All products manufactured by FLIR Systems are warranted against defective
materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the delivery date
of the original purchase, provided such products have been under normal
storage, use and service, and in accordance with FLIR Systems instruction.
Uncooled handheld infrared cameras manufactured by FLIR Systems are
warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of two
(2) years from the delivery date of theoriginal purchase, provided such products have been under normal storage, use and service, and in accordance
with FLIR Systems instruction, and provided that the camera has been registered within 60 days of original purchase.
Detectors for uncooled handheld infrared cameras manufactured by FLIR
Systems are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a
period of ten (10) years from the delivery date of the original purchase, provided such products have been under normal storage, use and service, and
in accordance with FLIR Systems instruction, and provided that the camera
has been registered within 60 days of original purchase.
Products which are not manufactured by FLIR Systems but included in systems delivered by FLIR Systems to the original purchaser, carry the warranty,
if any, of the particular supplier only. FLIR Systems has no responsibility
whatsoever for such products.
The warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. It
is not applicable to any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect,
accident or abnormal conditions of operation. Expendable partsare excluded
from the warranty.
In the case of a defect in a product covered by this warranty the product must
not be further used in order to prevent additional damage. The purchaser
shall promptly report any defect to FLIR Systems or this warranty will not
apply.
FLIR Systems will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective product
free of charge if, upon inspection, it proves to be defective in material or workmanship and provided that it is returned to FLIR Systems within the said oneyear period.
FLIR Systems has no other obligation or liability for defects than those set
forth above.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. FLIR Systems specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
FLIR Systems shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or
consequential loss or damage, whether based on contract, tort or anyother
legal theory.
This warranty shall be governed by Swedish law.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with thiswar-
ranty, shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the
Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. The place of arbitration shall be Stockholm. The language to be used in thearbitral proceedings shall be English.
1.2 Usage statistics
FLIR Systems reserves the right to gather anonymous usage statistics to help
maintain and improve the quality of our software and services.
1.3 Changes to registry
The registry entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet
\Control\Lsa\LmCompatibilityLevel will be automatically changed to level 2 if
the FLIR Camera Monitor service detects a FLIR camera connected to the
computer with a USB cable. The modification will only be executed if the
camera device implements a remote network service that supports network
logons.
1.4 U.S. Government Regulations
This product may be subject to U.S. Export Regulations. Please send any inquiries to exportquestions@flir.com.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied,reproduced, translated or transmitted to any electronic mediumor machine
readable form without prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other
trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for
identification only and are the property of their respective owners.
1.6 Quality assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed
and manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001
standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore
we reserve the right to make changes andimprovements on any of the products without prior notice.
• Youhave acquired a device (“INFRARED CAMERA”) that includes software licensed by FLIR Systems AB from Microsoft Licensing, GP or its
affiliates (“MS”). Those installed software products of MS origin, as well
as associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE”) are protected by international intellectual
property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold. All
rights reserved.
• IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
(“EULA”), DO NOT USE THE DEVICE OR COPY THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, PROMPTLY CONTACT FLIR Systems AB FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON RETURN OF THE UNUSED DEVICE(S) FOR A REFUND.
ANY USE OF THE SOFTWARE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
USE ON THE DEVICE, WILL CONSTITUTE YOUR AGREEMENT TO
THIS EULA (OR RATIFICATION OF ANY PREVIOUS CONSENT).
• GRANT OF SOFTWARE LICENSE. This EULAgrants you the following
license:
◦ Youmay use the SOFTWARE only on the DEVICE.
◦ NOT FAULT TOLERANT. THE SOFTWARE IS NOT FAULT TOL-
ERANT.FLIR SystemsAB HAS INDEPENDENTLYDETERMINED
HOW TO USE THE SOFTWARE IN THE DEVICE, AND MS HAS
RELIED UPON FLIR Systems AB TO CONDUCT SUFFICIENT
TESTING TO DETERMINE THAT THE SOFTWARE IS SUITABLE
FOR SUCH USE.
◦ NO WARRANTIES FOR THE SOFTWARE. THE SOFTWARE is
provided “AS IS” and with all faults. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO
SATISFACTORY QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, AND
EFFORT (INCLUDING LACK OF NEGLIGENCE) IS WITH YOU.
ALSO, THERE IS NO WARRANTYAGAINST INTERFERENCE
WITH YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THE SOFTWARE OR AGAINST
INFRINGEMENT.IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANY WARRANTIES
REGARDING THE DEVICE OR THE SOFTWARE, THOSE WARRANTIES DO NOT ORIGINATE FROM, AND ARE NOT BINDING
ON, MS.
◦ No Liability for Certain Damages. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY
LAW,MS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. THIS LIMITATION SHALL
APPLYEVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF U.S. TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS (U.S.$250.00).
◦ Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Dis-
assembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disas-
semble the SOFTWARE, except and only to the extent that such
activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding
this limitation.
◦ SOFTWARE TRANSFER ALLOWED BUT WITH RESTRIC-
TIONS. You may permanently transfer rights under this EULA only
as part of a permanent sale or transfer of the Device, and only if
the recipient agrees to this EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade,
any transfer must also include all prior versionsof the SOFTWARE.
◦ EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You acknowledge that SOFTWARE is
subject to U.S. export jurisdiction. You agree to comply with all applicable international and national laws that apply tothe SOFTWARE, including the U.S. Export AdministrationRegulations, as
well as end-user, end-use and destination restrictions issued by U.
S. and other governments. For additional information see http://
www.microsoft.com/exporting/.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
Applicability: Digital devices subject to 15.19/RSS-210.
NOTICE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
WARNING
Applicability: Digital devices subject to 15.21.
NOTICE: Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by FLIR Systems
may void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.
WARNING
Applicability: Digital devices subject to 2.1091/2.1093/OET Bulletin 65.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information: The radiated output power of the device is below
the FCC/IC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the device shall be used in such a manner
that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.
WARNING
Applicability: Cameras with one or more batteries.
Do not continue to charge the battery if it does not become charged in the specified charging time. If
you continue to charge the battery, it can become hot and cause an explosion or ignition. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Applicability: Cameras with one or more batteries.
Only use the correct equipment to remove the electrical power from the battery. If you do not use the
correct equipment, you can decrease the performance or the life cycle of the battery. If you do not use
the correct equipment, an incorrect flow of current to the battery can occur. This can cause the battery
to become hot, or cause an explosion. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Make sure that you read all applicable MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and warning labels on containers before you use a liquid. The liquids can be dangerous. Injury to persons can occur.
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Safety information
CAUTION
Do not point the infrared camera (with or without the lens cover) at strong energy sources, for example,
devices that cause laser radiation, or the sun. This can have an unwanted effect on the accuracy of the
camera. It can also cause damage to the detector in the camera.
CAUTION
Do not use the camera in temperatures more than +50°C (+122°F), unless other information is specified
in the user documentation or technical data. High temperatures can cause damage to the camera.
CAUTION
Do not attach the camera unit directly to a car’s cigarette lighter socket, unless FLIR Systems supplies
a specific adapter to connect the camera unit to a cigarette lighter socket. Damage to the camera unit
can occur.
CAUTION
Applicability: Cameras with one or more batteries.
Only use a specified battery charger when you charge the battery. Damage to the battery can occur if
you do not do this.
CAUTION
Applicability: Cameras with one or more batteries.
The temperature range through which you can charge the battery is ±0°C to +45°C (+32°F to +113°F),
except for the Korean market where the approved range is +10°C to + 45°C (+50°F to +113°F). If you
charge the battery at temperatures out of this range, it can cause the battery to become hot or to break.
It can also decrease the performance or the life cycle of the battery.
CAUTION
Applicability: Cameras with one or more batteries.
The temperature range through which you can remove the electrical power from the battery is +10°C to
+40°C (+50°F to +104°F), unless other information is specified in the user documentation or technical
data. If you operate the battery out of this temperature range, it can decrease the performance or the life
cycle of the battery.
CAUTION
Do not apply solvents or equivalent liquids to the camera, the cables, or other items. Damage to the battery and injury to persons can occur.
CAUTION
Be careful when you clean the infrared lens. The lens has an anti-reflective coating which is easily damaged. Damage to the infrared lens can occur.
CAUTION
Do not use too much force to clean the infrared lens. This can cause damage to the anti-reflective
coating.
Note The encapsulation rating is only applicable when all the openings on the camera
are sealed with their correct covers, hatches, or caps. This includes the compartments
for data storage, batteries, and connectors.
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Notice to user
3.1User-to-user forums
Exchange ideas, problems, and infrared solutions with fellow thermographers around the
world in our user-to-user forums. To go to the forums, visit:
http://forum.infraredtraining.com/
3.2Calibration
We recommend that you send in the camera for calibration once a year. Contact your local sales office for instructions on where to send the camera.
3.3Accuracy
For very accurate results, we recommend that you wait 5 minutes after you have started
the camera before measuring a temperature.
