22 September 2020

What is Thermal imaging used for & how does it work?

Submitted by: Jannie Bean

Thermal cameras or thermal imagers are sophisticated devices comprised of a sensitive heat sensor with the capacity to pick up minute differences in temperature. As they gather the infrared radiation from objects in a particular environment, they can start to map out an image based on the differences and inflexions of the temperature measurements.

Thermografix Maintenance Solutions is one of the premier infrared thermography inspection companies operating in South Africa, with its home office based in Cape Town. Our expert team of certified thermographers are trained to investigate, provide facts, and report problems that affect your home, office or business operations.

Our routine Infrared and Thermal Imaging inspections reveal problems which are invisible to the eye. We help identify and predict hazardous safety related electrical, mechanical, inefficiencies, and building issues before a breakdown occurs.

We are trained to find electrical, mechanical, building envelope, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning problems before they become costly repair issues for your home or facility. Our thermographers are current with continuing education credits as well as periodic updates in training as the field of infrared thermography continues to evolve.

Applications of thermal imaging

Infrared thermography is a non-contact technology that measures surface temperatures. Everything on the planet, above -273 degrees Celsius, emits a heat signature. Thermal cameras have the ability to detect these heat signatures and to determine a range of temperatures. These thermal images can be analysed and compared to temperature charts that help forecast or predict upcoming events.

Thermal imaging can reveal:

  • Loose electrical connections
  • Overheated Motor windings and bearings
  • Poor mechanical shaft alignments
  • Uneven wear patterns on moving equipment

In building envelope systems:

  • Moisture under roof membranes
  • Water damaged shingles and underlayments
  • Leaky skylights
  • Poorly installed or missing insulation in walls and attics
  • Over-all energy losses

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems:

  • Air flow losses
  • Poor air flow in duct work
  • Poor condenser evaporation
  • Poor fan blade alignment and shafts
  • Motor and motor winding problems

In foundations and structural systems:

  • Moisture penetration
  • High humidity areas
  • Foundation cracks
  • Water penetration
  • Voids in concrete integrity

In Electrical transmission and distribution systems:

  • Overloaded neutral conductors
  • Switch gear problems
  • Capacitor Banks connections
  • Transformers
  • Insulators
  • Vessel oil levels
  • SF6 leaks

Thermal imaging is an impressive and compact method of identifying, measuring and visualizing heat patterns, particularly in environments where there’s a lack of visible light. There's a broad range of applications available, from industrial to health to research and science and so much more. Our reports, baseline, to comparative baselines, to preventative solutions, not only identifies safety hazards, establishes a performance window that reveals an analysis of your operations performance.

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