GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC AURANGABAD

(An Autonomous Institute of Government of Maharashtra)

“PERSUIT FOR EXCELLENCE”

SEMINAR REPORT

ON

“THERMAL IMAGING”
SUBMITED BY

Ms.Rutuja Ganesh Kathar (176015)

GUIDED BY

Prof. V.B.Patil
(Lecturer in Computer Engineering)

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

ACADEMIC YEAR 2019-20

 GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, AURANGABAD
(An Autonomous Institute of Government of Maharashtra)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Ms. Rutuja.G.Kathar has successfully completed seminar work
titled “THERMAL IMAGING” during the academic year 2019-2020, in partial
fulfillment of Diploma in Computer Engineering of Government Polytechnic,
Aurangabad. To the best of my knowledge and belief this seminar work has not been
submitted elsewhere.

Date: 19/7/2018

Prof.V.B.Patil Prof.M.A.Dhaygude

(Lecturer in Computer Engg.) (H.O.D IT/CO)

Seminar Guide

Prof.F.A.khan

PRINCIPAL
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take an immense pleasure in thinking Prof. F. A. Khan, the principal, Government

Polytechnic, Aurangabad, our source of inspiration. We wish to express our deep sense of
gratitude to Prof.M.A.Dhaygude, our respected Head of Department Computer Engineering,
and Prof.V.B.Patilmy Guide for having permitted us to carry out this seminar under his
valuable guidance and useful suggestions, which have helped us in completing the seminar in
time.

I would also like to thank to all our faculty members of our department for their valuable
suggestion in the process of this project work. Finally, yet importantly, I would like to express
our thanks to our beloved parents for their blessings. Last but never the least; let us thanks our
friends and classmates for their help and co-operation for the successful completion of this
seminar.

Ms. RUTUJA GANESH KATHAR

(Enrollment No : 176015)
 INDEX

Sr. no Title Page no.

Abstract

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 HISTORY 3

3 INFRARED RADIATIONS 7

4 THERMOGRAPHIC CAMERA 10

5 THERMOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE 16

6 PROCESS OF THERMOGRAPHY 18

7 APPLICATIONS 20

8 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAG 26

9 CONCLUSION 28

REFERENCES
 LIST OF FIGURES

Sr. no No. Title Page no.

1 2.1 History of thermal imaging 4

2 2.2 1969:Thermovision model 661 6

3 2.3 Seek thermal camera 6

4 3.1 Electromagnetic spectrum 8

5 4.1 Working of thermal imaging 12

camera

6 4.2 Pictures taken from two different 14

types of thermal imaging cameras

7 4.3 Thermal imaging phone 15

8 6.1 Black and white thermal image 19

9 6.2 Colour thermal image 19

10 7.1 Electrical thermography 20

11 7.2 Border security 22

12 7.3 Security and law enforcement 22

13 7.4 Non-destructive testing 24

14 7.5 Night vision 25
 ABSTRACT

Thermal or infrared energy is an energy, not visible because its wavelength is too
long for the sensors in our eyes to detect. It is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that
we perceive as heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared spectrum, everything with a
temperature above absolute zero emits infrared electromagnetic energy. Even cold objects
such as ice cubes, emit infrared radiation. The higher the temperature of the object, the
greater the infrared radiation emitted. The Infrared camera allows us to see what our eyes
cannot.

Thermal imaging is simply converting infrared radiation into visible images that
depict the spatial distribution of temperature difference in a scene viewed by a thermal
camera.
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is Thermography?

Infrared Thermography is the technique that uses an infrared imaging and measurement camera
to "see" and "measure" invisible infrared energy being emitted from an object.

Thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilizes a thermal imager to

detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object.
Infrared thermography may be applied to any situation where knowledge of thermal profiles and
temperatures will provide meaningful data about a system, object or process.

1.2 What principle used in Thermography?

Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects based on their temperatures, according to the
black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to "see" one's environment with or
without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with
temperature; therefore thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. Radiation also
originates from the surroundings and is reflected in the object, and the radiation from the object
and the reflected radiation will also be influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere.

