Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging technology has changed dramatically over the years. Thermal imagers are now more affordable, portable and accessible than ever before. A thermal imaging camera detects the intensity of radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and converts it to a visible image. Thermography is indispensable when it comes to non-contact detection of thermal differences.

Unlike regular digital cameras, which capture images of the visible light reflected by objects, thermal cameras create pictures by measuring infrared energy, or heat. The thermal camera then assigns colours based on the temperature differences it measures. In a “radiometric” imager, each pixel of colour on the screen indicates a specific temperature. Thermal cameras read the surface temperature of objects and can detect surfaces that don’t emit thermal energy equally well. Emissivity is the material property that describes the efficiency with which an object radiates, or emits, heat.

Thermography’s role has become more and more critical in electrical and mechanical equipment, industrial processes, building diagnostics and research and development. As thermal imagers evolve, features such as auto and manual focus, smart and rechargeable batteries and higher resolution are becoming the norm. Innovation in wireless testing, software, data logging and connections with smartphone applications makes thermal imaging an excellent option for maintenance applications.

If the status of components can be identified before any failure, corrective measures can be taken in advance which will help in improved productivity. Thermal imaging cameras are the perfect tool for predicting failures because they make the invisible visible.

There are many variants of thermal imagers to choose from. Some factors to consider, when deciding what kind of imager best fits your business model, are Radiometric, Thermal (temperature) sensitivity and Pixel resolution. Infrared (IR) thermometers are reliable and very useful for single spot temperature readings, but, for scanning large areas or components, thermal imaging cameras are the best option. It’s easy to miss critical components that may be near failure and need repair, so thermal imaging cameras can be used to prevent this.

Thermal imaging is a technology that will not only change our lives, but it will save lives as well.