3.4Disposal of electronic waste
As with most electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for electronic waste.
Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more details.
3.5Training
To read about infrared training, visit:
• http://www.infraredtraining.com
• http://www.irtraining.com
• http://www.irtraining.eu
3.6Documentation updates
Our manuals are updated several times per year, and we also issue product-critical notifications of changes on a regular basis.
To access the latest manuals, translations of manuals, and notifications, go to the Download tab at:
http://support.flir.com
It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download area you will also find the
latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as manuals for our historical
and obsolete products.
3.7Important note about this manual
FLIR Systems issues generic manuals that cover several cameras within a model line.
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Notice to user3
This means that this manual may contain descriptions and explanations that do not apply
to your particular camera model.
3.8Note about authoritative versions
The authoritative version of this publication is English. In the event of divergences due to
translation errors, the English text has precedence.
Any late changes are first implemented in English.
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Customer help
4.1General
For customer help, visit:
http://support.flir.com
4.2Submitting a question
To submit a question to the customer help team, you must be a registered user. It only
takes a few minutes to register online. If you only want to search the knowledgebase for
existing questions and answers, you do not need to be a registered user.
When you want to submit a question, make sure that you have the following information
to hand:
• The camera model
• The camera serial number
• The communication protocol, or method, between the camera and your device (for example, SD card reader, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, or FireWire)
• Device type (PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad/Android device, etc.)
• Version of any programs from FLIR Systems
• Full name, publication number, and revision number of the manual
4.3Downloads
On the customer help site you can also download the following, when applicable for the
product:
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Customer help
• Firmware updates for your infrared camera.
• Program updates for your PC/Mac software.
• Freeware and evaluation versions of PC/Mac software.
• User documentation for current, obsolete, and historical products.
• Mechanical drawings (in *.dxf and *.pdf format).
• Cad data models (in *.stp format).
• Application stories.
• Technical datasheets.
• Product catalogs.
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5
Introduction
5.1General description
The FLIR ETS3xx is FLIR’s first electronic test bench camera, designed for a quick temperature check of PCB boards and electronic devices. The FLIR ETS3xx is sensitive
enough to detect subtle temperature difference with an accuracy of ±3°C (±5.4°F), so
you can quickly find hot spots and potential points of failure. The 320 × 240 pixel infrared
detector offers more than 76 000 points of temperature measurement, eliminating the
guesswork of legacy measurement tools. Designed specifically for bench-top work, the
battery-powered FLIR ETS3xx connects to your PC for immediate analysis and sharing
of thermal data.
5.2Benefits
• Reduces test times: Quickly identify hot spots, thermal gradients, and potential points
of failure.
• Improves product design: Know where and when to add fans and heatsinks, and ensure products are operating within specification for their maximum lifetime.
• Saves money: Improve rapid prototyping and reduce product development cycles.
• Optimizes lab time: Battery powered and hands-free, and offers complete measurement and analysis in the camera.
5.3Key features
• >76 000 points of non-contact temperature measurement at the push of a button.
• Time versus temperature measurement with FLIR Tools+.
• Small-component measurement, down to 170 µm per pixel spot size.
• Lens offers a 45° thermal view of the target for the quick detection of hot spots.
• Records radiometric imagery in standard JPEG format for easy sharing.
• ±3% accuracy promotes quality assurance and factory acceptance of PCBs.
• Quickly mounts on the supplied stand for immediate use.
• Crisp 3 in. LCD display provides immediate thermal feedback.
• World-class software provided for advanced measurement corrections/capabilities.
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Quick start guide
6.1Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Charge the battery. You can do this in different ways:
• Charge the battery using the FLIR power supply.
• Charge the battery using a USB cable connected to a computer.
Note Charging the camera using a USB cable connected to a computer takes
considerably longer than using the FLIR power supply or the FLIR stand-alone
battery charger.
2. Connect a ground cord to the ground stud on the ESD mat of the camera stand.
3. Push the On/off button to turn on the camera.
4. Adjust the position of the camera unit.
5. Push the Save button to save an image.
(Optional steps)
6. Go to the following website to download FLIR Tools/Tools+
http://support.flir.com/tools
7. Install FLIR Tools/Tools+ on your computer.
8. Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
9. Connect the camera to your computer, using the USB cable.
10. Import the images into FLIR Tools/Tools+.
1
:
1. For online documentation about FLIR Tools/Tools+, go to http://support.flir.com/resources/f22s/. FLIR Tools+ is
licensed software.
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Description
7.1View from the front
7.1.1 Figure
7.1.2 Explanation
1. LCD display.
2. Infrared camera lens.
3. Archive button.
Function:
• Push to open the image archive.
4. Back/Cancel button.
Function:
• Push to go back into the menu system.
• Push to cancel a choice.
5. Navigation pad.
Function:
• Push left/right or up/down to navigate in menus, submenus, and dialog boxes.
• Push the center to confirm.
6. Save button.
Function:
• Push to save an image.
7. Fine-adjustment knob.
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Description
7.2View from the rear
7.2.1 Figure
7.2.2 Explanation
1. USB connector.
2. On/off button.
Function:
• Push the On/off button to turn on the camera.
• Push and hold the On/off button for less than 5 seconds to put the camera into
standby mode. The camera then automatically turns off after 48 hours.
• Push and hold the On/off button for more than 10 seconds to turn off the camera.
3. Stand mount knob.
4. Supporting ring knob.
5. Ground stud.
7.3USB connector
The purpose of this USB connector is the following:
• Charging the battery using the FLIR power supply.
• Charging the battery using a USB cable connected to a computer.
Note Charging the camera using a USB cable connected to a computer takes con-
siderably longer than using the FLIR power supply.
• Moving images from the camera to a computer for further analysis in FLIR Tools/Tools
+.
Note Install FLIR Tools/Tools+ on your computer before you move the images.
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Description
7.4Screen elements
7.4.1 Figure
7.4.2 Explanation
1. Main menu toolbar.
2. Submenu toolbar.
3. Spotmeter.
4. Result table.
5. Status icons.
6. Temperature scale.
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8
Handling the camera unit
8.1Charging the battery
WARNING
Make sure that you install the socket-outlet near the equipment and that it is easy to get access to.
8.1.1 Charging the battery using the FLIR power supply
Follow this procedure:
1. Connect the power supply to a mains socket.
2. Connect the power supply cable to the USB connector on the camera unit.
3. It is good practice to disconnect the power supply from the mains socket when the
battery is fully charged.
Note The charging time for a fully depleted battery is 2 hours.
8.1.2 Charging the battery using a USB cable connected to a computer
Follow this procedure:
1. Connect the camera unit to a computer using a USB cable.
Note
• To charge the camera, the computer must be turned on.
• Charging the camera using a USB cable connected to a computer takes considerably
longer than using the FLIR power supply.
8.2Turning on and turning off the camera
• Push the On/off button to turn on the camera.
• Push and hold the On/off button for less than 5 seconds to put the camera in standby
mode. The camera then automatically turns off after 48 hours.
• Push and hold the On/off button for more than 10 seconds to turn off the camera.
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Handling the camera unit8
8.3Adjusting the position of the camera unit
8.3.1 Figure
8.3.2 Explanation
1. Fine-adjustment knob.
2. Stand mount knob.
3. Supporting ring knob.
8.3.3 Procedure
Note Do not touch the lens surface. If this happens, clean the lens according to the in-
structions in 12.2 Infrared lens, page 33.
Follow this procedure:
1. For fine adjustments, turn the fine-adjustment knob.
2. For coarse adjustments, do the following:
2.1.Loosen the stand mount knob and move the stand mount to the desired posi-
tion. Tighten the stand mount knob.
2.2.Loosen the supporting ring knob and move the supporting ring near the stand
mount. Tighten the supporting ring knob.
8.4Removing the stand mount from the
camera unit
Note Do not touch the lens surface. If this happens, clean the lens according to the in-
structions in 12.2 Infrared lens, page 33.
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Handling the camera unit8
8.4.1 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Turn and remove the top of the stand.
2. Loosen the stand mount knob and remove the camera unit from the stand.
3. Turn the fine-adjustment knob counter-clockwise until you can see a screw. Remove
the screw.
4. Turn the fine-adjustment knob clockwise until you can see a screw on the other side.
Remove the screw.
5. Remove the stand mount from the camera unit.
6. Remove the two screws that hold the bracket to the camera unit.
7. Remove the two screws that hold the bracket to the camera unit.
8. Remove the bracket from the camera unit.
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9
Operation
9.1Saving an image
9.1.1 General
You can save multiple images to the internal camera memory.
9.1.2 Image capacity
Approximately 1500 images can be saved to the internal camera memory.
9.1.3 Naming convention
The naming convention for images is FLIRxxxx.jpg, where xxxx is a unique counter.
9.1.4 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. To save an image, push the Save button.
9.2Recalling an image
9.2.1 General
When you save an image, it is stored in the internal camera memory. To display the image again, you can recall it from the internal camera memory.
