Due to the non-contact and non-invasive nature of thermal imaging, thermographers can carry out thermal analysis inspections while the plant or equipment is still fully operational.
Thermal imaging can detect faulty components or systems at an early stage, thus allowing the company to plan and conduct remedial work within a scheduled maintenance window. By early fault detection, damage to vital operational systems may be avoided saving thousands of dollars in unexpected down-time.
Thermal imaging surveys can quickly scan and measure the temperature distribution of entire surfaces of electrical and mechanical equipment under normal load conditions, eliminating the need for pre-inspection work and lengthy preparation.
Thermal imaging cameras (or infrared cameras), are passive instruments meaning they detect infrared energy emitted of the subjects surface. This passive and non-invasive approach ensures the thermographer can maintain a safe distance from the potentially hazardous equipment. Furthermore, there is no potential for damage to occur to the systems or equipment as a result of the thermal survey.
Intervention through early detection can prevent hazardous equipment failure, personal harm, and risk of fire. As an added bonus, and depending on your insurance policy, you may also be eligible for a discount in your insurance premiums.
Thermographic surveys support the processes involved in regulatory compliance with Health and Safety Legislation while meeting insurance specified risk assessment and prevention criteria.
Using an infrared camera, a trained and certified inspector will be able to detect thermal emissions around the home. The differing temperatures are then displayed on the camera’s screen using color variations. With this method, the inspector is able to spot potential issues, such as insufficient heating or cooling, thin or missing insulation, or cracks and gaps in window or door frames.
Infrared Scanning is non-invasive, so it is oftentimes a quick and efficient alternative for a traditional Full Home Inspection. It can also be more comprehensive as the inspector can identify small issues in real-time and recommend repairs and maintenance.
Electrical Issues
Typically, electrical issues are often indicated by surges of heat in the problematic area. When the electrical current flow is operating normally, some energy will get converted into heat. However, when there is an issue present, abnormally high amounts of heat will be generated. IR Scanning picks up on varying levels of heat being emitted and can detect when levels are too high.
Thermal imaging can also detect electrical issues including:
What's great about IR Scanning for electrical issues is that it is faster than a manual inspection and homeowners don’t have to turn their power off for testing to be completed.
Roof Leakage
Thermal imaging cameras can create a detailed image of the roof, indicating the areas where moisture may be trapped as a result of a leak or insufficient insulation. This eliminates the need for a lengthy roof inspection as it quickly identifies the sources of the moisture.
While great for roof inspections, there are several factors that can affect the accuracy of infrared testing on the roof including:
Pest Infestation
Active infestations of termites, rodents, and other pests produce visible heat that can be picked up by thermal imaging. The presence of animals or other pests can result in extreme variations in the temperature of a wall, and detecting such occurrences is crucial when it comes to keeping your home safe and free from unwanted intrusions and structural damage.
Missing or Damaged Insulation
Insulation is installed throughout the home, within walls, around windows and doors, and sometimes even in the attic. Having insulation properly installed throughout the home helps to regulate the home’s interior temperature, keeping it cool in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months. IR Scanning can find where warm or cool air is escaping, detecting a problem with the insulation. This is especially important when understanding the performance of the HVAC unit.
IR technology can also be applied when trying to find compressor leaks from air conditioners. Faulty equipment will oftentimes exhibit significant differences in their actual performance from their rated performance. These differences can oftentimes be identified through sudden changes in temperature.
Flue Leaks
IR Scanning can identify leaks and backdrafts from fireplaces and chimneys that are entering the home and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning
You might want to use IR scanning if you notice:
Yes, IR scanning is non-invasive, so it can be a quick and efficient alternative to a traditional inspection.
Yes, IR scanning can often be done without interrupting work.
Sayyed Hussein Nasr
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