What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?

What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?

Here at APT Sound Testing we use the latest FLIR Thermal Cameras for all our thermographic inspection surveys; however, most people are not aware of the complexity of thermal imaging cameras and their wide range is uses.

A thermal imaging camera is a unique tool to map the energy loss through a buildings facade or envelope.  This method is quick and non-evasive and the thermal images which the camera produces provide precise and detailed reportage.  The use of a thermal imaging inspections – either as a standalone tool or in combination with our Blower Door fan systems which is a powerful combination and can speed up survey work considerably. Thermal imaging inspections accurately pinpoints where the energy losses are without the use of any destructive testing methods. Here is a link to more useful information for thermal surveys.

 

a thermal imaging camera used on building inspections

 

A thermal imaging camera is a reliable non-contact instrument which is able to scan and visualise the temperature distribution of entire surfaces quickly and accurately. APT Sound Testing’s Thermography building inspections have contributed to substantial cost savings around London and the South East.

 

How does a Thermal Imaging Camera Work?

You may not be aware but we experience infrared radiation every day. The heat that we feel from sunlight, a fire or a radiator is all infrared. 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. A thermal imaging camera works by monitoring the Infrared energy coming from an object, which is then focused by the optics onto an infrared detector. The detector sends the information to sensor electronics for image processing. The electronics translate the data coming from the detector into a thermal image that can be viewed in the viewfinder and/or video monitor.

The thermal camera transforms an infrared image into a radiometric one, which allows temperature values to be read from the image. So every pixel in the radiometric image is in fact a temperature measurement. In order to do this, complex algorithms are incorporated into the thermal imaging camera.

 

APT-Engineer-undertaking-combined-thermal-imaging-and-air-test-surveyrmal imaging survey to a commercial building

 

Thermal imaging inspections for a more healthy building

Thermal imaging can help to provide data which can results in a more thermal efficient and healthy building, which in turn makes the facility more comfortable and healthy for its occupants. This improved environment can also increase productivity and be very beneficial for the life cycle of a building.  A healthier building means healthier occupants – a double win for employer and employees. Here is some mote information on thermal imaging surveys for buildings.

If you require a Thermographic Inspection Survey our professional and certified Level 3 Thermographer’s will carry out your thermographic Inspections in accordance with all necessary standards and current regulations, all we need are a few details such as floor plans and elevation drawings and the building location to provide a quotation. We will also send across our informative Thermal Survey Checklist to help you prepare for the thermographic Inspection.

Contact APT Sound Testing for a free quotation for a thermographic inspection. All we need are a few details such an elevation drawings, floor plans and location to provide a quotation.

If you would like more information in regards to BREEAM Thermographic Inspection Surveys, please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call Darren on: 07775 623464.