FLIR Thermal Imaging | Building Inspections

How An Aerial Infrared Scan Detects Moisture
During the daylight hours the heat of the sun warms the roof of your building and at night the roof radiates that heat back towards the sky. This is known as radiational cooling. Wet areas of the roof have a higher mass and because of this they will retain the heat longer. Meanwhile areas that are dry, which have a lower mass, cool more rapidly. Aerial Infrared Scan imagers detect and display the uneven heat dissipation and thereby accurately identifying areas of the roof needing attention.

Drone thermal inspections consists of Thermography or thermal imaging which is the study of heat distribution. This allows you to visually detect faults or losses, which may otherwise go undetected.  By catching faults early you can prevent problems from developing into serious issues.

Thermal imaging detects building insulation performance, heat loss and roof leaks.

Commercial Building Inspections

  • Identify and map trapped moisture penetration in roofs
  • Perform energy audit inspections for thermal insulation efficiency
  • Detect thermal hotspots within walls from faulty electrical circuits
  • Take HD aerial images for insurance claims and inspection
  • Inspect residential solar panel installations for defects
  • Detect delamination and spalling defects in concrete structures
  • Map heat flow and prevent thermal bridging due to faulty insulation
  • Perform forensic moisture intrusion inspections of plumbing facilities
  • Detect insulation leaks in HVAC or refrigeration equipment
  • Proactively identify areas of concern for moisture leaks

Industrial Plants and Utilities Inspections

  • Identify hot spots within power transmission lines before failure occurs
  • Quickly survey and detect failing cells within a solar array in minutes
  • Detect thermal rise signatures of gearbox brake failure in wind turbines
  • Locate and isolate leaks emanating from buried pipelines
  • Find line blockages in fluid transmission systems above ground
  • Detect thermal patterns and monitor temperatures on boiler tubes
  • Proactively monitor liquid levels in large storage tanks to detect leaks

Drone Inspections with FLIR Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging allows us to see and measure heat radiating from objects and structures, and this technology is becoming increasingly popular for drone inspections. FLIR thermal imaging cameras, specifically, are being used in a variety of industries, including utilities, infrastructure, and construction. These cameras allow drones to detect and measure thermal energy, providing operators with a clear, precise picture of the object or structure they are inspecting. FLIR thermal imaging cameras are highly accurate and provide operators with the ability to detect and identify potential hot spots, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies. Additionally, it is possible to monitor the temperature of specific areas over time and detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem. With the help of drones and FLIR thermal imaging, inspections are now faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before.

What is FLIR Thermal Imaging?

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are specialized devices that detect and measure infrared radiation. This radiation is emitted by objects and structures and is invisible to the human eye. The camera captures this radiation and converts it into an image, allowing the user to see and interpret the thermal energy in the area. The images produced by FLIR thermal imaging cameras are highly accurate and provide an insight into the temperature and energy of the inspected object or structure.

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are used in a variety of industries, including utilities, infrastructure, and construction. They are often used for the purpose of conducting inspections, as they allow the operator to detect and measure potential hot spots, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies. Additionally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor temperature over time, enabling the user to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem.

Benefits of FLIR Thermal Imaging for Drone Inspections

The use of FLIR thermal imaging cameras for drone inspections has numerous benefits. Firstly, these cameras allow operators to detect and measure heat radiating from an object or structure, providing them with a clear and precise picture of the inspected area. This information can then be used to identify potential problems, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies.

Additionally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor the temperature of a specific area over time, allowing operators to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem. This can be particularly useful when conducting inspections of large structures, as it allows the operator to quickly and accurately detect any potential problems.

Moreover, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are highly accurate and provide operators with the ability to accurately detect and measure thermal energy. This means that the operator can be confident in the results of their inspection, as they will be able to detect and identify any potential issues quickly and accurately.

Types of FLIR Thermal Imaging Cameras

FLIR thermal imaging cameras come in a variety of sizes and configurations. The most commonly used cameras are fixed-mounted cameras, which are attached to the drone and used to capture images of the area below. Additionally, there are handheld cameras, which are used by the operator to inspect specific objects and structures.

Fixed-mounted cameras are typically used for inspections of large structures, such as bridges and buildings, as they allow the operator to capture a detailed image of the area. Handheld cameras, on the other hand, are typically used for inspections of smaller objects and structures, such as electrical components or plumbing systems.

How FLIR Thermal Imaging Works

FLIR thermal imaging cameras capture and interpret the infrared radiation that is emitted by objects and structures. This radiation is invisible to the human eye, but the camera is able to detect and measure it, providing the operator with a clear, precise picture of the inspected area. This image is then converted into an interpretable image, allowing the user to detect and identify potential hot spots, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies.

