Non-Destructive Evaluation:

Infrared Thermography
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 Why IRT is needed?
➢ Infrared thermography has become a standard
predictive maintenance practice to check
electrical circuitry for loose connections.
➢ The technology is now being used to scan
pumps, stem traps, steam lines, refrigeration
systems, manufacturing processes,
manufacturing facilities and HVAC systems.
➢ The technology can provide instant feedback on
unsafe or wasteful conditions.
➢ This technology is used for night vision
purposes.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 Why IRT is useful?
➢ Uses remote sensing
➢ Keeps the user out of danger
➢ Does not intrude upon or affect the target at all
➢ Comparison between areas of the target is possible
➢ The image allows for excellent overview of the target
➢ Thermal patterns can be visualized for analysis
➢ Enables fast scanning of stationary targets
➢ Enables capture of fast-moving targets
➢ Enables capture of fast changing thermal patterns .

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 History and development

➢ 1960’s-development of cooled forward looking infrared (flir)

➢ 1970’s-US army develops uncooled IRT technology module.
➢ 1980’s-Industries first commercial IR camera introduced
➢ 1990’s-Successsful demonstration of 256,512-pixel cameras and introduction of night-sight and
surveillance cameras.
➢ 2000’s-Introduction of 1st automotive thermal imaging driving aid by Cadillac and 1st development
of IR camera with zoom.
➢ Make this technology cheaper, so that it can be used for everyday life.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 Infrared radiation
➢ In an electromagnetic spectrum the IR region appears between 0.8 micron to 1000-micron wavelength.
➢ It includes most of the thermal radiation emitted by objects near room

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 IRT characteristics

➢ It is invisible since its wavelength is longer than visible light. It has nothing to do with brightness or
darkness of visible light
➢ It is emitted naturally from any object of which temerature is absolute zero (0K) or higher. Therfore,
it can be applied to any field.
➢ It is a kind of light (electromagnetic wave). It can be transmitted through vacuum.
➢ There is a correlation between infrared energy and temperature of an object. Therefore, it can be
used to measure the temperature of an object.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition
by Paul E. Mix Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
 Various laws applicable
Planck’s law: Wien’s displacement law

Decribes the spectral distribution of the Decribes the variation of maximum

radiation intensity from a black body; wavelength with temperature;
𝐶2 𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2898
𝐸𝜆𝑏 = 𝐶1/𝜆5 (𝑒 𝜆𝑇 − 1)

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F. GHANAMEH

Wien's displacement law | Space Wiki | Fandom

Planck’s Law: Statement and Formula
 Various laws applicable
Stefan-Boltzman law: Emissivity

Gives the variation of intensity wih Ratio of the radiation intensity of a body and a
temperature; black body under exactly same conditions
𝐸𝑏 = 𝜎𝑇 4
𝜖𝜆 = 𝐸𝜆 / 𝐸𝜆𝑏

Stefan-Boltzmann Law
Emissivity | Neutrium
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F. GHANAMEH
 Variables
Variables can be grouped simply into three categories

1. The target,
2. Ambient conditions
3. The instrument itself

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F. GHANAMEH

Wien's displacement law | Space Wiki | Fandom

 Thermographic devices

➢ The thermal imaging camera consists of five components:

➢ Optic system
➢ Detector
➢ Amplifier
➢ Signal processing display

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
GHANAMEH
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition
by Paul E. Mix Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
 Working priciple

➢ A spacial lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view.
➢ The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector éléments. The detector
éléments create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram
➢ The thermogram created by the detector éléments is translated into electric impulses.
➢ The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit that translates the information from the
éléments into data for the display.
➢ Appears as various colours depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. The
combination of all the impulses from all the elemenets creates the image.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
GHANAMEH
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition
by Paul E. Mix Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
 Working priciple

➢ A spacial lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the

objects in view.
➢ The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector
éléments. The detector éléments create a very detailed temperature
pattern called a thermogram
➢ The thermogram created by the detector éléments is translated into
electric impulses.
➢ The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit that translates the
infrmation from the éléments into data for the display.
➢ Appears as various colours depending n the intensity ofthe
infrrared emission. The combination of all the impulses from all
the elemenets craetes the image.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
GHANAMEH
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition
by Paul E. Mix Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
 IRT Advantages
➢ It is a non-contact type technique.
➢ Fast, reliable and accurate output.
➢ A large surface area can be scanned in no time
➢ It is capable of catching moving targets in real time
➢ Presented in visual and digital fotm
➢ Softwre back-up for image processing and analysis
➢ Requires very little skill for monitoring.
➢ It can be used to detect objects in dark areas
➢ It is able to find deteriorating, i.e., higher temperature components
prior to their failure.
➢ It can be used to measure or observe in areas inaccessible or
hazardous for other methods
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 IRT Limitations
➢ Cost of the instrument is relatively high.
➢ Unable to etect the inside temperature if the medium is separated by
glass/polythenematerial,…
➢ Accurate temperature measurements are hindered by differing emissivities and reflections
from other surfaces.
➢ Most cameras have ±2% accuracy or worse in measurements of temperature and are not
as accurate as contact methods.
➢ Condition of work, depending of the case, can be drastic: 10°C of difference between
internal/external, 10 km/h of wind maximum, no direct sun, no recent rain,….

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 Applications

➢ Condition monitoring
➢ Medical imaging
➢ Veterinary thermal imaging
➢ Night vision
➢ Surveillance
➢ Research
➢ Process control
➢ Non-destructive testing
➢ Surveillance in security, law enforcement and defence
➢ Chemical imaging
➢ Volanology
➢ Buildings

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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Examples

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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 End of the lecture

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing: A Training Guide, Second Edition, by Paul E. Mix and Non-Destructive Evaluation (AE5005) M.F.
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