A Thermal Insight
About Thermography / Infrared Technology
What is Thermography or Infrared Technology?
Thermography or Thermal Imaging is a technology that actually allows us to see and measure Infrared light, or thermal energy which we commonly refer to as “heat”. Every object with a temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Absolute zero is a temperature at which an object has no heat present and therefore emits no thermal energy, approximately minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit. Even cold objects such as ice emit thermal energy. The higher an object's temperature is, the greater the amount of Infrared Radiation (IR) that is emitted. An IR camera allows us to see what our eyes cannot. With the use of an IR camera, we can see and measure thermal energy and use it to determine the thermal condition of an object. Although it may seem like ‘X-RAY”, Thermography is not “X-RAY” and can only be used to determine the surface temperature of an object. With Thermography, we do however use surface temperatures to determine sub-surface conditions thus revealing a wide array of conditions in a nondestructive manner.
How Can We Use Thermography / Infrared Technology?
Thermography is a technology that is used to conduct Infrared Inspections. It can be used in many circumstances where the identification of thermal patterns can be interpreted to find a variety of undesirable conditions. We can detect a variety of conditions such as poor electrical connections, faulty wiring, faulty equipment, overloaded circuits, plumbing / water leakage, moisture problems, roofing problems, defective manufacturing processes, thermal voids and some structural defects to name a few. These conditions, in one form or another, lead to increased operating costs, equipment failures and breakdowns.
Understanding the Findings
We search for anomalies. An anomaly is a deviation from the common arrangement, condition or form of on object. During an inspection we search for thermal deviations from a known or similar condition in a like environment. For example;
- A poor, dirty or loose electrical connection, under load will be warmer than a good, clean, tight electrical connection. A “perfect” electrical connection will have a “ZERO” temperature differential.
- An overloaded electrical circuit will create increased heat which is then emitted from the conductor.
- Building materials such as stucco, wood and drywall that contain moisture will hold and transfer heat differently than like objects that do not contain moisture.
- Building framing will hold and transfer heat differently than dead air; dead air will hold and transfer heat differently than a space that contains insulation.
- A worn, misaligned or improperly lubricated bearing will create more heat than a good, properly installed and lubricated bearing.
Each of these conditions will create a temperature differential that can be measured with an Infrared camera.
Heat travels from GREATER to lesser, understanding a thermal image requires a Thermographer that understands the source of the heat, how the heat was created and where the heat is going. An image that was captured in the cooler winter months may appear completely opposite in the warmer summer months.
Thermal Imaging is a powerful tool, but you must have a strong knowledge of subsurface structures, systems and the affects of environmental conditions to understand their affects on surface temperatures. An anomaly is just that, a rush to judgment should not be made. Yes, the anomalies do exist but there could be a variety of conditions that could create similar results and not necessarily constitute a defect.
We have 20 years experience in construction trades and management; encompassing General Construction, Thermal Envelopes, Electrical, Mechanical, Refrigeration, HVAC, Restoration and Property Management. Not only are we certified in Thermography, we have the experience to provide you with clear accurate findings and reporting, information you can use.
View Sample Reports from A Thermal Insight
Customers We Serve
Utilizing Infrared Radiation (IR) technology, inspections services are provided to a wide range of customers. We offer inspection services for Homes, Apartments, Commercial Buildings, Hospitals, Hotels, Casinos, Manufacturing Facilities, Shopping Malls, Warehouses, Cold Storage, Refrigerated Trucks & Trailers, Paving Contractors, Cars, Trucks, Machinery, Equipment, Veterinarians, Marine Services, Investigation Services and more. Using IR technology we can locate and identify problems not visible to the human eye.
Property owners, facilities managers and loss control managers have referred to having an Infrared inspection is like having a "crystal ball".
Many insurance companies recognize Thermography as an essential predictive / preventative maintenance function that reduces losses and downtime for the insurer and the insured. Some of our commercial customers have experienced reduced insurance premiums after incorporating IR inspections into their preventative / predictive maintenance procedures and submitting the reports to their insurance underwriter.
Non-Destructive Testing
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) recognizes Infrared Thermography as a Nondestructive Test (NDT). With Thermography we can locate specific conditions in a nondestructive manner. Compared to destructive testing, nondestructive testing is typically faster, cleaner, less expensive, and does not result in “down time”.
Contact Thermal Insight
Fill out our online form to email us or call 702.505.IRIR (4747).