Using an IR Thermal Gun to check for steam passing valves

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reliability of using an infrared (IR) thermal gun to detect steam or air passing through valves. Participants suggest comparing temperature readings from a closed valve, a fully opened valve, and a slightly opened valve to assess leakage. The method's effectiveness is questioned, particularly for pneumatically actuated valves that lack manual handles. The consensus indicates that while the thermal gun can provide insights, its reliability may vary based on specific valve types and conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infrared thermal gun operation
  • Knowledge of valve types, specifically pneumatic and manual valves
  • Familiarity with steam and air flow dynamics
  • Basic principles of thermal conductivity and temperature measurement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of infrared thermal guns in industrial applications
  • Learn about pneumatic valve operation and troubleshooting techniques
  • Investigate methods for detecting leaks in closed systems
  • Explore temperature differential analysis for valve performance assessment
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, maintenance technicians, and plant operators involved in valve maintenance and leak detection in steam and air systems.

Aptx4869
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Greetings

I am asking about the reliability of using a thermal gun to check if there is passing downstream the valve. The fluid is either steam or air. Wouldn’t the pressure and temperature drop sharply downstream the valve if it is closed but passing ? again I am talking about air or steam. How the thermal gun can be used then ?? It is used in my plant for steam and they told me they use it for air also. I don’t know if this method is reliable or not
 
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Aptx4869 said:
Greetings

I am asking about the reliability of using a thermal gun to check if there is passing downstream the valve. The fluid is either steam or air. Wouldn’t the pressure and temperature drop sharply downstream the valve if it is closed but passing ? again I am talking about air or steam. How the thermal gun can be used then ?? It is used in my plant for steam and they told me they use it for air also. I don’t know if this method is reliable or not

Why don't you just try it out?
Look at a closed valve.
Look at a fully opened valve.
Look at a slightly opened valve.
Compare.
 
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A.T. said:
Why don't you just try it out?
Look at a closed valve.
Look at a fully opened valve.
Look at a slightly opened valve.
Compare.

Kindly, elaborate please.

Before making comparison, someone must have something in his mind (idea).

What I understood is that I open the valve by (lets say 0.5 or 1%) and compare it with fully closed position. Do you mean if the valve is passing then fully closed and 1% opening valve will be similar to some degree ?

Also, we have some valves that are either fully closed or fully open (pneumatically actuated) and they don't have manual handle. what to do in this case ?
 
Last edited:

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