Thermal imaging can often be used to help locate leaks from
pipelines buried within concrete. For best results, the subject
piping should be heated as much as possible prior to imaging. Cold
water lines may be heated by continuously flushing them with hot
water. The amount of time required will depend upon the burial depth
of the lines and the thermal conductivity of the concrete.
Once the lines have been heated, use your thermal imager to inspect
the pathway of the pipe. Pipe leaks will appear as amporphously
shaped warm areas instead of the well-defined lines caused by the
pathway of the pipe. Suspected leaks may be marked directly on the
concrete to direct excavation efforts required for leak verification
and repair.
When imaging outdoors, it is best to perform infrared imaging at
night to avoid interference from the sun.
Tip provided by Juan Carlos Nava
Predictive Maintenance Advisor
Cemex Mexico Planta Hermosillo Mexico
Thank you Juan Carlos - your Maintenance-Tips hat is on the way.
7/24/03
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