Thermal Imagery
What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging cameras effectively translate heat - that is, thermal energy - into visible light to analyze surroundings. This makes them very versatile. Living things and mechanical equipment put out heat, making them visible to thermal devices even in the dark. These cameras can be very precise, requiring only a small amount of heat to work effectively.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
Visible light is extremely useful to humans and other creatures, but it’s only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared radiation, the kind produced by heat, takes up more “space” in the spectrum. The interplay of heat being absorbed, reflected, and sometimes even transmitted is what thermal imaging cameras capture and evaluate. The level of thermal radiation emitted by an object is called its heat signature. The hotter a given object is, the more radiation it will spill into the environment. The thermal imager is capable of distinguishing heat sources and very small differences in thermal radiation. It compiles this data into a complete “heat map” distinguished by heat levels.
What is Thermal Imaging Used For?
Thermal imaging cameras have been used since the Korean War and were originally used for scouting and combat at night. Since then, they’ve been improved upon to be used by firefighters, electricians, law enforcement officers, and rescue teams in disaster areas. They are also used extensively in building inspection, maintenance, and optimization. Drones have become a vital tool for solar panel inspections, collecting data more than 50x faster than manual methods and improving safety by avoiding hazardous man-hours.
How is Thermal Imaging Implemented?
Thermal imaging can be a compact and efficient technology. The simplest thermal cameras evaluate heat sources centered within a single pair of crosshairs. More sophisticated systems provide multiple points of comparison so users can analyze environmental conditions. Camera palettes vary widely, from monochrome to a full “rainbow” palette.
Thermal imaging cameras effectively translate heat - that is, thermal energy - into visible light to analyze surroundings. This makes them very versatile. Living things and mechanical equipment put out heat, making them visible to thermal devices even in the dark. These cameras can be very precise, requiring only a small amount of heat to work effectively.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
Visible light is extremely useful to humans and other creatures, but it’s only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared radiation, the kind produced by heat, takes up more “space” in the spectrum. The interplay of heat being absorbed, reflected, and sometimes even transmitted is what thermal imaging cameras capture and evaluate. The level of thermal radiation emitted by an object is called its heat signature. The hotter a given object is, the more radiation it will spill into the environment. The thermal imager is capable of distinguishing heat sources and very small differences in thermal radiation. It compiles this data into a complete “heat map” distinguished by heat levels.
What is Thermal Imaging Used For?
Thermal imaging cameras have been used since the Korean War and were originally used for scouting and combat at night. Since then, they’ve been improved upon to be used by firefighters, electricians, law enforcement officers, and rescue teams in disaster areas. They are also used extensively in building inspection, maintenance, and optimization. Drones have become a vital tool for solar panel inspections, collecting data more than 50x faster than manual methods and improving safety by avoiding hazardous man-hours.
How is Thermal Imaging Implemented?
Thermal imaging can be a compact and efficient technology. The simplest thermal cameras evaluate heat sources centered within a single pair of crosshairs. More sophisticated systems provide multiple points of comparison so users can analyze environmental conditions. Camera palettes vary widely, from monochrome to a full “rainbow” palette.
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Benefits Of Thermal Imaging Technology
Thermal imaging technology is used in a diverse range of applications in many industry sectors. There is an endless list of benefits of utilising thermal imaging in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring (CM), however the key benefits include:
Thermal imaging technology is used in a diverse range of applications in many industry sectors. There is an endless list of benefits of utilising thermal imaging in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring (CM), however the key benefits include:
- Zero to minimal down-time: Due to the non-contact and non-invasive nature of thermal imaging, thermographers can carry out thermal analysis inspections while the plant or equipment is still fully operational.
- It saves our clients money: Thermal imaging can detect faulty components or systems at an early stage, thus allowing the company to plan and conduct remedial work within a scheduled maintenance window. By early fault detection, damage to vital operational systems may be avoided saving thousands of dollars in unexpected down-time.
- Accuracy and speed: Thermal imaging surveys can quickly scan and measure the temperature distribution of entire surfaces of electrical and mechanical equipment under normal load conditions, eliminating the need for pre-inspection work and lengthy preparation.
- 100% non-invasive: Thermal imaging cameras (or infrared cameras), are passive instruments meaning they detect infrared energy emitted of the subjects surface. This passive and non-invasive approach ensures the thermographer can maintain a safe distance from the potentially hazardous equipment. Furthermore, there is no potential for damage to occur to the systems or equipment as a result of the thermal survey.
- Significantly reduces the risk of Occupational Health & Safety issues in the workplace: Intervention through early detection can prevent hazardous equipment failure, personal harm, and risk of fire. As an added bonus, and depending on your insurance policy, you may also be eligible for a discount in your insurance premiums.
- It has revolutionised predictive maintenance inspection programs: By detecting problems and scheduling repairs before a major failure occurs, productivity, profitability and workplace safety are all increased.
- Infrared Thermography meets Risk Compliance: Thermographic surveys support the processes involved in regulatory compliance with Health and Safety Legislation while meeting insurance specified risk assessment and prevention criteria.