9.2.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the Archive button.
2. Push the navigation pad left/right or up/down to select the image you want to view.
3. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays the selected image.
4. Do one or more of the following:
• To view the image in full screen, display image information, or delete the image,
push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
• To view the previous/next image, push the navigation pad left/right.
5. To return to live mode, push the Back button repeatedly or push the Archive button.
9.3Deleting an image
9.3.1 General
You can delete one or more images from the internal camera memory.
9.3.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the Archive button.
2. Push the navigation pad left/right or up/down to select the image you want to delete.
3. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays the selected image.
4. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
5. On the toolbar, select Delete
delete the image or to cancel the delete action.
. This displays a dialog box where you can choose to
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Operation
9.4Deleting all images
9.4.1 General
You can delete all images from the internal camera memory.
9.4.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select Device settings. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Reset options. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Delete all saved images. This displays a dialog box where
you can choose to permanently delete all the saved images or to cancel the delete
action.
. This displays a dialog box.
9.5Measuring a temperature using a
spotmeter
9.5.1 General
You can measure a temperature using a spotmeter. This will display the temperature at
the position of the spotmeter on the screen.
9.5.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement
3. On the toolbar, select Center spot
The temperature at the position of the spotmeter will now be displayed in the top left
corner of the screen.
. This displays a toolbar.
.
9.6Measuring the hottest temperature within
an area
9.6.1 General
You can measure the hottest temperature within an area. This displays a moving spotmeter that indicates the hottest temperature.
9.6.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement
3. On the toolbar, select Hot spot
. This displays a toolbar.
.
9.7Measuring the coldest temperature within
an area
9.7.1 General
You can measure the coldest temperature within an area. This displays a moving spotmeter that indicates the coldest temperature.
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Operation
9.7.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement
3. On the toolbar, select Cold spot
. This displays a toolbar.
.
9.8Hiding measurement tools
9.8.1 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement
3. On the toolbar, select No measurements
. This displays a toolbar.
.
9.9Changing the color palette
9.9.1 General
You can change the color palette that the camera uses to display different temperatures.
A different palette can make it easier to analyze an image.
9.9.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Color
3. On the toolbar, select a new color palette.
. This displays a toolbar.
9.10Working with color alarms
9.10.1 General
By using color alarms (isotherms), anomalies can easily be discovered in an infrared image. The isotherm command applies a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature
above or below the specified temperature level.
9.10.2 Image examples
This table explains the different color alarms (isotherms).
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Operation
Color alarm
Below alarm
Above alarm
Image
9.10.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Color
. This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select the type of alarm:
• Below alarm
• Above alarm
.
.
4. Push the center of the navigation pad. The threshold temperature is displayed at the
top of the screen.
5. To change the threshold temperature, push the navigation pad up/down.
9.11Changing the temperature scale mode
9.11.1 General
The camera can, depending on the camera model, operate in different temperature scale
modes:
• Auto mode: In this mode, the camera is continuously auto-adjusted for the best image
brightness and contrast.
• Manual mode: This mode allows manual adjustments of the temperature span and
the temperature level.
9.11.2 When to use Manual mode
Here are two infrared images of a PCB board. To make it easier to analyze the temperature variations in the component in the upper left corner, the temperature scale in the
right image has been changed to values close to the temperature of the component.
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Operation
AutomaticManual
9.11.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Temperature scale
3. On the toolbar, select one of the following:
. This displays a toolbar.
• Auto
• Manual
4. To change the temperature span and the temperature level in Manual mode, do the
following:
• Push the navigation pad left/right to select (highlight) the maximum and/or mini-
mum temperature.
• Push the navigation pad up/down to change the value of the highlighted
temperature.
.
.
9.12Setting the emissivity as a surface
property
9.12.1 General
To measure temperatures accurately, the camera must know what kind of surface you
are measuring. You can choose between the following surface properties:
• Matt.
• Semi-matt.
• Semi-glossy.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurementtechniques, page 39.
9.12.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select one of the following:
• Matt.
• Semi-matt.
• Semi-glossy.
. This displays a dialog box.
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9.13Setting the emissivity as a custom
material
9.13.1 General
Instead of specifying a surface property as matt, semi-matt or semi-glossy, you can specify a custom material from a list of materials.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurementtechniques, page 39.
9.13.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Custom material. This displays a list of materials with known
emissivities.
6. In the list, select the material.
. This displays a dialog box.
9.14Changing the emissivity as a custom
value
9.14.1 General
For very precise measurements, you may need to set the emissivity, instead of selecting
a surface property or a custom material. You also need to understand how emissivity and
reflectivity affect measurements, rather than just simply selecting a surface property.
Emissivity is a property that indicates how much radiation originates from an object as
opposed to being reflected by it. A lower value indicates that a larger proportion is being
reflected, while a high value indicates that a lower proportion is being reflected.
Polished stainless steel, for example, has an emissivity of 0.14, while a structured PVC
floor typically has an emissivity of 0.93.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurementtechniques, page 39.
9.14.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Custom value. This displays a dialog box where you can set
a custom value.
. This displays a dialog box.
9.15Changing the reflected apparent
temperature
9.15.1 General
This parameter is used to compensate for the radiation reflected by the object. If the
emissivity is low and the object temperature significantly different from that of the
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Operation
reflected temperature, it will be important to set and compensate for the reflected apparent temperature correctly.
For more information about reflected apparent temperature, see section 15 Thermo-graphic measurement techniques, page 39.
9.15.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Reflected apparent temperature. This displays a dialog box
where you can set a value.
. This displays a dialog box.
9.16Performing a non-uniformity correction
(NUC)
9.16.1 General
When the thermal camera displays Calibrating... it is performing what in thermography is
called a ”non-uniformity correction” (NUC). An NUC is an image correction carried out by
the camera software to compensate for different sensitivities of detector elements and
other optical and geometrical disturbances
calibration, page 50.
An NUC is performed automatically, for example at start-up or when the environment
temperature changes.
You can also perform an NUC manually. This is useful when you have to perform a critical
measurement with as little image disturbance as possible.
9.16.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. To perform a manual NUC, push and hold down the Archive button for more than 2
seconds.
2
. For more information, see section 17 About
9.17Changing the settings
9.17.1 General
You can change a variety of settings for the camera.
The Settings menu includes the following:
2. Definition from the European standard EN 16714-3:2016, Non-destructive Testing—Thermographic Testing—
Part 3: Terms and Definitions.
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Operation
Note During normal operation there is typically no need to change the default meas-
urement parameters. For very accurate measurements, you may need to set the Emissivity and/or the Reflected temperature. For more information, see sections 9.12 Setting the
emissivity as a surface property, 9.13 Setting the emissivity as a custom material, 9.14
Changing the emissivity as a custom value, and 9.15 Changing the reflected apparent
temperature.
9.17.1.2 Device settings
• Language, time & units:
◦ Language.
◦ Temperature unit.
◦ Distance unit.
◦ Date & time.
◦ Date & time format.
• Reset options:
◦ Reset default camera mode.
◦ Reset device settings to factory default.
◦ Delete all saved images.
• Auto power off.
• Display intensity.
• Camera information: This menu command displays various items of information about
the camera, such as the model, serial number, and software version.
9.17.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings
3. In the dialog box, select the setting that you want to change and use the navigation
pad to display additional dialog boxes.
. This displays a dialog box.
9.18Updating the camera
9.18.1 General
To take advantage of our latest camera firmware, it is important that you keep your camera updated. You update your camera using FLIR Tools/Tools+.
9.18.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Start FLIR Tools/Tools+.
2. Start the camera.
3. Connect the camera to the computer using the USB cable.
4. On the Help menu in FLIR Tools/Tools+, click Check for updates.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
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Technical data
10.1Online field-of-view calculator
Please visit http://support.flir.com and click the photo of the camera series for field-of-
view tables for all lens–camera combinations.
10.2Note about technical data
FLIR Systems reserves the right to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
Please check http://support.flir.com for latest changes.
10.3Note about authoritative versions
The authoritative version of this publication is English. In the event of divergences due to
translation errors, the English text has precedence.
Any late changes are first implemented in English.
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Technical data10
10.4FLIR ETS320
P/N: 63950-1001
Rev.: 42969
General description
The FLIR ETS320 is FLIR’s first electronic test bench camera, designed for a quick temperature check
of PCB boards and electronic devices. The FLIR ETS320 is sensitive enough to detect subtle temperature difference with an accuracy of ±3°C (5.4°F), so you can quickly find hot spots and potential points
of failure. The 320 × 240 pixel infrared detector offers more than 76 000 points of temperature measurement, eliminating the guesswork of legacy measurement tools. Designed specifically for bench-top
work, the battery-powered FLIR ETS 320 connects to your PC for immediate analysis and sharing of
thermal data.
Benefits:
• Reduces test times: Quickly identify hot spots, thermal gradients, and potential points of failure.
