About Thermal Imaging

As new technologies are developed, they become available in areas of use far from what they were originally developed for. Thermal Imaging is one such technology. Originally developed for the military for finding enemy soldiers at night, it progressed to medical imaging, industrial testing and, finally, to the trades. Our Fluke Ti55FT camera is the newest tool for ThermoCheck to help serve our customers better.

Thermography has many uses:

Finding water leaks, water infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors. Evaluation of the electrical system of the house, looking for 'hot' connections and aging, overheating circuit beakers. Wood destroying insect infestation. Insulation efficiency and coverage. Energy efficiency and use evaluation. Aged electrical receptacles, circuit breakers, loose wiring connections. Possible areas of mold buildup. Roof and pipe leakage.

Our inspectors proudly provide inspection services of commercial premises and equipment, as well as private homes. Get in touch to see how you may benefit from our service.

 

Thermal Imaging Theory

Infrared radiation is a process of heat transfer, where thermal energy is released or emitted by matter in the form of electromagnetic waves and absorbed by other matter. All matter above absolute zero (-273C) has the capacity to radiate or absorb infrared radiation. If we could see this radiation and measure it we would, in time, be able to determine whether the levels of radiation from an object surface or the characteristics of the emissions were normal or abnormal. This concept was the catalyst for the development of Infrared Thermography (or IRT).

To fully understand the subject of Infrared Thermography (IRT), its applications, qualities and limitations, it is necessary to be familiar with the physics and laws that govern heat, heat transfer and the principles of infrared radiation. Heat is the transfer of energy from one part of a material or substance to another due to a temperature difference. Heat is energy in transit; it always flows from a body of higher temperature to that at a lower temperature. As this process continues, the warmer body cools and the cooler body heats up until, eventually, ‘thermal equilibrium’ is reached. (i.e. the temperature of each body has equalised).

Heat transfer is defined as energy being transferred from one place to another due to temperature differences. There are three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation, and any one or a combination of these transfer mechanisms will be responsible for a material receiving or losing thermal energy.

Reliable Infrared Thermography relies on an appreciation of the laws of physics and the principles that relate to the transfer of thermal energy. All forms of heat transfer are important in thermography because each has the capacity to influence surface temperature and consequently, the amount of thermal radiation emitted from the surface either directly or indirectly. The materials and surfaces themselves will also have a major effect on the Thermal images, changes to these surface conditions (Surface infrared emissivity) itself will have a significant effect to apparent and actual temperatures indicated on an Infrared image.