In general, thermographers are quick to embrace new applications, ideas, and technology. Although most consumers use the web prior to purchasing goods or services, many infrared companies do not have a web presence.

As the internet has matured, consumers have come to rely on the worldwide web for information. Over 90% of consumers use the internet when researching new products or services. The majority of their business goes to companies that have a professional web presence. Companies that do not have websites are losing businesses to companies that do.

A properly designed website can improve productivity and help increase sales. By providing prospects with information, your sales force can spend less time educating prospects thereby freeing up valuable time for closing sales.

Websites can provide new revenue opportunities. There are relatively few services or products that can’t be sold over the internet. Your website can be used to directly sell your company’s products or services. Additional revenue may be generated through participation in affiliate sales programs.

Another advantage of websites is the ability to compete with much larger companies. A company does not need a tremendous amount of capital or manpower to have a successful web presence. Your website can work 24/7 providing information and accepting orders from clients worldwide.

Because your website represents your company’s public image, it is imperative that you invest the time and money to properly establish your website. Often the best approach is to hire a professional web designer to help you design, publish, and maintain your website.

Thermographers with too much on their minds may feel sluggish. A thermal imager with too much in its memory may not work at all. This week’s Tip describes one thermographer’s recent experience.

Recently, I encountered major problems when storing images in my thermal imager. During the previous two weeks, I had noticed several malfunctions. These included ghosts on the monitor screen during shutdown, decreased processing speed, color palette changes, and factory defaults replacing my user-defined settings .

Finally, I received an “Out of Memory” message when attempting to store an image. Checking the imager’s directory indicated the presence of only 12 images. I then connected the imager to my laptop and downloaded the stored images to my disk drive. The imager’s directory now indicated no stored images; however, the unit continued to display the “Out of Memory” message and would not allow image storage.

Consulting by telephone with the manufacturer’s repair department yielded a diagnosis of a defective motherboard. I arranged to hand-deliver the imager the next day for repair. Upon further diagnosis the repair tech asked me if I had been adding files to the camera.

To improve file organization, I had been renaming the imager’s “images” file and dragging them to my laptop’s hard drive while connected to the imager. By doing this I had unknowingly created new directories in the camera which used up all available memory. The tech removed the offending data, performed an operational check and found that the imager was fine.

By hand delivering my imager and working with the repair department, we discovered a procedural error rather than a hardware malfunction. Camera repairs can be like car repairs. Replacing parts is easy. Getting to the root cause takes time; however, it is more effective in the long run.

Tip provided by Bill Arnott, Apex Infrared, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada www.apexinfrared.com

Infrared thermography is a proven technology for detecting evidence of latent moisture within insulated roofs. In some cases, infrared inspections may provide similar data for uninsulated roofs.

Traditionally, infrared roof inspections require the following construction: built-up or single-ply membrane installed over, and in continuous contact with, a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. Roofs may be either smooth-surfaced or covered with granules or gravel. If gravel-surfaced, stones should be pea size or smaller.

In some cases, uninsulated roofs may yield accurate thermographic imagery by trapping or absorbing water in quantities sufficient to create a detectable temperature differential. Examples include:

• Water trapped between the underside of a membrane and the roof deck
• Water trapped between plies of a multi-ply membrane
• Water absorbed by a roof deck after prolonged exposure to moisture

The following thermal images of an uninsulated roof show warm areas caused by a wooden deck that has absorbed moisture. Roof consists of a fully-adhered membrane installed directly over a wooden deck. Images were taken at sunset following a sunny day.

Because uninsulated roofs do not provide a long inspection window, thermographers should be prepared to inspect at or slightly before sunset.

For accurate diagnosis, all thermal imagery should be verified with invasive testing. Thermographers should always take appropriate safety precautions to avoid injuries and to prevent falling from or through a roof.

For information or to obtain a copy of the Guideline for Infrared Inspection of Building Envelopes & Insulated Roofs, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

Images provided by Jersey Infrared Consultants, Burlington, NJ. www.jerseyir.com.

Focal plane array detectors are standard components for most commercial thermal imagers. One feature common to all FPA imagers is a function known as non-uniformity correction.

Using an FPA detector in the construction of an imager provides high resolution and other advantages. One disadvantage is that FPA detectors tend to “drift” during imager operation. When the pixels of an FPA detector drift, their response to the radiant energy emitted by an object changes.

As an FPA detector drifts, the displayed image will develop areas with inexplicably hot or cold pixels. Drifted pixels cause the appearance of hot/cold artifacts within the image and cannot be relied upon for accurate temperature measurements. Depending upon imager type and ambient conditions, significant drift can occur within a very short period of time.

To correct for drift, all FPA imagers have a function known as non-uniformity correction. Simply put, NUC is a feature that ‘resets’ the image by aligning all detector pixels to the same value. Depending upon imager model, the NUC process may be an automatic feature of the imager or a manual function performed by the thermographer. Performing a non-uniformity correction may require several seconds to complete; during this time imaging is not possible.

During the NUC process, a high emittance object of uniform temperature is temporarily placed within the optical path of the imager. When the NUC process is activated, the imager’s computer electronically adjusts the gain of all detector pixels to a uniform value thereby removing errors caused by detector drift. A NUC should be performed at regular intervals during imager operation or whenever hot/cold artifacts appear within the image.

Names routinely provide information about people, places, and things. When it comes to file names for infrared images, names can be misleading.

Most computer software programs attach three or four-letter extensions to file names when files are created. These extensions serve a variety of purposes, one of which is indicating the type of program that created the file. Typical extensions for image files include JPEG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF.

Traditionally, image files bearing the above extensions have been readable by several popular computer programs designed for image viewing and/or image processing. These same file formats have also been readable by other software programs allowing images to be opened and imported into new files created by these programs.

During the past decade, several manufacturers of thermal imagers have used JPEG, TIFF, and BMP extensions to name image files created by their thermal imagers. Although these files bear extensions that are traditionally readable by graphics programs, they contain proprietary information that requires special software to open, view, and analyze them. Such software is available only from the manufacturer of the camera that created the file.

When it comes to infrared image files, one should never assume that image files will be compatible with software programs not provided by the manufacturer of the subject imager, regardless of the file extension.

Infraspection Institute has been providing training, certification and support for professional infrared thermographers since 1980. Our Exception® data management and reporting software is compatible with all thermal imagers and generates standards-compliant reports in minutes. For further information on software or training courses, call 609-239-4788 or visit www.infraspection.com.

“Jack Frost nipping at your nose.” These lyrics from a popular Christmas carol evoke romantic visions of winter; however, frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous medical conditions that can present serious safety hazards.

For many, the dead of winter is upon us. Thermographers working outdoors in cold climates can face serious safety challenges due to frostbite and hypothermia. Knowing the symptoms of these conditions and proper treatment is imperative for worker safety.

Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. If the person is wet, put them in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.

Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

Last week’s tip discussed the dangers of Frostbite and Hypothermia while working in cold temperatures. This week’s tip covers cold weather clothing.

Cold weather clothing is a matter of functionality not fashion. Clothing needs to be worn in layers in order to trap air which is warmed by the body. When selecting clothing, start with the innermost layer and work outward. The use of multiple layers will trap warm air while providing greater ease of movement. As you add layers, be sure to adjust the next layer’s size accordingly.

