Thermovision analysis of heat and power plant chimneys technical condition

Abstract

This paper describes the thermovision analysis conducted on two types of chimneys: structural steel one and reinforced concrete one located in Kielce Heat and Power Plant, Poland. As a result of the research temperature distribution obtained from the thermograms were shown on the diagrams and analysed along their horizontal direction. It proves, both of the chimneys that were examined are in proper technical condition. The article also discusses the importance of the analysis as a diagnostic tool that allows early-stage detection of structural technical conditions and thermal insulation degradation. A factory’s chimney should work constantly to maintain its operation, since modifications in the production line caused by construction works are high cost and usually difficult to implement. However, analyses are critical to ensure chimneys are well maintained. The literature presents many examples of destructive influence of high temperature on the reinforced concrete chimneys. When failure of chimneys occurs, even the whole plant unit may be closed down. Thermography is then an ideal, non-destructive and cost-effective instrument for structure testing and can therefore be a useful, initial step to locate potential damage.