March 2020

22 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk March 2020 Maintenance Matters Focus on: Asset Management R esidential HVAC technicians are usually called to sites with a very general complaint that “the system isn’t working,” only to find issues extending from basic component failures to problems with the condensing unit, evaporator coils and the air handling system. Commercial and industrial HVAC techs usually work on regularly scheduled maintenance of these systems to maintain operational efficiency. Off-schedule visits are also needed to diagnose and repair a specific problem that may arise and limit plant operations. Customers want to avoid downtime and budget maintenance and repair expenses. They want to know well in advance if something is going to fail, since the cost of downtime can be very high. In addition, the cost of the repair may require approvals to proceed. The method used to diagnose temperature related issues most frequently is a spot temperature gun, which is inexpensive and easy to use. Unfortunately, the device’s accuracy is entirely dependent on the user aiming it correctly. These devices don’t visually show the user where components are hot; instead, the user has to guess where the problem may lie and aim the sensor at that component to measure its temperature. HVAC technicians have recently started to use thermal imaging cameras to find problem areas in all areas of their work. These cameras work by detecting heat (or lack of heat) given off by an object. The sensor takes the energy and translates it into light. The viewer sees the light in a range of colours: red, orange and yellow indicates heat, while dark blue, black or purple signifies colder temperature. Thermal imaging is valuable for the pure speed of which it can diagnose basic HVAC problems. Thermal imaging is a great tool for Fast diagnosis Professionals who install, inspect, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems face a variety of challenges. In a single day, they might be part-electrician and work with electrical issues, be part-plumber and work with water or combustible gas related items travelling through pipework, or do both jobs and install an entire system. A thermal imaging camera can help HVAC/R professionals quickly determine the root cause of a problem, identify the faulty component and provide a level of trust that recommended repairs are indeed required. PWE reports.

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