Blog Archives - Infratherm

Thermal camera - Detect Leakages in central heating pipes

29/1/2018

For plumbing engineers, a thermal camera can be a powerful tool which can detect water leakages from hidden pipes under floors. The whole idea of using a thermal camera is to avoid the hassle of removing or digging up any flooring like tiles or, hardwood flooring.
There are different types of thermal cameras available in the market however one should choose the one which can promise better image quality and image storage along with the ability to detect leakages under floors with ease. When a boiler is replaced, the pipeline which was only tested with low pressure can develop leaks under high pressure. Thermal camera can locate water leakage and point one in the right direction.
Thermal camera can also help in determining if the central heating system needs a power flush which is usually required because of sludge build up within the boiler, radiators and pipe work. The thermal camera also offers images to show if the power flush was completed correctly.

Perimeter security - Monitoring any access breach

22/1/2018

When you are away from your home or business premise, perimeter security with alarm systems are extremely useful. Perimeter security monitoring systems warns of any access breach by notifying you or, the security company in real time. During the night, perimeter security can be challenging, however thanks to infrared security systems, one can set up warning systems to alert you of any trespassing attempt.
The infrared perimeter security systems have wireless infrared sensors which can be installed in places where you expect intruders trying to trespass in your property. This ensures that you can be warned even before someone attempts to break in to your property.
When the infrared beam is breached, the system can send a radio frequency signal to a portable radio receiver which can then play any programmed alert message to alert you as to which sensor or zone triggered the alert

Infrared thermal imaging cameras - Use in Petroleum sector

15/1/2018

The escalating fuel prices underscore the importance of maintaining production capacities in the petroleum sector. While it is literally impossible to avert natural disasters, Infrared thermal imaging cameras can help. The Infrared thermal imaging cameras can be used to maximize the reliability of production assets under predictive maintenance techniques.
In refineries there is extensive use of Thermography and IR cameras which are majorly used for electrical inspections. Such regular monitoring would pinpoint potential problems and help in averting any potential mishap. Infrared thermal imaging cameras may detect loose and corroded connections, electrical imbalance, failing transformers and faults in motor control centres.
The handheld infrared thermal imaging cameras can be used to look for hot spots, cool spots and other anomalies. A thermal scan is a reliable method of refractory monitoring. Anything that triggers a red alert which means equipments which pose a safety risk takes the highest repair priority. Use of infrared thermal imaging cameras can help in identifying such potential risks and avoid or reduce red alerts.

Infrared camera - Understanding thermal Image quality

7/1/2018

When you are planning to purchase an Infrared camera, it is very important to understand the attributes which can impact the image quality of the thermal images. There are three main areas which influence thermal image quality i.e. pixel resolution, thermal sensitivity and fixed pattern noise.
The three resolution standards are low (160120), medium (320240) and high (640*480). When evaluating an infrared camera, the number of pixel is relevant and increased resolution is important to achieve high image quality. High resolution also allows one to zoom and still maintain the image quality.
Thermal sensitivity is the measure of how well the infrared camera can image when the contrast is increased. The signal to noise ratio improves when viewing hotter objects. Low thermal contrast applications include building diagnosis where the infrared camera is used to image interior walls with minimal temperature variations. There are lot of benefits associated with high image quality like more intuitive diagnosis of heat related problems, greater flexibility to inspect targets at varying distance, ability to visualize low thermal contrast targets, better diagnosis of temperature anomalies, improved infrared visible fused image.

FLIR - Use of Thermal Technology to fight poachers

1/1/2018

Various countries throughout Africa are committed to stop illegal poaching and protect wildlife and to help this cause, FLIR thermal technology is used by World Wildlife Fund. Poaching is a serious problem which damages ecosystem and threatens the livelihood and security of local communities.
Introduction of FLIR technology has brought a decline in poaching which includes both handheld and long range cameras. Some of them are mounted to vehicles to create mobile observation posts. With thermal advantage rangers can spot poachers at night even if they try to hide behind deep grass.
For perimeter security, WWF has installed FLIR long range cameras which can identify illegal intrusion and help in monitoring animal behaviour. The introduction of inexpensive, easy to fly unmanned aerial vehicles or, drones offer a great platform for setting up systematic aerial surveillance of protected areas and national parks. Aerial observation using advanced FLIR thermal cameras helps in mitigating potential conflicts between elephants and neighbouring villagers.