Infrared windows are often used to allow us to inspect through an opaque solid material. They are made from various materials and are very useful where no other option exists. This blog looks at some of the known issues and is really just my opinion. Choice of material; There are many different materials available, the … Read More
Training
Transmission
The method of measuring transmissivity here is described in ISO 18434-1. The principle is to use a material of known temperature target object to determine the transmissivity of an unknown material. The test material is placed between the camera and the target object , which should be uniformly heated. The emissivity setting in the camera … Read More
IR Mirrors
“Are there IR mirrors available?” Answer; Yes IR mirrors are available and can be used for many different purposes. They can be used where a direct line of sight is not available (to help see around a corner with a camera), and they can be used where the cameras is too close to the target … Read More
Stephan-Boltzman’s law
Stephans Boltzmans Law If Stephan-Boltzman’s Law gives us the total amount of radiation throughout the spectrum, and our camera only works in the LWIR region how can it display the correct temperature? This is an excellent question. Firstly, yes Stephan-Boltzmans Law gives us the total radiation throughout the spectrum. … Read More
Flir MSX
MSX MSX or Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging is a feature available with selected Flir cameras. I have recently had the opportunity to try this out in a working environment, and have decided to post my opinion here. I personally have a mixed view about this. On the one hand it is a fantastic feature, and … Read More
Thermography levels
Levels The different responsibilities of thermographers. First of all, this is an unregulated industry, and in most regions there is no legal requirement to be certified. However, most insurance companies require those carrying out work to be certified as part of their specifications, or they specify that it should be carried in accordance with … Read More
Things to consider before buying a thermal camera
Things to consider before buying a thermal camera Application What do you intend doing with your camera? Is your work going to be limited to electrical, or building, or are you looking for a camera that can be used in many different applications? Are you going to be working on high level projects? These are … Read More
Solar Loading
Solar loading I have been asked quite a lot recently about the effect of sunshine in outdoor electrical inspections. Strong sunlight will cause solar loading, this means that the sun will heat the objects that it is shining on. While we don’t normally worry about colour in thermography, colour will strongly affect the amount of … Read More
Flir tools on iPhone
A short video showing how to use Flir tools on an iPhone.
Materials for increasing emissivity
The materials below are some that I would normally recommend for increasing the emissivity of materials. Scotch 33 Tape Consistent emissivity of 0.95 Glyptal Enamel Paint Electrically insulating paint Dye Penetrant Developer This is easily applied and removed. It has a very high emissivity Paints, various paints can be used Some deodorants can be used, usually ones with alumina … Read More
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