Debunking the Myths Behind Infrared Inspection

Video Duration: 0:59:45

Video Description

Infrared (IR) thermometry has been used for forty years to monitor tube metal temperatures in refining and chemical furnaces. The application of IR thermometry has often been characterized as highly operator dependent and therefore developed a very poor reputation in the industry from poorly applied and interpreted results. There is no question that when absolute accuracy is unimportant, IR thermometry has proven to be an excellent diagnostic tool for detecting tube hot spots from internal fouling and heat distribution non-uniformity in fired heaters. However, to capture the full capability of IR thermometry, a proven methodology is required to measure accurate temperatures in a repeatable process.

This webinar discusses the particular aspects involved in obtaining accurate and repeatable infrared temperature measurements of fired heater tubes, as well as a wealth of diagnostic information that may be used to evaluate the performance and reliability of major fired heater parts (e.g. tubes, tube supports, burners, refractory and structural systems). It describes the key environment and instrument factors of an effective IR Inspection program by providing proven examples taken from real-world programs.

About the presenter: Tim Hill is a registered Professional Engineer and a Process Engineering Optimization Manager for Quest Integrity with 30 plus years of experience. He has extensive experience in evaluation of thermal processes, fired heater operation and maintenance, risk assessment, root cause failure analysis and life assessment for fired heater equipment in the petrochemical, refining and power generation sectors. For 10 years, Tim was responsible for the operation and reliability of all furnaces in a major refinery in the USA. During this period, he developed and implemented effective integrity management tools covering operation, infrared monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment.