Thermal image pictures

[fattony]

Hi

ive been asked by a couple of different clients to take thermal images of distribution boards, this isn't something I've done before but interested in undertaking it, I know the camera starts at £1k but it's the report which I'm curious about.

is there an industry standard for the layout of the report, do the cameras come with software which has the report layout on and can anyone recommend a camera?

potentially I'll be doing this at 5 sites annually (insurance requirement) if it was a one off I wouldn't bother

thanks in advance

 

[Hellmooth]

Not sure too be honest mate didn't think there was, would be interesting to find out if there is!

 

[fattony]

Not sure too be honest mate didn't think there was, would be interesting to find out if there is!

Likewise, I thought this was a specialist area hence the assumption of the report etc but the more I read the more it seems like anyone can do it, appreciate its not rocket science

 

[Richard Burns]

Proper interpretation of thermal imaging can be quite complex to apply effectively.
It is easy to say there is a hot spot but it is not so easy to properly define when something is a problem and also where that problem may be.
A training course of some sort would be a good move to ensure that you are providing a competent service.

As this is for an insurance companies purposes it would be best to check what the actual requirements from the insurance company are, they may not be sensible but it is best to know what they are expecting, it may be easier than anticipated.

 

[Brightspark2]

Proper interpretation of thermal imaging can be quite complex to apply effectively.
It is easy to say there is a hot spot but it is not so easy to properly define when something is a problem and also where that problem may be.
A training course of some sort would be a good move to ensure that you are providing a competent service.

As this is for an insurance companies purposes it would be best to check what the actual requirements from the insurance company are, they may not be sensible but it is best to know what they are expecting, it may be easier than anticipated.

I'd recommend a training course too , we also sub this work, the reports come with a standard digital picture and thermal picture for each DB.

You see you need to understand what you are seeing, it isn't just a case of buy a camera point at object and job done. Different materials have different properties which you need to know, can't quite remember but it includes the reflectivity or something similar. When I go round with the guy, on some surfaces you can actually see us being reflected in it, even though to the naked eye you can see nothing and this can effect your results.

 

[martinh287]

Our course was 1/2 day done by a company called pass. You basically learnt how to switch the camera on and point it and some of the functions on the camera.

you don't learn much about interpretation of the results. Just every material has different emissivity values and to get a accurate result of the material you need to know the emissivity value and background temp and probably other stuff that we weren't told.

Using the camera is the easy bit. I would look at maybe a three or 5 day course if I was you

 

[PEG]

Proper interpretation of thermal imaging can be quite complex to apply effectively.
It is easy to say there is a hot spot but it is not so easy to properly define when something is a problem and also where that problem may be.
A training course of some sort would be a good move to ensure that you are providing a competent service.

As this is for an insurance companies purposes it would be best to check what the actual requirements from the insurance company are, they may not be sensible but it is best to know what they are expecting, it may be easier than anticipated.

Exactly what i was thinking...You can set parameters,which make the board look like it is about to self-combust...then you look at the temps,and all is well....

I reckon a surface temp read would yield better information...but i am a Luddite :yes:

 

[tlangdon12]

Hi bt

Your inspections should include:

Header Data:
- Customer/client name
- The name of the person who has commissioned the report and who you will deliver it to
- Your Company Name and the name of the inspector (you)

Detailed Data:
- List of Sites Inspected and dates of inspection
- List of Boards inspected

Method Statement - how will the work be carried

Limitations of approach - to ensure the customer realises what the inspection method cannot achieve

Findings/measurements per board

Assessment of Risks and recommendations of remedial works or further inspections to be carried out.



If this thermal inspection is part of a larger Test and Inspection exercise, the report format will be similar, but just include the method & limits of the thermal inspection in the methods & limitations sections, and the thermal data in the findings./measurements sections, etc.

As for pricing, day rate + depreciation on the camera seems appropriate. The camera should last at least five years if used only five times a year, and I wouldn't depreciate any item of portable equipment over a longer period than this.

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Hi all, as purchasing the equipment can be an expensive financial outlay for some, we also hire a very wide range of FLIR thermal camera models which would cost between £700-24,000, starting at £85+VAT for 3 days hire.

You can download a freeware software utility called FLIR tools from the manufacturer's website which will allow you to comprise thermal reports for your customers.

If anyone would like further information, don't hesitate to PM us or call on 01132 48 99 66.