Service · Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermography

Industrial infrared thermography for generators + electrical assets: hot-spot detection in stator windings, brush connections, bus bars, bearings, terminals. FLIR T-series + ASNT IRT Level II analysis. Predictive intervention before failure.

Service overview

Infrared Thermography — what we deliver

Infrared thermography is the predictive diagnostic technique most useful for detecting electrical resistance + bearing heating issues before catastrophic failure. By measuring surface temperature distribution under operating conditions, thermography identifies hot-spots that indicate loose connections, overloaded conductors, failing bearings, blocked cooling passages. As an independent multi-OEM workshop, TEMISA Power Gen executes thermographic inspections with FLIR T-series cameras + ASNT IRT Level II certified personnel for analysis interpretation.

Workshop capabilities

Technical scope

  • Industrial-grade FLIR T-series thermographic cameras with ± 1°C accuracy
  • ASNT IRT Level II certified personnel for image interpretation
  • Operating-condition inspection (no shutdown required for diagnosis)
  • Generator-specific scope: stator end windings + brush gear + slip rings + bearings
  • Electrical assets: switchgear bus bars + circuit breaker connections + transformers
  • Documented report with thermal images + temperature analysis + corrective recommendation
  • Comparison with baseline thermal map if previous inspection exists
  • Integration with predictive maintenance program (typical 6-12 month inspection cycle)

Applications

Where we apply this service

Periodic predictive inspection

Routine thermographic inspection of generator + switchgear assets every 6-12 months as part of standard preventive maintenance under IEEE 56.

Pre-shutdown investigation

Targeted thermographic inspection before scheduled shutdown to identify which components require intervention vs healthy components — optimizes overhaul scope + cost.

Post-incident diagnosis

After abnormal event (overheating alarm, intermittent fault, slight derating), thermography identifies root cause faster than traditional electrical testing.

Insurance + audit documentation

Some industrial insurance policies require periodic thermographic inspection of critical electrical assets — documentation traceable ISO 9001:2015.

Frequently asked questions

Can thermography be done on an operating generator?

Yes — thermography is non-intrusive and performed under normal operating conditions. The generator continues operating at rated load while the thermographer captures images of accessible exterior surfaces: stator end windings, brush gear (slip ring access), bearing housings, bus bars in cabin, terminal box connections. Internal stator windings cannot be inspected without removing covers (requires shutdown). Typical inspection time: 2-4 hours per generator with documented report delivered within 1 week.

What's the maximum temperature difference that indicates a problem?

Under NETA Maintenance Testing Specifications + IEEE 1623, severity thresholds for thermographic findings: Class 1 (Δ < 10°C above similar components) = monitor + document. Class 2 (Δ 10-20°C) = corrective intervention within 30 days. Class 3 (Δ 20-40°C) = immediate corrective intervention. Class 4 (Δ > 40°C) = urgent — risk of imminent failure. Comparison is against similar components operating at same load — single-point absolute temperature is less meaningful than relative differences.

How does thermography compare to electrical testing (Megger, IP)?

They're complementary diagnostic techniques. Thermography detects ACTIVE problems under operating load: loose connections, bearing heating, partial cooling failure. Electrical testing (Megger + IP + Tan Delta) detects passive insulation degradation under offline test conditions. A loose terminal connection generates hot-spot visible thermographically but Megger reads normal (insulation is fine). A degraded stator insulation shows low Megger but no hot-spot until catastrophic failure. Modern predictive programs combine both with vibration analysis for complete coverage.

Contact

Need service for your industrial generator or turbogenerator?

Response within 24 hours. Formal quote within 48 hours. 24/7 emergency support across Mexico and Central America.

Direct line

+52 33 3614 2460

Service hours

24/7 emergency support

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CFE LAPEM W4200-12 · ISO 9001:2015 · IEEE / IEC