• Improves product design: Know where and when to add fans and heatsinks, and ensure products
are operating within specification for their maximum lifetime.
• Saves money: Improve rapid prototyping and reduce product development cycles.
• Optimizes lab time: Battery powered and hands-free, and offers complete measurement and analysis in the camera.
Key features:
• >76 000 points of non-contact temperature measurement at the push of a button.
without written permission from FLIR Systems, Inc. Specifications subject to change without further notice. Dimensional data is based on nominal values. Products may be subject to regional market considerations. License procedures may apply.
Product may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to exportquestions@flir.com with any questions. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
without written permission from FLIR Systems, Inc. Specifications subject to change without further notice. Dimensional data is based on nominal values. Products may be subject to regional market considerations. License procedures may apply.
Product may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to exportquestions@flir.com with any questions. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
without written permission from FLIR Systems, Inc. Specifications subject to change without further notice. Dimensional data is based on nominal values. Products may be subject to regional market considerations. License procedures may apply.
Product may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to exportquestions@flir.com with any questions. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
without written permission from FLIR Systems, Inc. Specifications subject to change without further notice. Dimensional data is based on nominal values. Products may be subject to regional market considerations. License procedures may apply.
Product may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to exportquestions@flir.com with any questions. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
12
Cleaning the camera
12.1Camera housing, cables, and other items
12.1.1 Liquids
Use one of these liquids:
• Warm water
• A weak detergent solution
12.1.2 Equipment
A soft cloth
12.1.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Soak the cloth in the liquid.
2. Twist the cloth to remove excess liquid.
3. Clean the part with the cloth.
CAUTION
Do not apply solvents or similar liquids to the camera, the cables, or other items. This can cause
damage.
12.2Infrared lens
12.2.1 Liquids
Use one of these liquids:
• A commercial lens cleaning liquid with more than 30% isopropyl alcohol.
• 96% ethyl alcohol (C
12.2.2 Equipment
Cotton wool
CAUTION
If you use a lens cleaning cloth it must be dry. Do not use a lens cleaning cloth with the liquids that are
given in section 12.2.1 above. These liquids can cause material on the lens cleaning cloth to become
loose. This material can have an unwanted effect on the surface of the lens.
12.2.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Soak the cotton wool in the liquid.
2. Twist the cotton wool to remove excess liquid.
3. Clean the lens one time only and discard the cotton wool.
2H5
OH).
WARNING
Make sure that you read all applicable MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and warning labels on containers before you use a liquid: the liquids can be dangerous.
CAUTION
• Be careful when you clean the infrared lens. The lens has a delicate anti-reflective coating.
• Do not clean the infrared lens too vigorously. This can damage the anti-reflective coating.
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About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems was established in 1978 to pioneer the development of high-performance
infrared imaging systems, and is the world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of thermal imaging systems for a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and government applications. Today, FLIR Systems embraces five major companies with
outstanding achievements in infrared technology since 1958—the Swedish AGEMA Infrared Systems (formerly AGA Infrared Systems), the three United States companies Indigo Systems, FSI, and Inframetrics, and the French company Cedip.
Since 2007, FLIR Systems has acquired several companies with world-leading expertise
in sensor technologies:
• Extech Instruments (2007)
• Ifara Tecnologías (2008)
• Salvador Imaging (2009)
• OmniTech Partners (2009)
• Directed Perception (2009)
• Raymarine (2010)
• ICx Technologies (2010)
• TackTick Marine Digital Instruments (2011)
• Aerius Photonics (2011)
• Lorex Technology (2012)
• Traficon (2012)
• MARSS (2013)
• DigitalOptics micro-optics business (2013)
• DVTEL (2015)
• Point Grey Research (2016)
• Prox Dynamics (2016)
Figure 13.1 Patent documents from the early 1960s
FLIR Systems has three manufacturing plants in the United States (Portland, OR, Boston,
MA, Santa Barbara, CA) and one in Sweden (Stockholm). Since 2007 there is also a
manufacturing plant in Tallinn, Estonia. Direct sales offices in Belgium, Brazil, China,
France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and the USA
—together with a worldwide network of agents and distributors—support our international customer base.
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About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems is at the forefront of innovation in the infrared camera industry. We anticipate market demand by constantly improving our existing cameras and developing new
ones. The company has set milestones in product design and development such as the
introduction of the first battery-operated portable camera for industrial inspections, and
the first uncooled infrared camera, to mention just two innovations.
Figure 13.2 1969: Thermovision Model 661. The
camera weighed approximately 25 kg (55 lb.), the
oscilloscope 20 kg (44 lb.), and the tripod 15 kg
(33 lb.). The operator also needed a 220 VAC
generator set, and a 10 L (2.6 US gallon) jar with
liquid nitrogen. To the left of the oscilloscope the
Polaroid attachment (6 kg (13 lb.)) can be seen.
Figure 13.3 2015: FLIR One, an accessory to
iPhone and Android mobile phones. Weight: 90 g
(3.2 oz.).
FLIR Systems manufactures all vital mechanical and electronic components of the camera systems itself. From detector design and manufacturing, to lenses and system electronics, to final testing and calibration, all production steps are carried out and
supervised by our own engineers. The in-depth expertise of these infrared specialists ensures the accuracy and reliability of all vital components that are assembled into your infrared camera.
13.1More than just an infrared camera
At FLIR Systems we recognize that our job is to go beyond just producing the best infrared camera systems. We are committed to enabling all users of our infrared camera systems to work more productively by providing them with the most powerful camera–
software combination. Especially tailored software for predictive maintenance, R & D,
and process monitoring is developed in-house. Most software is available in a wide variety of languages.
We support all our infrared cameras with a wide variety of accessories to adapt your
equipment to the most demanding infrared applications.
13.2Sharing our knowledge
Although our cameras are designed to be very user-friendly, there is a lot more to thermography than just knowing how to handle a camera. Therefore, FLIR Systems has
founded the Infrared Training Center (ITC), a separate business unit, that provides certified training courses. Attending one of the ITC courses will give you a truly hands-on
learning experience.
The staff of the ITC are also there to provide you with any application support you may
need in putting infrared theory into practice.
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About FLIR Systems
13.3Supporting our customers
FLIR Systems operates a worldwide service network to keep your camera running at all
times. If you discover a problem with your camera, local service centers have all the
equipment and expertise to solve it within the shortest possible time. Therefore, there is
no need to send your camera to the other side of the world or to talk to someone who
does not speak your language.
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Terms, laws, and definitions
TermDefinition
Absorption and emission
Apparent temperatureuncompensated reading from an infrared instrument, con-
Color paletteassigns different colors to indicate specific levels of apparent
Conductiondirect transfer of thermal energy from molecule to molecule,
Convectionheat transfer mode where a fluid is brought into motion, ei-
Diagnosticsexamination of symptoms and syndromes to determine the
Direction of heat transfer
Emissivityratio of the power radiated by real bodies to the power that is
Energy conservation
Exitant radiationradiation that leaves the surface of an object, regardless of
Heatthermal energy that is transferred between two objects (sys-
Heat transfer rate
Incident radiationradiation that strikes an object from its surroundings
IR thermographyprocess of acquisition and analysis of thermal information
Isothermreplaces certain colors in the scale with a contrasting color. It
Qualitative thermographythermography that relies on the analysis of thermal patterns
Quantitative thermographythermography that uses temperature measurement to deter-
3
The capacity or ability of an object to absorb incident radiated energy is always the same as the capacity to emit its
own energy as radiation
taining all radiation incident on the instrument, regardless of
its sources
4
temperature. Palettes can provide high or low contrast, depending on the colors used in them
caused by collisions between the molecules
ther by gravity or another force, thereby transferring heat
from one place to another
nature of faults or failures
6
Heat will spontaneously flow from hotter to colder, thereby
transferring thermal energy from one place to another
radiated by a blackbody at the same temperature and at the
same wavelength
9
The sum of the total energy contents in a closed system is
5
7
8
constant
its original sources
tems) due to their difference in temperature
10
The heat transfer rate under steady state conditions is directly proportional to the thermal conductivity of the object,
the cross-sectional area of the object through which the heat
flows, and the temperature difference between the two ends
of the object. It is inversely proportional to the length, or
thickness, of the object
11
from non-contact thermal imaging devices
marks an interval of equal apparent temperature
to reveal the existence of and to locate the position of
anomalies
mine the seriousness of an anomaly, in order to establish repair priorities
13
13
12
3. Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation.
4. Based on ISO 18434-1:2008 (en).
5. Based on ISO 13372:2004 (en).
6. 2nd law of thermodynamics.
7. This is a consequence of the 2nd law of thermodynamics, the law itself is more complicated.
8. Based on ISO 16714-3:2016 (en).
9. 1st law of thermodynamics.
10.Fourier’s law.
11.This is the one-dimensional form of Fourier’s law, valid for steady-state conditions.
