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Applications of thermal imaging
Optics and Lasers in Engineering
10 (1989) 145-146
Book Review
Applications of Thermal Imaging. Edited Williams & C. H. N. Jones. Adam Hilger, Price: f45.00.
by S. G. Burnay, T. L. 1988. ISBN O-85274-412-8.
With the recent advances in the field of infrared detectors and systems, potential applications in both civilian and military areas are being readily identified. In this book edited by S. G. Burnay, T. L. Williams and C. H. Jones, a number of industrial and civilian applications are described. The book also contains a review chapter on the principles of thermal imaging. Davis and Lettington describe the basic concepts of infrared radiation and detectors, including thermal and photon devices. They show examples of various infrared systems and the quality of imagery obtained. A general overview of industrial applications of thermography is presented in the next chapter, outlining the advantages and limitations of thermography. The author describes many applications including the detection of vapour and gas leaks, oil pollution control, monitoring of process plants and mechanical systems. Several specific areas are then described in more detail in the remaining six chapters of the book. Thermography is now widely adopted by the electricity supply industries, as it is a non-contact technique suited to the rapid inspection of large areas of installations. Imaging systems have now been mounted in helicopters and are used for annual inspections of the Supergrid. The technique has also proved 145 Optics and Lasers in Engineering (10)(1989)--o Ltd, England. Printed in Northern Ireland
1989 Elsevier
Science
Publishers
146
Book review
to be very useful for the detection of possible failures on insulators before electrical flashover occurs. Energy conservation and consumption in buildings can be investigated by thermography, and when combined with other techniques and equipment it can be extended beyond a qualitative site investigation to encompass energy auditing, design appraisal and structural surveying. Insulation methods. heat loss through windows and air leakages and the efficiency of heating systems are also specific areas being studied. The use of infrared imagery from satellites for meteorological and forecasting applications is a very familiar technique and by combining the imagery with other observations including atmospheric pressures. humidity, etc., the data can be modelled to forecast the state of the atmosphere for several days ahead. Other applications are for land surveys and resource mapping from satellites and aircraft. The variation in surface temperatures can identify the location of drains and other buried structures, but although the thermal band gives some information, the non-thermal images are the primary source of information. meteorology, the thermal However, in image information predominates. The use of thermography in medicine has been known for a number of years. By monitoring the skin temperature many abnormalities can be identified at an early stage, including vascular and neurological abnormalities. With the development of cheaper imaging systems its use in this field should increase significantly. The measurement of stress analysis in structures is an area in which infrared measurements are now making a significant contribution, allowing the direct measurement of stress in a material of a test component by remote monitoring. Examples of the technique for the analysis of engine components, marine structures and materials studies are included in the book. In the final chapter the use of imaging of thermal waves is described, in particular, for the testing of surface coatings. The technique is suitable for non-destructive evaluation as it is a non-contacting method. allowing detection of defects and sub-surface features in samples. Overall, this book gives a good outline of some of the most important industrial applications of thermal imaging, which is a rapidly expanding area of interest. P. N. J. Dennis
10 (1989) 145-146
Book Review
Applications of Thermal Imaging. Edited Williams & C. H. N. Jones. Adam Hilger, Price: f45.00.
by S. G. Burnay, T. L. 1988. ISBN O-85274-412-8.
With the recent advances in the field of infrared detectors and systems, potential applications in both civilian and military areas are being readily identified. In this book edited by S. G. Burnay, T. L. Williams and C. H. Jones, a number of industrial and civilian applications are described. The book also contains a review chapter on the principles of thermal imaging. Davis and Lettington describe the basic concepts of infrared radiation and detectors, including thermal and photon devices. They show examples of various infrared systems and the quality of imagery obtained. A general overview of industrial applications of thermography is presented in the next chapter, outlining the advantages and limitations of thermography. The author describes many applications including the detection of vapour and gas leaks, oil pollution control, monitoring of process plants and mechanical systems. Several specific areas are then described in more detail in the remaining six chapters of the book. Thermography is now widely adopted by the electricity supply industries, as it is a non-contact technique suited to the rapid inspection of large areas of installations. Imaging systems have now been mounted in helicopters and are used for annual inspections of the Supergrid. The technique has also proved 145 Optics and Lasers in Engineering (10)(1989)--o Ltd, England. Printed in Northern Ireland
1989 Elsevier
Science
Publishers
146
Book review
to be very useful for the detection of possible failures on insulators before electrical flashover occurs. Energy conservation and consumption in buildings can be investigated by thermography, and when combined with other techniques and equipment it can be extended beyond a qualitative site investigation to encompass energy auditing, design appraisal and structural surveying. Insulation methods. heat loss through windows and air leakages and the efficiency of heating systems are also specific areas being studied. The use of infrared imagery from satellites for meteorological and forecasting applications is a very familiar technique and by combining the imagery with other observations including atmospheric pressures. humidity, etc., the data can be modelled to forecast the state of the atmosphere for several days ahead. Other applications are for land surveys and resource mapping from satellites and aircraft. The variation in surface temperatures can identify the location of drains and other buried structures, but although the thermal band gives some information, the non-thermal images are the primary source of information. meteorology, the thermal However, in image information predominates. The use of thermography in medicine has been known for a number of years. By monitoring the skin temperature many abnormalities can be identified at an early stage, including vascular and neurological abnormalities. With the development of cheaper imaging systems its use in this field should increase significantly. The measurement of stress analysis in structures is an area in which infrared measurements are now making a significant contribution, allowing the direct measurement of stress in a material of a test component by remote monitoring. Examples of the technique for the analysis of engine components, marine structures and materials studies are included in the book. In the final chapter the use of imaging of thermal waves is described, in particular, for the testing of surface coatings. The technique is suitable for non-destructive evaluation as it is a non-contacting method. allowing detection of defects and sub-surface features in samples. Overall, this book gives a good outline of some of the most important industrial applications of thermal imaging, which is a rapidly expanding area of interest. P. N. J. Dennis