Insteng Process Automation Ltd is pleased to introduce a cost effective way for detecting overheat and indicate problems with Power distribution Systems. The Raytek MI infrared pyrometer is designed for spotting electrical problems, identifying mechanical issues, predictive maintenance and energy preservation that can save you time and money. It is a two-piece infrared pyrometer system with a miniature sensing head and separate electronics. The miniature sensing head is small enough to be installed just about anywhere, but performs as well as much larger and more expensive systems!!!

But let's see how it works in practice!!!

Nearly every factory, shopping mall, airport, office complex and high-rise apartment has an electrical room that provides power distribution throughout the facility. The power distribution system usually includes high-voltage metal-clad switchgear, cast resin transformers, low-voltage switchgear and panel-boards. A fault or failure in anyone of these components can result in power outages, loss of productivity, and even fire or explosions. Overload, phase imbalance, power factor, corrosion and poor electrical connections all result in the generation of heat. Any generation of heat is an indication of loss of energy and wasted power. Heat also contributes to a shortening of the life of the equipment by up to 85%. The conditions may develop slowly over time or can result from a catastrophic fault. Since contact measurement would be dangerous, it is necessary to use non contact infrared sensors. Continuous temperature measurement is also an important instrument for the planning of predictive maintenance cycles.

Continuous monitoring of the busbar within a switchgear cabinet can provide both instantaneous alarms for fault conditions and trend analysis for predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is a most effective tool to prolong the life and efficiency of the equipment and to minimise shutdowns. A trend detected during continuous monitoring will allow for maintenance of the equipment at your choosing to minimize downtime.

The most effective solution to busbar temperature monitoring is the use of infrared point sensors. Infrared sensors provide safe non contact measurement of real-time busbar temperatures. The Raytek MI is ideally suited for this monitoring function. The 10:1 and 22:1 optical resolution allows the sensor to be safely mounted within the cabinet at a distance from the busbar to avoid flashover to the sensor and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The sensor head and mounting bracket do not require any special insulating material for mounting to the equipment structure. The sensor electronics may be mounted at up to 15 meters (49 feet) from the sensor head and outside the switchgear enclosure. Output signals are typically fed into a PLC or distributed computer control system for alarming and trending. Typically, six infrared sensors are used for busbar monitoring, three for input and three for output.