|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
If surface temperature can be used to determine the condition of plant and equipment then Thermal Imaging is a very efficient and practical inspection tool. Electrical systems are a prime example where deterioration will show as a temperature difference, and having completed in excess of 2000 surveys KCM has the practical experience to guarantee a successful result.
External 'Finds'
And Inside?
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).
External 'Finds'
And Inside?
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. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
return to top of page |
|
| |
|
|
|
