The advantages of thermal imaging systems

LumaSense thermal imagers use infrared technology to measure temperature accurately.

Many applications benefit from the ability to accurately and reliably measure surface temperature. Monitoring the insides of boilers and furnaces, for example, can provide increased uptime and a longer service life if operators continuously measure the temperature of these critical pieces of equipment. These systems also have the capability to analyze the information, either visually or through the use of accompanying software.

Spot pyrometers vs. thermal imagers

Spot pyrometers and thermal imagers are two instruments designed to measure surface temperature. A spot pyrometer is a type of non-contact, infrared thermometer that measures the temperature of a single, small area. A thermal imager, on the other hand, is a non-contact temperature measurement device capable of detecting the temperature of a much larger area. This instrument provides an image based on that information, as well as key details about the surface over an entire area (not just one specific spot).

As the cost of imaging continues to decline, and software gets more sophisticated, thermal imagers are becoming the temperature measurement device of choice for a wide range of critical applications.

Thermal imagers from LumaSense

LumaSense thermal imaging systems are designed to accurately measure temperature using reliable infrared technology. These high-tech instruments can precisely determine the object’s temperature and the temperature distribution, even on small and fast moving objects.

The BoilerSpection thermal imaging system, for example, is a turnkey solution for continuous infrared imaging inside boilers. It provides clear, informative through-flame imaging, enabling coal plant operators to proactively manage their boilers and identify tube blockages or tube failures and, a result, run them more efficiently, extract more energy from their coal, increase plant productivity and safety, and reduce the frequency of pigging.

In addition, the company’s high resolution FurnaceSpection thermal imaging system is designed for continuous temperature measurement inside high temperature furnaces in refining metals and glass production applications. Spot pyrometers can result in inconsistent results based on operators targeting different locations. Plus, the data must be downloaded and reported. These real-time imagers eliminate these drawbacks. They are critical tools for improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing safety, as they enable operators to monitor and control process temperature uniformity and identify potential areas of concern. This system includes powerful software for analysis and historical trending, outputs to automation and DCS, and a real-time web server to broadcast images of the plant’s local network.

Both the BoilerSpection and FurnaceSpection imagers can be equipped with retraction systems so they are not damaged by excessive heat and will automatically retract upon loss of instrument air.

LumaSense thermal imaging systems are available in Canada from Thermo-Kinetics. To learn more, contact Thermo-Kinetics today.

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