devices, and fuses ； Identify hot spots in the output filter on the DC battery circuit. Equipment maintenance: Measure the rotating components and the housing inside the motor and gearbox to check for hot spots. Changes in temperature can indicate the development of faults in various devices, from ovens to refrigerators. Regularly checking the temperature of the engine and its bearings can effectively prevent costly repairs. Electric motor: An increase in motor temperature can be a sign of overload, damaged windings, bearing failures, or voltage imbalance. A Fluke tester can be used to regularly check the operating temperatures of motors, generators, and bearings without shutting down the equipment. The measurement results of new devices and those that are functioning properly can be archived as a reference for measurements. By comparing future measurement results with the baseline data, performance failures can be easily identified. The circuit breaker can identify overloaded circuits or poor connections through contactless temperature scanning. Users can wear appropriate protective equipment, scan the switchgear circuit by circuit, and check the temperature readings. If the temperature of a certain circuit breaker is high, it may indicate a fault, after which a Fluke clip meter can be used for a more detailed inspection. Air conditioning and HVAC systems for simple and efficient diagnosis of boiler and circulation faults, cooling and refrigeration systems, heat exchangers, ductwork, and distribution systems. Scan the compressor and condenser to check for overheating or blocked air ducts. For the steam system, Fluke non-contact temperature probes can be used to measure the surface temperature of the condenser valves, thereby determining whether there are any issues with their operation. When measuring from input to output, the temperature should drop significantly. If the temperature does not drop, it indicates that the valve has not opened ； , but if the drop is too large, it indicates that the valve is completely closed. By monitoring the valves, it is easier to determine faults. Insulation testing: Measures the insulation of pipes and boilers to check for hot spots. A scan is performed using Fluke infrared temperature measurement; after the scan, the highest temperature reading is checked. This maximum temperature can reach 204°C, and it is even higher in areas without insulation.