Optical Oil Thermography (OTCI)

Trainee will learn how to set up and operate optical oil imaging cameras. They will learn how to optimally adjust their cameras for varying environmental conditions to find oil leaks in the early stages. Students will learn under what environmental conditions oil leaks are most easily found, somewhat easy to find, and difficult to find.

The Optical Oil Thermography (OOT) Course is tailored for professionals involved in monitoring and diagnosing oil systems using infrared thermography. This course focuses on the application of thermal imaging technology to detect issues related to oil systems, such as leaks, overheating, and system inefficiencies. It covers the principles of optical oil thermography, practical applications, system installation, and troubleshooting.

1. Introduction to Optical Oil Thermography (OOT)

• Overview of OOT technology: how infrared cameras detect and visualize oil-related issues by capturing heat patterns

• Benefits of using thermal imaging for oil system monitoring: non-invasive, real-time detection, and enhanced safety

• Differences between OOT and traditional oil monitoring methods

• Applications of OOT in various industries: oil and gas, chemical plants, power generation, and automotive

  
  

2. Principles of Infrared Thermography and Oil Systems

• Fundamentals of infrared radiation: how thermal cameras capture heat signatures and thermal patterns

• Understanding thermal properties of oils: how temperature changes and heat distribution are reflected in thermal images

• Common issues in oil systems detectable by thermal imaging: leaks, overheating, contamination, and flow problems

• How different types of oil (e.g., lubricating oil, hydraulic oil) affect thermal imaging results

  
  

3. Components of Optical Oil Thermography Systems

• Key components of an OOT system: infrared camera, optics, and thermal imaging software

• Types of thermal cameras used in OOT: handheld, fixed, and portable systems

• Understanding camera specifications: resolution, sensitivity, and temperature range relevant to oil system monitoring

• Calibration and configuration of OOT systems for optimal performance

  
  

4. Applications of Optical Oil Thermography

• Oil and Gas Industry:

  • Detecting leaks and spills in pipelines, storage tanks, and processing facilities

  • Monitoring temperature variations in oil extraction and refining processes

• Chemical Plants:

  • Identifying overheating in hydraulic systems and lubrication circuits

  • Assessing oil contamination and flow issues in chemical processing equipment

• Power Generation:

  • Monitoring cooling systems and lubricants in turbines, generators, and transformers

  • Preventing overheating and ensuring efficient operation of power plant machinery

• Automotive Industry:

  • Diagnosing issues in lubrication systems and engine components using thermal imaging

  • Detecting leaks and temperature anomalies in vehicles and machinery

    
    

5. Installation and Setup of OOT Systems

• Site survey and planning for OOT camera installation: selecting optimal locations for monitoring oil systems

• Installing fixed OOT cameras for continuous monitoring in industrial environments

• Setting up handheld thermal cameras for field inspections and spot checks

• Configuring cameras for oil system applications: adjusting focus, temperature ranges, and sensitivity settings

• Ensuring proper integration with existing monitoring systems and data networks

  
  

6. Data Acquisition and Analysis

• Capturing infrared images and videos of oil systems to detect temperature variations and issues

• Interpreting thermal images: recognizing patterns indicating leaks, overheating, or flow problems

• Using thermal imaging software for detailed analysis and reporting

• Generating temperature profiles and reports for documentation and decision-making

  
  

7. Calibration and Sensitivity Adjustment

• Calibrating OOT cameras for accurate temperature measurements and image quality

• Adjusting settings for different types of oil and operational conditions (e.g., varying temperatures and flow rates)

• Verifying calibration using reference sources and test scenarios

• Ensuring reliable detection and measurement across a range of oil system conditions

  
  

8. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Routine maintenance of OOT systems: cleaning lenses, checking calibration, and ensuring system reliability

• Troubleshooting common issues: image quality problems, inaccurate temperature readings, and system malfunctions

• Repairing or replacing damaged components of OOT systems

• Best practices for maintaining OOT systems in challenging industrial environments

  
  

9. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Safety considerations when using thermal cameras in oil systems: avoiding potential hazards and ensuring safe operation

• Compliance with industry regulations for oil system monitoring and thermal imaging

• Best practices for maintaining environmental and operational safety during OOT inspections

• Understanding legal requirements for documenting and reporting oil system issues

  
  

10. Hands-On Practical Training

• Field exercises with OOT systems: detecting and analyzing issues in real-world oil systems

• Practical training in configuring and operating thermal cameras for oil system applications

• Capturing and analyzing thermal images of oil systems to identify and diagnose issues

• Simulating various scenarios to enhance detection and troubleshooting skills

  
  

11. Case Studies and Industry Applications

• Oil & Gas Industry Case Study: Detecting leaks and temperature anomalies in an offshore oil platform

• Chemical Plant Case Study: Identifying overheating and contamination in hydraulic systems

• Power Generation Case Study: Monitoring lubrication systems and detecting issues in a power plant

• Automotive Case Study: Diagnosing lubrication problems and leaks in a high-performance engine

  
  

12. Advanced OOT Techniques

• Using OOT for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance in oil systems

• Combining OOT with other diagnostic tools for comprehensive system analysis

• Developing advanced thermal imaging techniques for large-scale or complex oil system inspections

• Integrating OOT data with other monitoring systems (e.g., SCADA) for enhanced diagnostics

  
  

Assessment and Certification

• Final assessment through theoretical exams and practical exercises in optical oil thermography

• Exam Preparation: Review of key concepts and practices in preparation for industry certification exams.

• Certification Requirements: Understanding the requirements and process for obtaining professional certification.

• Completion of a field project or case study demonstrating proficiency in OOT techniques

  
  

Target Audience

• Oil and gas industry professionals

• Chemical and petrochemical plant engineers and maintenance staff

• Power plant operators and maintenance technicians

• Automotive engineers and diagnostic technicians

• Environmental and safety inspectors involved in oil system monitoring

  
  

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of oil systems and thermal imaging principles

• Familiarity with industrial monitoring and maintenance practices is beneficial

• No prior experience with optical oil thermography required, but technical knowledge is recommended