12.Based on ISO 18434-1:2008 (en)
13.Based on ISO 10878-2013 (en).
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Terms, laws, and definitions
TermDefinition
Radiative heat transferHeat transfer by the emission and absorption of thermal
Reflected apparent temperatureapparent temperature of the environment that is reflected by
Spatial resolutionability of an IR camera to resolve small objects or details
Temperaturemeasure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules and
Thermal energytotal kinetic energy of the molecules that make up the
Thermal gradientgradual change in temperature over distance
Thermal tuningprocess of putting the colors of the image on the object of
radiation
the target into the IR camera
14
atoms that make up the substance
15
object
analysis, in order to maximize contrast
14
14.Based on ISO 16714-3:2016 (en).
15.Thermal energy is part of the internal energy of an object.
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15
Thermographic measurement
techniques
15.1Introduction
An infrared camera measures and images the emitted infrared radiation from an object.
The fact that radiation is a function of object surface temperature makes it possible for
the camera to calculate and display this temperature.
However, the radiation measured by the camera does not only depend on the temperature of the object but is also a function of the emissivity. Radiation also originates from
the surroundings and is reflected in the object. The radiation from the object and the reflected radiation will also be influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere.
To measure temperature accurately, it is therefore necessary to compensate for the effects of a number of different radiation sources. This is done on-line automatically by the
camera. The following object parameters must, however, be supplied for the camera:
• The emissivity of the object
• The reflected apparent temperature
• The distance between the object and the camera
• The relative humidity
• Temperature of the atmosphere
15.2Emissivity
The most important object parameter to set correctly is the emissivity which, in short, is a
measure of how much radiation is emitted from the object, compared to that from a perfect blackbody of the same temperature.
Normally, object materials and surface treatments exhibit emissivity ranging from approximately 0.1 to 0.95. A highly polished (mirror) surface falls below 0.1, while an oxidized
or painted surface has a higher emissivity. Oil-based paint, regardless of color in the visible spectrum, has an emissivity over 0.9 in the infrared. Human skin exhibits an emissivity 0.97 to 0.98.
Non-oxidized metals represent an extreme case of perfect opacity and high reflexivity,
which does not vary greatly with wavelength. Consequently, the emissivity of metals is
low – only increasing with temperature. For non-metals, emissivity tends to be high, and
decreases with temperature.
15.2.1 Finding the emissivity of a sample
15.2.1.1 Step 1: Determining reflected apparent temperature
Use one of the following two methods to determine reflected apparent temperature:
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Thermographic measurement techniques15
15.2.1.1.1 Method 1: Direct method
Follow this procedure:
1. Look for possible reflection sources, considering that the incident angle = reflection
angle (a = b).
Figure 15.1 1 = Reflection source
2. If the reflection source is a spot source, modify the source by obstructing it using a
piece if cardboard.
Figure 15.2 1 = Reflection source
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Thermographic measurement techniques15
3. Measure the radiation intensity (= apparent temperature) from the reflection source
using the following settings:
• Emissivity: 1.0
• D
: 0
obj
You can measure the radiation intensity using one of the following two methods:
You can not use a thermocouple to measure reflected apparent temperature, because a
thermocouple measures temperature, but apparent temperatrure is radiation intensity.
15.2.1.1.2 Method 2: Reflector method
Follow this procedure:
1. Crumble up a large piece of aluminum foil.
2. Uncrumble the aluminum foil and attach it to a piece of cardboard of the same size.
3. Put the piece of cardboard in front of the object you want to measure. Make sure that
the side with aluminum foil points to the camera.
4. Set the emissivity to 1.0.
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Thermographic measurement techniques15
5. Measure the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil and write it down. The foil is
considered a perfect reflector, so its apparent temperature equals the reflected apparent temperature from the surroundings.
Figure 15.5 Measuring the apparent temperature of the aluminum foil.
15.2.1.2 Step 2: Determining the emissivity
Follow this procedure:
1. Select a place to put the sample.
2. Determine and set reflected apparent temperature according to the previous
procedure.
3. Put a piece of electrical tape with known high emissivity on the sample.
4. Heat the sample at least 20 K above room temperature. Heating must be reasonably
even.
5. Focus and auto-adjust the camera, and freeze the image.
6. Adjust Level and Span for best image brightness and contrast.
7. Set emissivity to that of the tape (usually 0.97).
8. Measure the temperature of the tape using one of the following measurement
functions:
• Isotherm (helps you to determine both the temperature and how evenly you have
heated the sample)
• Spot (simpler)
• Box Avg (good for surfaces with varying emissivity).
9. Write down the temperature.
10. Move your measurement function to the sample surface.
11. Change the emissivity setting until you read the same temperature as your previous
measurement.
12. Write down the emissivity.
Note
• Avoid forced convection
• Look for a thermally stable surrounding that will not generate spot reflections
• Use high quality tape that you know is not transparent, and has a high emissivity you
are certain of
• This method assumes that the temperature of your tape and the sample surface are
the same. If they are not, your emissivity measurement will be wrong.
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15.3Reflected apparent temperature
This parameter is used to compensate for the radiation reflected in the object. If the
emissivity is low and the object temperature relatively far from that of the reflected it will
be important to set and compensate for the reflected apparent temperature correctly.
15.4Distance
The distance is the distance between the object and the front lens of the camera. This
parameter is used to compensate for the following two facts:
• That radiation from the target is absorbed by the atmosphere between the object and
the camera.
• That radiation from the atmosphere itself is detected by the camera.
15.5Relative humidity
The camera can also compensate for the fact that the transmittance is also dependent
on the relative humidity of the atmosphere. To do this set the relative humidity to the correct value. For short distances and normal humidity the relative humidity can normally be
left at a default value of 50%.
15.6Other parameters
In addition, some cameras and analysis programs from FLIR Systems allow you to compensate for the following parameters:
• Atmospheric temperature – i.e. the temperature of the atmosphere between the cam-
era and the target
• External optics temperature – i.e. the temperature of any external lenses or windows
used in front of the camera
• External optics transmittance – i.e. the transmission of any external lenses or windows
used in front of the camera
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The secret to a good thermal
image
16.1 Introduction
The use of thermal cameras has spread to many professional environments in recent
years. They are easy to handle, and thermal images are quick to take. Images can also
be attached to reports easily, e.g., for an inspection of an electrical installation or building
as evidence of work carried out or of any faults or deviations identified. However, people
often forget that an image to be used as evidence or even proof before the courts must
meet certain requirements: this is not achieved with a quick snapshot. So, what characterizes a really good thermal image?
16.2 Background
During the practical exercises in our thermography training classes we notice, time and
time again, how difficult some participants find choosing the optimal camera settings for
different tasks. Not everyone has a background in, for example, amateur photography
(more on the difference between thermography and photography in the next section),
and to take a good and meaningful thermal image you need some knowledge of photography, including its practical application. For this reason, it is hardly surprising that thermographers, particularly those without training, repeatedly produce reports with thermal
images that are devoid of meaning or even support the wrong conclusions and are fit only for the waste bin. Unfortunately, such reports are found not only in companies in which
thermography is more of an added bonus but also in businesses where these reports
may be part of a critical process monitoring or maintenance program. There are two main
reasons for this: either the users don't know what a good thermal image is or how to take
one, or—for whatever reason—the job is not being done properly.
16.3 A good image
As thermography and photography are related, it makes sense to take a look at what is
important to professional photographers. How do they characterize a good image? Three
aspects can be pointed out as the most important:
1. An image has to touch the observer in some way. That means it needs to be unusual,
striking, or unique, and has to arouse interest and, depending on the genre, emotion.
2. The composition and balance must be in harmony; the image detail and content must
go together aesthetically.
3. The lighting must be interesting, such as back lighting or side lighting that casts dramatic shadows, or evening light or other pleasing illumination—whatever fits the overall effect that the photographer wants.
To what extent can these concepts be applied to thermography?
With thermography, the motif should also be interesting. In other words, our aim is to de-
pict an object or its condition. Emotions are not required—facts have priority in thermal
images (assuming they are not an art project!). In everyday working life, it is important to
illustrate thermal patterns clearly and to facilitate temperature measurements.
The thermal image must also have suitable image detail and display the object at an appropriate size and position.
Without external illumination, neither visual sight nor photography is possible because
what we see with our eyes or capture with a camera is reflected light. In thermography,
the camera records both emitted and reflected radiation. Therefore, the relationship and
intensity of the infrared radiation, both emitted by the object and by the surrounding environment, are important. Brightness and contrast in the image are then adjusted by
changing the displayed temperature interval.
The comparison between photography and thermography can be summarized in a table
using a few keywords:
PhotographyThermography
Interesting motifThe object to be examined
“Tells a story”“Presents facts”
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The secret to a good thermal image16
PhotographyThermography
Aesthetically pleasingClear heat patterns
EmotiveObjective
Image detailImage detail
FocusFocus
LightingEmission and reflection
BrightnessBrightness
ContrastContrast
As with photography, in thermography there are countless possibilities for editing images
—provided they are saved as radiometric images. However, not all settings can be
changed, and not all image errors can be corrected.