If the temperature an object gets hot enough however, above 525°C the energy from that object
will radiate energy in the visible spectrum and we will see it. This is when we see an object like
the burner on an electric stove “glowing”red. In fact any time an object will emit or reflect
energy in the same frequency of our eyes we will see it.

Infrared energy is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum that encompasses radiation from
gamma rays, x-rays, ultra violet, a thin region of visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio
waves.

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All objects emit a certain amount of black body radiation as a function of their temperatures. The
higher an object's temperature is the more infrared radiation as black-body radiation it emits. A
special camera can detect this radiation in a way similar to an ordinary camera does visible light.
It works even in total darkness because ambient light level does not matter. This makes it useful
for rescue operations in smoke-filled buildings and underground.

1.3 Where Thermography is used?

Thermal imaging photography finds many uses. For example, firefighters use it to see through
smoke, find persons, and localize hotspots of fires. With thermal imaging, power line
maintenance technicians locate overheating joints and parts, a telltale sign of their failure, to
eliminate potential hazards. Where thermal insulation becomes faulty, building construction
technicians can see heat leaks to improve the efficiencies of cooling or heating air-conditioning.
Thermal imaging cameras are also installed in some luxury cars to aid the driver. Some
physiological activities, particularly responses, in human beings and other warmblooded animals
can also be monitored with thermographic imaging. Cooled infrared cameras can also be found
at most major astronomy research telescopes.

1.4 Benefit of Thermography

Thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive test method. It is capable of catching moving

targets in real time. It finds defects in shafts and other metal parts. It is used to take measurement
in areas inaccessible or hazardous for other methods. It find deteriorating components prior to
failure. It helps compare temperatures over a large area. When compared with other classical
nondestructive testing techniques such as ultrasonic testing or radiographic testing,
thermographic inspection is safe, nonintrusive and noncontact, allowing the detection of
relatively shallow subsurface defects under large surfaces and in a fast manner.

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 2. HISTORY
Before the year 1800, the existence of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum
wasn't even suspected. The original significance of the infrared spectrum (or simply
“infrared,” as it’s often called) as a form of heat radiation is perhaps less obvious today than it
was at the time of its discovery in 1800 by Sir William Herschel during his search for a new
optical material.

Sir William Herschel (1738-1822), Royal Astronomer to King George III of England – and
already famous for his discovery of the planet Uranus – was searching for an optical filter
material to reduce the brightness of the Sun’s image in telescopes during solar
observations.While testing different samples of colored glass that gave similar reductions in
brightness, he was intrigued to find that some of the samples passed very little of the Sun’s
heat, while others passed so much heat that he risked eye damage after only a few seconds’
observation.

Herschel was soon convinced of the necessity of setting up a systematic experiment with the
objective of finding a single material that would give the desired reduction in brightness, as
well as the maximum reduction in heat. He began the experiment by actually repeating
Newton’s prism experiment, but looking for the heating effect rather than the visual
distribution of intensity in the spectrum. He first blackened the bulb of a sensitive mercury- in-
glass thermometer with ink, and with this as his radiation detector, he proceeded to test the
heating effect of the various colors of the spectrum formed on the top of a table by passing
sunlight through a glass prism. Other thermometers were placed outside the Sun’s rays and
served as controls.

As the blackened thermometer was moved slowly along the colors of the spectrum,
the temperature readings showed a steady increase from the violet end to the red end. This
was not entirely unexpected, since the Italian researcher Landriani, in a similar experiment in
1777, had observed much the same effect. It was Herschel, however, who was the first to
recognize that there must be a point where the heating effect reaches a maximum, and that
measurements confined to the visible portion of the spectrum failed to locate this point.

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Moving the thermometer into the dark region beyond the red end of the spectrum, Herschel
confirmed that the heat continued to increase. When he had finally found the maximum point,
he discovered that it lay well beyond the red end in what is known today as the “infrared
wavelengths.”

When Herschel revealed his discovery, he referred to this new portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum as the “thermometrical spectrum.” The radiation itself he sometimes referred to as
“dark heat” or simply “the invisible rays.” However, it wasn't Herschel who originated the
term “infrared.” The word only began to appear in print around 75 years later, and it’s still
unclear who originated it.

