Advanced Evaluation Techniques Regarding Combustible Dust

• Inspections for “Combustible Dust” and their contributory conditions are mostly “VISUAL”.

• “Advanced” equipment evaluations are non- mandatory, BUT are highly effective from a Risk Minimization Perspective.

Basis of IR Thermographic Imagery (TI)

• Thermographic Imagery (TI) is an evaluation technique that takes advantage of the physical properties of matter….

• To understand this, you need a BRIEF REVIEW about the fundamentals of PHYSICS.. .

In the INFRARED Universe, all things GREAT and small are equal!

What’s the Basis of This Equality? • ALL matter is made up of ATOMS, MOLECULES, as a singularity or in and

groups of them!

• Non-LIVING MATTER: Atoms → Compounds, or Pure Elements → Separately, or with others.

• “LIVING” MATTER: Atoms → Compounds → Simple celled organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs→ Whole Body.

• But there’s a COMMONALITY…

• BOTH types of matter EMIT Infrared Radiation (IR).

• Their IR “fingerprints” can be quantified!

Question – What EXACTLY is Infrared Radiation?

Answer – Wave-like Energy (radiation) from the Non-Ionizing Part of The ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM!

Question – WHEN is Infrared Radiation (IR) NOT emitted?

Answer - Anytime Matter is at ABSOLUTE ZERO (- 460 *F)

How Far Does One Have To Go To “Experience” Absolute “0”?

Neptune, The FARTHEST Planet from our Sun in our solar system..

4.5 BILLION Miles away, and -346 *F!

“Temperature”, and Emitted IR, are all Relative!

The relationship between Neptune and Absolute “0” is: -346*F compared to -460*F

Comparatively, Neptune would be like A Day at a Tropical Beach! (at 114 *F)

Neptune is COLD at -346 *F!

Question – Can Infrared Radiation be seen?

• Our EYES and BRAINS are NOT “tuned” to detect and interpret IR radiation.

• As a direct result, we have to use an IR camera to “capture” it.

• A TI Imager captures and measures IR radiation (energy) and interprets it using “color” so we can understand it.

• Results are relative to surroundings and other objects, and temperature scaled relative to “absolute zero”.

Answer – NO, unless we use a TI (an IR Camera)

Thermographic Imager (TI) Data Evaluation Primer – An Example

• TI in general can be used to detect the IR “fingerprint” of EVERY OBJECT that exists.

• Data quality depends on Focus, Reflectance, and Emissivity.

• Understanding these factors characterizes the true condition of the object of interest.

• Fortunately, painted metal objects and living matter (organisms) result in GREAT images and data!

The TI CAMERA – Handle It!

What are the Benefits of Thermographic Imagery (ATI)?

• 1-Detects INFRARED RADIATION in our industrial environment.

• 2-Allows Non-Destructive Image Analysis in “Real Time”.

• 3-Shows Equipment “Anomalies” that are direct indicators of “Combustible Dust” conditions to avoid.

• 4-Creates and records an image based DATA ARCHIVE, and its temperature record.

SPECIFIC TI APPLICATIONS Relating to “Combustible Dust”

• TI detects heat differences that MAY relate to AIR LEAKS from ductwork containing wood dust.

• AIR LEAKS = Potential sources of dust escape & buildup.

• TI directly approximates EQUIPMENT TEMPERATURE.

• EQUIPMENT TEMPERATURE = Ignition source identification that may be at or approaching the auto-ignition temperature of wood dust! (more on this later)

7 - Practical TI Applications in Timber Products ManufacturingLet’s See Some Images!

A Typical 120 Volt Electrical (e- Outlet)…

A “Wood Parts” Conveyor Belt with a Heated Surface Near a Bearing (left side)…

SPECIAL NOTE: Temperature is IMPORTANT when it

approaches the AUTO-IGNITION Point!

SeeMSDS for Wood Dust.pdf the AUTO-IGNITION

Temperature for Wood →

TYPICAL CYCLONE EXHAUST

in VISUAL in INFRARED

TYPICAL e-DISCONNECTS – Example #1

In VISUAL In INFRARED

LOCAL e- DISCONNECTS - Example #2

In VISUAL In INFRARED

METAL HALIDE CEILING LIGHT

In VISUAL In INFRARED

HOW HOT Would This Lamp Get IF it Were a HALOGEN

LAMP? Find Out →

Are Metal Halide Lamps Still a

Problem?Find out→

TYPICAL BELT & PULLEY at 480 VOLT DRIVE MOTOR

In VISUAL In INFRARED

EQUIPMENT ANALYSIS (CONVEYOR BELT) for DETECTION of HEAT BUILD-UP

Conveyor belt at left end has a HOT bearing – possible problem

Metal roller and conveyor belt is HOT due to friction.