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How is Thermal Imaging Playing a Vital Role in Industrial Facilities in Terms of Predictive Maintenance?

12/4/2018

Any industrial facility or plant will typically feature an assortment of machines and equipment. In many cases, these machines will be vital for churning out various products that the factory or plant produces. It goes without saying that these machines need to function in rough environments. In addition, repeated use can often hasten the onset of various wear and tear issues. As a result, the machine or equipment could well break down without any prior indication. Naturally, the malfunctioning of a machine will lead to some amounts of downtime. But, this has its repercussions on the industrial facility too. On the one hand, the breakdown of the machine leads to the loss of productive time. Consequently, this also affects the bottom line of the entity. At the same time, the repair or replacement costs for the machine will likely be exorbitant in some cases. Infrared cameras are increasingly coming into use for dealing with such issues in facilities throughout Australia.

In many cases, maintenance costs are among the largest factors that affect the budget of an industrial plant or facility. On many occasions, the facility owners will have tried (in vain) to reduce these expenses. But, ignoring the maintenance of the machines will be counterproductive. This has led to many facility owners considering the merits of adopting predictive maintenance strategies. Predictive maintenance is a defect inspection strategy. It involves using various indicators for preparing to deal with future problems. Many people confuse predictive maintenance with preventive maintenance. However, both terms denote different strategies. Preventive maintenance strategies will feature pre-planned and routine measures to prevent the occurrences of major issues. Thus, it involves regular and pre-scheduled service. In contrast, predictive maintenance usually involves observation. Facility inspectors will typically take notes of indicators that could signal major problems. For instance, signs of abnormal fluid leakage or moisture accumulation taking place, could indicate bigger problems in the machine.

In a predictive maintenance program, infrared thermal imagers will usually be the first line of defence. Signs of changes in temperature levels are key parameters when it comes to equipment monitoring procedures. Thermal imaging devices enable workers to measure the equipment temperature easily, without causing any disruption in operations. This is especially so because these devices are non-contact devices. Some industrial units commonly use infrared thermometers to identify faults or problems in their machines. But, these devices only capture temperature at a single point. In contrast, thermal image cameras can capture the entire temperature of the object and produce a two-dimensional image. This makes it easier for the technician to review the critical components and the surface heat of the entire unit to determine the area that requires investigation.

Increasingly, owners of industrial facilities are using thermal imaging devices for:

Monitoring temperature levels in large motors and rotating machines
Identifying hot spots in electronic equipment
Identifying leaks in sealed vessels
Finding faulty insulation in process pipes and other insulated processes
Finding faulty terminations in high-power electrical circuits
Identifying fuses at or near their current rated capacity levels
Locating overloaded circuit breakers in power panels and,
Identifying issues in electrical switch gear

The use of these devices is not only minimising breakdowns in industrial units. It is saving downtime as well. In addition, thermal imaging devices enhance safety levels too. Not surprisingly, they are becoming vital tools when it comes to predictive maintenance strategies in industrial facilities across the country.

How Do Various Maritime Agencies Utilise Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras in their Day-to-Day Operations?

4/4/2018

Thermography (or thermal imaging) is the process by which human beings are able to view things in the infrared portion of the spectrum. As mentioned previously, each object has a unique heat signature. Thus, each object emits some amount of thermal radiation at any given point in time. However, this energy or infrared radiation is not visible to naked eye. Therefore, human beings need to use devices that can capture images in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Infrared thermal imaging cameras render this possible. Many people feel that thermal cameras are synonymous with their night vision counterparts. But, this is not the case. Unlike night-vision cameras, thermal cameras can reveal objects in the darkest of nights. This aspect makes it ideal for viewing objects even if these objects remain obscured because of rain, snow, fog or smoke.

People in the military often use infrared thermal imaging cameras. These cameras usually come into deployment in the border areas. However, many maritime agencies use these devices as well. These devices are ideal for various purposes such as:

Maintaining Surveillance and Security Levels: Thermal cameras provide exceptional night vision. Thus, the security personnel in various maritime agencies use these devices for keeping a watch on the presence of intruders. In some cases, these agencies use these cameras for keeping an eye on the anchored boats and ships as well.
Conducting Search and Rescue Missions: Locating people who have fallen overboard can be difficult in some cases. In this scenario, using thermal IP cameras can be useful. These cameras produce images based on heat, not light. Thus, they can easily pick up variations in temperature levels. This makes it easier for the rescue personnel to rescue the unfortunate individuals easily.
Navigating the Waters on Night-Time Missions: On occasions, some maritime agencies (such as the coast guard), need to conduct surveillance missions at night. It is worth highlighting that not all parts of the coast will have sufficient levels of illumination. In this scenario, having thermal imaging devices could make it easier to identify the presence of unlawful elements. In addition, these devices could make it easier to navigate the waters by highlighting the presence of other vessels, structures, debris etc.

