These 46 things are the applications of thermal imaging.

Thermal imaging is a method of utilising infrared radiation and thermal energy to gather information about objects in order to formulate images of them, even in low visibility environments. 
It’s a type of technology that has built up a number of uses over the years. Aside from recognising heat, it can also be an effective form of night-vision technology with the capability in the total absence of any light (since it doesn’t rely on visible light), and can even work in different conditions such as smoke, fog, etc.
But how would thermal imaging be applied in different situations?
Can you really use it for different things other than searching for heat or heat patterns?

Let’s go back again to the very definition of thermal imaging.
The concept of thermal imaging is based on heat. 

All objects emit heat or infrared energy as a function of their temperature. The heat emitted by an object is known as its heat signature. With the increasing temperature of an object, the more radiation it emits. 

Thermal imaging makes use of infrared radiation with a special device called a thermal camera that acts as a heat sensor. 

The thermal camera is able to detect even minute differences in temperature. It collects the heat radiated by objects in the scene captured, then, creates an image based on that information.

The images created are called thermograms which display the relative temperatures of different objects with varying shades or colours. In a thermogram, warm objects -- usually people, animals, or machines -- stand out in contrast to cooler backgrounds.

Since most objects usually have a distinct heat signature, thermal cameras can be used to identify and distinguish it from another entity. These objects would then appear as distinct items in a thermal image.

Now that we’re formally introduced to the idea of thermal imaging, let’s explore its applications.

First off, thermal imaging traces its use in the Korean War where it was used in the military for operations such as night combat missions and scouting. 

Following the war, the technology has since been improved and has been seen in different practical applications which we will talk about below.

Wildlife and Veterinary

1. Hunting - Long time hunters can use this to observe game or wild animals without making too much fuss and risk being caught leading to an animals’ escape. This technology makes hunting more efficient and given the right person, accurate.

Decomposing rodent as seen with a thermal imaging camera.

2. Detection of Vermin - Vermins’ location can be pretty elusive. Using a thermal camera can help determine the location of rats, termites and other vermin without destroying walls or crawling through the roof.

Photo by Hu Chen on Unsplash

3. Wildlife Surveys - Carrying out wildlife surveys covers a huge range of space needed to be surveyed. Use a thermal camera to carry out wildlife surveys without the use of traps or other invasive methods.

4. Animal Rescue - A lot of people are always with their pets these days and they tend to bring it almost everywhere that  some even get lost. Use a thermal camera to look for stranded wildlife in hard-to-access or large areas.

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5. Animal Treatment - Animals can’t communicate their pain verbally but with the help of a thermal camera, abnormal or unusual heat points can be identified and could be linked to the source of pain of an animal.

Medical Applications

6. Plot Skin Temperature - Thermal imaging cameras can be used as a non-invasive way to detect the variations in skin temperature which may also detect other underlying issues in the body.

Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash

7. Detection of Musculoskeletal Problems - Thermal imaging has been found to have a moderate diagnostic accuracy for stress fractures and can be used to diagnose disorders related to the neck, back and limbs. 


8. Detection of Circulation Problems - Temperature gradients that indicate abnormal blood flow can be seen in the affected regions of patients with vascular disorders. The use of a thermal imaging camera can help in detecting the small temperature changes in the body due to vascular disorders. 


9. Cancer Detection - In some rare cases, thermal imaging scanners accidentally detect cancer in people who frequented establishments with these scanners. Although it can be used to indicate the presence of other cancers, the use of thermal imaging scanners is not recommended for early-stage diagnosis of cancer.


10. Infection - Potential infection areas from surgery can be detected with a thermal imaging device due to the prominence of abnormal temperature profiles surrounding the affected region of the body.

Security

11. Surveillance - Some things can’t be seen by the naked eye and that’s where thermal imaging comes in. It is used to observe or track people exhibiting unusual behavior within the vicinity.


12. Search and rescue - Since thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect living organisms with high accuracy, it can be used to locate people trapped inside darkened buildings or smoke-filled rooms.

Photo by Jay Heike on Unsplash

13. Firefighting - Aside from detecting people still trapped inside a burning enclosed establishment, thermal imaging can be used to identify spot fires or see if fires have been completely put out.

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14. Maritime navigation - Thermal imaging has proven its effectiveness in night time use in various applications, however, maritime industries began using it not too long ago to see other vessels or objects in the water during the night-time.

Photo by ZACHARY STAINES on Unsplash

15. Road safety - Some vehicles have a built-in thermal scanner to detect people or objects beyond what vehicle headlights can reach.


16. Drug busts - Before drugs can be used, they are cooked and in continuous high temperatures as well. Thermal imaging can then be used in buildings with suspected drug activity through the detection of suspicious high temperatures.


17. Military and Defense - Thermal imaging was first introduced in the military. As such, these cameras have been improved further for advanced operations and field training.

Air Quality Maintenance and Energy Efficiency 

Photo by JuniperPhoton on Unsplash

18. Air Quality - Thermal imaging can be used to monitor and measure air quality based on  the color depicted on the device. Some studies have also made use of thermal imaging technology to measure the dust particles in the air using advanced techniques.


19. Gas Detection - Thermal cameras can detect gas leaks by the way they behave given the sufficient temperature sensitivity and correct spectral range of the camera. Some thermal cameras, when calibrated, can be used to accurately detect the presence of different gases at industrial sites.


