Commissioning
Commissioning is the Process by which equipment, a facility, or a plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications.
Commissioning makes sure mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems function the way they were supposed to function and that they meet any published standards they are supposed to meet. Most commissioning is done up front, when the system or equipment is installed. On-going commissioning can (and should) be done as part of your ongoing maintenance program to ensure optimum performance. Thermal imaging and infrared scans are part of commissioning.
Electrical Commissioning
The electrical distribution system is the foundation for every other system in your commercial building. If your electrical system isn't working, neither is your communication, fire and/life safety, security, or any other mechanical systems!Why not just assume every thing works as it is supposed to work when it is installed? Factory Mutual did a study on losses associated with electrical failures. Over 50% of the 766 losses were caused by inadequate maintenance and testing, costing close to $4 million dollars!
Electrical power system commissioning:
• Determines if the components and system have been properly installed and are not damaged
• Reduces downtime
• Reduces risk of equipment failure
• Increases safety
• Improves insurability
• Reduces liability exposure of the designers and installers
• Improves system performance
• Determines whether components and systems operate properly and meet the design intent
• Determines if components and systems are in compliance with the project specifications and design
• Reduces construction schedule delays
• Saves money
If you have a new or remodeled commercial building, or are installing, upgrading or maintaining your commercial power system, scheduling thermography as part of your electrical commissioning helps ensure your building and systems are functioning according to specifications!
Mechanical Commissioning
Mechanical commissioning is the process that verifies and documents the performance of mechanical systems against defined objectives and criteria. Imagine installing a huge CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) in a power station and then just assuming it works correctly without checking!
Infrared scans are only a part of mechanical commissioning. For example, IR Services may work with a team of mechanical commissioners to verify that certain parts, like rotating equipment, of the mechanical systems are operating as they should. (Mechanical applications for thermal imaging almost always involve rotating equipment.) Excessive heat is generated by friction caused by faulty bearings, inadequate lubrication, misalignment, imbalance, misuse, or normal wear.
During mechanical commissioning, thermography can be used to scan and verify the operating capacity of:
Electrical switchgear, breakers, bus connections, and contacts
Transformer connections
Mechanical couplings on rotating equipment
Process piping and heat exchangers
Compressor heads
Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and exciters
Bearings
Drive gears and drive belts (for excessive friction)
HVAC Commissioning
Just like mechanical and electrical commissioning, the point of HVAC Commissioning is to ensure that your HVAC system is working the way it is supposed to work. To maximize the energy efficiency of your commercial building, you must be sure that your environment isnt compromised by inadequate or poorly sealed ductwork, plumbing issues or other problems related to improperly functioning HVAC systems. Like mechanical and electrical commissioning, thermography and thermal imaging have a role to play in HVAC Commissioning.
