How does thermal imaging work?

All objects at a temperature above absolute zero emit some level of infrared energy. A correlation can be drawn between the infrared energy emitted from an object and it's temperature. This energy is an electromagnetic wave, the frequency of which, is incapble of being detected by human eyesight. Electronic devices have been developed which are capable of detecting infrared radiation and converting it to a form which people can see. These devices are commonly referred to as thermal imagers and the persons trained to operate them are thermographers.

The majority of mechanical & electrical equipment generate more heat when they are faulty or operating outside there designed capacities. An experienced thermographer can identify & record these hot spots allowing components to be repaired before their is a failure.

Thermal imaging has been in use commercially since the 1980's. It is recognised as one of the best, non-invasive, proactive, fault finding techniques and predictive maintenace tools available. Thermal inspecions have become widely accepted in commercial industries, power generation & oil & gas exploration & production. Research has shown that for every dollar spent on an infrared preventative maintenance regime there is a four dollar savings to be recouped in improved reliability & decreased down time.