During the past few months, there has been considerable interest in the use of small remote control aircraft or drones to conduct airborne infrared inspections.
The availability of compact thermal imagers capable of wireless communication and powerful, radio-controlled helicopters have enabled some thermographers to assemble airborne imaging systems for infrared imaging building exteriors, flat roofs, and large photovoltaic installations. Although the marriage of drones and thermal imagers offers opportunities, there are some challenges to this innovative approach.
Presently, one of the greatest challenges in the United States involves Federal Aviation Administration regulations which mandate that drone operators who sell their imagery be certified as commercial operators. It will be interesting to see how regulations evolve was the FAA develops more specific rules governing the operation of drones used for commercial imaging purposes.
Infraspection Training Partner Receives AINDT Approval
The Australian Institute for Non Destructive Testing (AINDT) recently named IPI Learning as the newest Approved Training Body for the Level I Certified Infrared Training course. IPI Learning has been conducting Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses throughout Australia, Oceania, and South Africa since 2008.
Utilizing course materials licensed from Infraspection Institute, IPI Learning’s Level I course meets both international and local training standards. The course is taught by practicing thermographers who understand the real world challenges facing thermographers today. With decades of industry experience, IPI instructors offer a wealth of knowledge, and use it at every opportunity to illustrate the practical aspects of the principles they are teaching.
AINDT’s approval is testament to the hard work and professionalism of IPI Learning and the quality of Infraspection Institute’s educational materials.
Have you ever wondered what the size of your imager’s field of view is at a given distance? If you know the visual field of view specifications for a thermal imager, it is possible to calculate the size of your imager’s viewing area for any given distance using a scientific calculator. The formula for this calculation is:
{(tangent 1/2 viewing angle) x distance} x 2
To apply the above formula, follow these steps:
Determine your imager’s Field of View (in degrees) from the manufacturer’s specs.
Divide the value from Step 1 by 2
Determine tangent of number obtained in Step 2
Multiply number in Step 3 by distance from imager lens to object.
Multiply number in obtained in Step 4 by 2. This will be the width of the imager’s field of view at the specified distance.
Example: Calculate field of view for 16° lens at 25′.
(tan 8° x 25′) x 2 =
(0.140541 x 25′) x 2 =
(3.513525′) x 2 = ˜ 7.0′
If your imager specifies different Field of View values for horizontal and vertical, it will be necessary to calculate each value separately. Calculated values should be used for estimation purposes as actual values may vary slightly.
Infraspection Institute is pleased to announce that its annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2015, will be held January 18 – 21, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now in its 26th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.
Infraspection Institute is presently seeking papers and presenters for IR/INFO 2015. 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 25 minutes with 5 minutes for Q & A time with the audience. All papers and presentations will be published in the IR/INFO Proceedings. The deadline for abstract submissions is July 31.
The Australian Institute for Non Destructive Testing (AINDT) recently named IPI Learning as the newest Approved Training Body for the Level I Certified Infrared Training course. IPI Learning has been conducting Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses throughout Australia, Oceania, and South Africa since 2008.
Have you ever wondered what the size of your imager’s field of view is at a given distance? If you know the visual field of view specifications for a thermal imager, it is possible to calculate the size of your imager’s viewing area for any given distance using a scientific calculator. The formula for this calculation is:
