Infrared windows

for thermal inspections

  • by AXU srl
  • March 13, 2013
  • 560 views
  • Infrared windows
    Infrared windows

LookIR model xlk011 plastic infrared inspection windows from AXU lower the costs of making routine thermal imaging inspections of electrical equipment. Most process engineers are familiar with the advantages of using thermal imagers or infrared thermometers to routinely check temperatures in plants, and locate hot-spots that may lead to a premature failure or fire.  

Usually, making a thermal inspection of an electrical cabinet requires opening doors, modifying the actual temperatures that exists in its normal operating state. Furthermore, internal inspections of equipment cabinets that are operating can expose operators to live circuitry and create a safety risk.

Alternatively, it might be possible to switch off a cabinet before making a measurement, but again this influences the process temperature, so the resulting images will not be accurate - and the return to routine operation might not be instant.

The infrared window panels allow accurate temperature measurements to be taken during normal operation, without opening cabinet doors or interfering with the process. The window panels are square, allowing them to be fitted easily on the front of virtually any electrical cabinet. Manufactured from special 2 mm thick plastic, the new infrared windows are much more economic than the crystal window panels that are used on high voltage switchgear circuitry that has the potential to flashover.

The LookIR infrared window panels are 92 millimetres square. Depending on the size of the cabinet, and the location and shape of the critical components that need to be monitored, this compact size makes it easy to install multiple panels on cabinets if required.

The windows open up many new preventive maintenance possibilities where classic crystal windows are unacceptable because of their cost. For example, plastic windows can be installed to monitor key points on trolley busbars, low voltage power transformers, and low voltage cabinets in general. Further applications include inspection panels on machinery to facilitate routine checks for overheating. With LookIR windows installed, daily checking with a simple infrared thermometer is both easy and fast.  

In addition to square LookIR panels, AXU has other sizes and shapes available to suit different process monitoring applications.