THERMOGRAPHY
Any object above absolute zero (-273C) has thermal energy emitting from it. Although this thermal energy is invisible to the naked eye, we can, by using specialist camera equipment, see and measure it. Unlike normal cameras that transform beams of light into electronic images, infrared imaging devises can provide electronic images out of thermal emissions.
These are called 'Thermal Images'.
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Why is thermal imaging so useful?
- Thermal Imaging is done in real time. It allows fast scanning of subjects and produces immediate images that can be used for analysis. (Contact type temperature measuring devices will always act with a certain amount of delay).
- As Thermal Imaging is a non-contact and remote means of temperature measurement it can be used effectively, on both still and moving subjects, whilst at all times placing the person carrying out the survey in a safe position.
- We can measure temperature in two points or a hundred points in the same Thermal Image. A Thermal Image will show us where the problem is without having any prior knowledge of where temperature measurement should be taken.
From the above information we are able to define Thermal Imaging or Thermography as, the science of acquiring and evaluating thermal information collected through the use of infrared imaging devices.