16.4 The three unchangeables—the basis for a good image
16.4.1 Focus
A professional thermal image is always focused and sharp, and the object and heat pattern must be clear and easy to recognize.
Figure 16.1 Only hazy “patches of heat” can be seen in the unfocused image (left). The focused image
(right) clearly shows which object is being observed and where the object is warm.
A blurred image not only comes across as unprofessional and makes it harder to identify
the object and any faults (see Figure 16.1) but can also lead to measurement errors (see
Figure 16.2), which are more serious the smaller the measurement object. Even if all other parameters are set correctly, the measurement values from an unfocused thermal image are highly likely to be incorrect.
Figure 16.2 Focused thermal image (left) with a maximum temperature of T
unfocused thermal image (right) with a maximum temperature of T
= 73.7°C (164.7°F).
max
= 89.7°C (193.5°F) and an
max
Of course, the size of the detector matrix also plays a role in image quality. Images taken
by cameras with small detectors (i.e., with fewer pixels) are more blurred or “grainier”
and give the impression that they are not focused (see Figure 16.3). It should also be
noted that not every camera can be focused, and in this case the only means of focusing
the camera is by changing the distance from the object.
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The secret to a good thermal image16
Figure 16.3 The same radiator from the same distance with the same settings, taken by three different
For hand-held uncooled microbolometer cameras, the “exposure” is essentially preset by
the image frame rate. This means that it is not possible to choose for how long—and
therefore how much—radiation hits the camera detector. For this reason, an appropriate
temperature range must be selected that matches the amount of incident radiation. If a
temperature range is selected that is too low, the image will be oversaturated, as objects
with higher temperatures emit more infrared radiation than colder objects. If you select a
temperature range that is too high, the thermal image will be “underexposed,” as can be
seen in Figure 16.4.
Figure 16.4 Images from a FLIR T440 with temperature ranges of –20 to +120°C, (left, –4 to +248°F), 0 to
+650°C (middle, +32 to +1202°F) and +250 to +1200°C (right, +482 to +2192°F). All other settings are
unchanged.
To take an image or temperature measurement, the lowest possible temperature range
available on the camera should be selected. However, it must also include the highest
temperature in the image (see Figure 16.5).
Figure 16.5 An image of the same object taken with different temperature ranges: –20 to 120°C (left, –4
to +248°F) and 0 to 650°C (right, +32 to +1202°F). The temperature in the left image is displayed with a
warning sign (a red circle with a white cross) because the measured values are outside the calibrated
range.
Depending on the camera model and configuration options, overdriven and underdriven
areas can be displayed in a contrasting color.
16.4.3 Image detail and distance from the object
Illumination in photography corresponds in thermography to the interplay of radiation
from the object and reflected radiation from the surrounding environment. The latter is
unwanted because interfering—or, at the very least, spot—reflections need to be
avoided. This is achieved by choosing a suitable position from where to take images. It is
also advisable to select a position from which the object of interest can be seen clearly
and is not hidden. This may seem obvious but in the building sector, for example, it is
common to find reports in which pipes or windows to be investigated are hidden behind
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The secret to a good thermal image16
sofas, indoor plants or curtains. Figure 16.6 illustrates this situation—which occurs all
too regularly.
Figure 16.6 “Thermographic inspection” of an inaccessible object.
It is also important that the object under investigation, or its areas of interest, take up the
whole thermal image. This is particularly true when measuring the temperature of small
objects. The spot tool must be completely filled by the object to enable correct temperature measurements. Since the field of view and therefore the spot size are determined by
both the distance to the object and the camera’s optics, in such situations the distance to
the object must either be reduced (get closer!) or a telephoto lens must be used (see Figure 16.7).
Figure 16.7 Supply and return lines from radiators in an open-plan office. The left image was taken from a
distance of 1 m: the measurement spot is filled and the temperature measurement is correct. The right image was taken from a distance of 3 m: the measurement spot is not completely filled and the measured
temperature values are incorrect (31.4 and 24.4°C (88.5 and 75.9°F) instead of 33.2 and 25.9°C (91.8 and
78.6°F)).
16.5 The changeables—image optimization and temperature measurement
16.5.1 Level and span
After choosing the appropriate temperature range, you can adjust the contrast and
brightness of the thermal image by changing the temperature intervals displayed. In
manual mode, the false colors available in the palette can be assigned to the temperatures of the object of interest. This process is often referred to as “thermal tuning.” In automatic mode, the camera selects the coldest and warmest apparent temperatures in the
image as the upper and lower limits of the temperature interval currently displayed.
A good or problem-specific scaling of the thermal image is an important step in the interpretation of the image, and is, unfortunately, often underestimated (see Figure 16.8).
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The secret to a good thermal image16
Figure 16.8 A thermal image in automatic mode (left) and in manual model (right). The adjusted tempera-
ture interval increases the contrast in the image and makes the faults clear.
16.5.2 Palettes and isotherms
Palettes represent intervals with the same apparent temperatures using different sets of
colors. In other words, they translate specific radiation intensities into colors that are specific to a particular palette. Frequently used palettes include the gray, iron, and rainbow
palettes (see Figure 16.9). Gray tones are particularly suited to resolving small geometric
details but are less suited to displaying small differences in temperature. The iron palette
is very intuitive and also easy to understand for those without much experience in thermography. It offers a good balance between geometric and thermal resolution. The rainbow palette is more colorful and alternates between light and dark colors. This results in
greater contrast, but this can lead to a noisy image for objects with different surfaces or
many temperatures.
Figure 16.9 Gray, iron, and rainbow palettes (left to right).
The isotherm is a measuring function that displays a given interval of the same apparent
temperature or radiation intensity in a color that is different from the palette. It allows you
to emphasize temperature patterns in the image (see Figure 16.10).
Figure 16.10 Foundation wall: connection between the old (left in image) and the new (right in image)
parts of the building. The isotherm highlights an area of air leakage.
16.5.3 Object parameters
As we have seen, the appearance of thermal images is dependent on the thermographer’s technique and choice of settings, and the look of saved radiometric images can
be altered by editing. However, it is also possible to change the settings that are relevant
for the calculation of temperatures. In practice, this means that the emissivity and reflected apparent temperature can be altered retrospectively. If you notice that these parameters have been set incorrectly or want to add more measurement spots, the
temperature measurement values will be calculated or recalculated according to the
changes (see Figure 16.11).
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The secret to a good thermal image16
Figure 16.11 Change in emissivity for a saved image. The maximum temperature is 65.0°C (149°F) for ε
= 0.95 in the left image and 77.3°C (171.1°F) for ε = 0.7 in the right image.
16.6 Taking images—practical tips
The following list includes some practical tips. However, note that this is not a comprehensive description of the thermal imaging procedure.
• Ensure that the camera is saving radiometric images.
• Choose an appropriate position from which to take images:
◦ Observe the radiative situation.
◦ Check that the object is clearly visible and displayed at an appropriate size and
position.
• If you change the emissivity, monitor the temperature range and make sure that it re-
mains appropriate.
• Focus.
• Use a tripod to minimize camera shake.
• Carry out thermal tuning.
• Take note of the object description, object size, actual distance, environmental condi-
tions, and operating conditions.
It is easier to edit the thermal image when it is saved or “frozen” (in “Preview”). Also,
since you don't have to do everything on site, you can leave dangerous zones immediately after taking the image. If possible, take a few more images than you need—including from different angles. This is preferable to taking too few! You can then choose the
best image afterwards, at leisure.
16.7 Conclusion
Taking a good thermal image does not require any magic tricks—solid craft and sound
work is all that is required. Many of the points mentioned may seem trivial and “old news,”
particularly to amateur photographers. Of course, the equipment plays a role easier to
ensure sharp images. Better, i.e. high-definition, cameras allow the fast localization of
even small anomalies, and without focusing capabilities it is always difficult to capture a
sharp image. However, high-end cameras are no guarantee of good images if used incorrectly. The basis for good, professional work is education and training in thermography, exchange of knowledge with other thermographers, and, of course, practical
experience.
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About calibration
17.1Introduction
Calibration of a thermal camera is a prerequisite for temperature measurement. The calibration provides the relationship between the input signal and the physical quantity that
the user wants to measure. However, despite its widespread and frequent use, the term
“calibration” is often misunderstood and misused. Local and national differences as well
as translation-related issues create additional confusion.
Unclear terminology can lead to difficulties in communication and erroneous translations,
and subsequently to incorrect measurements due to misunderstandings and, in the worst
case, even to lawsuits.
17.2Definition—what is calibration?
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures16defines calibration17in the following
way:
an operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a relation between the quantity values with measurement uncertainties provided by measurement
standards and corresponding indications with associated measurement uncertainties
and, in a second step, uses this information to establish a relation for obtaining a measurement result from an indication.
