Imaging system for assessing integrity of metal motive parts in industrial plants

An installation, for use with a computer, for inspecting surfaces of a pinion gear of a girth gear set operating under standard operating conditions in situ, the installation comprising:

• an enclosure, the enclosure including a back, a top, a bottom, sides and a front, which includes an opening, to define an interior;
• a transparent window, the transparent window separating at least a part of the interior from an ambient environment;
• at least one door operatively connected to the enclosure and retractably separating the transparent window from the ambient environment;
• a programmable logic controller which is housed in the enclosure behind the transparent window;
• a thermal imager which is housed in the enclosure behind the transparent window, is directed to the transparent window and is in electronic communication with the programmable logic controller;
• a visible light camera which is housed in the enclosure behind the transparent window, is directed to the transparent window and is in electronic communication with the programmable logic controller;
• and an air barrier blower which is attached to the enclosure and is positioned to provide an air barrier in front of the transparent window.