Fig.2.1 History of thermal imaging

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2.1 Thermal Imaging Today

The thermal imaging cameras used today are based on technology that was originally
developed for the military. Infrared technology provides the ability to see and target opposing
forces through the dark of night or across a smoke-covered battlefield. The properties that
have made infrared detection valuable to military forces around the world have also made it
valuable to firefighters and law enforcement.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Texas Instruments, Hughes Aircraft, and Honeywell developed
single-element detectors that scanned scenes and produced line images. The military had a
lock on the technology because it was expensive and had sensitive military applications.
These basic detectors led to the development of modern thermal imaging. The pyroelectric
vidicon tube was developed in the 1970s by Philips and EEV and became the core of a
product first used by the Royal Navy for shipboard firefighting.

In 1978, Raytheon’s R&D group, then part of Texas Instruments, patented ferro-electric
infrared detectors that used barium strontium titanate, or BST, which is the material that coats
the thermal imager’s sensor. Raytheon first demonstrated the technology to the military in
1979. In the late 1980s, the federal government awarded hIgh-density array development or
HIDAD contracts to both Raytheon and Honeywell for the development of thermal imaging
technology for practical military applications. Raytheon went on to commercialize BST
technology, while Honeywell developed vanadium oxide (VOx) microbolometer technology.

In late 2004, Raytheon’s Commercial Infrared Division was sold to L-3 Communications.
Meanwhile, the Honeywell microbolometer was awarded a patent in 1994. Boeing, Lockheed-
Martin (who sold its infrared business to British Aerospace, or BAE), and others licensed VOx
technology from Honeywell developed infrared detectors for military applications. Thermal
imagers based on both BST and microbolometer technologies are now available for non-
military applications. In fact, thermal imaging has expanded for used in law enforcement,
commercial and industrial applications, security, transportation, and many other industries.
Bullard introduced its first thermal imager specifically designed for firefighting in 1998.

The American Society of Non-Destructive Testing developed and approved standards for

5
teaching thermal imaging courses in 1992. These classes are called Level I, II and III. By the
early 2000s, infrared camera prices continued to fall and the cameras were getting smaller, so
new uses for the building industry began to emerge in earnest. By 2006, thermal imaging
using infrared cameras by home inspectors and contractors became more common.

In 2008, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors – InterNACHI –

developed its Infrared-Certified® program to teach home inspectors how to use infrared
cameras in the wide variety of building inspection applications. Since that time, InterNACHI
has been the leading home inspector association to promote and teach its members the
effective use of thermal imaging.

Fig.2.2. 1969:Thermovision model 661 Fig.2.3.Seek thermal camera

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 3. INFRARED RADIATIONS

3.1. Radiation from an Object

Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes called infrared light, is electromagnetic radiation (EMR)
with longer wavelengths than those of visible light, and is therefore generally invisible to the
human eye, although IR at wavelengths up to 1050 nanometers (nm)s from specially pulsed
lasers can be seen by humans under certain conditions. IR wavelengths extend from the
nominal red edge of the visible spectrum at 700 nanometers (frequency 430 THz), to 1
millimeter (300 GHz).Most of the thermal radiation emitted by objects near room temperature
is infrared. As with all EMR, IR carries radiant energy and behaves both like a wave and like
its quantum particle, the photon.

Infrared radiation was discovered in 1800 by astronomer Sir William Herschel, who
discovered a type of invisible radiation in the spectrum lower in energy than red light, by
means of its effect on a thermometer. Slightly more than half of the total energy from the Sun
was eventually found to arrive on Earth in the form of infrared. The balance between
absorbed and emitted infrared radiation has a critical effect on Earth's climate.

Human eye can see visible light or s mall part of electromagnetic spectrum. Human eye
cannot see ultraviolet light and infrared light. To remotely determine the temperature of an
object, infrared radiation is used. Thermogaphic camera detects infrared radiation in the range
of electromagnetic spectrum roughly 0.9-14 micrometer and produce the picture of that
radiation that we can see.

Every object whose surface temperature is above absolute zero (-273 °C) radiates energy at a
wavelength corresponding to its surface temperature.Every objects that are very cold, such as
ice cubes, emit infrared radiation. Although our eyes cannot see it, the nerves in our skin can
feel it as heat. The warmer the object, the more infrared radiation it emits. Utilizing our highly
sensitive infrared cameras, it is possible to convert this radiated energy into a thermal image
of the object being surveyed.