The first layer should be made of a synthetic material that will wick perspiration away from the body and maintain its insulating properties when damp. The second layer is your main insulator and should be a breathable material that maintains its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic fleeces or natural wool are good choices. The outermost layer should be breathable and both wind and water resistant.

Head and neck protection is a must since nearly 40% of body heat is lost here. Perspiration is the main enemy of feet. The best footwear will have sturdy outers, good treads and a removable felt liner. Buy extra liners and replace them every few hours. Liners can take a full day to fully dry out so buy enough to get through a typical workday.

Mittens are the warmest but present problems in grasping tools etc. I have found that a heavy duty welder’s glove with cotton or wool gloves lining them provide good warmth and mobility. Buy enough liners to get you through the day. One final note, the body needs fuel to produce heat. Your calorie needs increase in cold weather and require regular replenishment with good wholesome foods.

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In many things, it is said that first impressions count. When it comes to infrared inspections of electrical distribution systems, first impressions may be incomplete or misleading especially when an inspection is not performed properly.

The greatest amount of labor expended during an infrared inspection of electrical equipment is often associated with the opening/closing of electrical panels. In an effort to reduce labor costs, some have suggested scanning the exterior of electrical enclosures and opening only those that exhibit a discernible temperature rise. This approach is flawed in that it often overlooks significant thermal anomalies that can lead to catastrophic failures or unexpected downtime.

Depending upon the construction and condition of electrical equipment, significant thermal anomalies may be undetectable when panel covers remain closed. Such anomalies include, but are not limited to, loose/deteriorated connections, overloads or arcing. Because infrared equipment cannot see through solid objects such as steel and phenolic, industry practice and published standards require that electrical enclosures be opened to afford a clear line-of-sight to subject components.

At present, there is no way to correlate enclosure temperatures to the integrity of the devices they contain. Thermographers who use enclosure temperatures as indicators of device integrity face two problems. First, they will miss significant deficiencies. Second, they may invite undue liability when a hidden problem causes a catastrophic failure or unexpected downtime.

When requested to improperly perform an infrared inspection, a professional thermographer has an obligation to inform interested parties of proper procedures. Should the requestor persist, the thermographer should decline to perform the inspection altogether.

For information on training and certification or to obtain a copy of the Guideline for Infrared Inspection of Electrical & Mechanical Systems, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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RSS feeds have become a means for automatically receiving information from web publishers on a wide variety of topics. RSS feeds can provide thermographers with up-to-the minute news and information on thermography and related PdM and NDT topics.

One of the definitions of RSS is "Really Simple Syndication". It is a way to easily distribute a list of headlines, update notices, and sometimes content to a wide number of people. An RSS feed is sometimes called an "RSS Channel." RSS works by having the website author maintain a list of notifications on his/her website. This list of notifications is called an "RSS Feed."

Thermographers can benefit from an RSS feed by having the feed automatically deliver content to their computer. This is accomplished via software programs called “News Readers” or "RSS Aggregators." There are many aggregators available for free as well as some that charge a fee. Every aggregator is different but each one will allow you to create an incoming feed that interests you.

Upon selecting and installing your aggregator, enter the URL of each RSS feed you wish to receive into the appropriate location in your aggregator. By running your aggregator in automatic mode, it will periodically check the internet to see if selected feeds have been updated. If the aggregator finds an update, it will download the updated information to your computer. Then, when you read a headline that interests you, just click on it and you'll be able to read the full story.

Both infraspection.com and irinfo.org offer free news feeds. To receive feeds from these websites, enter the URLs listed below into your aggregator program.

INFRASPECTION.COM http://www.infraspection.com/RSS_News_Feeds/infraspection_news.xml

IRINFO.ORG:
http://www.irinfo.org/RSS_News_Feeds/rss_irinfo_main.xml

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“Watch Your Step”. Sage advice that we’ve heard a million times; however, falls continue to be one of the most common workplace accidents. Following a few simple steps can help thermographers to prevent most falls.

Each year falls in the workplace account for over one million injuries and several hundred fatalities. Even a simple slip can cause serious injuries. Many falls can be prevented by following some basic rules:

• Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts
• Look for fall hazards such as unprotected floor openings/edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells, and roof openings/edges
• Use appropriate fall protection equipment; inspect equipment for defects prior to each use
• Never use boxes or chairs in place of an appropriate ladder or stepstool
• Secure and stabilize ladders before climbing them; never stand on top rung or step of a ladder
• Use handrails when going up/down stairs
• Practice good housekeeping - Keep floors dry and free of clutter such as cords, hoses , and cables
• Keep walkways free of snow and ice

Lastly, be sure to use sturdy footwear appropriate to the task. Work boots and shoes should be laced and tied to prevent tripping and to afford proper support. When it comes to fall protection, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For more information on workplace safety standards and fall protection, visit www.osha.gov.

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Condensation on interior building surfaces can lead to a variety of problems including conditions conducive to mold growth. Used properly, the isotherm feature found on many infrared imagers can be utilized to spot potential condensation sites.

Simply put, dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air will cause condensation to form on a surface. When interior building components are cooled to dew point temperature or lower, water vapor will precipitate out of the air causing water to form on the subject component.

For building envelopes, chronic condensation on interior drywall surfaces can cause unsightly staining by trapping dust or smoke particulates in these areas. Chronic condensation on organic building components is also conducive to mold growth. Condensation often goes unnoticed until building occupants notice stains associated with the aforementioned conditions. Fortunately, a thermal imager can be used to detect condensation problems before they become serious.

To utilize a thermal imager to detect potential condensation sites, identify the dew point temperature for the room or areas that you are inspecting. Set your imager’s isotherm function to appear at, and for several degrees below, the dew point temperature. As you inspect high emittance building surfaces from the interior of the building, note any components that cause the isotherm to appear. These areas should then be further investigated for cause and appropriate action taken.

When using an isotherm, be sure to practice proper measurement techniques giving particular consideration to viewing angle, spot measurement size and emissivity settings.

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Resolution is one of the most important objective specifications for any thermal imaging system. Pixel count is frequently offered as a measure of image quality; however, pixel count is only one of many factors that affect imager resolution.

The Focal Plane Array (FPA) detector assemblies used in modern infrared imagers are made up of several tiny, discrete picture elements or pixels. Each pixel is a discrete infrared detector that collects thermal data. Individual pixels are arranged to form an array that ultimately allows the imager to produce a thermal image.

FPA detectors are commonly specified according to pixel count and ratio. Typical detector sizes for industrial imagers range from 160W by 120H to 320W by 240H; some detectors may have more or less pixels. To determine the total pixel count for a detector; the horizontal and vertical values are multiplied.

Imager manufacturers often cite pixel count as a measure of imager resolution. Imager sales are won and lost as entire ad campaigns focus heavily on this single objective specification. Actually determining resolution is not that simple.

Although resolution generally increases with the number of pixels, there are several other factors that influence image clarity or resolution. These include, but are not limited to, pixel viewing angle, imager optics, signal-to-noise ratio and the imager’s display screen.

When evaluating an imager for resolution, physically try the imager under actual working conditions. Imagers that produce clear images should be sufficient to the task regardless of pixel count.

To better understand imager resolution, read the article, Selecting, Specifying and Purchasing Thermal Imagers available from Infraspection Institute. To obtain a copy of the article, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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With so many time demands in today’s workplace, staying organized is a constant challenge. Contact management software is one solution that can help to improve organization and productivity and increase sales.

