A thermal imaging camera is a camera that converts part of the infrared light of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) into an image or video. A human looks into the visual part of the EMS between 380nm and 780nm. But thermal imaging cameras are built primarily to view the IR spectrum from 780nm - 14000nm. You could divide the systems into 2 major groups. Namely measuring instruments and surveillance cameras.
In the market, you come across several synonyms for the word "thermal imaging camera. Some examples include: thermal camera, infrared camera, thermal camera, thermal camera, IR camera, thermographic camera, thermocamera, ... All of these descriptions actually reflect a bit of what the thermal imaging camera does, which is to give us insight into how heat is distributed over a particular area or surface.
Consequently, there are a huge number of different types of cameras, just as there are for visual cameras. There are fixed setups for continuous monitoring, but there are also portable systems that can be taken into the field on a battery. To understand exactly what a thermal imaging camera does, it is important to understand the concepts of heat and 'infrared light' well described.
A thermal imaging camera is thus able to capture an amount of convert infrared light into a thermal image. This image contains the ratio of thermal radiation of different objects and allows us to analyze the status of these objects and how they behave in relation to each other. The science for analyzing these thermal images is called thermography.
So a thermal imaging camera, also known as a thermal camera or infrared camera, converts invisible infrared light into a clear image or video. Whereas the human eye only perceives visible light between 380nm and 780nm, a thermal imaging camera looks precisely at the infrared spectrum between 780nm and 14,000nm. Thus, thermal differences become visible that are invisible to the naked eye.
All these terms refer to the same principle: mapping heat distribution in an environment or on a surface.
As with ordinary cameras, there are different types of thermal imaging cameras:
A thermal imaging camera receives IR radiation in a specific wavelength. This radiation is optimally transmitted through a lens to the detector. This in turn transmits the information to the electronics that convert the image to a monitor or viewfinder with or without the help of an additional computer.
So for taking a visual picture, there is a different sensor that is sensitive to visual light. This is why many thermal imaging cameras are equipped with both a visual camera and a thermal sensor. Some properties of light are the same for a visual camera as for an IR camera. But there are also certainly a lot of differences.
It is up to the thermographer to interpret these images correctly, taking into account the spectral properties of the IR spectrum, the capabilities of the camera and environmental factors.
Learn more about the IR spectrum, and about the entire electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) in our article What is infrared light?
So a thermal imager captures infrared radiation through a lens. This radiation is converted into electrical signals by a detector, then electronics translate it into a visible thermal image on the screen. Many modern cameras combine a visual sensor (for ordinary photographs) with a thermal sensor, so you can make instant comparisons.
Key features:
Although a thermal imaging camera is often used to measure temperatures, it is not always the most accurate instrument.
The thermographer has a huge impact on how well the thermal measurement is performed by setting radiation parameters such as emission, reflection and transmission. For this, it is recommended to take courses and/or verify that the thermographer is competent in his field. The knowledge required to analyze thermographic images is vastly underestimated. This also applies to other measuring instruments. But because the camera immediately produces an image with a temperature, it is often considered a simple measuring instrument.
The success of a thermal examination depends greatly on the expertise of the thermographer. Correctly interpreting images requires knowledge of:
Tip: Always follow the advice of a certified thermographer and note ISO certification, such as our own ISO Level 3 thermographers.
Nevertheless, the thermal imaging camera is the most appropriate measurement tool for imaging the ratio of heat.
As a result, thermal imaging cameras can be used on an infinite number of applications.
The most common applications are building thermography and measuring electrical panels. But the list of possibilities is endless. A small selection of the possible sectors in which thermal imaging cameras have already proven their usefulness are: preventive maintenance in industry, gas visualization/Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) , medical sector, automotive industry, surveillance, chemical and petrochemical sector, food industry, electronics and consumer goods, science and research , aerospace, research on plants and animals, ...
Thermal imaging cameras are thus used in numerous industries. The most common applications are:
Because of the wide range of options available, it is important that you get guidance from the right people with knowledge and experience to have a thermographic study done, or before purchasing a thermal camera.
Quality and usefulness of thermal imaging cameras are distinguished in several areas. The most important ones can be assigned to the following aspects:
The right choice depends on your application. Consider, among other things:
Opinion: Always be accompanied by a specialist with experience in thermography, like the team at Thermal Focus.
A thermal imaging camera, also called a thermal camera or infrared camera, converts invisible infrared light into a visible thermal image. It allows you to quickly and accurately image temperature differences and the distribution of heat on surfaces.
Thermal imaging cameras are used for building inspections, checking electrical installations, preventive maintenance in industry, gas detection, security, medical applications, research and in the automotive sector, among others.
Fixed cameras are designed for continuous monitoring in one location, such as in industry or security. Portable cameras are compact, battery-operated and are ideal for on-site or on-the-go inspections.
Pay particular attention to resolution, sensor sensitivity, spectral range, ability to store and analyze images, ease of use, and whether you want to be able to use the camera on the move.
