Infrared thermography is the technique that "makes visible" thermal heat radiated by living objects and systems. A thermal image obtained by infrared sensing allows for immediate thermal visualization of a structure or material.
Thermal diagnosis
Thermal diagnosis is possible in various fields (construction, veterinary science, ecology) for various applications (aid in artwork renovation, technology development, maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment, insurance evaluation).
Infrared Thermography : Infrared Camera
Thermal diagnosis by infrared thermography requires three steps :
- shooting with infrared thermography camera
- thermographic images processing software
- result readout and processing
Applications :
In construction industry, infrared thermography backed by thermograms and a range of colors helps detect heat losses of any building. Thanks to this technique, one can localize sources of moisture, leaks, seepage, which is critical to cut down potential risks. Besides, thermography helps detect and monitor heat pipes embedded and integrated into buildings. Thermal diagnosis is capable of preventing defects that can lead to costly reparations and eventually customers’ complaints.
Infrared thermography : Enhanced building insulation
When it comes to energy conservation, thermography is used additionally along with infiltrometry to measure the differential pressure and test the permeability of building envelopes, the air exchange rates and the quality of air.
Infrared thermography to fight infiltrations
In medical applications, thermography helps detect local overheating. This technique is used for trauma sensing and hypothermia monitoring. Studies on the skin temperature using infrared thermography enable to assess the physiological condition of the skin and underlying tissues. This represents a large interest for diagnosis of diseases and therapeutic procedures monitoring related to vascularization : Ambustion, grafting, ischemia, angiogenesis and angioplasty.
Infrared thermography in medicine
Courtesy of Jeremy and Noureddine - IUT Robert Schuman Illkirch
Illustrations: DER Thermography