Contact management software programs, also known as contact managers, are designed to help users keep track of their associates, customers and tasks. Contact managers are used by salespeople, customer service representatives, and managers.

Contact managers are databases that utilize calendars for scheduling. They also integrate email and personal file information such as phone numbers and addresses with task lists and histories of interactions. Contact managers may be installed on your personal computer or intranet (ACT! and GoldMine) or hosted via the internet (Salesforce.com).

Among the chief benefits of contact managers are:

• Scheduling multiple activities with automatic calendars
• Organizing and tracking customers, prospects, and suppliers
• Generating letters, proposals and quotations from preformatted templates
• Preparing standard forms such as invoices and fax covers
• Managing mailing lists and ad campaigns
• Compiling sales reports and forecasts

Contact managers can help to improve productivity since a contact’s entire history is organized and readily available. Contact managers can also help salespeople to close more sales through improved efficiency and tracking of prospects and better follow up with existing cutomers. Most off-the-shelf contact managers will produce impressive results provided that the user takes the time to learn the software and faithfully utilizes the software’s organizational tools.

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“Watch Your Step” is a safety slogan we’ve all seen countless times. All too frequently, thermographers suffer injuries when engrossed in an inspection or disoriented by the display monitor of an infrared imager.

Thermography is a visual inspection technique that requires a thermographer to play close attention to an imager’s monitor screen. Due to their construction, some portable thermal imagers can present safety hazards by partially obstructing a thermographer’s vision. Other thermal imagers may cause a thermographer to loose his/her balance due to the different perspective of the images they display.

In addition to hazards presented by imaging equipment, thermographers engrossed in an inspection can easily loose touch with their physical surroundings. To help prevent accidents, keep the following in mind:

• Always maintain adequate situational awareness of your surroundings
• Prior to imaging, survey the worksite for any tripping or fall hazards
• Be sure of your footing and overhead hazards at all times
• Stay with your qualified assistant at all times

Lastly, be extra careful when working in low light conditions. Watching a monitor screen in low light can impair your night vision for up to several minutes after you have viewed the screen. Taking the time to watch your step when imaging can help to prevent personal injury and avoid damage to your equipment or a client’s facility.

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Operating temperature can have a significant impact on the service life of operating electric motors. Accurately determining maximum operating temperature for motors is critical for setting temperature limits.

One of the specifications for electric motors is maximum operating temperature. This temperature value is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, the motor’s insulation class. Exceeding the maximum temperature for a motor will shorten the life of the motor’s dielectric materials and will result in decreased service life for the motor.

In order to calculate a motor’s maximum rated temperature, one must know the motor’s ambient temperature rating and its rated temperature rise above ambient. Both of these values are generally found on the motor nameplate located on the exterior of the motor casing.

To calculate a motor’s maximum operating temperature, add the ambient and rated rise temperatures. Their sum is the maximum operating temperature for the subject motor at 100% load.

It is important to note that some motors specify insulation class rather than a numeric value for temperature rise. In such cases, it is necessary to know the operating limits for the insulation class of the subject motor.

The Infraspection Institute Guideline for Infrared Inspections of Electrical and Mechanical Equipment provides temperature limits for several common insulation classes of AC and DC motors. In addition to providing inspection procedures, it also provides temperature limit data for lubricants, bearings and seals. To order a copy of the Guideline, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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When it comes to infrared imager specifications, the term “bit” is frequently used to describe detectors, file sizes, and display screens. In this week’s Tip, we attempt to make this term a bit less confusing.

Bit is a common term in the computer industry used to describe quantities of data. One bit of data equals two levels of information; the number of data levels doubles with each successive increase in the number of bits. The chart below shows the relationship between bits and data levels.

For thermal imagers, the term bit is used to describe detector outputs, stored image sizes, and display screens. Modern imager detectors are usually specified at 12 to 16 bits (4096 to 65,536 levels of data). In general, either a 12 or 14 bit detector is sufficient for good image quality and allows stored images to be post processed.

Many modern thermal imagers are capable of digitally storing image files to removable media such as a PC card and/or the imager’s internal memory. Typical file storage is 12 bits or 4096 levels of data. Depending upon imager capabilities, stored image files can be recalled and post processed. In particular, level and gain settings may be adjusted within the imager or in manufacturer-supplied software. When stored thermal images are recalled, they are displayed on the imager’s monitor at 8 bits or 256 levels of color or grayscale.

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As thermography gains wider acceptance, the number of firms offering infrared inspections continues to grow. A common challenge among thermographers is obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for their inspection activities.

Insurance is a necessary expense in the modern business world. Depending upon a where a business is located, certain types of insurance (unemployment, automobile, workers compensation) and the amount of coverage may be mandated by law. General liability insurance which is designed to protect against an insured against a legal claim often evokes the greatest number of questions.

For professional thermographers, the challenge in obtaining the correct type of insurance and the amount of coverage will depend upon several factors. These include, but are not limited to, the location where work is to be performed, the types of inspections to be conducted, thermographer training and experience, and the content of any reports to be issued.

In order to best determine insurance needs, a thermographer should consult with their insurance broker or agent who can provide the best guidance on insurance options. In the absence of a current insurance professional, consider asking for a referral from another local business. When seeking insurance, consulting with more than one insurance professional will likely provide both policy and pricing options.

Infraspection has been training and certifying thermographers for over 25 years. Since 1983, our Certified Infrared Thermographer® program has been setting the standard for excellence among professional thermographers worldwide. For information on training courses and certification, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit www.infraspection.com.

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Leaks are a common problem with underground piping systems. Under the correct conditions, infrared thermography can help to detect evidence of leaks from buried piping systems that carry hot or cold product.

When a leak develops in a buried piping system, fluid is lost to the surrounding earth. If a leak from a heated or cooled piping system is sufficiently large, a temperature change will occur at the surface of the ground in the vicinity of the pipe leak.

Leaks from buried piping are generally characterized by amorphously shaped thermal anomalies that appear along the pathway of the subject piping system. The ability to detect a pipe leak will be influenced by several interdependent factors including, but not limited to: pipe operating temperature, pipe system construction, burial depth, amount of loss, soil type and moisture content, and ground cover.

Infrared inspections of buried piping systems are best performed late at night with calm wind conditions. Inspections may be performed on foot, from a motor vehicle or from an aircraft. Performing the inspection late at night will eliminate the effects of solar loading and solar reflection.

During the inspection, the thermal imager is maneuvered over the pathway of the pipeline. Well-defined straight lines that correspond to the location of the buried lines generally indicate a healthy piping system. Amorphously shaped thermal anomalies that cannot be explained in terms of piping system construction or features may be indicative of pipe leaks and should be marked and subsequently investigated for cause.

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As the world wide web has matured, websites have become a business necessity filling a key role in the marketing, promotion and sales of many companies. In addition to direct sales, websites can generate additional revenue through a concept known as affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing represents one of the newest opportunities for websites to generate revenue. With the right content, affiliate marketing can generate sufficient revenue to turn an existing website into a profit center.