7
Infrared energy is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum that encompasses radiation
from gamma rays, x-rays, ultra violet, a thin region of visible light, infrared, microwaves, and
radio waves. These are all related and differentiated in the length of their wave
(wavelength).Thermal energy is part of electromagnetic spectrum and makes upper part of
infrared of light spectrum. The primary source of infrared radiation is heat or thermal radiation.
All objects emit a certain amount of black body radiation as a function of their temperatures.
The higher an object's temperature is, the more infrared radiation as black-body radiation it
emits. A special camera can detect this radiation in a way similar to an ordinary camera does
visible light. It works even in total darkness because ambient light level does not matter. This
makes it useful for rescue operations in smoke-filled buildings and underground.

Fig.3.1.Electromagnetic spectrum

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 4. THERMOGRAPHIC CAMERA

4.1 Thermographic Camera

A thermographic camera, sometimes called a FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed), or an

infrared camera less specifically, is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation,
similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light. Instead of the 450–750
nanometer range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long
as 14,000 nm (14µm).

consists of an infrared camera with optics transparent only to infrared radiation and a video
monitor capable of displaying the thermal image. The camera converts radiated heat energy
into an electrical signal which is then displayed on the monitor as a real-time heat image of
the object being scanned. This digital thermal image can be captured directly from the camera
and processed for CD-ROM, printed report, or analog VHS videotape generation.

There are two different types of images. Color Thermograms (photographs of the infrared
image) and Control Photos (conventional digital images of the same scene taken during the
inspection) are provided of problem areas uncovered during the inspection. In the
thermograms, temperatures are displayed in a spectrum of colors.

Black and white, and color, are properties of visible light that do not exist in the infrared
world. Because we need to convert these images into visible light, the IR camera assigns
black to the coolest temperatures in an image, white to the hottest temperatures in an image,
and graduating shades of gray in between. Similarly, different colors can be used to portray
different temperatures.

The higher the temperature, the more energy emitted. The typical infrared thermography
camera resembles a standard camcorder and produces a live TV image of heat radiation. The
camera provides a basic grey scale image which is converted to false color images to make
interpretation of thermal patterns easier. The thermal image produced by an infrared camera is
called a thermogram.

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4.2 WORKING OF THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA
A thermal imaging camera consists of five components: an optic system, detector, amplifier,
signal processing, and display. Fire-service specific thermal imaging cameras incorporate
these components in a heat-resistant, ruggedized, and waterproof housing. These parts work
together to render infrared light, such as that given off by warm objects or flames, into a
visible light representation in real time.

The camera display shows infrared output differentials, so two objects with the same
temperature will appear to be the same "color". Many thermal imaging cameras use grayscale
to represent normal temperature objects, but highlight dangerously hot surfaces in different
colors.Cameras may be handheldor helmet-mounted. A handheld camera requires one hand to
position and operate, leaving only one free hand for other tasks, but can be easily transferred
between firefighters. The majority of thermal imaging cameras in use in the fire service are
handheld models.

Here's how thermal imaging works:

1. A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view.

2. The focused light is scanned byphased

phasedarray
array of infrared detector elements. The
detector elements create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. It
only takes about one-thirtieth of a second for the detector array to obtain the
temperature information to make the thermogram. This information is obtained from
several thousand points in the field of view of the detector array.

3. The thermogram created by the detector elements is translated into electric impulses.

4. The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit, a circuit board with a dedicated chip
that translates the information from the elements into data for the display.

5. The signal-processing unit sends the information to the display, where it appears as
various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. The combination of
all the impulses from all of the elements creates the image.

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 Fig.4.1.Working of thermal imaging camera

4.3 TYPES OF THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA

Most thermal-imaging devices scan at a rate of 30 times per second. They can sense
temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) to 3,600 F (2,000 C),
and can normally detect changes in temperature of about 0.4 F (0.2 C).

