As with electrical inspections Thermography has proved invaluable in a number of industries for mechanical inspections. The principal behind mechanical inspections is that when in operation all mechanical equipment will generate certain thermal patterns, these patterns can change significantly due to friction, lack of lubrication, lack of efficient cooling, etc.

Here at G M Tech we also use vibration analysis with our mechanical inspection regimes,used together they are a very powerful combination allowing diagnosis to be verified by two sources and allowing for much more accurate predictions regarding maintenance shutdowns, etc.

Typical faults that can be identified using thermography are:

	Misalignment, unbalance
	Machine and component looseness
	Damaged shafts, vanes and blades
	Bearing defects, cracks and spills
	Gear defects
	Improper lubrication
	Tank level measurements