Special equipment should be used to evaluate the thermal radiation performance of construction sites. The simplest option is a thermal imager, which captures the current state of the object or structure being examined, transmitting the processed information to the screen in the form of thermography. Such devices are used mainly in the construction industry to analyze heat loss, for example in a roofing or walls. Also, devices are used in factories to assess the already power loads on various devices and mechanisms. One way or another, in both cases, thermal imagers are used to inspect buildings and structures, allowing more accurate calculations of the characteristics of the object and reduce the risk of possible errors.
Device Overview
Externally, the device resembles a conventional small-sized video camera, supplemented with a handle for easy operation. The thermal imager includes a lens, a liquid crystal screen, buttons, a camera and latches. A significant difference between such devices is the presence in the design of a thermal sensor and a laser pointer, which positions the point at which the examination is carried out. As for the interface and communication tools, in this part too, thermal imagers for examining buildings and structures practically copy the capabilities of modern photographic equipment. Even economy-class models come with USB connectors, video outputs, and microphones. To store data, memory cards are used, in particular the MicroSD format. The user interacts with the thermal imager system through the LCD screen and menu.
Operating principle
Traditional thermal imaging equipment operates on the basis of the conversion of radiated infrared energy into an electrical signal. In modern models, special bolometer sensors are used. By design, they are matrix elements with thin-film thermistors of miniature size. During the examination, the lens perceives infrared radiation, focusing its energy on the matrix, as a result of which the functional element is heated in accordance with the temperature of the target object. The result of this process is a color image in the form of thermography, which is displayed on the display. In the latest versions, thermal imagers for inspection of buildings and structures are equipped with uncooled bolometers. This technology provides high-precision determination of temperature indicators of objects. An increase in the level of reliability and safety of sensitive elements of this type is also noted.
Main characteristics
One of the main indicators of the level of operability of a thermal imager is the spectral range of measurements. The wider the corridor of these values, the more functional the apparatus. For example, representatives of the highest category of such devices provide the possibility of examination in the range from -20 to 400 ° C. But it is important to consider that this spectrum can be covered by several operating modes. So, the basic format assumes a range from -20 to 150 ° C, and the additional one shifts it to 400 ° C. At the same time, standard thermal imagers for inspecting buildings and structures rarely go abroad 350 ° C. Another important feature is the resolution. The detail of thermography and, accordingly, the accuracy of the information about the thermal state of the object that the user receives will depend on it. Also during operation, the dimensions of the device matter. That is, the case itself with its shape and size is not always fundamental, but the screen settings can facilitate the workflow. In the simplest versions of the detector, a 160 x 120 pixel display is used, and professional devices are increasingly equipped with 320 x 240 pixel format modules.
Inspection Technique
The device is controlled through buttons that allow you to activate the device’s camera, take pictures, save them, and adjust focus. Manufacturers recommend about 10 minutes to get accurate shots. keep the device in place of examination without activating the operating mode. The following is the main part of the user's work - focus adjustment. Most models provide a manual method of adjustment, but in expensive devices, automatic systems are often found. One way or another, the main task at this stage is to capture a clear picture of the surface. Then, a direct thermal inspection of buildings and structures is carried out by converting infrared radiation into a digital image or video format. It is important to note that shiny surfaces and unpainted metals are quite problematic in terms of analyzing their temperature state. It is for these types of objects that a special adjustment of the radiation parameters is required.
Examination Parameters
In addition to adjusting the emissivity, the user can control other characteristics of the survey. In particular, several modern operating modes are offered to choose from in modern instruments, including analysis along the line, by point, or by region. Immediately before work, you should also determine the distance, and if necessary, the range of possible temperatures and the correction. Also, building thermal imagers for building surveys can provide ample opportunities for automatic operation. This can be an option for autosaving of materials, selection of optimal image parameters, etc.
Manufacturer's Reviews
Among builders, Fluke measuring devices are quite well-known. In particular, the Ti400 model is characterized as a convenient and high-precision thermal imager, optimally suited for solving professional problems. The detector is also good because it does not cause any special difficulties in the control process, for which non-specialists also appreciate it. As an alternative, Condtrol products are also recommended, the quality of which is also confirmed by the reviews. Thermal imagers for examining buildings and structures of this brand give a clear image of thermography and are distinguished by good ergonomics. True, some models have a drawback in the form of errors when performing surveys at a long distance.
How much does a thermal imager cost?
Devices for private use in everyday life can cost about 30 thousand rubles. These are devices without additional functionality that are focused on a fairly average analysis of thermal radiation. Exact information that is required for construction projects or accounting for production standards can be provided by professional thermal imagers for examining buildings and structures, the price of which is about 200-300 thousand rubles. And this is far from the limit for such devices. Multifunctional devices with advanced optics and an advanced interface can cost 500 thousand rubles. Another thing is that they are used in critical operations on an industrial scale, and for domestic needs you can limit yourself to modest thermal imagers for 30-40 thousand rubles.
What to consider when choosing?
Of course, you should not start from the price tag alone when choosing. First of all, the measurement conditions for which the device is purchased are evaluated. The primary criterion in this part will be the temperature range covered by the sensor. For example, if there is a question about which thermal imager to choose for a private home examination, then a model operating in the range of -20 to 300 ° C will be quite enough. Next, you need to determine the format for the presentation of thermography data. It can be photo materials or video. For domestic use, you can limit yourself to shooting images - this will save a considerable amount when buying.
Conclusion
Thermal imaging equipment is not cheap, therefore, such a purchase should be approached responsibly. It is rarely purchased for one-time events, but the presence of such a device will not be superfluous in the economy of private house owners. In such cases, it is worth initially focusing on household thermal imagers for examining buildings and structures. The services of specialists who carry out similar operations on their equipment are estimated at 5-10 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on the area of the house, the format of the survey, the method of presenting the report, etc. It is obvious that for a regular check of the premises for the presence of heat leaks, it is more advisable to acquire your own thermal imager.