Affiliate marketing is a system of revenue sharing between websites. The primary participants are and Affiliate Partner and an Advertiser. With affiliate marketing, the Affiliate Partner features ads & content on his/her website that refer traffic or sales to an Advertiser’s website. The Affiliate Partner receives a fee based upon amount of traffic or sales generated for the Advertiser’s site. Simply defined, Affiliate Marketing is risk free advertising that rewards performance

Examples of highly successful affiliate marketing programs include Amazon.com and Google. Under the affiliate marketing concept, everybody wins. Advertisers gain exposure, Affiliates enjoy commissions and increased website relevance and traffic; and customers find new products and services via familiar websites. With the right ads, Affiliates can actually generate a positive cash flow for their website.

The Infraspection Institute Affiliate Partner program allows thermographers to turn their website into a profit center. The Infraspection AP program utilizes state-of-the-art software to automatically feed non-competitive ad content to your website. When customers place an order for any Infraspection product or service, Affiliate Partners earn a 5% commission. Best of all, the Infraspection AP program requires no capital investment and can actually help to increase your website’s prominence and traffic! For more information, visit: www.infraspection.com/affiliate_program_faq.html

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Lightning is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena. For thermographers who work outdoors, it can present a serious safety hazard. This week’s Tip discusses how you can protect yourself from this serious safety hazard.

Each year, lightning kills an average of 67 people in the United States; hundreds more are injured. Few people really understand the dangers of lightning. Many fail to act promptly to protect their lives and property don't understand the dangers associated with thunderstorms and lightning.

Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on warm summer days and go through various stages of growth, development and dissipation. On a sunny day, as the sun heats the air, pockets of warmer air start to rise in the atmosphere. When this air reaches a certain level in the atmosphere, cumulus clouds start to form. Continued heating can cause these clouds to grow vertically upward in the atmosphere into "towering cumulus" clouds. These towering cumulus may be one of the first indications of a developing thunderstorm.

During a thunderstorm, each flash of cloud-to-ground lightning is a potential killer. The determining factor on whether a particular flash could be deadly depends on whether a person is in the path of the lightning discharge. In addition to the visible flash that travels through the air, the current associated with the lightning discharge travels along the ground. Although some victims are struck directly by the main lightning stroke, many victims are struck as the current moves in and along the ground.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm. That's about the distance you can hear thunder. When a storm is 10 miles away, it may even be difficult to tell a storm is coming.

IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE. SEEK SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!

The first stroke of lightning is just as deadly as the last. If the sky looks threatening, take shelter before hearing thunder. Once indoors, stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

For more info on lightning safety, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm

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As IR thermographers we often have to either image or measure surfaces that have low emissivities. An accepted practice is to alter those surfaces with temporary coatings such as paint, electrical tape, or other materials that increase the emissivity. The higher emissivity allows more accurate determination of the thermal patterns and more accurate measurement of the temperatures of the surface.

However, we usually ignore the fact that changing the emissivity will affect the actual temperature of the surface. We then measure, albeit more accurately, the CHANGED temperature. It is necessary that we recognize that this is happening in order to correctly report our results.

The surface temperature is governed by the flow of heat to the surface from behind it and the flow of heat from the surface to the surroundings. (I am discussing this as a heated surface. Similar considerations pertain to cooled surfaces.) The flow of heat from the surface to the surroundings occurs both by convection and radiation. The impact of the change of emissivity will significantly affect the radiative transfer. The convective transfer will be impacted by the change in the temperature difference between the surface and the surroundings and possibly, if the change is large enough, in a change in the heat transfer coefficient.

How important is this effect and what do we do about it? We can calculate the effect by examining the heat transfer of the particular system. This allows us to estimate not only the impact of the emissivity change, but also allows us to back calculate the temperature of the low emissivity surface that we could not measure.

As an example, I have calculated the impact on the surface temperature of changing the emissivity from 0.05 to 0.90 for two thicknesses of aluminized insulation that have a high temperature (2000°F) behind them and are exposed to room temperature (70°F) on the measurement side. The heat transfer on the hot side was taken as very high, similar to condensing vapor. Note that the results are specific to the case presented. For 1" insulation the surface temperature drops from 304°F to 208°F for a change of 96°F. For 4" insulation the temperature drops from 136°F to 111°F for a change of 25°F. Both of these are significant differences.

NOTE:

Infraspection Institute and Kleinfeld Technical Services, Inc. are preparing Distance Learning Tutorials on a variety of topics. A fuller discussion of this tip of the week is being considered as the subject of one of the tutorials. We would appreciate your feedback as to your interest areas for these tutorials. Please fill in the very short survey at this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=767432174063

This Tip of the Week was provided by:

Jack Kleinfeld, President
Kleinfeld Technical Services, Inc.
www.KleinfeldTechnical.com

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Certification is one of the most frequently cited credentials for practicing infrared thermographers. In this Tip we discuss the importance of Level III certification and why thermographers need to train and certify to the highest level possible.

The advent of lower priced equipment has created greater public awareness and a dramatic increase in infrared imager sales. Sales of imagers to contractors, service companies, engineers and consultants are at an all-time high. As a result, many areas have seen an increase in competition among those who provide professional infrared inspection services.

In addition to an increase in the number of firms providing infrared inspection services, many infrared consultants are often competing with poorly trained thermographers with little or no field experience. The following practices can help customers and prospects appreciate the true value of an experienced consultant and to level the playing field in competitive situations.

• Obtain quality training for all thermographers. Training should be from a recognized, independent training firm
• Implement a meaningful written practice for your thermography program. This simple step serves as a blueprint for an infrared inspection program and helps to ensure quality
• Emphasize thermographer field experience in addition to training. Clients often place value above low price and will spend more money for your services if they believe that you are better qualified than a lower priced competitor

Lastly, train and certify all thermographers to Level III. Training to minimal levels sends a poor message to clients and limits a thermographer’s knowledge base and revenue potential. Requiring Level III for all thermographers can provide a competitive advantage and increased profits.

Infraspection Institute has been training and certifying professional infrared thermographers since 1980. Our Level III Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course teaches the industry’s best practices and is fully compliant with ASNT and industry standards. Our highly experienced instructors provide up-to-date information vital to help maximize your program’s success and profits. For more information or to register for a class, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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The more things change, the more they remain the same. This timeless observation is especially true when referring to the seemingly revolutionary image fusion feature found on some of today’s modern thermal imagers.

The fusion feature found on some modern thermal imagers is somewhat of a relic having been around since the early 1990’s. In simple terms, image fusion is a feature that allows a thermographer to produce composite imagery generated from a thermal image and a corresponding daylight image of the same subject.

Originally designed for the low-resolution imagers of the early 1990’s, composite imagery was achieved via a CCD camera affixed to the thermal imager. The thermal imager’s onboard computer was used to combine daylight and infrared imagery into a single image. During the 1990’s composite imagery did not gain significant market share and was all but forgotten with advances in imager resolution.

In 2006, some manufacturers began to offer composite imagery capabilities on modern imagers. The principle of modern composite imagery is largely the same as in years past; however, today’s imagery is vastly improved over yesteryear due to increased resolution of both thermal imagers and the daylight cameras featured on them.

By utilizing imager controls or software on composite-capable imagers, thermographers can select color palettes as well as the amount of image blending. Images may be stored to PC card or recorded to videotape in real time. The recent resurrection of composite imagery offers several advantages:

• More precise correlation of thermal data with daylight imagery
• Potential reduction in number of images required within hardcopy reports
• Ability to easily convey information to recipients of reports or imagery

Although features such as composite imagery can help to demystify thermal imaging, the proper conduct on an infrared inspection still relies upon a properly trained and experienced thermographer. For more information on thermographer training and certification, call Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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An age-old challenge for thermographers is the ability to annotate or mark objects to make them easier to identify in recorded imagery. One possible solution is to mark targets with an ink pen with low emittance ink.

