Technology

Introduction


Thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilizes a thermal imager to detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object. Infrared thermography may be applied to any situation where knowledge of thermal profiles and temperatures will provide meaningful data about a system, object or process.

Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects based on their temperatures, according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to "see" one's environment with or without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore thermography allows one to see variations in temperature.

Thermography is widely used in industry for predictive maintenance, condition assessment, quality assurance, and forensic investigations of electrical, mechanical and structural systems. Other applications include, but are not limited to: law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and medical and veterinary sciences.


What makes Thermography useful?

1. It is non-contact
-Uses remote sensing
-Keeps the user out of danger
-Does not intrude upon or affect the target at all

2. It is two dimensional
-Comparison between areas of the target is possible
-The image allows for excellent overview of the target
-Thermal patterns can be visualized for analysis

3. It is real time
-Enables very fast scanning of stationary targets
-Enables capture of fast moving targets
-Enables capture of fast changing thermal patterns

Fact…Temperature is the number one form of measurement used in any process control application. As we get better at non-contact measurement and customers gain confidence, the technology will expand. Pressure and flow are also critical measurements as well, but temperature is far and away number one.