Building thermal imagers for inspection of buildings and structures: description, survey and reviews

Special equipment should be used to assess the heat radiation of building objects. The simplest version is the thermal imager, which fixes the current state of the object or structure being surveyed, translating the processed information into a screen in the form of thermography. Such devices are used primarily in the construction industry to analyze heat losses, for example in roofing or walls. Also, the devices are used in the production facilities to evaluate the already heavy loads on various devices and mechanisms. Either way, in both cases, thermal imagers are used to inspect buildings and structures, allowing more accurate calculations of the characteristics of the object and reducing the risk of possible errors.

Device Overview

Outwardly, the device resembles a conventional video camera of small dimensions, supplemented with a handle for easy operation. The thermal imager includes a lens, a liquid crystal screen, buttons, a camera and latches. A significant difference between such devices is the presence in the design of a thermal sensor and laser pointer, which positions the point at which the survey is performed. As for the interface and communication tools, in this part of the thermal imagers for the inspection of buildings and structures practically copy the possibilities of modern photographic equipment. Even economy-class models are equipped with USB connectors, video outputs and microphones. Memory cards, in particular the MicroSD format, are used for data storage. The user interacts with the thermal imager system through the LCD screen and menus.

Operating principle

Traditional thermal imaging equipment operates on the basis of converting radiated infrared energy into an electrical signal. In modern models, special sensors-bolometers are used. By design, they are matrix elements with thin-film thermistors of miniature dimensions. During the examination, the lens perceives infrared radiation, focusing its energy on the matrix, resulting in heating of the functional element in accordance with the temperature of the target object. The result of this process is a color image in the form of thermography, which is displayed on the display. In recent versions, thermal imagers for inspecting buildings and structures are equipped with uncooled bolometers. This technology provides a high-precision determination of the temperature characteristics of objects. There is also an increase in the level of reliability and safety of sensitive elements of this type.

Main characteristics

One of the main indicators of the level of working capacity of the thermal imager is the spectral range of measurements. The wider the corridor of these values, the more functional the device is. For example, representatives of the highest category of such devices provide the ability to survey in the range from -20 to 400 ° C. But it is important to consider that this spectrum can be covered by several modes of operation. So, the basic format assumes a range from -20 to 150 ° C, and the additional one shifts it to 400 ° C. At the same time, standard thermal imagers for inspecting buildings and structures rarely go abroad at 350 ° C. Another important characteristic is the resolution. It depends on the detail of the thermography and, accordingly, the accuracy of the information about the thermal state of the object that the user will receive. Also in the process of operation the size of the device is important. That is, the case itself with its shape and dimensions is not always basic, but the screen parameters can facilitate the workflow. In the simplest versions of the detector, a display of 160 x 120 pixels is used, and professional devices are increasingly supplied with 320 x 240 pixel format modules.

Technique of examination

The device is controlled through buttons that allow you to activate the camera of the device, take pictures, save them, and adjust the focus. Manufacturers recommend to obtain accurate pictures of the order of 10 minutes. Hold the device at the inspection site without activating the operating mode. The main part of the user's work is the focus adjustment. Most models provide a manual method of adjustment, but in expensive devices automatic systems are often found. One way or another, the main task at this stage is to fix a clear picture of the surface. Then, the thermal imager of buildings and structures is directly inspected by converting infrared radiation into a digital image or video format. It is important to note that shiny surfaces and unpainted metals are quite problematic, from the point of view of analyzing their temperature state. It is for this kind of objects that a special correction of the radiation parameters is required.

Survey Parameters

In addition to adjusting the emission factors, the user can control other characteristics of the survey. In particular, several operating modes are offered for selection in modern devices, including line, point or region analysis. Immediately before the work should also determine the distance, and if necessary - the range of possible temperatures and correction. Also, building thermal imagers for the inspection of buildings can provide for a wide range of automatic modes of operation. It can be an option of auto-saving materials, selection of optimal image parameters, etc.

Reviews of manufacturers

In the environment of builders, Fluke measuring apparatus is quite familiar. In particular, the Ti400 model is characterized as a convenient and high-precision thermal imager, optimally suitable for solving professional problems. The detector is also good because it does not cause special difficulties in the control process, for which it is valued by non-specialists. As an alternative, Condtrol products are recommended, the quality of which is also confirmed by the reviews. Thermal imagers for inspection of buildings and structures of this brand give a clear image of thermography and are characterized by good ergonomics. True, some models have a shortcoming in the form of errors when performing surveys at a large distance.

How much does the thermal imager cost?

Apparatus for private use in everyday life can cost about 30 thousand rubles. These devices without additional functionality, which are sharpened by a fairly average analysis of thermal radiation. Accurate information that is required for construction projects or the accounting of production standards can be provided by professional thermal imagers for inspecting buildings and structures, the price of which is about 200-300 thousand rubles. And this is not the limit for such devices. Multifunctional devices with advanced optics and an advanced interface can cost as much as 500 thousand rubles. Another thing is that they are used in responsible operations on an industrial scale, and for domestic needs you can limit yourself to modest thermal imagery for 30-40 thousand rubles.

What to consider when choosing?

Of course, from the price tag alone, you should not choose to choose. First of all, the conditions of the measuring operations for which the device is purchased are evaluated. The primary criterion in this part will be the temperature range covered by the sensor. For example, if there is a question about which thermal imager to choose for a survey at home in private, it will be enough to have a model operating within -20 to 300 ° C. Next, you need to determine the format for presenting thermography data. It can be photos or videos. For everyday use, you can limit your images - this will save a considerable amount when buying.

Conclusion

Thermal imaging equipment is not cheap, so you should approach this purchase responsibly. It is rarely purchased for single-time activities, but the owners of private homes will not have such a device. In such cases, it is worthwhile initially orienting yourself to household thermal imagers for inspecting buildings and structures. The services of specialists who conduct similar operations on their equipment are estimated at 5-10 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on the area of the house, the format of the survey, the way the report is submitted, etc. Obviously, it is more appropriate to have your own thermal imager for regular inspection of premises for the presence of thermal leaks.