THERMAL IMAGING FEATURE


GETTING DOWN TO BASICS O


ne of the great things about today’s thermal imaging technology is that


relatively complicated procedures can be accomplished with minimal effort. Notably, latest generation entry level cameras feature increasingly sophisticated user interfaces that allow simple ‘point and shoot’ operation. One click saves the image in a variety of modes complete with embedded thermal data for subsequent analysis. In addition, the technology has never


been more affordable. Its efficiency and application flexibility has driven its take up across all industrial sectors. There has been substantial growth in the low end camera market and in the supply of detector cores to the automotive industry for night vision. This trend is good news for industry at large as it has allowed the technology to be adopted even more widely for plant maintenance and condition monitoring. Now an industry standard method for preventative inspection, as the technology is very easy to apply the need for basic training is even greater. A thermal camera user isn’t a thermographer unless he/she understands the science behind the technology. Without this thermal images are virtually meaningless and findings at risk of seriousmisinterpretation. Training not only ensures that the user


gets the best return on the camera investment but that application standards are upheld. For this purpose courses are available from foundation through to professional in three levels. FLIR Systems runs courses based on the


collective experience of thermographers worldwide and these learning objectives are part of the company’s ISO compliant


quality control system. FLIR Level I and Level II thermography courses have been validated by the British Institute of Non- Destructive Testing (BINDT) so their structure provides a good illustration of what the industry expects at each level.


WHAT DO QUALIFICATIONS MEAN? A good supplier of thermal imaging cameras will provide a basic level of operational training and recommend the user takes a foundation course. They may be application specific for example, focusing on HVAC, electrical or building inspection. The next stage (Level I) instructs the camera user to perform measurements and fundamental infrared thermography including basic image post-processing according to established and recognised procedures. This includes the use of measurement tools, emissivity and span and scale adjustments. A Level I thermographer can use the


equipment without knowing too much about its inner workings and perform uncomplicated measurements following existing routines. He/she will be able to detect obvious faults, recognise possible errors in measurement and carry out post processing and data collection. With emphasis on hands-on training,


theory is kept as simple as possible and use of formulas minimised. While students leave the course as competent users of infrared cameras they would need to defer to a higher qualified thermographer to define inspection routines and guidelines. In the Level II course this knowledge


base is expanded. It includes more theory and goes deeper into the physical laws that the infrared camera uses to generate


Thermal imaging is an industry standard method for preventative inspection and its ease of application makes the need for basic training even greater, writes Jon Willis of FLIR Systems


an image and measure temperature. It explores the causes, anomalies and patterns that are commonly encountered in thermal imaging. The student uses more formulas and is


expected to be able to perform simple calculations. Steady state and transient mechanisms are examined in greater detail and the course work involves more laboratory experiments.


GOLD STANDARD As a result the certified Level II thermographer is qualified to perform and direct infrared thermography according to established and recognised procedures. For any professional thermographer Level III certification is the gold standard. It signifies wide experience and a standard of knowledge that meets internationally recognised criteria. The goal of this course is to enable pre-qualified Level II thermographers to set up and run a successful condition monitoring programme. As such the instruction includes guidance on acquiring and developing the necessary personnel, resources and technologies. Modern thermal imaging cameras may


be especially easy to use but that’s no substitute for knowledge. They are only effective at saving maintenance costs and minimising downtime in the hands of properly trained users. So now, more than ever, it is especially important that training should be planned with the purchase of every camera.


FLIR Systems T: 01732 220011 www.flir.com


Enter 311 ACCURATE DIAGNOSTICS IN REAL TIME FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE


Problem: Nestle Newcastle needed a compact and versatile system to back up ongoing specialist contractor activities to ensure compliance and performance in maintaining the highest levels of product quality. Solution: Testo’s 875 thermal camera with high image quality and 3.5 inch LCD display, automatic hot/ cold spot recognition and temperature range of -20º to 100º. It has a comfortable weight of 900g and operates across the Windows range with a storage capacity of 1000 images. “I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the camera is to understand and use in smooth operation,”


comments maintenance manager Dale Green. “It gives me easy access and instant accurate measurement and diagnostics in real time across every aspect of our operations. It can assist in mechanical assessment of machinery, the condition of bearings, chiller units, checking electrical panels and conveyor belts to penetrating jacketed water pipes in the digital sense for blockages and ensuring that moulding plants are properly insulated and not leaking anywhere. The Testo technology helps to both find and prevent problems which can have a major impact on downtime and costs. It has proved to be excellent value for money.”


Testo T: 01420 544433 /FACTORYEQUIPMENT www.testolimited.com Enter 312 FACTORY EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2014 21


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