Blog Archives - Infratherm

How to Find the Best Infrared Thermal Camera for Your Requirements

27/4/2016

Infrared security cameras typically feature infrared illuminators placed around the outer side of the lens of the camera. These illuminators enable the camera to provide a good-quality image even in poor visibility conditions. People often confuse infrared cameras with night-vision cameras because both devices can provide high-quality images even at night. However, both cameras use different wavelengths of light for producing their images. Infrared cameras typically use an invisible light for highlighting the object. But, when you view this image on a monitor, you’ll be able to see the object as if a spotlight were highlighting it. In contrast, night-vision cameras use a green colour for making objects visible.

When you want to purchase an infrared camera, ensure that you:

Purchase a camera that can handle conditions with poor or low visibility to produce high-quality images even in the dark
Pick a camera that has a lower lux, which indicates that the camera can produce better quality images in the dark
oFor instance, an infrared camera with a 0.03 lux will offer better images in low visibility conditions than an infrared camera with a 0,5 lux
Ascertain the number of infrared LEDs installed in the camera
oIdeally, the greater the number of LEDs in the infrared camera, the farther it will be able to capture images from
oIn many cases, infrared cameras typically capture images at up to 25 feet
Select a weatherproof camera that will work in all-weather conditions without degrading because of exposure to the elements
Pick a camera that offers black-and-white or coloured images according to your requirements
Pick a model that is designed to work in the conditions where you plan to use it i.e. indoors, outdoors etc.
oIt is worth highlighting that outdoor models typically offer higher levels of durability than those used indoors
Select a model that has fixed or adjustable zoom lenses, based on your requirements
Select a camera that offers the image resolution you’re looking for ranging from 160x120 to 640x480 pixels or more and,
Pick a model that meets various other requirements that you might have such as:
oA built-in infrared fusion
oResolution detectors
oA manual focus feature and,
oThermal sensitivity i.e. the smallest temperature difference that the camera can detect

Of all the thermal cameras sold in Australia, the cameras supplied by Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) are among the best. FLIR has been in the thermal imaging sector for more than 30 years. They offer cameras for an assortment of applications including law enforcement, military and marine purposes.

What Do People Typically Use Infrared Cameras for?

20/4/2016

Unlike other cameras, infrared cameras capture the heat that objects generate rather than the objects themselves. This is why these cameras are nothing more than heat sensors. This capability enables them to register different temperature levels and convert them into images. Some infrared cameras use chemical infrared films for producing images. However, a large number of infrared cameras nowadays tend to rely on digital imaging.

In addition to various security-related aspects, infrared cameras come into use in various other applications as well. For instance, people typically use infrared cameras in:

 Handling Emergencies: Infrared cameras enable firefighters to identify areas here fires are raging, even though the areas might not be visible. For example, they use these cameras for spotting fires inside buildings, under floors etc. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses camera for detecting spills and leaks. In particular, they use these cameras after chemical spills. Chemicals usually have thermal signatures that are distinctive from their surroundings. As such, these cameras can spot these leaks very easily.

Maintaining Power Lines: Maintenance technicians use these cameras for identifying sections in the power lines that are overheating. Alternatively, these cameras aid technicians to identify faults in electrical systems. Such faults could typically comprise circuit breakers, faulty connections and bad fuses. Electrical systems typically experience wear-and-tear issues in components over time. These worn out components end up offering greater resistance to electric current, which produces heat. This shows up on the infrared camera, enabling workers to carry out the necessary repairs.

Military-based Operations: Infrared cameras are invaluable for people in the military. These chemicals can see through many forms of camouflage. For instance, it is not easy for soldiers to spot snipers hidden under dead leaves and twigs. But, infrared cameras can spot the difference in the levels of heat, thereby highlighting the presence of enemy soldiers.

Energy Audits: Home inspectors use infrared cameras for identifying areas from which a house loses heat. In many cases, houses suffer the loss of heat because of missing insulation, leaky windows and other gaps in the building. Thermal imaging enables these individuals to improve the air-conditioning of their homes. This could result in lower power bills as well.

Pest Control: In some cases, home inspectors use these cameras for detecting the presence of various pests such as termites etc. too.

Healthcare Services: Many hospitals use infrared cameras for the early detection of breast cancer. These cameras can detect minor changes and the increased flow of blood before a mammogram can detect the tumour. Infrared cameras are very cheap when compared to other breast cancer detection equipment. In addition, they are totally passive and non-invasive as well.

What is Thermal Imaging?

13/4/2016

Unlike other cameras, infrared cameras capture the heat that objects generate rather than the objects themselves. This is why these cameras are nothing more than heat sensors. This capability enables them to register different temperature levels and convert them into images. Some infrared cameras use chemical infrared films for producing images. However, a large number of infrared cameras nowadays tend to rely on digital imaging.

In addition to various security-related aspects, infrared cameras come into use in various other applications as well. For instance, people typically use infrared cameras in:

Handling Emergencies: Infrared cameras enable firefighters to identify areas here fires are raging, even though the areas might not be visible. For example, they use these cameras for spotting fires inside buildings, under floors etc. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses camera for detecting spills and leaks. In particular, they use these cameras after chemical spills. Chemicals usually have thermal signatures that are distinctive from their surroundings. As such, these cameras can spot these leaks very easily.

Maintaining Power Lines: Maintenance technicians use these cameras for identifying sections in the power lines that are overheating. Alternatively, these cameras aid technicians to identify faults in electrical systems. Such faults could typically comprise circuit breakers, faulty connections and bad fuses. Electrical systems typically experience wear-and-tear issues in components over time. These worn out components end up offering greater resistance to electric current, which produces heat. This shows up on the infrared camera, enabling workers to carry out the necessary repairs.

Military-based Operations: Infrared cameras are invaluable for people in the military. These chemicals can see through many forms of camouflage. For instance, it is not easy for soldiers to spot snipers hidden under dead leaves and twigs. But, infrared cameras can spot the difference in the levels of heat, thereby highlighting the presence of enemy soldiers.

Energy Audits: Home inspectors use infrared cameras for identifying areas from which a house loses heat. In many cases, houses suffer the loss of heat because of missing insulation, leaky windows and other gaps in the building. Thermal imaging enables these individuals to improve the air-conditioning of their homes. This could result in lower power bills as well.

Pest Control: In some cases, home inspectors use these cameras for detecting the presence of various pests such as termites etc. too.

Healthcare Services: Many hospitals use infrared cameras for the early detection of breast cancer. These cameras can detect minor changes and the increased flow of blood before a mammogram can detect the tumour. Infrared cameras are very cheap when compared to other breast cancer detection equipment. In addition, they are totally passive and non-invasive as well.