Detecting Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiation is a type of invisible energy on the electromagnetic spectrum that we feel as heat. All matter with a temperature higher than absolute zero emits infrared radiation. Thermographic testing, also known as thermal imaging or infrared thermography, senses long-infrared radiation and converts it into images called thermograms. Thermographic testing can be performed in real-time and allows technicians to see and measure temperature differences as small as a few hundredths of degrees Celsius.
Thermographic Testing Applications
For decades, industrial and commercial industries have used thermography to their benefit. Firefighters use it to see through smoke, and energy auditors use it to assess thermal defects in building structures, for example. Thermographic testing has several uses that benefit a variety of industries. Uses include:
- Electrical surveys: checking for connection issues, overloading, and misbalancing in high and low-voltage equipment
- Identifying water penetration, moisture, or humidity in soil, aircraft structures, and paper
- Skin surveys: locating areas of missing or damaged insulation and refractory
- Finding defects in plastics, pipes, shafts, and metal parts
- Mechanical surveys: finding lubrication deficiencies, bearing faults, overheating equipment
- Detecting materials hidden underground: pipes, pipeline leaks, underground storage tanks, hidden tunnels
- Identifying construction defects: insulation, roofing systems, building envelopes
- Finding existing or potential deterioration/failure in electrical and heating systems
Thermographic testing is a safe, efficient method for predictive examination. This kind of testing has many advantages, such as:
- Nondestructive and noninvasive testing method
- Suitable for hazardous or otherwise inaccessible areas
- Non-contact testing allows technicians to maintain a safe distance
- Real-time imaging for assessing rapidly changing thermal patterns
- Does not emit harmful radiation, allowing for prolonged or repetitive use
Infrared Thermography from RTS
Our certified, experienced thermographers can offer the highest quality testing services available. Reliability Testing Services uses state-of-the-art equipment to quickly deliver accurate reporting.
Each of our technicians has experience performing many applications. Their expertise allows us to help facilities increase production opportunities with proactive maintenance. Our services benefit a wide variety of industries, such as:
- Pulp and paper products
- Manufacturing
- Medical facilities
- Wood products
- Office buildings
- Petrochemical
- Power generation
- Power transmission
- Consumer/food products
RTS also offers training services to clients who have already established an in-house predictive maintenance program. We provide infrared thermography training for specific applications and ASNT-TC-1A specifications for Levels 1, 2, and 3.
If you could benefit from thermographic testing, contact us today.
