What is the difference between Thermography, Thermal Imaging and Thermographics?
Nothing! They are all the study or utilisation of infrared energy to understand what is happening with piece of equipment, building or person!
What can Thermography do for me?
There are so many uses for Thermography and new novel uses are constantly being developed. In general though, thermography is used to identify problems on electrical systems, within buildings or within ships that could not be easily found without shutting down or damaging items.
What applications can Thermography be used for?
Electrical Systems:
- Identify Loose or poor connections
- Identify overloaded circuits
- Identify faulty components or items
- Identify phase imbalance
Buildings:
- Find causes of heat loss or energy wastage
- Locate roof leaks
- Locate water leaks
- Identify causes of water ingress
- Locate leaks or analyse underfloor heating systems
- Check for BREEAM compliance
- Analyse cold store buildings for defects
Are Infrared cameras expensive?
Relatively – yes. The sophisticated level of technology and the value of use makes them expensive. One really must look at the economics of purchasing an IR camera. There is a lot of economic merit in using an experienced, qualified full time Thermographer, delivering a quality service with good equipment at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a camera to be used occasionally by relatively inexperienced operators.
Can thermography be used in brightly lit areas?
Yes. Light as we know it in the visible spectrum has no effect on the infrared images.
How do cameras detect Infrared?
Modern cameras in general use uncooled bolometers. A mid range unit will have a bolometer with a matrix of 320 x 240 pixels for a total of 76,800 dots or pixels. Our professional equipment has a matrix of 640 x 480 pixels giving us a total of 307,200 measurement points! Each pixel, which is sensitive to IR, develops a voltage, depending on how much IR reaches it via special lenses. This voltage is then processed via software and colour palettes are overlaid. The colour represented for each pixel is dependent on the voltage the dot produces. The end result is a picture built up of thousands of pixels. The voltage of each pixel is also calibrated to represent a temperature. An IR camera usually has a selection of colour palettes. In principle, digital and video cameras work the same way.
I have a small Infrared spot gun / camera so why should I use a Thermographer with higher level equipment?
Low resolution thermal imagers have become more common place and do have a use for simple checks. Many inspections however require a good understanding of infrared theory and materials. We have come across many companies who have invested in a thermal imaging camera but it never gets used as staff are not trained, not competent, not confident and do not have the time to carry out a full survey.
Utilising a specialist company is invariable more effective, cheaper and less hassle.
What sort of companies use thermal imaging?
Pixel Thermographics carry out thermal imaging across all industry sectors including:
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
- Food
- Logistics & warehousing
- Oil & Gas
- Office & Commercial
- Power Generation
- Surveyors & Architects
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Medical
- Health
- Councils & Local Government
- Plumbers, Builders & Roofers
- Electrical Testers
- Homeowners & Residents
- Insurance Companies
Will thermography affect the daily routine of my business?
No. Infrared Thermography is a non-invasive tool, so there is no need to switch any plant room equipment off. In fact, thermography produces the best results when the system under review is either fully operational or under load.