Many thermographers have long sought ways to mark targets in such a fashion that numbers or text can clearly be seen with a thermal imager. Over time, some thermographers have used paints with emittances that contrast sharply with the objects being marked. In these cases, text and/or numbers painted on the target are clearly visible within resulting thermal imagery and recorded thermograms.

Recently some thermographers have reported good results in utilizing a Sharpie permanent felt-tip marker in silver color. The low emittance of the metallic ink contrasts markedly with high emittance targets allowing annotations to clearly appear within thermal images. In many cases, the silver ink can also be clearly seen in daylight images as well. An example can be seen below.

One should be aware that Sharpie markers are permanent unless the ink is applied to a removable material such as tape or labels affixed to the target. Prior to marking any target, be certain it is safe to do so and that marking will not permanently damage the target.

For more information on thermographer training and certification or to obtain a copy of the Guideline for Infrared Inspections of Electrical and Mechanical Systems, call Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at wwww.infraspection.com.

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Travelers visiting foreign places know the importance of speaking the local language. Knowing the meaning of website terminology is key to understanding website performance.

Several terms are used when gauging website performance. Some of the most frequently utilized terms are: hits, unique visitors, and page views. While these terms are used to describe website traffic, few people understand their true meaning and how it relates to website performance.

A unique visitor is defined as one person accessing a website for a continuous period of time or session. No consideration is given to the time spent or pages viewed. Because counting ‘unique visitors’ is similar to counting attendance at a public event, it is often one of the best indicators of website performance.

A page view is defined as a visitor accessing individual pages within a website. A page view is generated each time a visitor accesses a different page during a session. Page view statistics enable a webmaster to gauge which pages within a website are most popular among visitors.

Hits are defined as a page view multiplied by the number of server file requests on each page visited. Because individual web pages often have dozens of calls to graphic and other files, ‘hits’ is a very misleading statistic. Although ‘hits’ is a poor indicator of website performance, it is one of the most frequently cited statistics for website performance.

With a proper understanding of website terminology, one can better interpret website statistics and how they relate to a site’s performance. This information is key to gauging the performance of one’s own website as well as those you advertise with.

Since 2002 irinfo.org has been the definitive internet resource for infrared thermography. Known for accurate, cutting-edge content, we maintain a readership of thousands of thermographers worldwide. Everyday, purchasers of infrared equipment and services begin their search for new equipment and thermographers on our website. Learn how we can help to increase your sales by calling us at 609-239-4788 or visiting us online at: http://www.irinfo.org/advertise.html.

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Loss prevention is a top priority for high level managers because fire or smoke can damage critical or sensitive utilities such as electricity substation or network switches. Under the right conditions, an infrared imager can be utilized to detect fire in its earliest stages.

While fire and smoke may cause moderate property damage, they often create huge business interruptions which can compromise a company’s reputation. In some facilities, extremely sensitive air sampling systems are installed in critical utility areas in addition to traditional fire and smoke detectors. These sensitive air sampling systems can detect fire in its formative stages before smoke become visible.

Historically, response personnel have spent considerable time to locate the origin of smoke after an alarm has sounded. For instance, a main electric substation can contain dozens of switchgear enclosures. In such areas, identifying a fault by sight or smell can require substantial time.

According to the US FCC, the majority fire damage to electronic equipment is due to smoke. Smoke generated from printed circuit board components is highly corrosive. Even small amounts of smoke can have adverse long-term effects on electronics.

In order to prevent a fire, time is of the essence in locating critical hot spots. If not detected in time, electrical hot spots may ignite nearby flammable materials. Once a fire begin within an enclosure, it can double in size every 30 seconds.

Once an alarm sounds, a trained operator can use a thermal imager to quickly perform a hot spot search to help prevent a fire. Hence, a thermal camera is a worth investment to prevent serious fire damage at the incipient hot spot stage within critical utilities.

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With the height of Summer, many thermographers focus their attention on the discomfort associated with heat and humidity. Those who spend time outdoors should also be aware of the health hazards associated with unprotected exposure to the Sun.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.

Following a few simple tips can help protect you from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

• Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection
• Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
• Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
• Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.

For more information on this topic or on other workplace safety and health issues, visit www.osha.gov.

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Most people have experienced the discomfort of sunburn at one time or another. Few tend to realize that unprotected exposure to the Sun increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer which can be fatal. Early detection is your first line of defense in treating skin cancer.

Sun exposure at any age can cause skin cancer. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features:

• Numerous, irregular, or large moles
• Freckles
• Fair skin
• Blond, red, or light brown hair

It's important to examine your body monthly because skin cancers detected early can almost always be cured. The most important warning sign is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 1 or 2 years.

Skin cancers often take the following forms:

• Pale, wax-like, pearly nodules
• Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches
• Sores that don't heal
• Small, mole-like growths - melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer

If you find such unusual skin changes, see a health care professional immediately. For more information about preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, check out these sources:

American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover

The Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org

For more information on this topic or on other workplace safety and health issues, visit www.osha.gov.

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With interest in thermography at an all-time high, more people are seeking training and certification. When comparing infrared course offerings, many mistakenly assume that all training and certification courses are the same.

The greatest limitation in an infrared inspection is the thermographer. Because of this, thermographer training and certification have long been recognized as requirements to help ensure accurate inspections. To this end, several firms offer Level I, II, and III training courses; however, these courses are not equal.

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing document, SNT-TC-1A outlines suggested topics for training and certifying NDT personnel in the Thermal/Infrared Testing Method. Suggested topics range from basic theory and camera operation to advanced thermographic applications. Since these topics are suggestions, companies have wide latitude in compiling course content. Because of this, one should never assume that courses bearing the same name will contain similar content.

When considering any infrared training course, be certain to:

• Review course curriculum carefully to ensure it meets your needs
• Ascertain type of certification provided and its expiration date
• Consider the history of the training firm and its credentials

Lastly, beware of training courses offered by equipment manufacturers or “vendor neutral” instructors. Only an independent training firm can offer unbiased opinions with respect to equipment choices.

For nearly 30 years, Infraspection Institute’s Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses have set the industry standard for excellence. In addition to our Level I, II, and III Certified Infrared Thermographer® courses, we offer several industry-specific application and operator training courses. All courses are taught by field-experienced Level III practicing thermographers. For more information or to register for a class, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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The recent introduction of 640 x 480 pixel imagers has many thermographers speculating on the impact this equipment will have on our industry and their business. In this Tip we separate marketing hype from physics by revisiting the issue of resolution and its importance in thermal imaging.

Resolution is one of the most important objective specifications for a thermal imaging system. Due to a lack of standardization, this term is used in a variety of ways, many of which can be confusing or misleading.

Simply stated, resolution describes the capability of a thermal imager to clearly depict a target. Imager resolution is not solely dependent upon pixel count. Rather, it is determined by an interdependent set of circumstances, the most important of which are described below.

