- Motor Efficiency and Fault Zone Analysis August 31, 2010The ever present emphasis on technological efficiency is just one of several forces behind the pressure on companies to “go green” despite a trying economy. The ultimate criterion that determines whether a motor is truly green is energy efficiency. […]
Training FAQ
Contents
What is thermography?
Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilizes a thermal imager to detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object. Infrared thermography may be applied to any situation where knowledge of thermal profiles and temperatures will provide meaningful data about a system, object or process. Thermography is widely used in industry for predictive maintenance, condition assessment, quality assurance, and forensic investigations of electrical, mechanical and structural systems. Other applications include, but are not limited to: law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and medical and veterinary sciences.
Are There Any Standards for Thermography?
There are a number of standards and specifications published for infrared thermography. Currently, standards exist for the certification of personnel, operation of equipment, and inspections of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems. Recognizing the need for standardized procedures, Infraspection Institute began publishing guidelines for thermography in 1993. Since their initial publication, Infraspection Institute guidelines have been adopted by hundreds of companies worldwide and incorporated into documents published by recognized standards organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Beginning in 2007, Infraspection Institute guidelines were updated and renamed as standards to reflect their industry-wide acceptance and the best practices they embody.
Eight comprehensive standards are now available from Infraspection Institute. These documents cover equipment operation, temperature measurement, and specific thermographic applications. The selection and use of applicable standards, specifications, and guidelines are taught in all Infraspection Institute courses.
Why is Training Important?
Aside from test equipment, training is the most important investment a company will make in an infrared inspection program. Advances in technology have provided infrared equipment that is user-friendly; however, infrared thermography is not a “simply point and shoot” technology. In addition to understanding the object or system being inspected, thermographers must also understand common error sources that can influence observed thermal data. Infraspection Institute Level I and Level II courses teach infrared theory, heat transfer concepts, equipment selection and operation, how to eliminate or overcome common error sources, and specific applications. Our courses are designed to allow a student to quickly master the technology enabling a company to see an immediate return on their investment.
Is All Training Equal?
No. While many firms offer Level I, II, or III Courses, course content is determined by the instructor. Consequently, course content often varies widely between training firms. Courses offered by equipment manufacturers are often biased toward their own brand and often conveniently ignore key limitations of equipment that they manufacture and/or sell. Since Infraspection Institute does not manufacture or sell infrared equipment, our courses are not “infomercials”. Infraspection Institute courses are presented without marketing hype and are applicable to all infrared imagers regardless of brand or age. All Infraspection training courses are taught by experienced Level III thermographers who have extensive field experience in providing infrared inspections for a broad range of industries worldwide.
What is Certification?
Infrared certification is written proof that a person has completed formal training and/or possesses a certain skill set. Certification has long been one measure of thermographer competence within the infrared community much in the same way a diploma or degree is used among educational institutions. With over 26 years in business and nearly 10,000 graduates worldwide, Infraspection Institute is the oldest and most respected name in infrared certification. Recognizing our reputation for excellence, smart engineers demand Infraspection Certified Infrared Thermographers® for their projects. The Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® program is compliant with international standards organizations such as ISO and ASNT.
How Does a Person Become an Infraspection Certified Infrared Thermographer®?
Upon completion of an Infraspection Institute Level I, II, or III Course, students are welcome to take the Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® exam. These exams are open book tests that are based upon content of the subject course. Students who score 80% or higher receive an Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® Certificate. Infraspection certification is good for life and does not expire. There are no renewal fees associated with Infraspection Institute certification.