Cryogenically Cooled IR Imagers:

These are vacuum sealed cryogenically cooled cases with cooling temperatures between 4
Kelvin to a few Kelvin below room temperatures. These are costly devices both to buy and to
run and need sufficient time for cooling down before operating them after turning on. But, the
quality and precision of these devices is the best on offer, along with greater sensitivity.
Materials like indium antimonide, indium arsenide, MCT, lead sulfide etc. are used as narrow
band semiconductors. Superconducting tunnel junction infrared detectors offer sensitivity of
registering even single photons but the use is limited to research labs like ESA’s SCAM.

The compact cooled thermal imager constitutes the imaging sensor, which is highly equipped
with the cryocooler unit. In this cooled thermal imager, the minimized temperature of the
sensor is used to reduce the thermal noise power range to create the

12
image formation. This cooled version of thermal imager helps to reduce the temperature of
the sensor below the temperature of the cryogenic limit.
The cryocoolers inbuilt in the cooled thermal imager is useful against the mechanical
tolerance, strong sealing over helium gas and wear out capability. The cooled thermal imager
is considered as the high sensitive camera device which helps to estimate the difference
between the cameras temperature.
The cooled thermal imager includes the thermal contrast of high range which is used to
determine the differentiation of objects to that of its background to estimate the hot spot and
cool spot of the targeted image. It is designed to overview the long wave infrared and mid-
wave infrared band of the spectrum imaging.

Uncooled IR Imagers:

This is a less precise albeit the cheaper technology which is popular in industry. It is based on
the principles of change in some property of the material such as resistance, voltage or
current when exposed to IR radiation. These devices are mainly made of pyroelectric or
ferroelectric materials or are based on bolometric techniques. These don’t actually detect
photons, but the heating effect of the IR rays causes a change in electrical polarisation of the
material. If compared to Cooled devices, they offer a resolution varying from 70-80mK in
ferroelectric devices to 20mK in Silicon based bolometers. Research is going on in the field
of Uncooled Focal Plane Arrays for increased sensitivity and pixel densities.

The camera imager which does not make use of the cryogenic cooler is referred as the
uncooled thermal image such that the design of the uncooled thermal imager is based on the
microbolometer. The microbolometer is one of the tiny structured vanadium oxide resistors
which constitute the silicon element on large temperature coefficient measures so that it acts
as a good thermal insulator and low heat thermal isolator.
The incident temperature over the bolometer tends to affect its temperature which is
transferred to electrical signals that are further processed to form an image. The sensors
inbuilt in this uncooled thermal imager function only over the long wave infrared band in
which most of the targeted terrestrial temperature is emitted by the infrared energy.

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 The uncooled thermal imager is normally cheaper when compared to the cooled thermal
imager because of the low ranging of movable components. Based on the similar operation
state, uncooled thermal imager constitutes the ability to last over long duration for its service
ranging than the cooled thermal imager.

Fig.4.2.Pictures taken from two different types of thermal imaging cameras

4.4 THERMAL IMAGING PHONES

Thermal imaging phones exist in the market. The thermal imaging phones are smartphones
designed with an inbuilt thermal imaging camera. With this phone, one can easily capture the
upcoming thermal image and videos. These mobile phones have various accessories and it
can be used by the firefighters, hunters, and engineers to detect the target. The best selling
thermal imaging mobile phone in the market is the Caterpillar CAT Thermal Imaging Rugged
Smartphone.This Smartphone has inbuilt camera along with other features of the Smartphone.

The user can use the thermal imaging camera as a normal camera whenever required.

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Advantages

 The thermal imaging camera is efficient and it can be used in any condition.
 The higher battery life and modern design make it unique.
 This mobile phone can access 4G SIM cards.

Disadvantage

 It weighs higher than other smartphones.

 The price of this Smartphone is high.

Fig.4.3.Thermal imaging phones

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 5. THERMOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE

The basic principle of thermography is that all types of surfaces will emit some degree of heat.
The thermographic equipment will detect heat which differs from the temperatures in the
surrounding area of a surface. These higher temperatures might be an indication of a potential
malfunction of the scanned object i.e. faults in electrical circuitry or overheating of bearings in
mechanical equipment, i.e. pumps, motors, compressors, etc. Thermographic imaging can detect
insufficiently insulated hot spots in engine rooms, which create a large fire risk.

