Document No.

:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 1 of 7

INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
TESTING PROCEDURE

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 2 of 7

Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose ........................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 Scope ............................................................................................................................ 3
3.0 Responsibility ............................................................................................................. 3
4.0 Definition ...................................................................................................................... 3
5.0 Safety ............................................................................................................................ 4
6.0 Personnel ..................................................................................................................... 4
7.0 Preparation .................................................................................................................. 4
8.0 Tools & Equipment .................................................................................................... 5
9.0 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 5
10.0 Acceptance Criteria ..................................................................................................... 5
11.0 Documentation ............................................................................................................. 6
12.0 References ..................................................................................................................... 6
13.0 Attachments .................................................................................................................. 6

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 3 of 7

1.0 Purpose

This activity procedure describes testing which will identify localized increased
temperature areas in equipment.

2.0 Scope

Thermographic testing can be applied to any equipment such as for condition monitoring
application.
There are examples of condition monitoring application: -
1) Electrical
2) Buildings
3) Furnace and Boilers
4) Tanks and Vessel
5) Fluid flow problems.

Although the primary use of thermographic surveys is to identify the high temperature for
equipment such as furnace, exchangers, piping and boilers. The technique also can be
applied to check poor electrical connections, cables, switchgear and undersized
electrical conductors.

3.0 Responsibility
Job Title Authority Description

MCI Manager Accountable Ensuring MIP are executed as planned,

and I&T personnel are trained and
competent to conduct the assigned I&T
activities.
Area Inspection Engineer / Responsible Performing the initial analysis of I&T
Supervisor results, referring results/deficiency
requiring evaluation to the SME,
managing the documentation of the
DCP, and updating the SERP(SOE).
Inspector Responsible Performing the activity, procedure,
documenting the conditions of findings,
preparing the report, and assisting the
Supervisor/Area Inspection Engineer
with the initial analysis of I&T results.
SME (Lead Person) Consult Assisting the Area Inspection Engineer
with evaluating the activity results,
resolving nonconformance in
accordance with PSM-MI-10012
Evaluating of Activity Results and
Correcting Deficiencies, and providing
recommendations to update the
Specific Equipment Reliability Plan.

4.0 Definition

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 4 of 7

Activity – A test, inspection, or maintenance process on a type of equipment.

Activity Procedures – Controlled Operating Documents that establish responsibility,
authority, and the acceptable methods for performing a test, inspection, or
maintenance activity. Activity procedures are used within a department and give an
individual or group the steps, information, and safety requirements needed to perform
the task.
Activity Result – The information gained or outcome of an activity.
Deficiency – Any nonconformance which must be corrected either now or later.
Mechanical Integrity Coordinator – The individual who has been assigned the
responsibility and given the authority to establish, implement, and maintain the
Mechanical Integrity System for the plant site.
Mechanical integrity Management System – The electronic system for managing
the Mechanical Integrity System. Mechanical Integrity Management System contains
the equipment files, alerts the supervisor when an activity is due, and tracks
scheduled activities and correction of deficiencies.
Nonconformance – Any activity result that either exceeds the established
acceptance criteria or has changed markedly from the last time the activity was
performed.
Subject Matter Expert – An individual who, through training or experience, has both
technical and practical skills concerning a technology.
Update – The process of modifying a Specific Equipment Plan, Activity Procedure, or
other Mechanical Integrity System document based on analysis of the activity results
or on review of reference codes and government regulations.

5.0 Safety

All plant safety regulations shall be followed during these inspection activities.
The tools and equipment needed for the inspection, including those needed for
personnel safety, shall be checked for availability and proper working condition
before the inspection

6.0 Personnel
6.1 Personnel operating this equipment must demonstrate competency a full
understanding of regulation relates to safety .
6.2 Personnel operating this equipment shall have demonstrated to the employer a
full understanding of the application of Infrared Thermographic and ability to use
and maintain the equipment in line with this procedure and the relevant
operations and maintenance.
6.3 Personnel conducting the Infrared Thermography shall be trained and qualified in
accordance with ITC Level Level 1.

7.0 Preparation
7.1 Make sure the equipment in good condition and ready to be used.

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 5 of 7

7.2 Carefully read the job plan and supporting documents, including drawings, to gain a
complete understanding of the activity before starting work.

8.0 Tools & Equipment

The following table lists tools and equipment but not limited that should be available during
the inspection.

Inspection Tools and Equipment

AGEMA 550 Digital Camera Measuring Tape
Non or contact thermometer or Note Book Magnifying glass
pyrometer
Black Tape (for Emissivity Scrapper Pointed scrapper
calibration)
Marker Pen Steel rule Binocular

All equipment shall be certified to or perform in accordance with Equipment Integrity

and Calibration Procedure.

9.0 Procedure

9.1 Prior to start an inspection it is necessary to check that the equipment is

functioning as intended and is set up to obtain the best possible sensitivity.

9.2 Remove covers to expose the equipment surface which could have high
temperature sites. If the survey is a survey of electrical equipment, open doors or
remove panels to expose load carrying conductors and connections.

9.3 Scan the exposed area with the imaging device and note any location which has a
temperature more greater than surrounding locations.

9.4 Determine the approximate equipment load. If mechanical equipment, the load
may be stated as the operating temperature and the process flow rate. If the
equipment is electrical, the load may be represented by the electrical current,
process flow through a pump, etc.

9.5 Prepare a thermograph of all locations which show a temperature rise greater.

9.6 Prepare a means to identify the location under question. This can be a sketch or a
photo marked to correspond to the thermograph.

9.7 Document the mechanical inspection in accordance with paragraph 11.0 using the
activity report form Attachment A.
10.0 Acceptance Criteria
10.1 Electrical Equipment

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 6 of 7

Temperature differences of 1 C to 3 C indicate a possible poor connection or undersized

conductor and should be investigated when the equipment can be de- energized.
Temperature differences of 4 C to 15 C indicate a serious condition which should be
repaired when the equipment can be de-energized.
Temperature differences greater than 16 C indicate a failure may occur soon and should be
repaired as quickly as possible.

10.2 Other Equipment

The maximum allowable temperature difference between the hot spot and the adjacent
location depends on the equipment design. Any hot spot should be evaluated.

11.0 Documentation
The final report with each phase of the assessment should include the following
essential elements:
a) Reasons for undertaking the assessment.
b) Background and operating history.
c) Asset life objectives.
d) Others

12.0 References
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management Of Highly Hazardous
Chemicals
NETA MTS Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical
Power Distribution Equipment And System
ANSI / NFPA 70B Electrical Equipment Maintenance
ITC Course Manual Level 1

13.0 Attachments
A. Thermographic Survey Activity Report Form

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure

 Document No.:
PVNDT-TTA-NSRP-TI-01
Infrared Thermography Testing Rev.: 00
Procedure Date Issued: 25-May-2017
Page: 7 of 7

PVNDT-TTA Consortium Infrared Thermography Testing Procedure