Infrared Thermography Inspection

Thermography is an NDT method that relies on the perturbation of the flow of heat - whether generated externally or internally - through a structure due to differences in geometry or materials within the structure. Thermography is an NDT method that relies on the perturbation of the flow of heat - whether generated externally or internally - through a structure due to differences in geometry or materials within the structure. Such perturbations produce deviations in the structure's surface temperature distribution and may be related to geometric and constitutive properties within the structure. Steven M. Shepard discusses the principles, limitations and both current and potential applications of thermography, especially as they relate to the use of the infrared camera and apply to composite materials.

There are many factors that determine whether thermography is an appropriate test methodology for a particular application and if so, which type of thermography offers the best match for particular application requirements. However, in most cases, the feasibility of a thermographic test can be determined by a few basic considerations.

Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Effusivity
Excitation Coupling

The main fields of application are:

To look at the heat distribution in hot specimens such as furnace walls, insulated structures, electronic circuits, etc. in steady state – generally known as passive thermography;
To provide a pulsed source of heat on one side of a specimen and examine the other side for non-uniformities in infrared emission which would correspond to internal in homogeneities or large flaws – generally known as active thermography.
Bearing friction heat monitoring
Electrical cabinet monitoring and insulation monitoring
Leak detection
Process temperature analysis

Benefits of thermographic testing

Thermographic testing offers a host of advantages for manufacturers, especially as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan which includes the following.

Maintenance cost reduction
Fast detection of temperature conditions
Increased equipment service life
Improved safety
To optimize efficiency of electrical systems
To extend equipment service lifespan
Reduce downtime to the bare minimum
Reduce or eliminate expensive emergency repair

hidden

GPTI – GROUP OF COMPANIES

+971 6 568 2435

+971 52 608 5790