If material under inspection is heated with radiators (active thermographythe temperature of the
surface will rise suddenly. The speed at which the heat front dissipates into the material depends
on the thermal properties like density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity and the bonding
quality between top surface layer and the base material. A defect in the sub-surface creates a
barrier for the heat diffusion process and, therefore, the surface temperature above the defect will
decrease more slowly than the temperature in other regions. The surface above such a defect will
show a hot spot for a longer time as its vicinity covering good bonded material.
In contrast to the fast dissipation of heat in metallic materials, the dissipation of heat in wood-
based-materials is comparable slow. The detection of defects can take a few seconds or even
some minutes after the heat impact depending on the material and depth of the defect.

5.1 Active and Passive Thermography.

In Passive Thermography, the features of interest are naturally at a higher or lower temperature
than the background. Any object above the absolute zero temperature will emit IR radiation,
which corresponds to the band of the 14 μm) wave infrared bands, denoted as MWIR and LWIR,
respectively, corresponding to two of the high transmittance atmospheric windows as shown
in to μm) or long (8 5 to between 0.74 and 1000 μm. Hence, an excellent way to measure
thermal variations is to use an IR radiometer, usually a focal plane array (FPA) camera capable
of detecting radiation in the mid . Passive Thermography has many applications e.g. surveillance
of people on a scene, medical.

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In Active Thermography an energy source is required to produce a thermal contrast between the
feature of interest and the background, e.g. a specimen with internal flaws. The active approach
is adopted in many cases given that the inspected parts are usually in equilibrium with the
surroundings.

If the inspected material is heated during the production process (passive thermography), the
surface temperature will decrease after leaving the production line. Invisible defects within the
material will appear as cold spots on the surface, because of the good insulation between the hot
core material and the colder surface. In both cases, active or passive thermography, the defects
can be either detected as hot (active) or cold spots (passive) on the surface.

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 6. PROCESS OF THERMOGRAPHY

Infrared thermography is the technique of converting infrared energy (radiant heat) into an
image that a person can see and understand. We ordinarily see in visible light. We can
compare infrared to visible light - they are not the same, but they are analogous.

We are familiar with the idea of a video camera creating images on video monitors or
television. The electronics in the camera convert the light energy that enters the lens into a
video signal and displays that signal on a monitor or TV. We see shapes, colors, textures,
shadows, and reflective surfaces in the image as a result of the camera's ability to capture light.

In a similar way, an infrared camera creates an image by converting radiant heat energy into a
signal that can be displayed on a monitor (and later printed). The infrared energy emitted from
an object is directly proportional to its temperature. Therefore temperatures are accurately
measured by the infrared camera.

The ability to measure temperature from an IR image is called radiometry. This requires
sophisticated and expensive electronics. The ability to measure a temperature anywhere on
the image is available only on the high-end cameras.

What is a Thermal Imaging Sensor?

The thermal imaging sensor is a one kind of sensor used to determine an image based on the
absolute temperature of the object. The image is formed based on the object’s heat signature.
These devices record the present signatures of the devices based on their heat pattern and do
not require a beam such as active infrared devices. The range of thermal imaging is ranges
from - 50oC to 2,000 oC.

6.1. Colorizing Infrared Images

Black and white, and color, are properties of visible light that do not exist in the infrared
world. Because we need to convert these images into visible light, the IR camera assigns black
to the coolest temperatures in an image, white to the hottest temperatures in an image, and
graduating shades of gray in between. Similarly, different colors can be used to portray
different temperatures.

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Thermal images are normally gray scale in nature.Black objects are cold; white objects are hot.
However some cameras uses colors to identify objects at different temperature. Using colors to
represent different temperatures, a knowledgeable technician adjusts the color image to optimize
clarity and best reveal the high temperatures of interest.

Fig.6.1.Black and white thermal image

Fig.6.2.Colour thermal image

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 7. APPLICATIONS OF THERMOGRAPHY

Infrared Thermography is the technique for producing a visible image of invisible infrared
energy emitted by objects. The higher the temperature, the more energy emitted. The
thermographic camera provides a basic grey scale image which is converted to false color
images to make interpretation of thermal patterns easier. The thermal image produced by an
infrared camera is called a thermogram.

