Infrared Thermography

A Non-invasive Method of Diagnostic Analysis:

Providing Thermal Imaging Services for Industrial - Commercial - Residential and Equine applications as a solution to a vast number of diagnostic problems which can be evaluated by the altered heat signature which all things on earth emit.

We service Nashville, Middle Tennessee and other select National locations.

 

Infrared thermography is a time-tested scientific application of measuring thermal energy, or the temperature of objects around us. 

This technology has recently become more popular as advanced electronic technology has made the thermal imaging equipment more affordable whereby it can be utilized as a cost effective means of identifying adverse conditions all around us.

Everything around us has a specific heat signature and emits infrared light in different proportions, referred to as emissivity.This emitted heat is absorbed from other heat sources around it and is re-emitted, or is the source of the generated heat. 

Unlike the reflected light our eyes see, the infrared camera sees heat energy which is radiated from objects as well as reflected from other heat sources. The thermal imaging equipment can virtually "see in the dark".

When conditions change in a viewed object, a temperature differential or anomaly becomes apparent. Identification of exactly what the anomaly is must be further investigated with other testing equipment to verify the source.

Things that cause an anomaly are numerous. They often occur from:

  • Air infiltration: due to inadequate building envelopes or air leakage from mechanical equipment.
  • Moisture intrusion: water retains its heat longer and appears warm.
  • Evaporative cooling: liquids cool below the ambient air temperature as they evaporate and appear cool.
  • Condensation: water vapor warms the cool object that condenses water vapor to a liquid.
  • Specific density changes: the ability of a substance to retain its heat will change when deterioration from rot or insect infestation occurs.
  • Changes in fluid flow: increased or decreased fluid flow are apparent during the heat exchange in hydronic heating equipment and even blood flow.

 A thermal scan is not actually a photograph, rather a display of 307,200 individual temperature readings (in some cameras).

Advantages of thermal imaging is that non-contact temperature acquisition can be obtained without touching the object. This is particularly advantageous when we are not able to access the object  (for safety reasons) or that a system must otherwise be shut down for evaluation.

Two-dimensional evaluations can be made by comparing the temperature of multiple targets within the same scan. This temperature differential between like objects produces the anomalies which we seek.

Thermal imaging is real-time. It is not necessary to wait for processing of images and immediate evaluations can be obtained.

Thermal Imaging is Not:

  • Night vision: night vision equipment amplifies visual light.
  • X-ray vision-thermal imaging can not "see-through" opaque objects.
  • A mold detector: thermal imaging detects the effects of moisture which is always related to the growth of mold spores.
  • More sensitive than human touch: thermal sensors of the skin are more sensitive to temperature change than most electronic equipment.

Frequent Uses of Thermal Imaging:

  • Estimated R-values of building components: used in detection of inadequate or deteriorated insulation of the building envelope.
  • Detection of air infiltration: accounts for more than 30% of building energy losses.
  • Equipment performance: the first sign of impending equipment failure is increased heat.
  • Equine/veterinary evaluation: the first reaction to inflammation or injury is the increase of blood flow which is readily identifiable through thermal imaging. 

View the Slide Show for examples of thermal imaging applications.

We perform Thermal Imaging Services throughout Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky. 

Based in Clarksville TN,  accessibility to economic air travel is available to many National locations which extends our services well beyond the Middle Tenn areas. 

If you are located in an area serviced by Southwest Airlines out of their hub in Nashville (BNA) contact us with your Infrared Thermography needs.