The calibration itself may be expressed in different formats: this can be a statement, calibration function, calibration diagram
Often, the first step alone in the above definition is perceived and referred to as being
“calibration.” However, this is not (always) sufficient.
Considering the calibration procedure of a thermal camera, the first step establishes the
relation between emitted radiation (the quantity value) and the electrical output signal
(the indication). This first step of the calibration procedure consists of obtaining a homogeneous (or uniform) response when the camera is placed in front of an extended source
of radiation.
As we know the temperature of the reference source emitting the radiation, in the second
step the obtained output signal (the indication) can be related to the reference source’s
temperature (measurement result). The second step includes drift measurement and
compensation.
To be correct, calibration of a thermal camera is, strictly, not expressed through temperature. Thermal cameras are sensitive to infrared radiation: therefore, at first you obtain a
radiance correspondence, then a relationship between radiance and temperature. For
bolometer cameras used by non-R&D customers, radiance is not expressed: only the
temperature is provided.
18
, calibration curve19, or calibration table.
17.3Camera calibration at FLIR Systems
Without calibration, an infrared camera would not be able to measure either radiance or
temperature. At FLIR Systems, the calibration of uncooled microbolometer cameras with
a measurement capability is carried out during both production and service. Cooled cameras with photon detectors are often calibrated by the user with special software. With
this type of software, in theory, common handheld uncooled thermal cameras could be
calibrated by the user too. However, as this software is not suitable for reporting
purposes, most users do not have it. Non-measuring devices that are used for imaging
only do not need temperature calibration. Sometimes this is also reflected in camera terminology when talking about infrared or thermal imaging cameras compared with thermography cameras, where the latter are the measuring devices.
The calibration information, no matter if the calibration is done by FLIR Systems or the
user, is stored in calibration curves, which are expressed by mathematical functions. As
radiation intensity changes with both temperature and the distance between the object
and the camera, different curves are generated for different temperature ranges and exchangeable lenses.
17.4The differences between a calibration
performed by a user and that performed directly
at FLIR Systems
First, the reference sources that FLIR Systems uses are themselves calibrated and
traceable. This means, at each FLIR Systems site performing calibration, that the sources are controlled by an independent national authority. The camera calibration certificate is confirmation of this. It is proof that not only has the calibration been performed by
FLIR Systems but that it has also been carried out using calibrated references. Some
users own or have access to accredited reference sources, but they are very few in
number.
Second, there is a technical difference. When performing a user calibration, the result is
often (but not always) not drift compensated. This means that the values do not take into
account a possible change in the camera’s output when the camera’s internal temperature varies. This yields a larger uncertainty. Drift compensation uses data obtained in climate-controlled chambers. All FLIR Systems cameras are drift compensated when they
are first delivered to the customer and when they are recalibrated by FLIR Systems service departments.
17.5Calibration, verification and adjustment
A common misconception is to confuse calibration with verification or adjustment. Indeed, calibration is a prerequisite for verification, which provides confirmation that specified requirements are met. Verification provides objective evidence that a given item
fulfills specified requirements. To obtain the verification, defined temperatures (emitted
radiation) of calibrated and traceable reference sources are measured. The measurement results, including the deviation, are noted in a table. The verification certificate
states that these measurement results meet specified requirements. Sometimes, companies or organizations offer and market this verification certificate as a “calibration
certificate.”
Proper verification—and by extension calibration and/or recalibration—can only be
achieved when a validated protocol is respected. The process is more than placing the
camera in front of blackbodies and checking if the camera output (as temperature, for instance) corresponds to the original calibration table. It is often forgotten that a camera is
not sensitive to temperature but to radiation. Furthermore, a camera is an imaging system, not just a single sensor. Consequently, if the optical configuration allowing the camera to “collect” radiance is poor or misaligned, then the “verification” (or calibration or
recalibration) is worthless.
For instance, one has to ensure that the distance between the blackbody and the camera
as well as the diameter of the blackbody cavity are chosen so as to reduce stray radiation
and the size-of-source effect.
To summarize: a validated protocol must comply with the physical laws for radiance, and
not only those for temperature.
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About calibration17
Calibration is also a prerequisite for adjustment, which is the set of operations carried out
on a measuring system such that the system provides prescribed indications corresponding to given values of quantities to be measured, typically obtained from measurement standards. Simplified, adjustment is a manipulation that results in instruments that
measure correctly within their specifications. In everyday language, the term “calibration”
is widely used instead of “adjustment” for measuring devices.
17.6Non-uniformity correction
When the thermal camera displays ”Calibrating…” it is adjusting for the deviation in response of each individual detector element (pixel). In thermography, this is called a ”nonuniformity correction” (NUC). It is an offset update, and the gain remains unchanged.
The European standard EN 16714-3, Non-destructive Testing—Thermographic Testing
—Part 3: Terms and Definitions, defines an NUC as “Image correction carried out by the
camera software to compensate for different sensitivities of detector elements and other
optical and geometrical disturbances.”
During the NUC (the offset update), a shutter (internal flag) is placed in the optical path,
and all the detector elements are exposed to the same amount of radiation originating
from the shutter. Therefore, in an ideal situation, they should all give the same output signal. However, each individual element has its own response, so the output is not uniform.
This deviation from the ideal result is calculated and used to mathematically perform an
image correction, which is essentially a correction of the displayed radiation signal.
Some cameras do not have an internal flag. In this case, the offset update must be performed manually using special software and an external uniform source of radiation.
An NUC is performed, for example, at start-up, when changing a measurement range, or
when the environment temperature changes. Some cameras also allow the user to trigger it manually. This is useful when you have to perform a critical measurement with as
little image disturbance as possible.
17.7Thermal image adjustment (thermal
tuning)
Some people use the term “image calibration” when adjusting the thermal contrast and
brightness in the image to enhance specific details. During this operation, the temperature interval is set in such a way that all available colors are used to show only (or mainly)
the temperatures in the region of interest. The correct term for this manipulation is “thermal image adjustment” or “thermal tuning”, or, in some languages, “thermal image optimization.” You must be in manual mode to undertake this, otherwise the camera will set the
lower and upper limits of the displayed temperature interval automatically to the coldest
and hottest temperatures in the scene.
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History of infrared technology
Before the year 1800, the existence of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum wasn't even suspected. The original significance of the infrared spectrum, or simply
‘the infrared’ as it is often called, as a form of heat radiation is perhaps less obvious today than it was at the time of its discovery by Herschel in 1800.
Figure 18.1 Sir William Herschel (1738–1822)
The discovery was made accidentally during the search for a new optical material. Sir
William Herschel – Royal Astronomer to King George III of England, and already famous
for his discovery of the planet Uranus – was searching for an optical filter material to reduce the brightness of the sun’s image in telescopes during solar observations. While
testing different samples of colored glass which gave similar reductions in brightness he
was intrigued to find that some of the samples passed very little of the sun’s heat, while
others passed so much heat that he risked eye damage after only a few seconds’
observation.
Herschel was soon convinced of the necessity of setting up a systematic experiment,
with the objective of finding a single material that would give the desired reduction in
brightness as well as the maximum reduction in heat. He began the experiment by actually repeating Newton’s prism experiment, but looking for the heating effect rather than
the visual distribution of intensity in the spectrum. He first blackened the bulb of a sensitive mercury-in-glass thermometer with ink, and with this as his radiation detector he proceeded to test the heating effect of the various colors of the spectrum formed on the top
of a table by passing sunlight through a glass prism. Other thermometers, placed outside
the sun’s rays, served as controls.
As the blackened thermometer was moved slowly along the colors of the spectrum, the
temperature readings showed a steady increase from the violet end to the red end. This
was not entirely unexpected, since the Italian researcher, Landriani, in a similar experiment in 1777 had observed much the same effect. It was Herschel, however, who was
the first to recognize that there must be a point where the heating effect reaches a maximum, and that measurements confined to the visible portion of the spectrum failed to locate this point.
Figure 18.2 Marsilio Landriani (1746–1815)
Moving the thermometer into the dark region beyond the red end of the spectrum, Herschel confirmed that the heating continued to increase. The maximum point, when he
found it, lay well beyond the red end – in what is known today as the ‘infrared
wavelengths’.
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History of infrared technology
When Herschel revealed his discovery, he referred to this new portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as the ‘thermometrical spectrum’. The radiation itself he sometimes referred to as ‘dark heat’, or simply ‘the invisible rays’. Ironically, and contrary to popular
opinion, it wasn't Herschel who originated the term ‘infrared’. The word only began to appear in print around 75 years later, and it is still unclear who should receive credit as the
originator.
Herschel’s use of glass in the prism of his original experiment led to some early controversies with his contemporaries about the actual existence of the infrared wavelengths.
