Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008 - (Page 32)

infrared upload What You Should Know Before you Buy A Guide to Buying an Infrared Camera by Paula Bowie D uring Academy of Infrared Training courses, we see many students who have purchased an infrared camera that is not suited for their intended use. These students have put their trust in a camera salesperson, and, many times, that salesperson was solely interested making a sale. Later, these students are disappointed to find out that the camera is not truly suited for their application. Some cameras come with both options—the eyepiece and an external LCD screen. When you have the option of one or the other, it is better to go with the eyepiece, because you can use this in nearly every environmental situation. The external LCD screen is nice to have when working with a partner, or when working in confined/awkward spaces. Most LCD screens pivot, which allows the operator to hold the entire camera over his head, then pivot the screen so that (s)he can still see the image. In electrical applications you may be required to wear a face shield while doing an inspection, and looking through an eyepiece can be very tricky while wearing a face shield. It is vitally important to consider where and how you are going to use the camera, and then decide which options (eyepiece, LCD or both) you need. 3. Ambient Temperature – There are usually two temperature sets given on most camera specification sheets. One set is the maximum and minimum storage temperatures of the camera. Make sure that these storage temperatures fall well within the temperature range in which you will be storing the camera. Remember, the daily temperature ranges in Alaska are very different than those in Arizona. The other set of temperatures recorded on specification sheets are the normal operating temperatures. These indicate the maximum and minimum temperatures at which the camera can accurately function. If you intend to use the camera above or below these temperatures, your camera will not work properly. It would not be the first time that a camera has been purchased with the minimum operating temperature listed at -15° C and the environment where the camera was going to be used was regularly at -30° C for a major part of the year. Think about where you will be using the camera, and the temperatures at that location, and then make sure you buy a camera that falls within your operating temperature ranges. 4. Temperature of Target – Like operating temperatures, cameras come with differing abilities to measure high and low temperatures. IR cameras may be used for an extremely hot application like checking refractory thickness october/november 2008 This article aims to help the camera buyer understand what basic camera specifications mean, and also help them determine what type of camera and options are suitable for their application. If you note your answers to questions throughout this article, by the end you should have a custom list of applicable specifications and options. Determining Use….Key Points to Consider 1. Distance from Your Camera to Your Target – If you would normally use the infrared camera at distances of 20 feet or less from the target then most standard lenses are all that is needed to perform inspections. This applies to mechanical and most electrical inspection situations. However, if you are almost always working at greater distances, such as inspecting power lines or at a power station, you will need a telephoto lens to capture detail. If you are working with IR windows (or “peep holes”) that have been placed on motor control centers or furnaces, or if you are doing outside building or roofing applications, then you may also need a wide-angle lens. A wide-angle lens widens the area being viewed so that you can capture a larger area in one shot. 2. Environmental Issues – Working outside presents many special challenges for the thermographer. The sun is a big factor in distorting temperature measurements, and can even make some cameras unusable. Infrared Cameras come with various viewing options. The most common is the standard eyepiece that goes right up to your eye, and the user looks through it to see the subject. There are also cameras that come with only an LCD screen. If you are mainly working outside, where sun glare is a common occurrence, you may not be able to see the images on your LCD screen. This is similar to what happens when you try to use your computer outside. These cameras often come with a sun-shield, which may or may not work effectively. If you are thinking of buying one of these cameras and you intend to work primarily outdoors, it is important to ask to see the screen and shield in use outside on a sunny day. Make sure that you can see the images clearly. 32

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008

Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose: An Asset Management Oasis in the Desert Information Technology: Streamlining Through Simplicity Lubrication: Phases for Framing a Solid Foundation Infrared: Do Your Homework Before You Buy Maintenance Management: Get It Together by Getting Together Motor Testing: Key Elements in Motor Decision Making Precision Maintenance: Shedding Some Light on Tolerances Reliability: RCM & the Mortgage Meltdown Ultrasound: A Multidimensional Tool Vibration: The Whirling Pump Mystery, Solved with ODS Upgrade: Are You Looking in the Right Place for Your Wear Debris?

Uptime Magazine - October/November 2008

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