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What is Infrared
Thermography?
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| Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging
and measurement camera to "see" and "measure" thermal energy emitted
from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not
visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human
eye; it's the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as
heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world, everything with a
temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Even very cold objects, like
ice cubes, emit infrared. The higher the object's temperature, the
greater the IR radiation emitted. Infrared allows us to see what our
eyes cannot. Infrared thermography cameras produce images of invisible
infrared or "heat" radiation and provide precise non-contact temperature
measurement capabilities. Nearly everything gets hot before it fails,
making infrared cameras extremely cost-effective, valuable diagnostic
tools in many diverse applications. And as industry strives to improve
manufacturing efficiencies, manage energy, improve product quality, and
enhance worker safety, new applications for infrared cameras continually
emerge. |
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High Definition Thermal
Imaging and Thermal Imager Cameras
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| High definition (or high resolution) thermal
imaging refers to the fine detail and clarity of a thermal image. This
means it contains a large number of pixels per unit of area. In this
case, a thermal imaging camera taking a high definition photo means you
will find smaller problems at greater distances. You can find
significant problems that could be missed with a lower resolution
thermal imaging camera. More pixels mean greater temperature
measurement accuracy, particularly for small objects. To the
professional thermographer, a high definition thermal imager means a
strong competitive advantage. Our new P640
high definition thermal imaging camera has a 640x480 detector, which
delivers 307,200 pixels versus 76,800 in a thermal imager with a 320x240
detector. That’s 4 times better resolution (16 times better than a
thermal imaging camera with a 160x120 detector)! A thermal imager
capable of doing that saves you plenty of capture and reporting time.
A high definition thermal imager is ideal for
someone in the utility industry because you can resolve greater detail
with smaller targets, while still looking at the larger picture. This is
important because it saves time, makes you more productive, allows you
to take fewer photos with your thermal imager, and improves worker
safety. You can be twice the distance away as compared to a 320x240
thermal imaging camera, or 4 times the distance as compared to a 160x120
thermal imaging camera. This type of thermal imager can be used on
substations, switchyard, transmission and distribution lines, all of
which are littered with this type of target.
It is also the new standard for consultants who
use a thermal imaging camera. Whether you seek to expand your business,
justify higher billing rates, or providing highly accurate reports to
your customers, a high definition thermal imaging camera is a must-have
for consultants whose core business is providing thermal imaging
inspection services. This type of thermal imager means improvement in
your survey and reporting efficiency.
A high definition thermal imager is also ideal
for top-level thermographers whose work environment demands the best
thermal imaging camera and technology. A high definition thermal imager
is ideal for the full-time thermographer who intends to use his thermal
imaging camera every day, and may be required to produce detailed,
sharp-looking thermal imaging photos, informative reports to either
cost-justify to senior management or insurance companies the
effectiveness of your thermal imaging predictive maintenance program.
This type of thermal imager results in an endless amount of time and
money saved! |
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Thermal Infrared Cameras :
The Story
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| Thermal cameras are able to detect for heat
patterns in the infrared wavelength spectrum and rely on the emission of
thermal or infrared energy by all objects above 0 Kelvin. Thermography
is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to "see" and
"measure" thermal energy emitted from an object. This is called "Thermal
Imaging. Thermal energy is light that is not visible by the human eye.
It is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat.
Unlike visible light, in the infrared world, everything with a
temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Even extremely cold objects
emit infrared. Infrared allows us to see what our eyes cannot. Thermal
infrared cameras are an extremely valuable diagnostic tool in many
applications. Almost everything that uses
or transmits power gets hot before it fails. Thermal imagery allows the
maintenance and reliability of electrical and mechanical systems. It is
one of the most effective and proven predictive maintenance technology.
It allows for safe and accurate troubleshooting. Finding a poor
electrical connection before a component fails can save a lot of money
by protecting against production losses, power outages, fires and
catastrophic failures. It is extremely important to also have accurate
measurements when using an infrared camera. An infrared survey without a
simple fast way to report and analyze inspection results will not assist
in locating problems.
There are many potential uses for thermal imagery
as the cameras can detect hidden problems and make quick damage
assessments. They can help avoid electrical failures, and check for
overheating of electrical panels and transformers. These cameras will
find problems with motors, fans and bearings, as well as identify faults
in heating and cooling systems. Most of the cameras will generate
reports, analyze and document findings with easy-to-use software. The
widespread application possibilities make this tool extremely important
for many working industries.
How do Infrared Cameras
Work?
Infrared cameras detect infrared energy and convert it to an electronic
signal. This signal is then processed to produce a thermal image on a
video monitor and perform temperature calculations. The heat that is
sensed by the camera can be measured and quantified, allowing the
identification and evaluation of the severity of heat-related problems.
Thermal performance can also be monitored. Detector technology and other
recent innovations allows extremely cost-effective thermal analysis
solutions. The incorporation of built-in visual imaging, automatic
functionality, and infrared software development are components of these
innovations.
Why measure temperature?
Infrared cameras with temperature measurement allow maintenance
professionals to make informed judgments about the operating condition
of electrical and mechanical targets. An infrared camera image without
having accurate temperature measurements will not give enough
information about the electrical connection's condition. Worn mechanical
parts will also not be easily identified. An infrared image without
accurate measurement can often be misleading because it can indicate a
non-existent problem. Using temperature measurements in conjunction with
previous operating temperatures can assist in determining if a
significant temperature increase will compromise reliability or safety.
History of Infrared Technology and Thermal Imagers
The discovery of the infrared spectrum came in 1800 by Sir William
Herschel. He was an astronomer and built his own telescopes. Equipped
with knowledge that sunlight was made up of all the colors of the
spectrum, and that it was also a source of heat, he wanted to find out
which color(s) were responsible for heating objects. Herschel conducted
an experiment using thermometers with blackened bulbs, a prism and
paperboard. He measured the temperatures of the different colors and
observed an increase in temperature as he moved the thermometer from
violet to red. He found the hottest temperature occurred beyond red
light. The heating caused by this radiation was not visible. Herschel
named this invisible radiation "calorific rays" which we now call
infrared. |
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