At Thermascan, we know that imaging cameras come in many different forms. Thermal, multispectral, and acoustic are the most commonly used imaging methods in various industries and sectors.
Knowing which camera is relevant to your field is vital to improving your condition monitoring, maintenance and security programs, as each imaging method is better suited to specific environments. Read on to understand which camera suits your particular industry’s needs and how you will benefit from using these cameras for various applications.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal imaging cameras work by detecting and measuring the infrared radiation emitted by objects. They use a unique lens to focus the infrared radiation onto a detector, which converts it into an electrical signal. The signal is then processed by a computer, which produces a thermal image that shows the temperature variations of the objects in the scene.
Where Are Thermal Imaging Cameras Used?
You’ll find these cameras used in various industries:
The electrical industry - Detecting hot spots in electrical systems indicates potential problems such as loose connections or overloaded circuits.
The mechanical industry - Revealing overheating in machinery and preventing breakdowns, and extending the equipment's lifespan.
Building inspections - Identifying areas of energy loss, moisture damage, and insulation deficiencies.
Advantages of Choosing Thermal Imaging
The advantages of thermal imaging cameras include their ability to detect invisible temperature variations to the naked eye, their non-contact nature, and their ability to capture images in low light conditions. However, thermal imaging cameras also have some disadvantages, including their inability to detect temperature changes within certain materials, such as glass or reflective surfaces.
Thermal Imaging Cameras at Thermascan
We offer a range of thermal imaging cameras to meet the needs of our clients. Our professional-grade products include the Teledyne FLIR E96, an easy-to-use camera that produces high-quality images. For a more powerful choice, we also offer the Teledyne FLIR T1020, a high-performance camera ideal for industrial applications.
Multispectral Imaging Cameras
Multispectral imaging cameras capture images across multiple wavelengths of light, including visible and non-visible light, such as both ultraviolet and infrared. These cameras use filters or sensors that can detect specific wavelengths of light, allowing them to capture images that reveal information about the chemical composition or physical properties of the objects in the scene. The generated images are used to analyse and identify different materials, detect temperature changes in waste management and even provide unobstructed security measures.
Where Are Multispectral Imaging Cameras Used?
Multispectral imaging cameras have a wide range of applications in different industries:
In agriculture. Monitoring crop health, detecting nutrient deficiencies, and identifying pests or diseases.
In environmental monitoring. Tracking changes in land use, detecting pollution, and assessing the health of ecosystems.
In waste management. Detecting rising temperatures at waste management sites caused by lithium-ion batteries and other flammable materials. Additionally, providing early detection and fire prevention.
Advantages of Choosing Thermal Imaging
The advantages of multispectral imaging cameras include their ability to capture detailed information about the objects in the scene, detect changes that are invisible to the naked eye, and analyse and interpret data in real time.
Multispectral Imaging Cameras at Thermascan
We provide a small but reliable range of multispectral imaging cameras in the Teledyne FLIR FH series. These cameras are designed to provide optimal coverage for any lighting condition, as they can be scheduled to run intrusion analytics on visible video streams during the day and thermal streams throughout the night to perform effectively in a security or facility monitoring role.
Acoustic Imaging Cameras
Acoustic imaging cameras use sound waves to create images of objects or structures. These cameras emit high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the objects in the scene and are then detected by a receiver. The receiver converts the sound waves into an image that shows the shape, size, and location of the objects in the scene. Acoustic imaging cameras can detect flaws or defects in materials and identify hidden objects.
Advantages of Choosing Acoustic Imaging
Acoustic imaging cameras provide a vital service for industrial facility maintenance by visualising otherwise impossible-to-see problems.
For example, compressed air leaks are one of the most significant energy losses in industrial environments, and up to one-third of a facility's compressed air will be lost due to unforeseen leaks and subtle inefficiencies within the system.
Additionally, acoustic imaging cameras can assist with electrical systems maintenance by analysing the invisible sound emissions from partial discharge (PD) and corona discharge, leading to equipment failures, costly downtime, and a health hazard to onsite teams.
Acoustic Imaging Cameras at Thermascan
The Teledyne FLIR Si124 is a lightweight acoustic imaging camera we supply at Thermascan. This professional-grade tool is designed to help users identify specific faults up to 10 times faster than other detection methods.
With its 124 microphones, the Si124 can accurately locate pressurised leaks hidden in compressed air systems or detect partial discharge from high-voltage electrical systems. The Si124 produces accurate acoustic images, visually displaying information to users, which can help facilities save money and find faults even in the loudest of environments.
Its advanced features and capabilities make it an efficient and effective solution for identifying faults and improving equipment and systems' overall safety and performance.
Varied Imaging Methods Available From Thermascan
At Thermascan, we maintain a large stock of the highest-quality imaging cameras on the market, including a range of:
Thermal imaging cameras and modules
We guarantee we have an effective tool for hire or sale to meet your business’s specific needs and provide your teams with the data you need for your monitoring and maintenance programs. Contact us to discover which choice is best for your needs.