As the awareness of non-contact temperature measurement has increased, spot radiometers have become common tools in the workplace. Discrepancies frequently arise when temperatures taken with spot radiometers are compared to temperatures obtained with an imaging radiometer.
Advances in technology and increased sales volume have allowed several manufacturers of spot radiometers to offer a number of models priced below $100. Lower cost, combined with a greater awareness of infrared thermometry, has allowed most maintenance personnel to incorporate spot radiometers into their toolboxes.
When a thermographer reports temperatures obtained with an imaging radiometer, maintenance personnel will frequently attempt to cross-verify reported temperatures with a spot radiometer. In such situations, discrepancies are common as the spot sizes of imaging radiometers and spot radiometers often vary widely. In order to ensure measurement accuracy and avoid discrepancies, one should bear the following in mind:
For accurate temperature measurement, radiometers must be operated correctly and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
Radiometer accuracy can degrade over time or with physical stress
Spot radiometers will generally have spot measurement sizes that are larger than imaging radiometers
When spot measurement sizes vary between instruments, reliable cross-verification may not be possible
To avoid discrepancies, personnel who utilize infrared radiometers should be trained in the proper use of their test equipment along with its limitations. Personnel must also understand how the characteristics of infrared instruments affect the accuracy of observed temperatures. Lastly, cross-verification of temperatures should be avoided when radiometer capabilities differ from each other.
Onsite Training
If you have four or more employees who need infrared training and certification, an on-site training class might be right for you. On-site training classes eliminate employee travel expenses and can be scheduled at your convenience. Best of all, on-site training can be customized to meet your company’s specific needs!
Since Infraspection Institute do not manufacture or sell infrared equipment, our courses are presented without marketing hype and are relevant to all brands of thermal imagers. Our training courses are taught using a combination of dynamic multi-media presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and one-on-one interaction with students, all of which are designed to maximize each student’s learning experience.
Call us today for a free quotation and let us show you how affordable on-site training can be.
Most modern thermal imagers have the ability to record time and date along with thermal images. Taking a moment to ensure that the correct time and date are displayed on your imager before you begin your inspection can help to avoid wasted time and the collection of inaccurate data.
Having the correct time associated with your imagery is important for several reasons. With correctly dated imagery, it is possible to:
Accurately document when an inspection was performed
Easily store and uniquely reference image files
Record the duration of a thermal event
It is always good practice to consciously check your imager’s clock each time you start your imager and make any necessary adjustments. Be certain to check the clock periodically during each inspection and whenever the imager is restarted, such as after a battery change or power interruption.
If your imager frequently displays incorrect time, it may be indicative of a defective or dead internal battery. To avoid this problem, arrange for replacement of internal clock batteries whenever you have your imager serviced or repaired.
Infraspection Institute are pleased to announce that our annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2019, will be held January 20 – 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now in its 30th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.
We are presently seeking papers and presenters for IR/INFO 2019. Invited topics include, but are not limited to: safety, emerging applications, building sciences, related NDT, case histories, as well as tips and tricks.
Presentations are typically 20-25 minutes with 5 minutes for questions and answers with the audience. All papers and presentations will be published in the IR/INFO Conference Proceedings. The deadline for abstract submissions is July 31.
If you have four or more employees who need infrared training and certification, an on-site training class might be right for you. On-site training classes eliminate employee travel expenses and can be scheduled at your convenience. Best of all, on-site training can be customized to meet your company’s specific needs!
Most modern thermal imagers have the ability to record time and date along with thermal images. Taking a moment to ensure that the correct time and date are displayed on your imager before you begin your inspection can help to avoid wasted time and the collection of inaccurate data.
Infraspection Institute are pleased to announce that our annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2019, will be held January 20 – 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now in its 30th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.
