The benefits of preventive maintenance using thermal imaging cameras

A thermal camera is a device capable of detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects, and converting it into visible images, known as thermograms. These cameras offer numerous advantages and are extremely useful in a multitude of fields, such as construction, building inspection or medicine, for example!

HOW DOES A THERMAL CAMERA WORK?

Every thermal camera is equipped with a sensitive infrared sensor that detects the infrared radiation emitted by objects. This sensor is called a bolometer. It's a thermal detector used to measure the amount of energy flux absorbed by a black plate. This is achieved by the variation in resistance caused by the heating of the plate.
The bolometer therefore measures the intensity of the infrared radiation emitted by the object or scene under observation. The hotter the object, the stronger the infrared radiation it emits.

When the radiation is captured, the data gathered by the sensor is converted into a thermal image. The result is a colored image in which different colors represent different temperatures. For example, hot zones can be represented in red, orange or yellow, while colder zones can be in blue or violet.

Since thermal imaging cameras have a small screen, the thermal image is displayed directly on the device's screen, enabling you to visualize and interpret temperature variations instantly.

PREVENTION WITH THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS: HOW DOES IT WORK?

Thermal imaging cameras offer a number of advantages that enable users to use them for maintenance and prevention purposes. Thermal cameras can detect thermal anomalies, reduce maintenance costs, optimize equipment life, improve safety and planning, and finally, increase energy efficiency. Let's take a closer look.

THERMAL ANOMALY DETECTION :

Thermal imaging cameras can spot abnormal temperature variations in equipment before they risk turning into serious problems. This helps to identify components that are faulty or on the verge of failure, enabling action to be taken before a breakdown occurs.

REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS:

It's no secret that maintenance costs can be expensive. By identifying and repairing potential problems before they cause major breakdowns, preventive maintenance can help reduce the costs associated with emergency repairs and unplanned downtime.

OPTIMIZING EQUIPMENT SERVICE LIFE:

Whether you're an individual or a large company, you know that the equipment needed to carry out your projects represents a big chunk of your budget. So it's essential that you can rely on it, and rely on it for a long time. By preventing problems with a thermal imaging camera and treating them at an early stage, preventive maintenance helps to extend equipment life. Needless to say, this can be particularly advantageous for costly investments such as industrial machinery.

IMPROVED SAFETY :

Preventive maintenance helps to ensure worker safety and prevent accidents linked to equipment failure. Thanks to a thermal imaging camera, potential problems can be identified and quickly remedied.

EFFICIENT PLANNING:

By carrying out regular thermal camera inspections, maintenance teams can plan interventions more effectively, based on actual needs rather than reacting to unforeseen breakdowns. This saves you time and money!

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

Thermal imaging cameras can also be used to identify energy efficiency problems, such as unnecessary heat loss. By detecting these problems early on, you have the opportunity to resolve them, while reducing energy consumption and associated costs.

In short, preventive maintenance with thermal imaging cameras offers a proactive approach to equipment management, saving time, money and optimizing plant performance. It's a very common and strongly encouraged practice, particularly in the construction industry.

At Chevrier Instruments, we offer a wide range of thermal imaging cameras, each with its own special features, but with all the quality you need. Some models are also available for rental. We invite you to discover these thermal imaging cameras, and please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we'll find the product that best meets your needs!