The camera also allows operators to monitor the temperature of the inspected area over time. This allows the operator to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem. This can be particularly useful for inspecting large structures, as it allows the operator to quickly and accurately detect any potential issues.

Examples of Drone Inspections Using FLIR Thermal Imaging

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are used in a variety of industries, including utilities, infrastructure, and construction. These cameras are used to inspect a variety of objects and structures, such as bridges, buildings, electrical components, plumbing systems, and more.

For example, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are often used to inspect bridges for potential structural issues or safety concerns. By using a drone and a FLIR thermal imaging camera, operators can quickly and accurately detect any potential problems, allowing them to take the necessary steps to address the issue before it becomes a major problem.

Additionally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are used to inspect electrical components, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and more. By using a drone and a FLIR thermal imaging camera, operators can quickly and accurately detect any potential problems with the components, allowing them to take the necessary steps to address the issue before it causes an outage or other issue.

Different Industries Using FLIR Thermal Imaging

The use of FLIR thermal imaging cameras is becoming increasingly popular for drone inspections. These cameras allow operators to quickly and accurately detect and measure thermal energy, providing them with a clear, precise picture of the inspected area. This technology is being used in a variety of industries, including utilities, infrastructure, and construction.

Utilities are using FLIR thermal imaging cameras to inspect electrical components, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and more. Additionally, they are being used to inspect pipelines and power lines for potential issues or safety concerns.

Infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings, is being inspected with FLIR thermal imaging cameras. These cameras allow operators to quickly and accurately detect any potential issues, allowing them to take the necessary steps to address the issue before it becomes a major problem.

Finally, construction companies are using FLIR thermal imaging cameras to inspect a variety of objects and structures, such as walls, roofs, and foundations. By using a drone and a FLIR thermal imaging camera, operators can quickly and accurately detect any potential problems with the construction, allowing them to take the necessary steps to address the issue before it becomes a major problem.

How to Use FLIR Thermal Imaging for Drone Inspections

Using FLIR thermal imaging cameras for drone inspections is relatively straightforward. The first step is to attach the camera to the drone, making sure that it is securely mounted and positioned correctly. Once the camera is attached, the operator can begin to take pictures of the object or structure they are inspecting.

The camera will capture the infrared radiation that is emitted by the object or structure and convert it into an image. This image can then be used to detect and identify potential hot spots, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies. Additionally, the camera can be used to monitor the temperature of a specific area over time, allowing the operator to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem.

Benefits of Using FLIR Thermal Imaging for Drone Inspections

Using FLIR thermal imaging cameras for drone inspections has numerous benefits. Firstly, these cameras allow operators to quickly and accurately detect and measure thermal energy, providing them with a clear, precise picture of the inspected area. This information can then be used to identify potential problems, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies.

Additionally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor the temperature of a specific area over time, allowing operators to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem. This can be particularly useful when conducting inspections of large structures, as it allows the operator to quickly and accurately detect any potential problems.

Finally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are highly accurate and provide operators with the ability to accurately detect and measure thermal energy. This means that the operator can be confident in the results of their inspection, as they will be able to detect and identify any potential issues quickly and accurately.

Tips for Improving Drone Inspections with FLIR Thermal Imaging

There are several tips that operators can use to improve their drone inspections with FLIR thermal imaging. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the camera is securely mounted and positioned correctly, as this will ensure that the images produced are accurate and of good quality. Additionally, operators should take multiple pictures of the object or structure they are inspecting, as this will allow them to identify any changes in temperature over time.

Moreover, operators should take the time to familiarize themselves with the camera’s settings and ensure that they are using the correct settings for the inspection. This will ensure that the images produced are of the highest quality and will provide the operator with the most accurate information.

Finally, operators should always take the necessary safety precautions when conducting drone inspections. This includes ensuring that the area is clear of people and other obstacles, and that the drone is being operated in a safe manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FLIR thermal imaging cameras are becoming increasingly popular for drone inspections. These cameras allow operators to quickly and accurately detect and measure thermal energy, providing them with a clear, precise picture of the inspected area. This information can then be used to identify potential problems, analyze temperature differences, and identify energy inefficiencies. Additionally, FLIR thermal imaging cameras can be used to monitor the temperature of a specific area over time, allowing operators to detect any changes in temperature which could indicate a problem. With the help of drones and FLIR thermal imaging, inspections are now faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before.

314-604-6544
stlouisaerialphotography@gmail.com
Robert Haller, Drone Specialist