Thermal imaging cameras are surprisingly sophisticated and versatile pieces of technology.
They are devices that translate thermal energy (heat) into visible light to analyze a particular object or scene. The image gained via this process is called a thermogram, while the procedure itself is known as thermography.
Thermal imaging cameras take measuring temperature to the next level; instead of getting a number for the temperature, you get a picture showing the temperature differences of a surface. The images can be used for immediate diagnosis or processed through specialized software for further evaluation, accuracy, and report output.
Finally, the process used to reveal inconsistencies, defects, and other important information is known as a thermographic survey.
The data gathered via thermal imaging cameras can be used in many fruitful and exciting ways. Some are widespread, while others have a highly specific purpose. Read on to find out more about the many uses of thermography.
Electrical thermal imaging surveys
By utilizing thermal cameras, you can quickly and safely identify faulty electrical equipment, poor connections, and overloaded cables without disrupting your company’s productivity.
The reports you get from electrical thermal imaging surveys are incredibly detailed and contain any faults identified along with their solutions. It comes together with a checklist and images of every aspect of the survey.
Heating and cooling issues
If you have poor insulation in your home or rotten seals around doors and windows, this can cause both heat and cold air to escape while also letting the outside air in rapidly. This results in an overworked HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system.
A thermal imager can help you inspect your home for any signs of air going out or coming in, as well as pinpointing any areas in your walls that have missing or faulty insulation. By doing this, you can avoid a significant increase in your energy bills.
Underfloor Heating Systems
Without thermal cameras, it would be highly challenging to attempt to locate the precise layout of an underfloor heating system and all of its network of pipes.
Thermal imaging can identify and record precisely where sub-surface lines are. It can also ascertain whether the system meets the design specification. If there are any leaks or poorly performing areas, these can also be located with pinpoint accuracy.
Problems with plumbing
You might have already guessed how thermal imaging can help you deal with plumbing issues.
This type of trouble can be incredibly frustrating, mainly because you can’t see what's going on in the pipes. You may be able to get a plumbing snake into the drain, but you can’t see through the pipes to see where a clog is - that is, without proper tools to help you.
Thermal imaging can provide you with a much better idea of the water flow in pipes, as well as situations with clogs. You can watch in real-time as you work to loosen the clog while flowing hot water through.
Surveys of mechanical equipment
Any business that relies on plants and mechanical equipment knows how important it is to have everything running smoothly and on top of its performance.
Thermal imaging can identify hidden faults, including worn, misaligned, poorly lubricated bearings, slipping, or over-tightened drive belts and pulleys. You can use the thermography report to see the overall health and performance of your plant and equipment, or you can use it to support the commissioning of new machinery.
Car repairs and diagnostics
Same as it is with electrical work and HVAC systems, overheating is a sign of trouble for automobiles. This is true for the vehicle’s electrical system and fuse box, or problems found in the engine.
Thermal imaging can help mechanics locate the exact point of a problem within the engine, saving labor time and avoiding unnecessary disassembly.
Home security
The military primarily developed thermal imaging. It is no surprise, then, to learn that thermal cameras are beneficial for security purposes, especially at night.
Thermal imaging can help you spot intruders hiding in the darkness and any animal threats that may be lurking in the dark as well. That is why law enforcement and the military rely on the use of thermal imaging every day in a variety of situations.
The benefits of thermal imaging aren’t limited to just locating people at night. You may find thermal imaging helpful when you are camping and want to know if that branch you heard snap in the distance was a raccoon or a bear.
Spotting rare or elusive animals
On the other end of the spectrum, if there are some animals you do want to see, thermal imaging can help you with that, too.
If you love nature but get frustrated when you spend a whole day at a reserve and barely see any animals, use the special camera to reveal the exact location of all kinds of critters. That way, you can get the most out of your experience without having to get close enough to disturb or frighten animals or their young.
Everyday home uses
Even a lower-end thermal camera can have multiple uses that don’t involve preventative maintenance or repairs around your house.
Are you looking for the ever-elusive studs in your wall so you can hang something? Thermal cameras can help you with that, or you can use a thermal imager to locate cold spots on your stove or inside your oven or to check the temperature of your baby’s milk bottle.
Speaking of bottles, you can use this process to your advantage to quickly locate the coolest beer in the fridge or the spot in the yard with the coldest shade.
There is even more!
Initially developed for military use during the Korean War, thermal imaging cameras have migrated into other fields and have found many uses.
Firefighters use them to see through smoke, find people and localize hotspots of fires. Law enforcement uses the technology to manage surveillance activities, locate and apprehend suspects, investigate crime scenes, and conduct search and rescue operations. Doctors can use this technology to monitor physiological activities, such as a fever in people or animals.