How Different Are Thermal Cameras from their Night Vision Counterparts?

27/3/2018

The human eye can discern objects because it sees reflected light. So, when light energy hits an object and bounces off it, the human eye becomes able to discern or see the object in question. This principle applies in daylight cameras and night visions as well. When light strikes an object and bounces off it, the detector in these cameras is able to sense this and convert it into an image. However, to produce a good image, these devices require suitable levels of light. If there is no light to bounce off after hitting an object, these cameras will not be able to provide any images. This is why regular cameras can seldom provide clear pictures of objects taken at night or in dark places.

However, thermal cameras are not conventional cameras. In fact, despite going by the name of cameras, these devices are actually sensors. It is worth mentioning that regular cameras produce images based on visible light. In contrast, thermal cameras will typically produce images based on the heat that the objects emit. But, thermal cameras do not merely detect heat. They can also detect even the minutest variations in heat and display them as shades of grey.

For instance, each object emits thermal energy – even ice. Thus, the hotter an object, the greater will be the amount of thermal heat that it emits. People refer to this emission of thermal energy with the term ‘heat signature’. Now, when you view an area with your thermal or FLIR camera, you will naturally see all the objects in the line of sight of the camera. But, each object will have a different heat signature. Thermal cameras are able to identify the differences in heat signatures of various objects easily. This trait also means that these cameras can function perfectly even in low or poor visibility conditions.

Night vision devices usually have the same limitations as the naked eye. If the visibility conditions are poor or dim, they will not be able to produce good images. This is because these devices take in small amounts of visible light. Thereafter, they will magnify this light several times over and project the image accordingly. So, if the light conditions are poor, the image produced will hardly be very good.

It is worth highlighting that the imaging performance of any device that relies on reflected light will remain susceptible to the amount and the intensity of the reflected light. This means that night vision devices will not work properly during twilight hours, when there is an abundance of light. This is so even in case there is sufficient light for you to discern objects with the naked eye. In contrast, thermal cameras will provide clear pictures even if you look into the setting sun. Because visible light does not affect these cameras, they can give you perfect images.

How Does Thermal Imaging Come into Use in Various Applications in Contemporary Times?

19/3/2018

Almost all objects – including inanimate things – emit heat or energy. In addition, infrared energy is one of the most easily discernible forms of energy. Not all objects can attain temperatures high enough to make them emit visible light. In this scenario, these objects will usually emit their energy in waves that fall in the infrared spectrum. Some devices feature sensors that can help you gauge the intensity levels of the infrared rays emitted by various objects. These devices make it possible to utilise these rays in a myriad of everyday applications. Many establishments in the healthcare and industrial sectors use these rays for accomplishing a number of objectives.

However, infrared rays are not visible to the naked eye. Thus, no one will be able to see infrared rays to be able to use them. However, it is possible to convert infrared energy (or radiant heat) into an image that the human eye can both, see and understand. The process that makes this possible goes by the name of thermal imaging. Thermal imaging relies in the use of infrared cameras for accurately measuring the temperature of an object. The detectors present in the device will then produce the image in various shades of black-and-white or false colour. In many devices, infrared imagers will depict images in shades of red, yellow, green, blue and violet. Red will typically denote the warmest areas in the image, while violet will depict the relatively coolest areas. The ability to produce such images makes it easy for people to use these cameras and imaging devices to good effect in a diverse range of sectors and fields.

For instance, suppliers of night vision equipment typically use infrared light. This makes it easier for the viewer to see various objects even in the dark. Thermal night vision devices enable viewers to distinguish between people and objects based on the levels of heat they emit. Some night vision devices also feature image intensifying capabilities. These intensifiers serve to amplify existing light, which enables the user to see clearly. Similarly, thermal imaging also comes into use in the healthcare sector. Healthcare professionals typically use infrared thermal imaging cameras for study the distribution of body heat in their patients. Thermal images of the patients can enable doctors to analyse body tissues and fluids non-invasively for detecting injuries and diseases.

Contrary to popular perception, infrared imaging does not just come into use in industrial or commercial applications. Many remote-control devices used in homes use infrared rays too. These devices carry signals between remote-control transmitters and the device that these transmitters command. So, the transmitter will typically send out light in pulses and translate them into binary codes denoting specific instructions or commands. The receiver will usually be on the front of the device. This position enables it to receive these pulses of light and decode them into binary data. The microprocessor within the appliance will proceed to implement the instruction or action that the pulse denotes.

