What the Sam Hail is Infrared Thermography?!
thermal hand print detected on wall after one second of contact
Infrared Thermography is the technique that uses an infrared imaging and measurement camera to "measure" invisible infrared energy being emitted from an object.
Thermal, or infrared
energy, is not visible because it has a wavelength which is too long
for the sensors in our eyes to detect. This is the aspect of the
electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Unlike visible
light, in the infrared spectrum,
everything with a temperature above absolute zero emits infrared
electromagnetic energy. Cold objects such as ice cubes emit infrared radiation and the higher the temperature of the object, the greater the infrared radiation emitted. The Infrared technology of today allows us to see what our eyes cannot!
In the modern mechanical environment, most things get hotter or cooler before failing, allowing infrared cameras
to become extremely valuable diagnostic tools with many diverse
applications. Current desire to improve manufacturing efficiencies,
manage energy, and improve product quality while enhancing worker
safety is fertile ground for new infrared applications to emerge.
Illuminate Competitive and Efficiency advantages through Thermography
Tank Fluid Level Thermal Scan Electric Motor Thermal Scan
How Does the Camera “See” Heat?
All objects, regardless of temperature, radiate heat in the form of infrared energy. When an object increases in temperature, it radiates more energy, and the infrared wavelength gets shorter. In fact, the only difference between infrared radiation, visible and ultraviolet light is their wavelength or frequency.
The human eye can detect only a narrow range of light wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. Temperatures above 525°C allow the energy from an object to be seen with our eyes in the visible spectrum. This is what is occurring when we see the burner on an electric stove “glowing” red.
Infrared cameras can detect infrared energy well before we can see it with our eyes. The majority of cameras can image temperatures from -20 to 500°C, and can be extended from a range of -40°C, up to 2000°C. The invisible infrared energy is converted into a two-dimensional visual image and displayed on a monitor. Many cameras can also make temperature measurements with accuracies to ±2% at 30°C. Thermal information is then stored on a disc and is downloaded later into a report.
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Quick overview of capabilities of infrared imagery:
Mechanical Inspection: We can scan rotating equipment for thermal anomalies such as overheated bearings and any unwarranted friction due to misalignment, etc. Infrared imagery can also locate condenser air leakage as well as any anomaly in boiler systems.
Electrical Inspection: Infrared imagery can be utilized to survey electrical distribution and transmission systems for hot spots, load imbalances and other failure mechanisms. Thermal Imaging provides the ability to determine the severity of thermal anomalies enabling cost effective servicing of defective components.
Predictive Maintenance: Thermal imaging is an invaluable asset in preventive maintenance of electrical, mechanical and structural systems. The greatest benefit of this technology is to help detect problems before they cause unscheduled downtime and increase workplace safety.
Fluid Level Monitoring: Infrared imagery can be used to verify levels in tanks and other containers. The camera will not only display most liquid/gas interfaces, but also materials such as sludge, wax and foams.
Asphalt Monitoring: The Washington State Department of Transportation conducted a study to shed light on the challenge of early asphalt breakdown. Their efforts confirmed that the most common causes of road failure were temperature differentials during hot-mix lay down. Slightly cooler areas of asphalt had lower densities and were prone to raveling, potholes and cracks. Thermal imaging was able to alert the contractor to the need to reblend the HMA prior to lay-down which helped to reduce asphalt thermal variables significantly, often by as much as ten degrees Fahrenheit.
Food Inspection: Proper food temperatures for food products are crucial during shipping, preparation and processing. Infrared cameras are a great solution for assuring that temperature tolerances are maintained throughout all aspects of food transportation and on-site storage.
Manufacturing:Infrared thermography has been employed by professionals in the predictive maintenance as well as quality assurance engineers to overcome challenges and regular maintenance challenges. Manufacturing scans normally focus on pumps, motors and electrical connections. Of course, Thermal imagery will assist with an overall plant inspection including the roofing, HVAC systems, and any structural concerns.
Petrochemical: Thermal imaging has been utilized for many years by the petroleum refining and petrochemical professionals to assist with predictive maintenance challenges. Typical inspection targets might include electrical and mechanical scans along with piping, storage vessels, heaters and heat exchangers.
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