Active Thermography

Advanced
Engineering
Mechanics
Analysis

What is Thermography?

Infra Red Thermography is a technique for

producing a visible image of invisible (to our eyes)
infra red radiation emitted by objects due to their
thermal conditions

Thermography
Objectives of Test

To detect hot or cold areas

To determine absolute temperature
To view Thermal profiles
To detect temperature loss
To detect material flaws, cracks

Thermography
Infra Red is part of the
Electromagnetic
Spectrum
It travels in straight lines at
the speed of light
The useful part is divided
between Short and Long
wavelengths
Use of the correct
wavelength is essential

Test Equipment
Laboratory Bench or Hand held
portable camera.
Range..-20c to +1500c
Sensitivity..0.1c at 30c
Real time display
Image Recording capability

Principles of Operation

Object radiates infra red radiation

Temperature differences are detected by IR
camera
Differences are displayed visually

Advantages

Non Contact
Non Intrusive
Can work at a distance
Fast and Reliable
Portable or in Laboratory
Reliable Concluding Results

Limitations
Non Intrinsically safe
There must be a temperature difference for
certain surveys
Operator experience is essential
Filters may be needed for certain
applications
Sensitivity and Resolution reduce with
distance and angle of view

Electrical Application

Switch Gear
Fuse boxes
Cable runs
Electrical connectors
Insulation
Transformers

Junction Box

0 1

Fan

0 1

Fuse Box

L I
3

Electrical Connections
Used for the detection of;
Corroded connections
Slack / loose connectors
Connectors at too high an
operating temperature
Hot spots

Transformers

Electrical connections
Insulators
Thermal profile
Operating
temperature
Liquid Level

Refractory Linings

Torpedo ladles
Boilers
Furnaces
Exhausts
Ducting
Kilns

Rotary Kiln - Access Door

0 3
1

1
2

Kiln - Refractory Lining

4 8
5
0
1
0
4
0
1

4 5

5
4 0
0 2

3 5
4

3 0
3

2 5
0 3

2 2
2

Torpedo Ladle

Steel Carrying Ladle

Building Surveys
Used to detect,
Lack of insulation
Cold air infiltration
Draughts
Moisture traps
Hot / warm air escaping
Structural Integrity
Heating / Cooling

Building Surveys
Moisture/Water Ingress
Leaking Roof
Bridged Cavity
Leaking pipes

Refinery & Petro-Chem

Vessel Surveys
Blockages
Defective lagging or
insulation
Steam traps
Erosion / Corrosion

Vessel Surveys

Flare Stacks

Process Plant

The above Thermograms show how

Thermography can be used as a very fast and
effective maintenance tool.
The image on the right has a defective cylinder

Process Plant
Thermography may be
used for;

Corrosion surveys
Ensuring valve operation
Leaks
Blockages

Process Plant
Hot spots
Cold spots (Cryogenics)
Damaged or missing
insulation
Tank levels

Miscellaneous
Detection of process or
manufacturing faults
Detection of part flaws
Can be used as a
quality control tool

Active Thermography
An Energy Source is used to supply
thermal energy to the part
The thermal response of a part in good
condition is used as a reference.
Variations in the thermal response is
evaluated and interpreted
Several types of energy sources can be
used

Active Thermography

Thermal Response
The thermal response (Variation of
Temperature with respect to space
coordinates and time) is used to
determine the location of flaws and
cracks.

Conclusions
Non Contact Necessary
Rapid Scanning
Data can be recorded in several
formats
Images produced are comprehensive &
reliable

Thanks