Use infrared thermal imaging for pump system condition monitoring and early failure detection Thermal imaging technology has evolved over the years, and investment costs have decreased significantly. Thermal imaging technology has evolved over the years, and investment costs have decreased significantly. Early deployment of thermal imaging technology in industrial applications was primarily geared towards electrical inspections. In recent years, these thermal imaging cameras have been successfully implemented for mechanical inspections, including rotating equipment. Typical applications for thermal imaging fall under three main categories outlined here: Electrical Building inspections. Mechanical equipment inspections, specifically for centrifugal pumps, will be the main focus of this article. Typical thermal imaging applications for pumps will be presented, including a specific case example showing an interesting case study that resulted in the identification of severe throttling/leakage across a multi-stage pump center-stage bushing.