What is the Difference Between Cooled Infrared Detectors and Uncooled Infrared Detectors?

13/3/2018

If you were to shop for thermographic cameras, the enviable range of options on offer could leave you stumped. This is especially so if you do not know much about these cameras. The technical specifications of these cameras will not be easy to understand for the average Australian. As such, determining which kind of thermographic camera you need to invest in could be a tough decision. This is why it is worth spending some time acquiring knowledge about these cameras. If you’re aware of the basic features and models available, purchasing the right ones to monitor your property will be much easier.

When you purchase thermal cameras, you might end up having to choose between cameras with cooled infrared detectors and cameras with uncooled infrared detectors. Not many people would be aware of the differences between the two. However, it is worth mentioning that each thermographic camera typically features an infrared detector. This detector is responsible for creating the image on the computer. It accomplishes this by overlaying gradients of various light and dark colours to depict the infrared rays emitted by the objects. The lighter colours will usually represent higher intensity infrared rays. Similarly, the darker shades will depict lower intensity infrared rays.

Infrared detectors come in two varieties i.e. cooled and uncooled detectors. Cooled infrared detectors will usually come in sealed cases. They will remain cryogenically cooled below the ambient temperature levels. It is worth highlighting that these devices as well as the ambient temperature levels cannot interfere with the heat sensors in any way. This enables the camera to receive a precise measurement of the infrared energy that is in the line of the camera. As a result, it is hardly surprising that these detectors can produce highly accurate images.

There is no cryogenic cooling that takes place in uncooled infrared detectors. This is why these infrared cameras rely on sensors for creating an accurate baseline ambient temperature reading. These cameras are not as accurate as those equipped with cooled infrared detectors. However, the rationale on which these devices operate is that if they can base their readings off the ambient temperature levels, then they will also be able to depict variations in infrared temperature.

What is a Thermographic Camera?

7/3/2018

For the uninitiated, a thermographic camera refers to a camera that produces an image using infrared rays. Infrared rays have longer wavelengths than visible light. This trait makes them invisible to the naked eye. Regular cameras usually produce images by recording the different wavelengths of visible light as pictures. In contrast, a thermographic camera has the ability to detect invisible, infrared light or heat. Not only can these FLIR cameras detect the longer wavelengths that infrared rays typically have. These devices can distinguish between the varying intensity levels that different infrared rays have. To cite an example, inanimate objects will usually feature similar levels of heat and intensity. In contrast, living creatures will emit higher levels of infrared rays.

As mentioned previously, cameras usually create images based on the intensity with which the infrared waves strike the sensors of the camera. As such, the image will usually reflect the location of a source of heat. In addition, it would even reflect the amount of heat the object is emitting with respect to the other elements around it. Some people might find it cumbersome to decipher the images produced by these cameras. This is primarily because these cameras are monochromatic. So, the camera will vary the brightness of colours based on the intensity of the infrared rays when producing the image.

Some cameras have the ability to assign different colours to each range of intensity levels or false colours. It is worth mentioning that infrared rays are not visible. Hence, the colours assigned by these cameras to varying levels of intensity are nothing but false. Many thermal cameras display white shades for high intensity infrared rays and blue shades for low intensity infrared rays. Rays having intensity levels between these two extremes will usually appear in yellows and reds.

Keep Your Property Safe and Impregnable with Quality Thermographic Cameras

28/2/2018

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Undoing a mistake can often consume a lot of time and effort. This is why the wisdom of the maxim ‘Prevention is better than cure’ continues to hold true even today. Some people realise the merits of being proactive. As a result, they will not mind expending some time and effort towards plugging all the gaps in their perimeter security as soon as possible. They know that the time they have invested will yield significant dividends. It will keep unauthorised intruders and would-be burglars off their property. It will ensure that their belongings and valuable remain safe as well.

The average homeowner will usually want to secure belongings such as jewellery, costly electronic equipment etc. But, owners of commercial and retail facilities usually have to secure a lot more things. For starters, they will need to keep their machines, equipment and other assets secure. More importantly, they will need to store intellectual property securely as well. It might be relatively easier to replace stolen machines or equipment based on the compensation provided by your insurance company. But, replacing or making up the loss of intellectual property is next to impossible.

