Research and application of infrared thermography testing technology for large-scale amusement rides

The operation of large-scale amusement rides is directly related to the safety of the passengers. When an accident occurs involving an amusement ride, the social impact is extremely negative. Therefore, the safety requirements for large-scale amusement rides are extremely high. Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis technologies provide effective ways to ensure the safe operation. Infrared thermal imaging is a common inspection and monitoring technology, which is widely used in electrical and hydraulic machinery systems. However, there is little literature about the application of infrared thermography (IRT) in large-scale amusement rides and a lack of analysis and evaluation methods for infrared inspection results. In order to expand this technology to the field of large-scale amusement rides, it is necessary to research the temperature increase characteristics of key components and develop corresponding technical standards. In the current study, the temperature variation characteristics of the electrical and hydraulic systems of large-scale amusement rides are first examined. Subsequently, the first IRT testing standard for amusement rides in China is described, including its main content and technical requirements. Two test cases are provided in this study in order to illustrate the practicability and reliability of infrared thermography testing technology in the large-scale amusement rides industry.