FLIR – Transforming technology into into solutions

FLIR has travelled a long way full of self funded innovations and result is FLIR could develop so many highly advanced Thermal Cameras along with Test & Measurement products under Instruments division for Electrical, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Fire and R&D markets.

Q. FLIR BEING IN THE INDUSTRY FROM LONG PERIOD, WHAT ARE THE DISCERNING ACHIEVEMENTS THAT HAS BEEN MADE BY THE COMPANY IN THE ELECTRICAL SEGMENT?

FLIR is a known name in the field of Electrical utility market. We have been helping our customers worldwide to keep their networks running efficiently for more than 50 years. Our first camera, almost 50 years ago was carried to switchyard on a van ( pic being shared). From there, FLIR has travelled a long way full of self funded innovations and result is FLIR could develop so many highly advanced Thermal Cameras along with Test & Measurement products under Instruments division for Electrical, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Fire and R&D markets.

Q. WHATS YOUR LATEST OFFERINGS TO ELECTRICAL UTILITY MARKETS AND HOW MUCH YOU HAVE PENETRATED IN INDIA?

FLIR has series of products for Electrical utility Market. Starting from basic multimeters, clamp meters, Non contact voltage detectors, Insulation testers to low, mid and high range Thermal Imaging cameras.

We have two main sub segments under above range:
1. Thermal Imaging Cameras
2. T&M range

FLIR Imaging Cameras range has vast selection possibilities based on different applications. For Electrical Transmission, Distribution and Generation utilities, multiple options available under three sub categories:
a. Handheld uncoiled series- portable, can be carried to field for predictive maintenance applications
b. Fixed type- for continuous monitoring
c. Handheld cooled series for Gas Visualization ( SF6)

Under Handheld uncoiled, Starting from point & Shoot Ex range to professional T series, there are number of models available to choose from, depending upon applications. If the measurement object is bigger and is very near then basic point and shoot series may help. For temperature measurement of smaller objects at longer distances, Exx and Txxx options are very useful.

If someone needs 24×7 remote monitoring, then FLIR has complete range of options available to choose from F series to Pan & Tilt series. Multiple different Thermal cameras can be configured over Ethernet and results can be visualized at centralized control room.

FLIR also offers handheld cooled Thermal Cameras for visualizing SF6 from safe distance under normal operating conditions. FLIR GF306 detects sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) – used to insulate high voltage circuit breakers – as well as the industrial refrigerant and fertilizer anhydrous ammonia (NH3). SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential.

By detecting and repairing SF6 leaks, energy producers can avoid costly damage to circuit breakers while protecting the environment. This was detail regarding first segment named Thermal Imaging Cameras. Talking about T&M range, FLIR has more than 100 products- few key products for
Energy customers are mentioned below:-

• Digital Multimeter with Infrared guided measurement
• Clamp meter with Infrared guided measurement
• Cat IV Utility Clamp meters
• Voltage Continuity and Current tester
• Non Contact Voltage Detector with flashlight
• Infrared Windows for temperature measurement inside cabinets without opening the same.
• Insulation Testers

Answering second part of your question on penetration in India, that has been a long journey.We have many happy customers from all sections- Transmission, Distribution and Generation. Few key names include PGCIL, NTPC, MSETCL, PSTCL, UPPCL, UPTCL, APTRANSCO, KPTCL, TPDDL, BSES.

Q. WHAT ARE LATEST ADDITIONS IN PRODUCTS FOR ABOVE CUSTOMERS AND WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

We keep on introducing new products regularly. Few key recently launched products are listed below:
a. New T 8xx range of Thermal Cameras
b. New Ex range with extended temperature measurement capabilities
c. New Exx range with crisp sharp images
d. New Clamp and Digital meters with Infrared Guided Measurements
e. Open jaw Clamp meter
f. Digital solutions

Its difficult to choose one as favorite as all have multiple different great features but if I have to select from above list then I will pick T8xx due to its unique
design which makes it so easy to use in the field and new digital solutions. This very successful range with Tiltable optics has two more members now.

This range is having two very useful features
a. the optics is tiltable which doesn’t give too much strain to person using the camera in the field.
b. this has a viewfinder in addition to touchscreen with switchable display to save battery- very useful feature again when you use the camera under bright sunlight.

Under Digital solutions, we have launched FLIR Thermal studio Pro which is state-of-the-art analysis and reporting software designed to help you manage thousands of thermal images and videos. Whether you use handheld cameras, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras,
FLIR Thermal Studio Pro provides the automation and advanced processing capabilities you need to streamline workflow and increase productivity.

This advanced software has an optional FLIR Route Creator plug-in that creates an inspection path you can download directly to any FLIR T-Series camera that has Inspection Route enabled. Use these routes to acquire temperature data and thermal images in a logical sequence, automate data management, and maintain historical records for improved predictive maintenance Few key features for this new unique digital solutions are:

• Create routes one can download to an enabled FLIR T-Series camera for streamlined inspections of critical assets
• Produce consistent, professional looking report templates with customer- focused content— without the need for Microsoft Office
• Generate reports quickly—more than 100 pages in less than a minute— based on customizable templates

Q. WHAT WILL BE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS TO GIVE?

My key message would be very basic:
a. choose the right product based on your application and then allocate the budget rather than doing the opposite.
b. please give weightage to quality of product, services
c. Evaluate long term commitment of the OEM and company you are dealing with.
d. please review total cost of ownership while buying Thermal Imaging Cameras.