Below is a case study we kindly received from Tommy Haljmas at Dorchester Maritime Limited (DML). This case study highlights just a few of the applications where a thermal imaging camera has proved beneficial.

To give you some background, DML is a ship management company based on the Isle of Man. They are also a member of the Schulte group, a multi-faceted organisation who are involved in many shipping-related activities.

The group owns over 90 vessels and encompasses six ship management companies, who are responsible for a total of over 400 vessels (including 80 gas vessels). DML themselves actually manage over 120 vessels, including LNG and LPG carriers, FPSO/FSO and tankers (chemical, crude and product).

As part of their management package, DML considered the regular use of thermal imaging. In the past, contractors had occasionally been brought in to carry out surveys to great effect, but with the cost of cameras having dropped significantly in recent times, approval was sought to purchase a couple of Flir InfraCAMs.

These infrared cameras are now going to be used as part of DML's maintenance strategy to reduce equipment downtime and planned overhauls, which also includes the use of shock pulse sensing and vibration.

Please note that the following case study was considered true and correct at the time of publication, and has been amended slightly to improve readability.

"I used the Flir camera for the first time onboard Nav Venus last week. It was very easy to use, and we identified several 'hot spots' during the two days we used it. We also documented several other items and systems onboard to create a database with examples of usage.

In addition to electrical cables and connections, we also used the camera to check for hot areas around terminal connections, as well as to verify temperature readings in HFO pipes before engines and find steam leaks. I found it particularly useful to verify temperatures in systems, and track leaking valves as well as electrical connections.

When I got home from Nav Venus, my wife couldn't decide if she wanted to go riding or not. Her horse recently had an infection in her left hind leg, but it seemed better. Obviously, I wanted her to stay home and make dinner.

I used the Flir camera just as a test, and we could clearly see the area of the infection as it was slightly warmer (e.g. the infection was not completely gone). Based on this, my wife decided to let her horse rest for another couple of days."

If you have a success story that you would like to share with us and fellow readers, or if you would like to discuss any of this further, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.