Uses Of Thermography And Thermal Imagers

Thermal imagers are devices used in the measurement of surface temperatures of practically any conceivable surface. This non contact temperature measurement technology produces relative temperature readings with an accuracy of 99 percent while absolute temperature readings are achieved with an accuracy of 97 percent. This technological breakthrough was achieved after years of research into more efficient ways of coming up with accurate contact temperature readings.

 The technology is used by law enforcement to locate criminals and aid in directing enforcers in their duties.  The Thermal Imagers assist firefighters to find lost persons, pinpoint the exact base of the fire and see through thick smoke.  Industry maintenance technicians use thermal imagers to locate power line sections that are prone to failure as well as any joints that may be overheating.  Building construction and structural technicians use thermal imagers signatures to pin point heat leaks in thermal insulation systems that are faulty before carrying out repairs for a more efficient heating and air conditioning system.  Thermal imagers are used in the medical field for a vast array of uses such as in the detection of physiological changes in a human being or animal during the initial stages of clinical diagnostics. So important is the use of IR and thermal imagers in the medical field that it necessitated to have regulatory bodies such as the International Academy of Clinical Thermology and the American Academy of Medical Infrared Imaging.  Other applications of thermal imagery include security surveillance, nondestructive testing, process controls in industry, night vision devices etc. Surface reflections and differing emissivity’s’ present some challenges for thermal imagers.