Friday, 14 November 2014

Infrared Inspection Is An Accurate But Expensive Method

By Mayra Pierce


Review of systems without causing any disturbance to the functioning is often required. Infrared Inspection refers to the method of investigation of systems with the help of sensors of the electromagnetic type. Ultraviolet technology is preferred for control of systems that are difficult to access.

This type of examination is entirely safe as it does not alter the target system and also does not disturb its functioning. Prior to this, other methods including ultrasound techniques and radiology methods were used. Proving to be safer, faster and more accurate, ultraviolet technology soon replaced these traditional systems which would also interfere with the target system earlier.

All materials radiate infrared waves. Cameras or ultraviolet sensors can be used to create an image of this energy. A light source may or may not be required to capture these images in the form of heat imaging. If an exterior source of energy is used, it is referred to as an active process, else it is called passive. In the case of extremely low temperatures, the sensors are rendered useless, and it is often that these are used hand in hand with other devices for a better picture.

Every item in nature emits some infrared energy. Thermal cameras are used to capture and convert the ultraviolet energy into a visible image. These cameras passively identify objects without requiring a light source. However, cameras are not used for objects that are frigid as they do not detect such low temperatures. An active energy source may also be used in conjunction with these thermal cameras.

Thermal imagery process has many benefits. It is a very precise process, and dangerous systems and otherwise inaccessible regions can be quickly covered with this process. It can be used in dark and also for capturing objects in motion. It has many uses in applications of thermal mapping, infrared and night cameras, surveillance measures, medical and health care and many other inspection forms wherein the target cannot be disturbed or come into contact with.

Infrared thermal control, however, has drawbacks. The technology is pretty expensive, and good thermal cameras come at a high price. They are an integral part of the measurement and compromising on camera quality will lead to poorer results of the investigation with captured values having a lot of inconsistencies in temperature measurements.

Another problem that the infrared process faces is natural and other external causes which lie largely beyond its control. Temperature changes are rapid and frequent and can be caused by very different reasons. Also, other bodies around the target to be inspected may emit waves of their own or reflect other waves. The climate also plays a part in the imaging process as also does the weather.

Infrared technology is rising and provides an accurate method for imaging. Electromagnetic Inspection has increasingly substituted traditional methods and is also more precise and harm free. Applications are various and across many verticals, but the cost, being on the higher side still offers some resistance to growth. But, with technology evolving at a brisk pace, acceptance is bound to soar, and it is only a matter of time till this imaging technology becomes affordable.




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