When it comes to securing their properties, many people rely on security devices such as cameras and burglar alarms. Burglar alarms, in particular, are among the most popular security devices that homeowners and commercial property owners use in Australia. However, these alarms will usually go off only when an intruder tries to enter the house or office. This usually does not leave much time for owners and security personnel to respond to the intruder. In some cases, the burglar might well be within the house or office, when the alarm sounds. In this scenario, merely investing in a burglar alarm system is not sufficient. You will invariably need to invest in monitoring and surveillance systems to keep your property secure.

Many people will be familiar with Closed Circuit Television or CCTV cameras. These cameras come in a diverse range of models. A property owner will typically need to install these cameras at various spots around the property. This would keep all corners of the property under constant surveillance. Property owners will be able to view the footage of these cameras from the comfort of their homes and offices. So, when an intruder tries to enter the property, the owners will be aware of this much earlier. Thus, they will be able to respond more promptly too. The additional time that security cameras provide property owners could even make it easier to apprehend intruders before they can enter the home or the office.

Another type of camera that is becoming increasingly popular is the thermographic or infrared camera. These Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras create images using infrared light. These cameras do not produce images similar to those produced by the regular video or photographic cameras. In contrast, they detect the invisible, infrared light emitted by all kinds of objects. This enables them to produce visual representations of heat. In many cases, these cameras can operate in low or poor visibility conditions. This makes them even more invaluable for security applications. This is especially so because these cameras can produce heat images of intruders concealed in foliage or undergrowth, which the naked eye can easily overlook. Not surprisingly, these devices are increasingly complementing existing security systems in homes and offices throughout the country.

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Thermal IP camera - Reliable Security Monitoring

22/2/2018

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The outdoor ready Thermal IP camera can offer thermal imaging in great resolution. It also delivers reliable security monitoring of areas which are often in complete darkness or subjected to smoke, haze or fog. The Thermal IP camera offers a choice of lenses and the unit also features on board storage and support for power over Ethernet.
The choice of lens allows one to choose the most suitable viewing angle for their surveillance requirement. Using a wide range of advanced image optimization features, the thermal IP camera can produce high quality IP video. Electronic image stabilisation technology can reduce the effects of camera movement for better image capture.
There are other helpful features which maximises area coverage in narrow scenes by vertically orienting the video. Video motion detection alarm systems can be integrated with thermal IP camera to enhance monitoring and notify users of activity via email.

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Thermal image cameras - Wildlife monitoring during the night

15/2/2018

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Thermal image cameras have the capability of seeing through darkness and can easily ignore visual camouflage. There has been a lot of improvement in tools used for detecting wildlife in the last century. Binoculars are widely used along with light amplifying night vision systems used to spot animals.
Unlike others, thermal imaging cameras need no light whatsoever to produce a high quality thermal image. All warm blooded animals will show up clearly in the thermal image, even in total darkness and in any weather condition. Thermal image cameras are used extensively in professional documentaries.
The thermal image cameras are also designed to withstand rough outdoor environment by offering features like being waterproof, compact, lightweight and shock resistant. The camera controls are practical and within easy reach of fingertips. They can also be easily operated with gloves. Most versions of thermal image cameras can offer a field of view of 24°. It offers an excellent amalgamation of range performance and situational awareness.

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Thermal camera Smartphone - High Resolution models

10/2/2018

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There are different companies who are releasing high resolution models of thermal camera Smartphone which can turn your smartphone or tablet into a see in the dark thermal imaging camera. The devices are small and weigh less than 40g which is quite impressive and offers a great user experience.
The Android version uses USB-C which is a micro USB variant for the thermal camera Smartphone to work. The cameras have their own battery with charging enabled via a USB-C port. There are two lenses on the device where one includes the thermal sensor and the other is a visible light camera with a higher resolution. The images are then overlayed from these sensors to provide useful visible detail embossed on the thermal image.
One can use the thermal camera Smartphone to import, edit and analyse the saved thermal images and also create PDF reports. There are plenty of professional applications of thermal cameras which include building inspections, automotive, home improvement and agricultural sectors.

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How is Thermal Imaging Playing a Vital Role in Industrial Facilities in Terms of Predictive Maintenance?

How Do Various Maritime Agencies Utilise Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras in their Day-to-Day Operations?

How Different Are Thermal Cameras from their Night Vision Counterparts?

How Does Thermal Imaging Come into Use in Various Applications in Contemporary Times?

What is the Difference Between Cooled Infrared Detectors and Uncooled Infrared Detectors?

What is a Thermographic Camera?

Keep Your Property Safe and Impregnable with Quality Thermographic Cameras

Thermal IP camera - Reliable Security Monitoring

Thermal image cameras - Wildlife monitoring during the night

Thermal camera Smartphone - High Resolution models

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