20. Preventive Maintenance - Preventive maintenance is done in order to prepare for any issues that may arise due to the condition of critical equipment. Trend analysis, gathered from routine preventive maintenance, helps tremendously in assuring that all equipment -- electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plant, and machinery -- are performing well to reduce operational downtime and maintenance cost. 


21. Disease Control - Thermal imaging scanners can be used to detect the changes in body temperature that may be a sign of disease. These are used in airports or in any other public place (should they have it) to scan all incoming passengers to look out for elevated temperature in the case of flu outbreaks.


22. Insulation Defects - Some insulation can have cold spots. In this case, the thermal imaging camera is able to detect cold sections and see if the places with insulation need replacing.

Photo by Levi Jones on Unsplash

23. Air Leakage - Air leakage can be checked in air conditioning, heater ducting or on windows to make sure that the air you have in a closed space gives a consistent temperature all throughout.


24. Heater Performance - Make sure the performance of a heater distributes heat properly and evenly in systems such as boilers, wood fires, and electric heaters to keep you warm and lessen the heat loss.


25. Glazing - Normally, a thermal imaging camera can’t see through glass, however, with the use of a special thermal imaging camera, sheet glass production can be seen and recorded thoroughly. 

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Want to know what thermal imaging cameras can see through? See our article for that here.

Mechanical Maintenance

26. HVAC maintenance and performance - Issues with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), when detected early, can help reduce the repair cost for these items. 


27. Pumps and motors - The heat from overheated pumps and motors means that the affected parts need repair or replacement because of overuse.

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

28. Bearings - To avoid slow pace in factories, detecting potential issues in bearings and conveyor belts using a thermal camera can help in maintaining a smooth operation.


29. Welding - Welding requires the metal temperature to be uniformly distributed. Make sure to confirm if a metal is heated uniformly to avoid potential welding problems.


30. Motor Vehicles - Detect specific vehicle mechanical issues like overheated bearings, parts with uneven temperatures, and exhaust leaks to maintain adequate vehicle performance.


31. Hydraulic systems - Inspection of hydraulic systems is easier with the use of a thermal imaging scanner to identify potential faulty points within hydraulic systems.


32. Aircraft maintenance - Thermal imaging cameras can be used to conduct fuselage inspection for aircraft damages such as de-bonding, cracks or loose components which can be overlooked at times.

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

33. Pipes and Ducts - Look for blocks in the flow of water inside pipes and ducts to be able to detect problems and plan out courses of action quicker. 


34. Non-destructive testing - Thermal imaging scanning is non-destructive and can be used to detect voids, delaminations, and water inclusion in composite materials without destroying the component itself.


35. Hydronic heating - Check the performance of in-slab or wall-panelled heating systems for any abnormalities in temperature and see if heat is distributed evenly.


36. Greenhouses - Thermal imaging can be used to see if there are problems in a garden or a greenhouse such as the presence of unwanted microorganisms or fungi.

Picture shows an internal leak from a glycol encapsulated stainless steel tank

37. Leak detection - The use of thermal imaging cameras in leak detection in any material can be more efficient and cost-effective.


38. Moisture-related issues - Thermal imaging cameras can be used to locate the source and extent of damage caused by moisture-related issues such as molds and rising damp. The presence of moisture, which can lead to the growth of microorganisms, can be damaging to equipment so early detection is helpful to be rid of them.


39. Restoration and rectification - As mentioned earlier, the presence of moisture can be damaging to a lot of things and in particular, can hinder restoration of material. Using thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture can be helpful in restoration and rectification of materials.

Electrical Maintenance

40. PCB Defects - Check for electrical defects on printed circuit boards such as electric short circuits, incorrectly located components during mounting and insufficient tin during soldering.

Picture shows which consume the most power in a miniature circuit breaker.

41. Power usage - Analyse which circuits on a switchboard are consuming the most power so actions can be made to balance and restore power consumed.

Picture shows hot joint which may cause damage if it’s not repaired immediately.

42. Hot or loose connectors - Detect defective connections or 'hot joints' before they cause long term irreversible damage to equipment or stock. 


43. Phase supply - Check for unbalanced phase supply (load) in equipment.


44. Underfloor heating - Find out if an electric underfloor heating is working properly or detect defects. 

Picture shows an overheated component. Power is mostly concentrated on the brightest spot.

45. Overheated components - Locate overheated substations, transformers and other electrical components with a thermal imaging scanner. Some thermal cameras are equipped with adjustable lenses and are often used by electric utilities and others to quickly check overhead power lines and transformers for issues.


46. Solar panels - Check for electrical defects, micro-fractures or 'hot spots' in solar PV panels to maximize its use.

Thermal imaging is one of the most important sensing technologies that are applied to the detection and monitoring of equipment. With improving technology over the last few years, it has been used in various commercial and professional applications such as the ones mentioned in this article. 

Choosing a thermal imaging service provider that can supply your needs and provide good service

Choosing a thermal imaging service provider can sometimes be quite a challenge. Wouldn’t you want someone who could give you the best value for your money?

Thermal imaging cameras are vital in the business and it is important that your thermal imaging service provider uses the best ones available to ensure the clarity of the images.

InfraScan Thermal Imaging Sydney assures you that our services are equipped to handle various thermal imaging needs. 

Our team is equipped to handle high-temperature scanning of up to 1500°C safely and effectively, which makes it suitable for any kind of application most especially to building inspections and construction.

Our principal focus is thermal imaging of electrical switchgear, but we routinely scan bearings, gearboxes, transformers, motors, plant, and production equipment.