7.1 Electrical Thermography

It is used virtually around the world to evaluate the condition of electrical systems and
equipment. When an electrical system is energized, current passes through the entire system,
a byproduct of this current flow is heat. When there is a defect in the system, more heat is
generated because of high resistance, and the camera will see the difference between the
normal components and the one with a problem.

Fig.7.1.Electrical tharmography

7.2 Tank Inspections

Manufacturers concerned with non-destructively testing product quality and performance are
also among those employing, infrared radiometric technologies. An automobile manufacturer
might use IRT to measure the real-time thermal dynamics of a prototype engine block or a
plastics manufacturer might be interested in monitoring its extrusion process.

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1
7.3 Applications in Volcanology

Thermal imaging cameras are the ideal tool for the detection and analysis of volcanic heat
patterns . Thermal imaging cameras are used to measure and map active lava flows and to
detect new cracks where hot gases escape. Understanding the mechanics behind volcanic
incidents will help to improve volcanic warning systems which will in turn help to save lives

7.4 Aircraft Inspections

Composite aircraft materials are extremely sturdy and lightweight. These materials are vital
to aircraft performance and airworthiness. However, the honeycomb structure of this material
presents a potentially dangerous problem: water ingress.

7.5 Medical applications

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is a diagnostic technique that is non-invasive and
involves no exposure to radiation . The main areas in which this technique is used are: Early
detection of breast cancer . Monitoring changes in overall health .Monitoring healing
processes .Disease and Virus Monitoring o Fever Screening (i.e. H1N1, SARS)

The different types of screening procedures used are: Full Body Screening ,Screening a
particular region to identify and monitor localized conditions such as thyroid ,Mass Screening,
in areas such as airports, to monitor the potential spread of viruses such as H1N1 (Swine Flu)
by identifying fever symptoms in specific individuals

7.6 Condition monitoring

It is the process of monitoring a parameter of condition in machinery, such that a significant

change is indicative of a developing failure. It is a major component of predictive maintenance.
The use of conditional monitoring allows maintenance to be scheduled, or other actions to be
taken to avoid the consequences of failure, before the failure occurs. It is typically much more
cost effective than allowing the machinery to fail.

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7.7 Border security

Due to their ability to detect man sized targets at extremely long distances ,in total darkness
and in extreme weather conditions thermal imaging cameras are extremely suited for border
surveillance. Generally, cooled cameras are used in border security applications as they
provide a longer range performance than un-cooled detector .If the terrain is e.g.
mountainous and does not permit seeing over a distance of 20 kilometers, un-cooled thermal
imaging cameras can be used for border security as well . Thermal imaging cameras can be
integrated with radar systems

Fig.7.2. Border security

7.8 Security and Law Enforcement

With a thermal imager, an officer can stop and scan the property at a distance, identifying any
person present there. Perimeter surveillance is another application in which thermal imaging
can be used to dramatically improve results and reduce the time committed to a particular
operation. Thermal imaging cameras are also used in search and rescue operations as officers
may be able to search up to 1,500 feet in any direction.

Fig.7.3.Security and law enforcement

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 7.9 Non Destructive Testing

Nondestructive Testing (NDT), also called nondestructive examination (NDE) and

nondestructive inspection (NDI), is testing that does not destroy the test object. To detect
different defects such as cracking and corrosion, there are different methods of testing
available, such as X-ray and ultrasound.

While destructive testing usually provides a more reliable assessment of the state of the test
object, destruction of the test object usually makes this type of test more costly to the test
object's owner than nondestructive testing.

Fig.7.4.Non-destructive testing

8.0 Night Vision

Night vision is the ability to see in a dark environment. Humans have poor night vision
compared to many animals, in part because the human eye does not have a tapetum lucidum.
Thermal imaging cameras are excellent tools for night vision. Contrary to other technologies
they do not need any light at all to produce a clear image. They produce an image in the darkest
of nights and can see through light fog, rain and smoke. Thermal imaging cameras make small
temperature differences visible. They detect what can not be detected by the human eye. Thermal
imaging cameras are widely used to complement new or existing security networks.

