Infrared Thermography: Everything You Need to Know (2022)

Oil and gas employ infrared technologies for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. However, infrared technology does not need physical contact with the monitored machinery, which has various advantages over visual inspection and other approaches.

IR thermography measures a component's temperature as heat (thermal radiation) flows through, from, or toward it. IR thermography is sometimes called thermal imaging, infrared thermometry, and thermal testing.

Today's post explains IR thermography. Let's start with a brief introduction to IR thermography.

Thermography Infrared Meaning

Infrared thermography "views" and "measures" an object's infrared radiation. It uses an infrared camera.

The human eye cannot see thermal or infrared light because its wavelength is too long. This electromagnetic spectrum region represents heat.

Everything above absolute zero emits infrared radiation, not visible light. Ice emits infrared radiation. Our eyes can't see infrared radiation, but infrared thermography cameras can.

IR thermography usage includes:

• Earth-imaging

• Machine monitoring

• Monitoring electrical system

• Monitoring fluid system

IR thermography identifies machine faults and inefficiencies by detecting abnormal heat patterns and validating normal operation.

Asset managers who monitor mechanical equipment can profit from IR thermography.

Despite infrared imagers' ease of use, understanding their data can be complex. Infrared imagers, heat transmission, and radiometry must be understood.

Next, we discuss the IR thermography principle and applications to understand its utilization.

Infrared thermography: The Operating Principle

Infrared thermography uses infrared energy to calculate the temperature. As an object's temperature rises above zero, it generates electromagnetic radiation.

The object's interior temperature affects this radiation. The thermographer's optics focus the object's radiation on a detector.

Electrical signals may be proportional to radiation. These signals are examined and blasted to generate temperature output. Information can be displayed on a computer screen or sent to a control system via a link.

Infrared temperature is measured using Planck's law. Black body spectral radiation is related to its temperature and wavelength.

Scientists can simplify the equation's interpretation using the Stefan-Boltzmann law. It clarifies the detector's electric signal and an object's temperature.

Infrared Thermography Applications

Infrared thermography has several important uses.

Evaluations

Through infrared technology, researchers and testers may swiftly detect and get precise temperature readings.

Researchers employ thermography cameras, infrared thermometers, pyrometers, and other instruments to monitor the temperature of individual particles in coal combustion reactors.

This will help improve low-emission burner technology, lowering carbon footprints. This smart sensor technology monitors and maintains the temperature in industrial settings.

Molding

Temperature directly affects 3D printing and injection molding applications. Temperature control is vital for making defect-free goods.

When even the smallest fault is intolerable in car component manufacture, it's helpful. A thermal imager measures the surface temperature of distribution products online.

Using PLC-synchronized technology, non-compliant assemblies can be rejected instantly.

Manufacturing

Temperature impacts product quality in production. As an example, molten glass temperature affects the ultimate product's quality.

In metal fabrication, it's important to monitor the molten metals' temperature to maintain the casting process temperature. Infrared sensors are needed.

Condition Monitoring

The best solution for this form of preventive maintenance is a thermal imaging camera, which can maintain equipment health and prevent damage or industrial disruptions.

It can reveal hot spots in essential process equipment that can be rectified to avert catastrophic machinery or production process failure. It also cuts costs.

Infrared Thermography Benefits

Infrared thermography testing can quickly scan large regions without destroying them. Save time, labor, work, and equipment.

Infrared thermography is better than other non-destructive techniques in various respects. For example, since the infrared thermographic equipment does not generate radiation and records the infrared radiation generated by the evaluated substance, there is no risk connected with utilizing it.

Infrared thermography, unlike most non-destructive procedures, examines an entire area. Infrared thermographic testing is possible day and night.

Infrared thermography helps with condition monitoring. Condition monitoring employs infrared thermography to find mechanical flaws, thermal abnormalities, and heat issues.

Thermography can't reach immense depths because it uses infrared. That's one of the technique's downsides. Environment affects passive outdoor infrared thermographic research.

Thermography inspects surface temperature distributions. If the surface temperature doesn't change, there's no concern. This limits some applications.

Infrared thermography testing benefits include:

• Production allows inspection

• Non-contact, fast inspection

• Online documents exist

• Low-cost

Infrared Thermography Limitations

Healthcare

Thermography detects breast cancer, vascular illness, and neuromusculoskeletal disorders. With infrared light, it can shoot thousands of images from a distance.

Thermography measures soft-tissue heat and can be compared to a corresponding body part, such as the right or left arm. It measures blood flow before and after exercise to detect blockages.

Thermography detects breast cancer with 69.7% accuracy. Image interpretation is difficult and requires an expert.

Training

Basic photography instruction doesn't make someone a thermographer. Passing your driving test doesn't make you a skilled driver.

A thermographer can understand thermal colors and image physics, but not the thermodynamics of a portal frame, composite clad building.

Understanding building procedures and materials are vital.

Few companies can analyze photographs accurately, and photos are rarely quantified.

Closing Remarks

This was everything about IR thermography. Nevertheless, you should be aware that a house inspection using infrared thermography must be carried out by a Level II qualified infrared thermographer who can spot and document thermal irregularities in electrical systems. They must also demonstrate seven years of professional expertise in inspecting the electrical systems of commercial buildings.

Regarding general contractors, structural engineers, Level II trained infrared thermographers, and recertification specialists, Souffront Construction & Engineering stands out. If you have any questions about the services or why you should choose Souffront for your 40-year recertification, concrete restoration service, or IR thermography examination, feel free to contact the client support team.

There's even a detailed blog on this topic which you can access.