Introduction to

Infrared Thermography

What is thermography?

Infrared thermography is an effective means to identify excessive heat loss in systems or materials.

Every object radiates electromagnetic energy invisible to the human eye but visible to specialized equipment. Thermal imaging radiometers can detect and measure infrared radiation, and produce a map of colors or varying shades of gray that show the surface temperatures of the object. The lighter colors or shades represent the warmest temperatures, and the darker colors or shades the coolest. By analyzing the temperature signatures of equipment, problem areas are quickly identified and recorded along with all of the related temperature information.

How do I interpret these images?

The report pages are easily interpreted. They include the date of the test, a priority reference, text identifying the equipment and the problem, and recommended corrective action. At the bottom of each page are visible light and infrared photographs that clearly mark the discrepancy.

The normal operating temperature of a unit is called its ambient temperature; therefore, when a machine or component exceeds this rated rise, it has an over-ambient condition (O/A). Thermographic priority is assigned based on a rise above the ambient operating temperature of the unit under observation. These criteria are general values and may need adjustment for season, load, speed, or criticality.

Thermography was first utilized in the inspection of electrical equipment to locate high resistance connections or faulty components. It has also been proven in finding areas of reduced insulation in buildings and refractory materials, and even leaks in building roofs.

Inspection of rotating machinery is a way in which thermography is now being used more extensively. It has been found effective in identifying faults in bearings, couplings, and shorts in motor cores.

Finally, thermography may be used to find fluid levels in tanks and vessels or fluid flow in oil and cooling lines.

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