Infrared Thermography is the technique that uses an infrared imaging and measurement camera to “see” and “measure” invisible infrared energy being emitted from an object.
Thermal, or infrared energy is not visible because its wavelength is too long for the sensors in our eyes to detect. It is the part 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. Even cold objects such as ice cubes, emit infrared radiation. The higher the temperature of the object, the greater the infrared radiation emitted. Our Infrared camera’s allows us to see what our eyes cannot!
In the industrial/commercial environment, almost everything gets hotter or cooler before it fails, making infrared cameras extremely valuable diagnostic tools with many diverse applications. As industry strives to improve manufacturing efficiencies, manage energy, improve product quality, and enhance worker safety, new applications for infrared cameras continually emerge.
Infrared Inspections are Simple!
Taking thermal images and gathering thermal information is quite easy these days, just push the auto button and there is an image! This is simple on the surface, but it is not as easy as it sounds. The real work and value is what the Thermographer understands about the object of interest, how it operates, the heat transfer within and to the surface of the object. How to adjust the camera to enhance the thermal details necessary, and to evaluate the image once it is stored and downloaded onto the computer. Then prepare a report that is accurate, clearly presented and is easy to read by the maintenance personnel, who generally do not know anything about infrared.
What is a Thermographer?
A Thermographer is a thermal evaluator and imaging expert. He or she will have a solid understanding of heat transfer laws, thermal dynamics and properties of why objects are hot or not, or appear to be hot or not.
A Thermographer is a person who uses an Infrared Camera and his, or her knowledge of the subjects they look at, in combination with other non-destructive testing tools to evaluate the condition, (good or bad) of any object, subject or body in the world at large today, as long as there is a thermal difference to be detected.
All our Thermographer’s are fully certified and have a number of years of experience in various predictive maintenance fields.
As in any method of non-destructive testing, the interpretation of the information gathered takes both education and experience. This is NOT A point-and-shoot technique, as most camera manufacturers would like you to believe!
Infrared Thermography Surveys
We use only qualified personnel to carry out Infrared Thermography Surveys. By using top of the range infrared thermal imaging equipment and software, we are able to identify faults in a variety of applications, the most popular being Electrical, Refractory, Mechanical and Buildings. This makes infrared thermography thermal imaging the ideal non-intrusive, predictive maintenance tool for identifying a multitude of faults across most aspects of manufacturing and design.
Infrared Thermography Applications
Below is an outline of some of the applications that can be surveyed with Infrared Thermography.
Included on this page there is a downloadable report including samples of typical infrared
thermography thermal images.
Electrical
Infrared Thermographic systems are ideal for electrical inspections. As electrical connections become
loose, there is a resistance to current that causes an increase in temperature. If left unchecked, heat
can cause connections to melt which may result in a fire. As well as loose connections, electrical
systems suffer from load imbalances, corrosion and under rated components, Infrared Thermography
quickly identify theses faults.
Typical applications:
- Pre-shutdown inspections
- Loose connections
- Busbars
- Substation inspections
- Overloaded/underrated cables
- Motor inspections
- Brush gear
Refractory
Exterior Infrared Thermography inspections are ideal for identifying thermal gradients created around
the breakdown of refractory lining, or insulation. Even underground steam lines can be viewed and
leaks detected.
Typical applications:
- Kilns
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Pipe work
Mechanical
When mechanical components become worn and less efficient the heat emitted will increase prior to
failure. Most mechanical systems will heat up if there is improper lubrication, or misalignment.
Infrared Thermographic data can be an invaluable source of complementary information to vibration
analysis.
Typical applications:
- Bearings
- Misalignment
- Worn, mismatched belts
Buildings
Infrared Thermography can also provide useful information in building maintenance studies;
evaluation of flat roofs for water leakage is a common application. A trained Thermographer can
assist maintenance personnel to locate leaking areas for cost effective repairs. This results in large
savings as the damaged parts of the roof can be repaired, rather than replacing the entire roof.
Typical applications:
- Thermal heat loss
- Missing or damaged insulation
- Air leakage
- Flat roof leak detection
To find out more about our services please click here
Alternatively you can fill in our short enquiry form here, call us on 01709 876 712 or email info.reliability@briteng.co.uk