Accredited Energy Assessors
Infrared Vision have recently been accredited as DEA's (Domestic Energy Assessors) through the Elmhurst Energy training scheme. Producing an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) will now be included in our Thermal Efficiency Audits of domestic properties and will allow us to assess the thermal efficiency of a property both from a construction and space heating point of view.
Choosing an IRT Provider
With the introduction of cheaper infrared camera equipment more and more individuals and companies are offering thermal imaging services over a wider range of industrial applications. Although in practice this can only be a good thing for the relevant industries, caution should be employed when contracting in a thermal imaging specialist.
Although some companies are highly qualified and experienced in their fields many have come from other backgrounds and are using their cameras in these arenas for the first time. As an infrared consultancy we have seen many reports that contain misleading information which, in some cases, has lead to large outlays of capital for remedial repairs that have been unnecessary.
Our suggestion for companies wishing to employ an infrared service provider would be to ask some pertinent questions prior to selecting a provider. Time spend at the beginning, they say, is time saved at the end. In this case, time spent at the beginning could be money saved at the end! (Article)
improving thermal efficiency at the Rockwool Plant
Currently working with the project team at Rockwool, Infrared Vision were able to assist in the assessment of the remedial repairs carried out to the upstands on the roof section of the fingercar building.
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The image on the left shows the amount of energy being lost through the fabric of the upstands prior to the remedial work being carried out. The image on the right shows the resultant heat loss after repair. Both images were taken using the same temperature span so that comparisons could be made.
r&d work with Ulva insulation systems
As the world’s leading provider of non-metallic thermal and acoustic cladding, ULVA are the preferred choice for the oil and petrochemical industry. ULVA's modular, non-metallic cladding system is able to withstand the aggressive exposed conditions the onshore and offshore petrochemical industry faces. Infrared Vision are working closely with the technical team from ULVA Insulation Systems in order to improve the performance of their product range. www.ulva.co.uk
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REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH wETHERBY BUILDING SYSTEMS
For some time now Infrared Vision has been working closely with insulated render system designers Wetherby Building Systems Limited. Infrared building surveys have been carried out on a variety of domestic properties both before and after the installation of the WBS External Cladding System.
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| Infrared image showing energy loss from the original property | Image shows the left hand property has been thermally upgraded |
When asked about the value of the infrared surveys our client said: 'The images speak for themselves. Without doubt the thermographic imaging carried out by Infrared Vision has allowed us to offer our clients a realistic visualisation of the enormous positive impact that WBS external render systems have on reducing and preventing unnecessary heat loss, when used as part of a domestic refurbishment project'. www.wbs-ltd.co.uk
GAS Detection services
Infrared Vision is currently in discussions with other thermographic companies regarding the formation of a new subsidiary to their thermographic businesses. This new subsidiary is being formed to assist and support petrochemical and environmental industries in detecting VOC Emissions and Fugitive Gases and will be using the latest infrared camera technology that is capable of detecting gases such as:
| Benzene | Ethanol | Ethylbenzene | Ethylene | Heptane |
| Hexane | Isoprene | MEK | Methane | Methanol |
| MIBK | Octane | Pentane | 1-Pentane | Propylene |
| Toluene | Xylene | Butane | Ethane | Propane |
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
The traditional method for finding leaks is by using toxic vapor analysers (TVA) or ‘sniffers’. This method is not without safety implications as it requires the inspector to be close to the source of the emissions and therefore exposed to the hazard. It’s is extremely labor intensive and time consuming as each point or location where a leak might occur has to be inspected individually. In a medium-sized to la
rge plant that has thousands of connections this makes inspection a massive task that can be difficult, dangerous and costly. We have seen numerous figures quoted from different sources but estimates from the US Environmental Agencies indicate that an inspector using the TVA method of inspection can inspect 400-500 connections/points during a full shift. In contrast, the new infrared camera technology is making it possible to inspect upwards of 2000 connections/points per hour. This has allowed for a medium size facility to be inspected in two weeks by a team of two technicians.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The new camera technology is capable of detecting leaks over considerable distances depending on their size. Using a camera with multiple lenses from the air is an unbeatable way of spotting fugitive gases from barges, storage tanks and gas pipelines. The camera is able to survey several thousand points per hour and can be used to monitor the condition of gasoline refinery installations, natural gas pipelines, transfer stations, supertankers, moving railway tank cars and even landfills emitting methane gas and other chemicals into the environment.
Infrared Vision provide NDT Inspection Service for Severn Bridge trials
A programme of cable inspections was carried out on the Old Severn Bridge between April 2006 and January 2007 after corrosion was found in the cables of similar bridges in other parts of the world. Following these inspections a decision was taken by the Highways Agency to wrap the main cables in an impermeable material. After the wrapping programme is complete dry air will be blown through the small spaces between the wires inside the cables which will significantly reduce the rate of deterioration of the cables.
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As part of the initial trials Infrared Vision were commissioned to work closely with the team from the Severn Bridge Crossings to carry out NDT testing on a number of different products to determine the most effective type of heating system required for adhesion of the material used for wrapping the cables prior to the de-humidification stage.
RICS supports thermography for compliance with building Regulations
Has it gone amiss? Are the implications understood? Professionals in a number of related disciplines may not know of its function, but since September 2001 thermography has sat quietly within Part L2 of the building regulations.
Yes, believe it or not, I came across this article whilst browsing the website of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Although written almost three years ago it is as relevant now as it was when written.
Calculate 'your' Carbon Footprint
Watching footprints cooling on the floor I realised how these images could represent the worlds carbon usage. At one time the world was mainly carbon neutral before moving toward a period of carbon debt. Today, many people are actively reducing this debt, becoming green and at the same time gaining carbon credits. Why not work out your own carbon foot print using the latest carbon calculator. (Click here)
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carbon neutral |
carbon increase |
carbon debt |
going green |
carbon credit |
Thermography identifies broken bone
Our son recently fell off a swing in the local park. Complaining that he could not move his arm without pain we took him to a nearby hospital, (but not without first imaging his arm). On arrival at the hospital he was sent for an Xray which confirmed that he had a fracture of the radius bone. The image clearly shows an area of heat at the point of the fracture.
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Please feel free to call us on 08452 90 20 90 or use the online contact form.