Detection of the Process Equipment Components Flaws with the Aid of Thermography

Abstract

The paper presents the problem of the process equipment parts flaw detection with the aid of thermography instead of vibratory analysis. It is presented as an example, a new method (proposed by the authors) of the spalling in rolling-element bearings detection and diagnosis. The idea is to show the existing correlation between the outside temperature of the bearing cap and the vibratory level generated by increasing occurrence of the defect. An experimental study was performed on the test ring which allows the generation, in a progressive manner, of a spalling defect on the external ring of the rolling bearing. On this test rig, simultaneously were measured the mechanical vibration in the radial direction (by means of a piezoelectric accelerometer) and the bearing cap external surface temperature (by means of an infrared camera). The results exhibit a significant correlation between both measures. A detailed study of the heat transfer between the rolling elements and the spalling outside border permits evaluation of the temperature rise due to the heat generated from the defect.