Both quality control and asset care actions are highly dependent on accurate condition data. Unfortunately, relying on visual inspections is rarely enough to gain a complete understanding. Specialised equipment is needed to acquire data on the invisible condition data that matters most; this is where thermal and multispectral imaging cameras come in.
Read on to learn why these cameras are so popular for both commercial and industrial condition monitoring.
How Is the Data Collected?
Regardless of the device, multispectral and thermal imaging cameras work on similar principles for accurate data collection. It's important to know how the data is collected to understand why this helps businesses.
Thermal imagers detect the emitted infrared radiation from an object. This is something invisible to the naked eye but can be felt as heat from repeated friction of moving parts or the lasting impact of electrical currents. This data is collected remotely (or non-invasively), which provides substantial convenience and safety for the assigned surveyor while not interfering with the site operations.
This minimal radiation is picked up by the built-in detectors in the thermal imaging device thanks to unique lenses, and the internal processor turns it into electrical signals and data. Additionally, most models have built-in LCD screens where conventional video footage is displayed with the captured thermal data overlayed, so it is easy for the surveyor to see the location of these unexpected temperature variations and assess if they have a negative impact on your processes.
How Are Multispectral Imaging Cameras Different?
Multispectral imaging cameras are similar to thermal imagers but have a broader range. These cameras capture radiation across three different spectral bands: near-infrared, mid-infrared and thermal infrared.
The multiple sensors embedded in the camera collect and filter the results into substantial. This is particularly useful for persistent observations outdoors, such as security, where weather, night, day and other conditions will demand an adaptable data stream to maintain data fidelity in spite of these potentially obscuring conditions.
So, you now know the general benefits of investing in one of these cameras to support your asset and product care, but with so many different models to choose from with unique capabilities, it can be a challenge to find the best model. Here are some contextual examples with appropriate camera recommendations.
FLIR FH Series: Site Security and Fire Safety
The FLIR FH multispectral imaging camera series consists of the ID and the R models. They both have a designated role to fulfil, but with their generally similar capabilities, they are both excellent choices for protecting your workplace from intruders and fires. These are static cameras, which means they should be installed at a specific location to observe the intended target area, and they will transmit their observation data to a computer elsewhere.
This inter-device connection with compatible monitoring software provides opportunities to establish automated alerts. For example, this is particularly relevant to overnight worksite security. Once calibrated, the connected FLIR software will alert security once the camera detects the body heat of an intruder within its field of view. For 24/7 worksites, the parameters can be adjusted to very specific events and eliminate false alarms.
These cameras are also used for fire safety in a similar way. They can be installed to monitor large amounts of stock in a warehouse, potential combustion piles or even flare stacks at petrochemical plants, and they will accurately record the thermal variations that occur onsite. Sparks leading to emerging flames are alerted automatically, similar to security alerts, so safety staff can act to prevent disaster at your worksite.
They are often connected to fire suppression systems such as sprinklers or water cannons to eliminate the delay from human intervention and guarantee site safety. However, if fire is your only concern at your facility, then you could consider the FLIR A615 thermal camera as a compact alternative that offers reduced costs due to its lack of multispectral capabilities.
FLIR A50 / 70: Quality Control in Manufacturing
With substantial areas of manufacturing converted into automated processes, the quality control essential for developing and manufacturing products risks losing fidelity. However, this is compensated for by the implementation of thermal cameras into machine vision processes for faster and more accurate quality control for products and R&D.
The FLIR A50 and A70 automated thermal cameras are excellent models for quality control and research and development projects. Its compact size makes it significantly easy to implement in production lines and workstations, whilst its internal capabilities provide substantially high-resolution images for easier analysis by human eyes or machine vision systems.
Machine vision involves providing a pre-programmed system with the data it needs on the products being made so automated actions can take place once parameters are exceeded. Onsite, this is accomplished with a network of cameras and sensors to feed the associated algorithm. They can be programmed for anything, but generally, they point out inconsistencies and highlight examples of items outside of the stated norms. For example, a conveyor belt in a food manufacturing facility may be flagged by one of these cameras when some drink bottles have a lower volume, or the temperature is lower than intended. The same can be true for thermal imaging and packaging inspections, where a break in the film will create a temperature variance in the product compared to the others that have maintained integrity.
Alternatively, the development and manufacturing of electronic components are monitored with a camera like this for increased quality control or tests. They can reveal ill-fitting or damaged components or even ones that are not designed appropriately to handle the required current. This information is highly beneficial to designers and operators, who can then use the data to make improvements to a better product overall.
High-Grade Condition Monitoring Cameras at Thermascan
At Thermascan, we have collected a broad range of FLIR cameras, including modules, hand-held cameras, and static units, to support the varied conditions of monitoring, quality control, and diagnostic activities required in both industrial and commercial worksites.
Contact us today to discuss either thermal imaging camera for hire or sale and find what you need to improve your business operations.