PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2024 Tools& Workwear 33 The camera never lies!


The use of thermal imaging off ers a wealth of benefi ts, from saving time on diagnostics to improving the accuracy of repairs. Now the latest advances in handheld thermal imaging cameras mean that the technology is easily available to heating and plumbing installers – says Will Jing from HIKMICRO.


or diagnosing performance issues in boilers, time is money. For installers across the UK, one technology that’s transforming the landscape is thermal imaging. By allowing engineers to ‘see’ heat, thermal imaging cameras help diagnose problems quickly and accurately, offering significant time and cost savings. Products like our HIKMICRO Mini2 V2 and Mini2 Plus V2 are now making thermal imaging more accessible and affordable than ever, enabling installers to adopt predictive maintenance and solve problems more effectively. For heating and plumbing


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engineers, traditional diagnostic methods often involve trial and error, manual inspections, or taking apart systems to find the root cause of a problem. This process is time-consuming and can involve a significant amount of guesswork. By contrast, thermal imaging cameras allow engineers to get a complete picture of what’s happening within a system without needing to physically disassemble it. For example, in underfloor


heating systems, thermal imaging can help installers identify uneven heat distribution or leaks without having to lift floorboards or disturb flooring. This significantly cuts down on time spent diagnosing issues and reduces disruption for


hether it’s locating faults in underfloor heating systems


the client. Similarly, thermal cameras can detect blockages or inefficiencies in radiators or central heating systems, again without the need for invasive procedures. In the case of hot water


systems, thermal imaging is ideal for spotting poorly insulated pipes or energy inefficiencies that could otherwise go unnoticed. With the ability to immediately identify these issues, installers can rectify them faster, reducing labour costs and minimising the need for return visits. The result is not only faster problem-solving but also improved customer satisfaction.


A thermal camera can immediately show where heat is being distributed and where it is lacking, helping installers locate blockages and leaks


Predictive maintenance Another significant benefit of thermal imaging is its application in predictive maintenance. For heating and plumbing installers, this means being able to monitor systems over time and spot potential issues before they escalate into costly failures. By regularly scanning boilers, pumps and pipes, installers can track temperature changes that might indicate a developing fault, such as a failing component or an obstruction in the system. Thermal cameras like the


 The compact thermal cameras transform a smartphone into a powerful, high-resolution thermal imaging device


Mini2 V2 and Mini2 Plus V2 are particularly well-suited for this purpose. They can be used to monitor the performance of heating systems over time, flagging any temperature anomalies that could signal trouble. For example, a sudden rise in temperature in a boiler component might indicate it’s under excessive strain, allowing the engineer to replace or repair it before it fails completely. Similarly, temperature drops in pipes can suggest insulation problems or leaks, enabling quick and proactive action. Predictive maintenance


reduces the likelihood of emergency callouts and major repairs, saving both time and money. Installers can schedule repairs during routine maintenance visits rather than responding to urgent problems, offering a better service to customers and creating more efficient workflows.


Heating issues One of the biggest challenges with heating is detecting issues like inefficiencies or heat loss. Pipes that are poorly insulated or boilers that are underperforming can cost


homeowners significant amounts of money in energy bills, but these problems are difficult to detect with the naked eye. A thermal camera can quickly identify areas of heat loss or inefficiency, allowing installers to suggest improvements, such as adding insulation or replacing worn-out parts, that will ultimately save the customer money in the long run. Underfloor heating systems


can be notoriously difficult to troubleshoot without thermal imaging. If a system is not heating evenly or a section fails altogether, pinpointing the issue can be challenging without taking up the floor.


Locating leaks A thermal camera can immediately show where heat is being distributed and where it is lacking, helping installers locate blockages or leaks. The Mini2 V2 is ideal for this kind of application. Its wide-angle lens and focus-free design allow engineers to scan large floor areas quickly and efficiently, making it easy to identify temperature inconsistencies in an underfloor heating system, eliminating guesswork and saving hours of time. These cameras are also


perfect for diagnosing issues in central heating systems, whether it’s a blockage in a radiator, an airlock in a pipe or a failing pump. With a thermal camera, installers can see how heat is moving through the system, detect cold spots and identify components that are working harder than they should. This type of detailed thermal analysis is invaluable for ensuring that systems are running efficiently and for diagnosing faults before they lead to system failures. The Mini2 Plus V2, with its


manual focus option, allows for precise inspections of individual


components. Installers can zoom in on specific areas, such as a pump or valve, and get a detailed image of how it’s performing under load.


Portable and powerful The introduction of our Mini2 V2 and Mini2 Plus V2 thermal cameras represents a major step forward for portable thermal imaging technology. These smartphone-compatible cameras are designed to be affordable, lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for heating and plumbing installers who need reliable thermal imaging tools on the go. Both models are powered


directly through the smartphone connection, meaning there’s no need to worry about battery life, and their compact size makes them easy to carry between jobs. The Mini2 V2 offers a wide-


angle, focus-free lens, making it perfect for scanning large areas such as underfloor heating systems or walls for insulation issues. The Mini2 Plus V2, on the


other hand, includes a manually adjustable focus, allowing for more detailed inspections of specific components, such as circuit boards or distant pipe fittings. Both models benefit from our SuperIR image enhancement technology, which delivers sharper, clearer visuals, improving the accuracy of thermal diagnostics. In addition, both cameras


offer compatibility with iOS and Android devices, making them accessible to a wide range of users. The accompanying HIKMICRO Viewer App allows installers to view, adjust, analyse and share their thermal images easily, while the analyser software for Windows provides advanced features for creating professional reports and in-depth thermal analysis. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1024/45


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