Feature Thermal Imaging
As thermal imaging specialist Testo explain, technology is evolving around us at an ever increasing rate, and with this comes the challenge of making sure that these new technologies are effectively employed
esto provide a holistic approach to test and measurement solutions, manufacturing technical instru- ments to cover the full spectrum of
test and measurement requirements thrown up by modern day industry. Environmental monitoring, gas analy- sis, emissions monitoring, structural surveying, research and development are just a few areas where Testo pro- vides its instrumentation.
Technology fuels industry boom T
Thermal imaging, both as a self contained industry and a tool used in other industries, has seen a particu- larly significant increase in techno- logical development, usage and accessibility across a range of indus- tries. We are currently in a period of heightened awareness surrounding thermal imaging technology and this knowledge is spreading across indus- tries, accompanied by a hugely encouraging number of new compa- nies integrating this technology into their businesses. As more applica- tions for thermal imaging equipment become apparent, more organisations are seeing the potential benefits that infrared technology can offer.
Universal solutions
As with much industrial instrumenta- tion, the variety of applications where thermal imaging cameras can offer busi- nesses real benefits means that in order to ensure that all parties are catered for, a full range of cameras with different levels of technical specification is nec- essary. The ability to visualise infrared radiation, and as such, heat patterns and thermal anomalies is hugely useful in a wide variety of areas ranging from the mapping of underfloor heating to the analysis of high temperature thermal processes in research laboratories. This current boom in the adoption of thermal imaging technology is the result of a number of factors coming together in harmony to provide perfect conditions for the technology’s growth.
Thermal imaging cameras have such a vast range of applications that some are only just beginning to become fully utilised. Electrical inspections, heating and plumbing work and preventative maintenance are just some of the key areas currently using thermal technology. This list is only set to grow as thermal imaging becomes more cost effective and seeps further into mainstream conscious-
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ness. Prime examples of this expan- sion and adoption of thermal technol- ogy are insurance companies which are increasingly requiring buildings to undergo thermal surveys in order to meet approval and BREEAM, the world’s foremost environmental rating system for buildings, who now reward sites for having a thermal imaging cer- tificate of energy efficiency.
The rise of entry level cameras Perhaps the most significant develop- ment for thermal imaging technology is the downward trend in prices and the reduced cost of initial set-up for users due to a rising number of affordable, entry level thermal imagers. Testo has just released the 870 thermal imaging camera - an entry level camera which grants accessibility and affordability to sophisticated technology that was pre- viously not possible. The Testo 870 is priced to allow an affordable entry point to the thermal
Above: thermal imaging has seen a particularly
significant increase in technological development, usage and accessibility across a range of industries
Below: Testo’s range of thermal imaging cameras
Testo 870 is well suited for visual inspection and surveying of electrical circuit boards or the installation and assessment of plumbing and heating systems. It is also well suited for con- tractors in these industries to increase efficiency and widen the service portfo- lio that is available to customers. Even in the last 12 months, we have seen a notable reduction in the cost of previously expensive (and as such relatively exclusive) technology and this has been key to the current explo- sion in the use of thermal imaging cameras. Further, this increased level of accessibility has allowed for a par- allel growth in the knowledge base surrounding the benefits that thermal imaging offers. This in turn has been followed by growth in demand for thermal technology and services. It is apparent then that a strong link exists between the level of knowledge and information available to the profes- sionals of a given industry and the likelihood of that industry recognis- ing the relevant benefits and adopting new technologies. This, coupled with an influx of new, affordable thermal imaging cameras (such as the Testo 870), means that the industry is only going to grow.
Testo
www.testolimited.com T: 01420 544 433
imaging marketplace. It has been devel- oped specifically for and in partnership with electrical and heating profession- als. This direct input from professionals selected from the industries that will pri- marily be using the 870 thermal camera has allowed Testo to gain an insight into the needs of the user. Equipped with a 3.5" display screen and resolution of 120 x 160 pixels, the
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