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Fig.7.5 Night vision

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8. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF THERMOGRAPHY

8.1 Advantages of Thermography

Large Area
Thermography equipment allows for a large area to be assessed.It shows a visual picture so that
can help compare temperatures over a large area. Since thermography equipment can be used
over a large area, it serves some practical uses—firefighters use thermo-imaging equipment
that allows them to see through smoke, which otherwise impairs normal eyesight. This is a
tremendous safety innovation that thermography provides.

Real Time

It is capable of catching moving targets in real time.Current thermography technology allows

for recording in real-time rather than just snapshots. This technology allows thermo-imaging
to be more useful in a variety of circumstances. Even automakers are including live thermo-
imaging technology in luxury cars. Vehicles—such as certain models of Cadillacs—use
thermo-imaging equipment to help drivers on the road, as well as with parking.

Detecting Defects

Infrared detection is very important for pipes and shafts that are built into buildings,
skyscrapers, and homes.It make easier to find defects in shafts and other metal parts. For high-
end projects, many construction companies use thermographic cameras that detect leaks in
pipes to ensure they are repaired prior to finishing the project.

Predictive maintainance

Regular predictive maintenance using thermal imaging products help in saving money and
consecutively lower the costs. This is due to less downtime, power outages, production losses,
fires etc.

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8.2 Disadvantages of Thermography

InaccurateMeasurements

If temperatures are very close in range, infrared imaging can lead to misreading information
taken in from the camera; objects can become indistinguishable. The current technology in
thermography only allows for imaging to be applied to surface temperatures.

Price

The cost of infrared thermal imaging camera is still the biggest factor limiting its widespread
use, but with the emergence of non-cooled infrared focal plane arrays, it provides a high
resolution at low cost. An effective means of high reliability devices. With the development
of technology, breakthroughs in key technologies, and improved processing efficiency, future
costs will be greatly reduced.

Transperant obstacles

It can not see the target through transparent obstacles, such as window glass: because the
infrared thermal imaging camera measures the surface temperature of the object, so the
transparent obstacle like window glass, so that the infrared thermal imaging camera can not
detect The temperature difference of the object, so the target cannot be seen through the
transparent obstacle.

Can’t identify person

Since the infrared thermal imaging camera presents a temperature distribution map, which is
different from the visible light face recognition technology, the monitoring screen can only
determine whether a suspicious person enters, and cannot see the face and appearance

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 9. CONCLUSION

Thermography enables us to see and measure heat. Thermography is a method that utilizes a
thermal image to detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the
surface of an object. Thermography is the future in water damage and mold claims
adjudication for the insurance industry.IR is going to allow the industry to be more exact in
the data that it obtains, and to be able to resolve any claims that may be occurring now, as
well as in the future, more quickly and cost-effectively, saving time and money.Infrared
thermography is equipment or method, which detects infrared energy emitted from object,
converts it to temperature, and displays image of temperature distribution.

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 REFERENCES

1) https://www.techimaging.com/applications/infrared-thermal-imaging-applications
2) https://www.flir.com/applications/
3) https://www.flir.com/applications/camera-cores-components/

4) http://www.lirkorea.com/Landinstruments.net%20Website/infrared/downloads/pdf/

thermography_guide.pdf

5) Rogalski A. and Chrzanowski K., “Infrared Devices and Techniques”,

Contributed Paper: Opto-electronics Review,2002
6) Kruse, Paul W., and David Dale Skatrud, “Uncooled Infrared Imaging Arrays and
Systems”, San Diego: Academic, 1997

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 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is difference between fog and haze?

-> Fog is obscurity in the surface layers of the atmosphere ,which is caused by a suspension
of water droplets.

Haze is an atmospheric phenomenon in which dust,smoke,and other dry particulates

obscurete clarity of the sky.

2.Can thermal imaging see through clothing?

-> No, but if ,for eg, a suspect had a gun in his shirt ,its exterior would be cooler to the
thermal camera and indicate that someone is carrying gun.

3.If a man hidden behind a wooden table, would thermal imaging able to detect him?

-> A man wouldn’t be detected by thermal imaging as it can’t see through solid objects.That
means transmission of heat will be hard through solid objects like wood.

4.Which algorithms are used in thermal imaging camera?

-> There are no algorithms used for thermal imaging camera.Its the bolometer sensor that
does the whole thermography job.Most recently some "quantum dot IR sensors" seems to
have emerged.

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