Addressing IR needs
Published: 04 February, 2016
PWE recently attended an event in Essex which saw the world launch of the IRISS* asset tagging system, and the European launch of its Delta T Alert - a self-contained, wireless temperature monitoring system. In addition the company made the first public appearance of its IRISS CAP-ENV – a tough infrared window for the safe, thermal inspection of energised equipment.
The new IRISS asset tagging system uses the principal of inductive coupling to transfer stored information between the tag and a smart phone. In essence, the E Sentry Connect-IR Asset Tag is a smart boiler plate system that works with any make or model of infrared window.
While the majority of similar products operate using RFID technology, this new IRISS system works in tandem with a smart phone using near field communication (NFC). It’s low cost and very easy to use, providing instant electronic access to inspection data to ensure quick, safe and effective thermal inspection.
IRISS E Sentry Connect-IR uses the principle of inductive coupling to transfer information between the tag and the smart phone. As the communication device powers the tag, no batteries are required.
The tag, which is activated when the phone is nearby, contains all of the information relating to the IR window and inspections that need to be completed, as well as historic data from previous inspections. It can also be programmed to automate tasks such as send a text message, go to a URL, launch an app and run a task on a smart phone; all stored data can be erased and re-written as needed.
The system can also back up the data, report alarms and transmit other alerts via the free IRISS app. As an option, this information can be uploaded to the cloud for access by asset managers. It provides a data exchange point for updating information from the inspections, for checking the assets’ operational state and for setting inspection routes.
The IRISS E Sentry Asset Tag is now a standard feature on the IRISS CAP series infrared window and available as an option on the VP Systems. It can also be purchased separately to use as required.
Self-contained, wireless temperature monitoring system
Having radically improved thermal imaging efficiency and safety through the introduction of its polymer infrared windows, IRISS is now addressing the need for wider electrical maintenance safety solutions. Indeed its latest introduction – the new IRISS Delta T Alert - allows the company to add continuous monitoring to the list, both as a stand-alone capability and as an addition to its patented window products.
Infrared imaging does an important job of detecting thermal anomalies caused by conditions such as loose connections, overhead circuits and unbalanced loads. It does, however, only provide a snapshot of the faults on the day of inspection, leaving the subject components unmonitored for the balance of the year.
To meet this need IRISS has now introduced a new addition to its range of electrical maintenance safety devices (EMSD). Delta T Alert is a self-contained, wireless temperature monitoring system that attaches to an electrical enclosure cover. It bridges the gap between infrared inspections by regularly recording and reporting critical temperatures within electro/mechanical enclosures.
The patented Delta T Alert unit is simple to install and comprises two temperature sensors. One monitors the interior temperature within the enclosure and the other, the ambient room temperature. Both are configured to collect data on a daily basis, at specific time intervals.
The data is wirelessly transmitted for analysis and trending and warns the operator if the internal temperature rises above pre-set thresholds. Remedial action can then be taken before the problem becomes serious and warrants unscheduled system shutdown, incurring costly downtime.
This new IRISS technology can also be specified as an integral capability of its polymer window products. The combination ensures the problem is verified with no operational disruption. The on-board Delta T Alert system sends a remote alarm giving the location of the problem and temperature details. The maintenance engineer can then conduct a thermal scan of the live system, through the IRISS infrared window, in complete safety.
Once the repair is completed and the system re-energised, a second infrared inspection will confirm the fault has been eliminated. The electrical enclosure can then be benchmarked and the system reset with the new baseline temperature delta.
First public appearance
During the new product launches, IRISS also made the first public appearance of it IRISS CAP-ENV, which the company said was the toughest and most reliable infrared window for the safe, thermal inspection of energised equipment.
The new IRISS CAP-ENV infrared window is suitable for thermal inspection of energised equipment in the visual, UV and all three infrared wavelengths.
The IRISS range is a stainless steel housing complete with a reinforced, lockable door which is environmentally sealed to IP67/NEMA 6. This means that accurate quantitative and qualitative measurements can now be taken from live electrical systems in the most hostile of conditions. IRISS CAP-ENV is therefore ideal for use in offshore, onshore or marine applications, exposed industrial environments and in climates characterised by temperature extremes.
An exclusive pharmaceutical grade reinforced Poly-View System polymeric material creates the large and clear, rectangular IR window of the CAP-ENV. The company says it provides an unparalleled field of view when compared to traditional round windows and a choice of standard sizes is available to suit the application. These range up to CAP-ENV 24 that measures 61cm x 21.8cm; custom sizes, materials, locking devices, labelling and colour are also available.
The materials are unaffected by mechanical stress and are shatterproof. They maintain a fixed and stable transmission rate even when exposed to humidity, moisture, seawater and a broad spectrum of acids and alkalis. The addition of an environmentally sealed door on the CAP-ENV system, allows IRISS to complement these qualities with another layer of application security, creating a supremely reliable data collection port for tough applications.
IRISS says it windows comply with more standards than any other IR window. These include UL, cUL, CSA, IEEE, Lloyds of London and most recently, DNV accreditation. The IRISS CAP-ENV also carries the higher IP rating confirming its suitability for harsh environments. The CAP-ENV is also protected by the IRISS unconditional lifetime warranty.
*IRISS designs and manufacturers IR windows and safety solutions for electrical assets and provides training for electrical engineers.
For further information please visit: www.iriss.com
ROTRONIC has developed its new Rotronic Monitoring System (RMS). The advanced monitoring system checks, documents and visualises all required measurements in one system. The data can be retrieved from anywhere, at any time by PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. The system offers high performance, flexibility and versatility and is easy to set up and operate.