• Detector: Many manufacturers offer total pixel count of the detector as a measure of resolution. Resolution generally increases with the number of pixels; however, pixel viewing angle (IFOV) also affects detector resolution. Meaningful IFOV data are frequently unavailable.
• Optics: Lens quality affects an imager's ability to clearly resolve a target at a given distance. With no industry standard for optics, lenses can vary widely between imagers.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: Generally, higher ratios equate to increased image resolution. Imagers with poor ratios will provide imagery that is grainy, thereby compromising image quality.
• Display Monitor: To maximize resolution, the pixel count of an imager display monitor should equal or exceed the number of detector pixels. Compact or monocular displays can severely limit resolution. Use of a high resolution monitor cannot compensate for low detector resolution.

When considering an imager for purchase, do not rely on pixel count as an accurate representation of imager resolution. Always try the imager under the same circumstances that you will encounter in the future. Because there is no objective method to determine imager resolution, one should physically compare subject imagers to each other and choose the one that meets their needs and budget.

To better understand imager resolution, read the article, Selecting, Specifying and Purchasing Thermal Imagers available from Infraspection Institute. To obtain a copy of the article, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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With any technology, change is inevitable. Advances in infrared imager technology now provide thermographers with new equipment choices on a semiannual basis. With more choices than ever, it is important for thermographers to be able to determine when they should upgrade their imager.

With the recent introduction of 640 x 480 pixel imagers, many have suggested that thermographers with older imaging systems will suffer a loss of business to those with newer equipment. While increased resolution may seem desirable, of greater importance is matching infrared equipment to the task at hand. For imaging large objects or imaging at close range, imagers with lesser resolution may be sufficient to the task.

In addition to improved image quality, there are technical and sound business reasons to consider an upgrade. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Increased portability, functionality, and/or ease of use
• Improved measurement accuracy
• Better availability of service, parts, and calibration
• New business opportunities afforded by new equipment
• Customer demand for new features and benefits

Depending upon the age of existing equipment, there may be financial advantages to upgrading or acquiring new equipment. Typically, a professional accountant can offer the best advice in this area.

For nearly 30 years, Infraspection Institute’s Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses have set the industry standard for excellence. In addition to our Level I, II, and III Certified Infrared Thermographer® courses, we offer several industry-specific application and operator training courses. All courses are taught by field-experienced Level III practicing thermographers. For more information or to register for a class, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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Don’t be surprised if the courts divert your next lawsuit to mediation or to non-binding arbitration. Since the trend toward alternative dispute resolution cuts costs for the court as well as for the parties, it shows no sign of slowing. In this Tip, we discuss the difference between mediation and arbitration.

Court-ordered arbitration is a private and informal adjudicatory process similar to a court trial. An impartial attorney appointed by the court listens to presentations made by the disputants, and then issues a decision that (hopefully) settles the conflict. In some court-ordered arbitrations, the award of the arbitrator is legally binding and enforceable upon the parties, unless one or the other petitions the court for trial de novo (which means as though the arbitration never happened) and pays the required fee to do so.

The arbitration hearing is much less formal in procedure than a court trial, but each party has the right to present proofs and arguments as in a court of law. Unlike mediation, in arbitration the parties give up the power to create their own solution, and place resolution of their problem in the hands of the arbitrator, but as a matter of practice, many cases settle once dialogue opens at the hearing.

Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party tries to find a way for the parties to come to agreement of settlement. It is non-binding, and different from a trial or an arbitration because the goal is not a resolution ordered down in the form of an award by an arbitrator or judgment by a judge. There is no “decision” because there is no “contest” in mediation. Instead, the mediator tries to find a common ground and draw the parties toward an agreement.

Mediation is often successful in cases where hard feelings over nonpayment act as a roadblock to dialogue, or where the amount of a claim of offset is open to reasonable debate (such as where the appropriate fix for a problem must be chosen from competing approaches). If no agreement is reached, the case goes back on the track to trial.

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Experienced electricians with a sense of humor will tell you, “It’s because they don’t know the words.” Recently, Swiss scientists have developed a more scientific theory on the reason for the hum associated with energized AC transformers.

When alternating current reverses 60 times per second, the iron core of an energized transformer undergoes magnetetostriction twice during each cycle. In other words, 120 times per second induced fields cause the core to stretch slightly; a meter-sized transformer might stretch or shrink by only a micron but this would be enough to set up an audible 120-Hz hum.

The new experimental work probes theories, going all the way back to Werner Heisenberg in the 1920s, about how the shrinkage arises from the magnetic interactions (spin exchange) among pairs of atoms (dimers), which share a common electron. The two magnetic ions want to be closer together.

For studying this effect iron itself is not the best test material and the Swiss scientists (ETH Lab in Zurich and the University of Bern) use another magnetic atom, manganese. Mn is a common ingredient in the magneto-resistance data storage systems found in most disk drives. Normally in a pure crystal, Mn atoms would be arrayed in endless straight lines. But in this experiment the Mn atoms are isolated, two by two, with plenty of intervening magnesium atoms. This allows the researchers to variably "dilute" the magnet interactions between Mn atoms.

The strength of these interactions (or to be more precise the energy levels of the excited Mn atoms) is measured by scattering a beam of neutrons from the sample, a process called neutron spectroscopy. The observed microscopic magnetostriction mimics the striction at the macroscopic level, but it does depart considerably from the predictions of the traditional Heisenberg model.

Tip excerpted from American Institute of Physics bulletin, Physics News Update.

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Creating an appealing, functional, and effective website is much harder than it looks. It's not simply a matter of taking a company brochure or catalog, converting the text to HTML, and throwing in a few pictures.

A website is a 24-hour a day advertisement for your company and should be treated as such. You wouldn’t turn over the design of your next direct mail piece, newspaper ad, or TV commercial to an amateur, and the same should hold true for your website. Actually, more care should be given to your website considering the potential number of online viewers is much greater than the audience for any other communication medium.

A website should not be static; it should be dynamic, offering the possibility of interacting with others in a way that traditional media can’t. As websites become more sophisticated, so does the need for experienced developers. Web designers also need to be familiar with the peculiarities of this new medium. Your website will be viewed by different people from all over the world using vastly different equipment.

How do you design a page that needs to fit onto several different size monitor screens, set at a number of different resolutions, using a variety of different browser software? The best choice is to hire a professional web developer who will discuss available options and work with you to find the best solution for your business. Above all, resist the temptation to design your own website!

Designing an effective website is part art, part science and a little luck. You need an experienced professional to get the best results. And, to some extent, the old adage applies, “you get what you pay for.”

Tip provided by WebSolutions Technology, Inc.

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Thermographers who inspect large structures or elevated components often utilize aerial lifts or platforms to gain line-of-sight access to the inspected object. This week’s Tip focuses on safe work practices for this unique job challenge.

Aerial lifts include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks. The major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip over.

When utilizing an aerial lift, always observe the following safe work practices:

•   Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment
•   Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
•   Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices
•   Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer
•   Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker(s)
•   Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest overhead lines
•   Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket
•   Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline. Use outriggers, if provided

Lastly, never exceed the load limits of lift equipment. Be certain to allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials. For more information on workplace safety standards and fall protection, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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When it comes to equipment calibration, thermographers often send their infrared instruments to the manufacturer at periodic intervals. To help ensure accuracy, thermographers should understand calibration procedures and review calibration documentation whenever possible.

Within the thermographic community it is common practice to periodically return infrared equipment to the manufacturer. Typical time frames range from 12 to 24 months depending upon one’s circumstances. As part of the calibration process, most manufacturers will provide a statement of calibration upon returning the subject instruments.

