What is Thermal Imaging?
Also referred to as thermography, thermal scanning or infrared imaging, thermal imaging is the means through which humans can see the infrared part of the light spectrum.
To the left are two images of a Cummins diesel marine engine being operated during a sea trial. The thermal image is on the left and the Thermal MSX® image is on the right.
Left image is of a hull thermal image alone and the right image is the Thermal MSX® image.
As evidenced from the images above, the MSX® technology in the FLIR® camera provides a crisp clean image which enables us to better identify and pinpoint problems.
Why is Thermal Imaging Important?
Thermal imaging allows surveyors to determine potential problems that may not be seen using typical evaluating devices and equipment. Marine surveys are done using non-damaging approaches. This means it is a general policy not to disassemble components for evaluation. Observation is used to discover any misalignment or extreme wear on various components such as the power guiding pump, alternator or the electrical panel. If a malfunction or possible problem cannot be seen with the naked eyes or listened to, the surveyor may not realize there is a problem with a unit.
Using thermal checks helps identify potential problems that cannot be seen or listened to such as heat exchangers for engine cooling systems and manifolds. Thermal scanning can help identify coolant blockage that may harm the engine. This is done without having to remove the item from the engine or dismantling it. Thermal scanning can also be used to inspect the electric panel powering onboard electrical systems.
While the demand for electrical and mechanical professionals is still needed, thermal imaging enables the marine surveyor to identify possible problems before the purchase.
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How Does Thermal Imaging Really Work?
Everything produces some level of radiant heat. As a result of this, thermal imaging is the perfect equipment for observing temperature abnormalities which are common in electric tools, machinery and solids including fiberglass, wood and light weight steel and aluminum. Thermal imaging does not rely on light. They can see in total darkness.
Thermal imaging is also used in other industries for pre-failure inspections and upkeep inspections of machinery. While it is somewhat a new innovation in marine surveys, thermal imaging is used extensively in surveying business aircraft hulls and systems.
The thermographic camera is the tool used in thermal imaging. It looks the same as a portable digital video camera. Our company uses FLIR® brand infrared cameras which rely on MSX® Thermal Image Enhancement. The MSX® technology adds details from the onboard visible light camera to the whole infrared image in real time. This leads to an all-in-one thermal picture with labels, numbers and other structural features. You will be able to recognize an object and where the problem is instantly.
A special lens on an infrared camera focuses the infrared light sent out by the things in view. With the MSX®, the electronic camera has an additional lens that captures the digital image and every image produces 3 images. Using the FLIR ® software, the pictures taken can be watched in 3 formats: digital image, thermal image and thermal MSX. Thermal MSX overlays the digital image over the thermal image to produce a clear and easier to recognize image.
1. Digital Image 2. Thermal Image 3. Thermal MSX
The Thermal MSX image actually overlays the digital image over the thermal image to produce an image that is clear and easier to recognize.
So What Are the Benefits of Thermal Imaging?
There are numerous benefits to thermal imaging in many industries. In the marine industry there are many advantages to thermal imaging. Some of these advantages are
- No contact is required. The surveyor will be out of danger while at the same time being able to examine moving as well as high temperature components in the engine room. No contact further means the surveyor will be able to examine high voltage electrical components safely.
- It is real time. Thermal scanning allows super-fast scanning and recording of stationary targets.
- Thermal patterns can be seen. For a buyer, being able to see thermal patterns reduces the time and money spent hiring mechanics and technicians. Thermal imaging helps see problems without having to troubleshoot or disassemble components. Thermographic images help identify temperature anomalies fast.
- Enhances a marine survey report. Thermal imaging on such components as transmissions, engines, electrical systems, tanks, decks, hulls and electrical devices helps you know if the components will malfunction, leak or delaminate prior to the purchase of the vessel. We offer thermal imaging without extra costs.
How Does Thermography Make Your Vessel Safer?
Thermography can sense abnormal heat thus helping prevent electrical fires. Thermal imaging is also able to detect leaking fuel or water from the tanks. This can help you prevent an explosions or water damage. Thermal imaging helps detect temperature anomalies in the transmissions or engines. This will help prevent costly transmission or engine repairs. Thermal imaging is also able to identify delamination.
With the help of thermal imagining, trained marine surveyors are able to identify potential structural problems that may be missed when using traditional inspection methods.
The images to the right are issues of delamination that were identified by the use of thermal imaging. The use of thermal cameras in the marine surveying industry helps the trained surveyor to identify potential structural issues that may be missed by using traditional methods.
At Sun Coast Marine Surveyor we still utilize basic attempted and true approach of checking that has been educated for decades. We use techniques like GRP33 dampness meters and percussion soundings. The added benefit of using thermal cameras with MSX ® Imaging is one of the key things that separate us from other marine surveyors.
Thermal image of a onboard generator operating under a load.
Thermal image of a Cummins Diesel engine
Infrared thermal image of hull delamination on the lower right side of the image.
Infrared thermal image of a hull bottom with hidden delamination under the fiberglass