What is...
Infrared ...
In each of the following sections where we answer the most frequently asked questions, you can get more information about the infrared.
Do you have more questions? Contact us and let us know your concerns.
What is Infrared?
Infrared radiation is produced by an animated or non-animated object that has a temperature above absolute zero. Infrared means below the red (as well as ultraviolet is above the violet). In the electromagnetic spectrum shown below, we see the spectrum of visible light that goes from red to violet. That is, infrared means below or outside the spectrum of visible light and is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between approximately 0.75 and 1,000 micrometers. The part corresponding to the smallest wave amplitude of the infrared spectrum almost equals the largest wavelength of visible light (red) sensitive to the human eye. The limit of the longest wavelength of the infrared spectrum almost equals the limit of the shortest wavelength of the radiation generated by the microwave equipment. Commercial thermography uses the portion of the infrared spectrum corresponding to wavelengths between 2 and 14 micrometers. Since infrared radiation is not visible to the human eye, it is necessary to use specialized equipment to detect it. Infrared equipment or thermographic equipment uses highly sensitive detectors that convert invisible infrared radiation into pulses or electrical signals that form a visible image on a screen. In the case of vision equipment or in degrees of temperature, it is an infrared measuring pyrometer. distance.
What is the application and what is a Thermography?
Take for example the spiral burner of an electric stove that is simply a metallic resistance through which electric current flows. If we put the actuator button in the LOW (LO) position, the black color of the burner remains unchanged. If we put the hand a short distance on the surface of the burner we can feel the heat that it gives off and even touch it quickly.
We continue moving the button and now we put it in the position of MEDIUM (MED) and repeat the operation. We will feel that the heat is greater and that it can no longer be touched.
Finally, if we put the button in the position of MAXIMO (HI) we will see that the color of the burner changes, turns red and it is no longer possible to bring the hand. That is to say that when a certain temperature is reached the metal changes its color and the change is visible.
The burner is designed to heat up and offers no immediate danger. But if the heating was taking place in an electrical component, how can you predict what can happen?
The answer to the above is through the use of infrared vision equipment or thermographic equipment.
After these explanations it is necessary to introduce a new glossary that will be used from now on:
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Thermographic Equipment - Equipment in which an image is created with the infrared radiation received from a body.
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Thermography - Printed image (photograph) obtained from the screen of a Thermographic equipment.
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Thermograph - Person certified in the use of thermographic equipment. There are three levels: Level I, Level II and Level III.
The inspection carried out through the use of infrared vision equipment allows us to see the condition of a component that is not visible to the naked eye by the human eye.
The part of greater clarity or of colors closer to red (in this case yellow and orange) is where the anomaly is concentrated, that is to say where the problem is, in a thermography.
The Thermographer
Although the whole explanation may seem simple, the realization of an objective and professional inspection depends on the Thermograph that performs it, on the Thermograph that evaluates this information and on the one that generates the report that is delivered with the results and recommendations of the inspection.
Thermographs must be certified, experienced and familiar with the systems, equipment and components to be inspected.
Infra-Red Inspection Services, Inc. (IRIS) has Certified Thermographers, Expert Electrician or Engineer with extensive experience in each of the systems, equipment and components to be inspected as well as with more than 35,000 combined hours performing inspections of electrical, mechanical systems and steam in factories, hospitals, educational institutions, buildings, etc.
Requirements of a Thermographer
Thermographers must have perfect knowledge of the codes that govern the facilities to be inspected, such as: NEC, NESC, NFPA 70B, OSHA and OSHA Safety and Health Standards, ANSI, CFR, etc.
Know and be familiar with the equipment and components to be inspected, their internal operation, their components, the function they fulfill in a system and be updated with the latest changes of equipment and components from different manufacturers.
To achieve this, Infra-Red Inspection Services, Inc. (IRIS) has ongoing training and updating of our personnel in the Codes and Standards, Occupational Safety, Safety in the conduct of inspections, new equipment and electrical, mechanical and electrical components. steam as well as attending seminars and training courses. the conduct of inspections, new equipment and electrical, mechanical and electrical components steam as well as attending seminars and training courses.
For this reason, each inspection is a detailed study of the condition of the systems, equipment and components inspected.