Recently, we sent two identical contact radiometers to their manufacturer for calibration. Both units had been providing inaccurate temperatures and were expected to need adjustment. The units were returned approximately two weeks later each with a calibration statement and the observation that neither needed adjustment.

In reviewing the accuracy statement for each of the radiometers, it was noted that the tolerances were not in accordance with the manufacturer’s published specifications. When asked about the discrepancy, the manufacturer stated the calibration forms that we received were outdated and had been used by mistake. The manufacturer apologized and faxed the correct formula.

Upon applying the correct formula to the calibration data, it was noted that the subject radiometers were out of tolerance for several temperature points. As a result, both radiometers were sent back to the manufacturer for proper calibration and adjustment.

The above experience underscores the need for thermographers to understand manufacturers’ calibration procedures and the resulting data. Had we blindly relied on the manufacturer’s initial calibration, it is likely that we would have introduced significant error into our measurements.

To help ensure equipment accuracy, it is always advisable to perform an in-house check of radiometric equipment on a regular basis, after manufacturer adjustments, or whenever equipment has experienced any physical shock. The Infraspection Institute Level II Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course teaches a simple method that may be used to check the calibration of infrared equipment. For more information on thermographer training or certification, visit us online at: www.infraspection.com.

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“First impressions count.” This timeless observation underscores the importance of appearances when meeting someone for the first time. This same observation also holds true in the modern, wired world.

Experienced businesspeople know the importance of first impressions. To this end, they do their best to dress, act, and speak appropriately when meeting prospects. Why is it then that so many fail to understand that first impressions on the web are equally important?

The worldwide web and email have greatly expanded the reach of many businesses. No longer are businesses confined to geographic regions; their ability to reach a worldwide audience is limited only by the connectivity of their prospects.

Prospects will form opinions about businesses or individuals through their websites, emails and posts to public message boards. When using any of these resources, keep the following in mind:

• Be courteous and respectful of others
• Never post anything you should not say in public
• Do not make personal attacks on individuals or companies
• The internet crosses international and cultural boundaries. Depending on local customs, people do things differently. This does not make them wrong.

Remember, with every new encounter, others form impressions of you. Because first impressions can be permanent, make certain that your web impressions are always positive.

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When it comes to spending year end budget monies, the phrase “Use it or Lose it” often applies. Training can be a wise choice for those looking to reduce a budget surplus.

Staying within budget is a constant challenge for maintenance managers. For many, it seems that there is never enough money in the budget. On occasion, however, it is possible to experience a surplus in one’s budget when nearing year end.

When faced with a budget surplus, it is imperative to fully utilize allocated financial resources. Failure to do so can cause a reduction in future budgeting if management perceives that your department is over funded. When searching for wise choices for year-end spending, training is always a good option.

Thermographic training is a sound investment for initiating a PdM program or expanding an existing one. Whenever considering infrared training be certain to:

• Examine course curriculum to ensure that it meets your needs
• Ensure that course will be germane to all infrared imagers
• Ascertain if Certification is included with course, its expiration date, and renewal fees
• Insist that instructors be practicing thermographers with documented field experience in their area of instruction

Infraspection Institute has been providing infrared training and certification for infrared thermographers since 1980. Our Level I, II, and III Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses meet the training requirements for NDT personnel in accordance with the ASNT document, SNT-TC-1A. All courses are taught by practicing, expert Level III thermographers whose field experience is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. For more information call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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As the popularity of switchgear windows and ports grows, thermographers are faced with challenges unique to these devices. In this Tip we examine some of these challenges and provide advice and cautions when imaging through windows and ports.

In an effort to reduce the risk of injuries associated with arc flash, many facilities have installed IR transmissive windows or ports that permit infrared inspections without having to open panel covers. Although windows and ports can provide a measure of safety and help to reduce labor associated with infrared inspections, they pose unique challenges not associated with direct line-of-sight imaging.

Switchgear windows are typically constructed of a metal frame with a fixed IR transparent material that enables an imager to view through them. Switchgear ports consist of a metal frame with small openings through which an imager may be sighted. Depending upon type, some ports have a single hole; others have metal screens containing multiple holes.

Windows and ports will always attenuate infrared energy received by the imager. This attenuation will affect both qualitative and quantitative data; however, the greatest challenge posed by windows and ports involves temperature measurement. Due to their small opening it is not possible to accurately measure temperature through screened ports. Accurate temperature through windows and single opening ports is possible only if the following conditions are met:

• Window opening must be larger than IR lens objective
• Target must be at or beyond imager’s minimum focus distance
• Both window transmittance and target emittance values must be known and properly entered into imager’s computer
• Imager lens must be kept perpendicular to, and in contact with window

When it is not possible to meet all of the above conditions, imagery should be evaluated only for its qualitative value. As always, any inexplicable hot or cold exceptions should be investigated for cause and appropriate corrective action taken.

The Infraspection Institute Guideline for Measuring and Compensating for Reflected Temperature, Emittance and Transmittance provides procedures for calculating window transmittance and target emittance, both of which are critical to accurate temperature measurement. To obtain a current copy of the Guideline, call 609-239-4788 or visit our secure online store http://www.infraspection.com/store.html and follow the link for ‘Infraspection Guidelines’.

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“My kingdom for a horse.” This well known Shakespeare quote underscores the need for having the right tool when needed. In this Tip we offer a suggestion for helping to ensure that critical imager components are always available when you need them.

Keeping track of thermal imager accessories can be a challenge. Modern thermal imaging systems are often supplied with a variety of accessories and attachments that can easily be misplaced or lost. In some cases, not having the correct accessory at hand can result in the postponement or cancellation of an inspection. Fortunately, there is a simple solution.

Nearly all thermal imagers are provided with compartmentalized carrying cases. These cases usually have die cut foam liners to protect the imager and its components and accessories. Labeling each compartment makes it easy to inventory compartments for the subject item(s). When labeling carrying case compartments, keep the following in mind:

• Locate and store all critical components within the carrying case
• Use high visibility labels that will not readily fall off
• List items and quantities for compartments containing multiple items
• Physically inventory each compartment every time the case is closed

Infraspection Institute has been providing infrared training and certification for infrared thermographers since 1980. Our Level I, II, and III Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses meet the training requirements for NDT personnel in accordance with the ASNT document, SNT-TC-1A. All courses are taught by practicing, expert Level III thermographers whose field experience is unmatched. For more information call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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“Energy nearly gone . . . Must finish . . .” When incorporated into a movie script, such a quote can provide high drama; spoken by a thermographer, it could foretell of temperature measurement errors.

Experienced thermographers know what it feels like to be near the end of an inspection only to have a low battery indicator appear on their instrument’s display screen. When fresh batteries are unavailable or far away, thermographers are often tempted to try to finish their inspection without switching batteries.

Although many portable thermal imagers and radiometers are designed to be used with batteries, few thermographers appreciate the impact of supply voltage on temperature measurement. Using infrared equipment with low batteries or incorrect voltage can cause significant errors in temperature measurement. Because of this, it is imperative to ensure that equipment batteries are always fully charged.

