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Infrared Inspection Is The Future Of Imaging

By Mayra Pierce


Often, there exists an electrical fault in a wall or in a system that is inaccessible but needs to be inspected at top priority. Infrared Inspection refers to the process of the testing of electrical systems, materials or parts, otherwise not easily accessible with the help of ultraviolet sensors. This process allows for non-destructive testing of various items and systems.

This control does not destroy the target system and also does not cause any interference in the system. Earlier methods such as ultrasonic testing and radio inspection were replaced as they would all affect the target. Also, ultraviolet methods are much safer, much quicker and prove to be quite accurate.

All materials radiate infrared waves. Cameras or ultraviolet sensors can be used to create an image of this energy. A light source may or may not be required to capture these images in the form of heat imaging. If an exterior source of energy is used, it is referred to as an active process, else it is called passive. In the case of extremely low temperatures, the sensors are rendered useless, and it is often that these are used hand in hand with other devices for a better picture.

If the target exists at a temperature difference from its surroundings, passive processes can be employed. Often, however, an external light energy or external mechanical oscillations need to be provided to the target for creating the contrast, and this constitutes the active process of imaging. Imaging in this case is of the thermal type where the change in temperature is converted to an image.

Advantages that thermography provide includes inspection of hazardous and other inaccessible areas, ability to detect objects in the dark, ability to capture moving images and is also used in medical applications. Other areas where thermography is used include thermal mapping, night vision, surveillance and any other form of non-destructive testing.

This process however also exhibits some considerable shortfalls. Infrared is considered to be expensive, and quality thermal and good ultraviolet cameras come at a steep cost. Being integral to the accuracy of results, a poor camera will yield poor results. Discrepancies will exist in the measurements in such cases, and this must be avoided.

Another problem that the infrared process faces is natural and other external causes which lie largely beyond its control. Temperature changes are rapid and frequent and can be caused by very different reasons. Also, other bodies around the target to be inspected may emit waves of their own or reflect other waves. The climate also plays a part in the imaging process as also does the weather.

Ultraviolet imaging is a reliable and advanced method of study and has been widely accepted across industries. Ultraviolet Inspection has replaced other methods like ultrasound and radio as it does not destroy targets, is deployed at a distance, is reliable, faster and safe. There are many applications that it serves and is used in a multitude of fields today. However, this technology remains on the expensive side and is a major hindrance to its progress. Nevertheless, with the rapid changes in technology that we see, ultraviolet imaging is definitely set to go a long way, and its cost will come down in due time.




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