To help avoid measurement errors caused by low voltage, keep the following in mind:

• Only use batteries that are appropriate for your equipment
• Ensure that batteries are fully charged before each use
• When working in remote locations, carry spare batteries with you
• Change batteries immediately whenever a low power warning appears

Lastly, when working away from your office, it is a good practice to keep your battery charger(s) handy. Doing so will enable you to recharge dead batteries while you continue to work, helping to ensure that fresh ones are available when you need them.

Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses teach the proper use of thermal imagers and radiometers along with proven techniques to help ensure accurate temperature measurement. For more information or to register for a course, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at: www.infraspection.com.

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Keeping it simple is a principle for effective communications. When it comes to infrared thermography, oversimplification can be detrimental when it leads to confusion or misunderstandings.

In trying to explain the operation of thermal imagers, many will frequently state that infrared imagers sense temperatures across the surface of objects. While this may allow a layperson to grasp the concept of infrared equipment operation, it can foster a basic misunderstanding that can lead to significant diagnostic errors.

Infrared imagers do not sense temperature. Rather, they directly sense infrared energy radiated from the surface of an object. Using sophisticated on-board computers, radiant energy is converted to a monochrome or multi-colored image that represents the apparent thermal patterns across an object’s surface.

Emissivity is the most significant characteristic influencing the amount of energy radiated by an object. Emissivity is a dynamic phenomenon that is influenced by many factors; the relative amount of energy radiated by an object is described by its emittance.

Emittance is a number between 0 and 1 that numerically expresses how well an object radiates infrared energy when compared to a blackbody at the same wavelength and temperature. The emittance of an object will vary with temperature, shape and surface condition. In thermography, emittance can be further influenced by viewing angle and the spectral response of the imager/radiometer utilized.

In order to ensure accuracy, it is imperative for a thermographer to understand the concepts of radiance and the principles of non-contact temperature measurement. Anything that affects emissivity will influence both qualitative and quantitative data.

For nearly 30 years, Infraspection Institute’s Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses have set the industry standard for excellence. Our Certified Infrared Thermographer® and applications courses combine infrared theory with practical real world approaches that enable students to quickly master skill sets that help to ensure accuracy. All courses are taught by field-experienced Level III practicing thermographers. For more information or to register for a class, call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.

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When it comes to heat transfer and safety, thermographers traditionally think of the workplace. With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, neither of these topics should be overlooked when it comes to preparing the holiday feast.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 76 million Americans become ill each year as a result of foodborne pathogens. Of these, approximately 5,000 die. Proper hygiene practices before, during, and after food preparation can reduce the risk of food poisoning.

As part of their nationwide Be Food Safe public education campaign, the US Department of Agriculture offers four simple tips for safe food preparation:

Clean – Wash hands, surfaces and utensils often to avoid spreading bacteria when preparing food.

Separate – Use different cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Keep raw turkey away from vegetables and side dishes that won’t be cooked.

Cook – You can’t tell it’s done by how it looks! Use a food thermometer. Every part of the turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF.

Chill – Keep the refrigerator at 40ºF or below to keep bacteria from growing. Pumpkin pie should always be refrigerated and all food should be refrigerated within two hours.

If deep fried turkey is your preference, be sure to observe all safety precautions and never leave your fryer unattended. For more information on food safety, visit the US Department of Agriculture website.

From all of us at Infraspection Institute, Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers and friends! May you enjoy a safe and happy holiday in the company of those you love.

~ Jim and Christopher Seffrin ~

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Air travel is a job requirement for many thermographers. In this Tip, we offer suggestions for helping to reduce delays when passing trough airport security.

Air travelers can greatly affect their experience at the airport security checkpoints by preparing in advance. This includes: packing liquids, gels and aerosols in checked baggage whenever possible, using 3-1-1 for carry-ons, arriving early and ensuring they are not traveling with prohibited items.

For individuals who must carry liquids, gels and aerosols through the security checkpoint, it's as easy as 3-1-1.

• All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a 3 ounce or smaller container.
• These containers must be placed in a 1 quart, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
• 1 bag per passenger placed in a plastic bin for screening.

Below are other tips travelers should know before they leave home this holiday season...

Pack smart. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you're not sure which items are allowed, check TSA website for a complete list.

Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Remember that all shoes must be removed and screened by TSA. Passengers also need to remove blazers, suit coats and bulky sweaters in addition to outer garments.

Think. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. Such incidents will result in delays and possibly missing your flight.

Tip provided by:
The Emergency Email Network

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Thermal imaging is a proven technique for detecting latent moisture within low-slope roofing systems. Under the right conditions, thermal imaging may also indicate the number and location of roof fasteners.

Mechanical fasteners are a critical component in flat roofs. Essentially large sheet metal screws that are installed through large steel or plastic plates, mechanical fasteners secure sheets of insulation to the roof deck. In order to help ensure roof system performance, it is critical that each insulation board is installed with a sufficient number of fasteners.

An insufficient number of roof fasteners may be the result of improper design or a contractor attempting to cut corners on material. When fastener quantity is in doubt, a thermal imager may be used to indicate the number and location of fasteners. Typically, fasteners and plates will show as relatively warm components against a cooler background when imaged post-sunset after a sunny day. In the image below, subsurface fasteners and steel plates show as regularly-spaced warm circles.

When attempting to detect thermal patterns associated with mechanical fasteners, keep the following in mind:

• Thermal imaging should begin at or shortly after sunset
• Imagery associated with fasteners may only appear for a short time
• Fasteners may not be detectable on low emittance or gravel-surfaced roofs

Infrared inspections of flat roofs are one of the many applications covered in the Infraspection Institute Level I Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course. For course schedules or to obtain a copy of the Guideline for Performing Infrared Inspections of Building Envelopes and Insulated Roofs, visit Infraspection Institute online or call us at 609-239-4788.

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For many thermographers, ladders provide a means for accessing remote areas and equipment. Taking the time to use ladders properly can help to prevent serious or fatal injuries.

According to OSHA, falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. When using portable ladders, always keep the following points in mind:

• Avoid electrical hazards. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder.
• Inspect ladders before each use. Remove broken ladders from service and repair or discard.
• Do not exceed ladder load rating. Be aware of user’s weight including tools.
• Use a ladder only on a stable, level surface. Do not stack ladders on boxes, barrels, or unstable platforms to gain additional height.
• Maintain a 3 point contact with ladder (two feet, one hand). Always face the ladder when climbing and keep your body centered between the rails.
• Ladders should be free of slippery material on rungs, steps or feet.
• Never stand on the top step or rung of a ladder unless it is designed for this purpose.

Lastly, permanent ladders should be checked prior to use to ensure that they are securely attached to their structure.

Thermographer safety is one of the topics covered in all Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses. For information on thermographer training and certification, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.

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For many thermographers, ladders provide a means for accessing remote areas and equipment. In this week’s Tip we cover safety tips applicable to extension ladders.

According to OSHA, falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. When using portable extension ladders, always keep the following in mind:

• Avoid electrical hazards. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder.
• Inspect ladders before each use. Remove broken ladders from service and repair or discard.· Use a ladder only on a stable, level surface. Do not stack ladders on boxes, barrels, or unstable platforms to gain additional height.
• Extension or straight ladders used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support. Never stand on rungs above the point of support.
• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base one quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
• Be certain that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
• Do not exceed ladder load rating. Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.

Lastly, a ladder placed in any location where it could be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.

Thermographer safety is one of the many topics covered in all Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses. For information on thermographer training and certification, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.

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