Different investigators, in attempting to confirm his work, used various types of glass indiscriminately, having different transparencies in the infrared. Through his later experiments, Herschel was aware of the limited transparency of glass to the newly-discovered
thermal radiation, and he was forced to conclude that optics for the infrared would probably be doomed to the use of reflective elements exclusively (i.e. plane and curved mirrors). Fortunately, this proved to be true only until 1830, when the Italian investigator,
Melloni, made his great discovery that naturally occurring rock salt (NaCl) – which was
available in large enough natural crystals to be made into lenses and prisms – is remarkably transparent to the infrared. The result was that rock salt became the principal infrared optical material, and remained so for the next hundred years, until the art of synthetic
crystal growing was mastered in the 1930’s.
Figure 18.3 Macedonio Melloni (1798–1854)
Thermometers, as radiation detectors, remained unchallenged until 1829, the year Nobili
invented the thermocouple. (Herschel’s own thermometer could be read to 0.2 °C
(0.036 °F), and later models were able to be read to 0.05 °C (0.09 °F)). Then a breakthrough occurred; Melloni connected a number of thermocouples in series to form the
first thermopile. The new device was at least 40 times as sensitive as the best thermometer of the day for detecting heat radiation – capable of detecting the heat from a person
standing three meters away.
The first so-called ‘heat-picture’ became possible in 1840, the result of work by Sir John
Herschel, son of the discoverer of the infrared and a famous astronomer in his own right.
Based upon the differential evaporation of a thin film of oil when exposed to a heat pattern focused upon it, the thermal image could be seen by reflected light where the interference effects of the oil film made the image visible to the eye. Sir John also managed
to obtain a primitive record of the thermal image on paper, which he called a
‘thermograph’.
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History of infrared technology
Figure 18.4 Samuel P. Langley (1834–1906)
The improvement of infrared-detector sensitivity progressed slowly. Another major breakthrough, made by Langley in 1880, was the invention of the bolometer. This consisted of
a thin blackened strip of platinum connected in one arm of a Wheatstone bridge circuit
upon which the infrared radiation was focused and to which a sensitive galvanometer responded. This instrument is said to have been able to detect the heat from a cow at a
distance of 400 meters.
An English scientist, Sir James Dewar, first introduced the use of liquefied gases as cooling agents (such as liquid nitrogen with a temperature of –196°C (–320.8°F)) in low temperature research. In 1892 he invented a unique vacuum insulating container in which it
is possible to store liquefied gases for entire days. The common ‘thermos bottle’, used
for storing hot and cold drinks, is based upon his invention.
Between the years 1900 and 1920, the inventors of the world ‘discovered’ the infrared.
Many patents were issued for devices to detect personnel, artillery, aircraft, ships – and
even icebergs. The first operating systems, in the modern sense, began to be developed
during the 1914–18 war, when both sides had research programs devoted to the military
exploitation of the infrared. These programs included experimental systems for enemy
intrusion/detection, remote temperature sensing, secure communications, and ‘flying torpedo’ guidance. An infrared search system tested during this period was able to detect
an approaching airplane at a distance of 1.5 km (0.94 miles), or a person more than 300
meters (984 ft.) away.
The most sensitive systems up to this time were all based upon variations of the bolometer idea, but the period between the two wars saw the development of two revolutionary
new infrared detectors: the image converter and the photon detector. At first, the image
converter received the greatest attention by the military, because it enabled an observer
for the first time in history to literally ‘see in the dark’. However, the sensitivity of the image converter was limited to the near infrared wavelengths, and the most interesting military targets (i.e. enemy soldiers) had to be illuminated by infrared search beams. Since
this involved the risk of giving away the observer’s position to a similarly-equipped enemy
observer, it is understandable that military interest in the image converter eventually
faded.
The tactical military disadvantages of so-called 'active’ (i.e. search beam-equipped) thermal imaging systems provided impetus following the 1939–45 war for extensive secret
military infrared-research programs into the possibilities of developing ‘passive’ (no
search beam) systems around the extremely sensitive photon detector. During this period, military secrecy regulations completely prevented disclosure of the status of infraredimaging technology. This secrecy only began to be lifted in the middle of the 1950’s, and
from that time adequate thermal-imaging devices finally began to be available to civilian
science and industry.
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Theory of thermography
19.1Introduction
The subjects of infrared radiation and the related technique of thermography are still new
to many who will use an infrared camera. In this section the theory behind thermography
will be given.
19.2The electromagnetic spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided arbitrarily into a number of wavelength regions,
called bands, distinguished by the methods used to produce and detect the radiation.
There is no fundamental difference between radiation in the different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are all governed by the same laws and the only differences
are those due to differences in wavelength.
Thermography makes use of the infrared spectral band. At the short-wavelength end the
boundary lies at the limit of visual perception, in the deep red. At the long-wavelength
end it merges with the microwave radio wavelengths, in the millimeter range.
The infrared band is often further subdivided into four smaller bands, the boundaries of
which are also arbitrarily chosen. They include: the near infrared (0.75–3 μm), the middleinfrared (3–6 μm), the far infrared (6–15 μm) and the extreme infrared (15–100 μm).
Although the wavelengths are given in μm (micrometers), other units are often still used
to measure wavelength in this spectral region, e.g. nanometer (nm) and Ångström (Å).
The relationships between the different wavelength measurements is:
19.3Blackbody radiation
A blackbody is defined as an object which absorbs all radiation that impinges on it at any
wavelength. The apparent misnomer black relating to an object emitting radiation is explained by Kirchhoff’s Law (after Gustav Robert Kirchhoff, 1824–1887), which states that
a body capable of absorbing all radiation at any wavelength is equally capable in the
emission of radiation.
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Theory of thermography
Figure 19.2 Gustav Robert Kirchhoff (1824–1887)
The construction of a blackbody source is, in principle, very simple. The radiation characteristics of an aperture in an isotherm cavity made of an opaque absorbing material represents almost exactly the properties of a blackbody. A practical application of the
principle to the construction of a perfect absorber of radiation consists of a box that is
light tight except for an aperture in one of the sides. Any radiation which then enters the
hole is scattered and absorbed by repeated reflections so only an infinitesimal fraction
can possibly escape. The blackness which is obtained at the aperture is nearly equal to
a blackbody and almost perfect for all wavelengths.
By providing such an isothermal cavity with a suitable heater it becomes what is termed
a cavity radiator. An isothermal cavity heated to a uniform temperature generates blackbody radiation, the characteristics of which are determined solely by the temperature of
the cavity. Such cavity radiators are commonly used as sources of radiation in temperature reference standards in the laboratory for calibrating thermographic instruments,
such as a FLIR Systems camera for example.
If the temperature of blackbody radiation increases to more than 525°C (977°F), the
source begins to be visible so that it appears to the eye no longer black. This is the incipient red heat temperature of the radiator, which then becomes orange or yellow as the
temperature increases further. In fact, the definition of the so-called color temperature of
an object is the temperature to which a blackbody would have to be heated to have the
same appearance.
Now consider three expressions that describe the radiation emitted from a blackbody.
19.3.1 Planck’s law
Figure 19.3 Max Planck (1858–1947)
Max Planck (1858–1947) was able to describe the spectral distribution of the radiation
from a blackbody by means of the following formula:
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Theory of thermography
where:
W
λb
c
hPlanck’s constant = 6.6 × 10
k
TAbsolute temperature (K) of a blackbody.
λWavelength (μm).
Blackbody spectral radiant emittance at wavelength λ.
Velocity of light = 3 × 10
Boltzmann’s constant = 1.4 × 10
8
m/s
-34
Joule sec.
-23
Joule/K.
Note The factor 10-6is used since spectral emittance in the curves is expressed in
2
Watt/m
, μm.
Planck’s formula, when plotted graphically for various temperatures, produces a family of
curves. Following any particular Planck curve, the spectral emittance is zero at λ = 0,
then increases rapidly to a maximum at a wavelength λ
and after passing it ap-
max
proaches zero again at very long wavelengths. The higher the temperature, the shorter
the wavelength at which maximum occurs.
Figure 19.4 Blackbody spectral radiant emittance according to Planck’s law, plotted for various absolute
temperatures. 1: Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm
2
× 103(μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm)
19.3.2 Wien’s displacement law
By differentiating Planck’s formula with respect to λ, and finding the maximum, we have:
This is Wien’s formula (after Wilhelm Wien, 1864–1928), which expresses mathematically the common observation that colors vary from red to orange or yellow as the temperature of a thermal radiator increases. The wavelength of the color is the same as the
wavelength calculated for λ
. A good approximation of the value of λ
max
for a given
max
blackbody temperature is obtained by applying the rule-of-thumb 3 000/T μm. Thus, a
very hot star such as Sirius (11 000 K), emitting bluish-white light, radiates with the peak
of spectral radiant emittance occurring within the invisible ultraviolet spectrum, at wavelength 0.27 μm.
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Theory of thermography
Figure 19.5 Wilhelm Wien (1864–1928)
The sun (approx. 6 000 K) emits yellow light, peaking at about 0.5 μm in the middle of
the visible light spectrum.
At room temperature (300 K) the peak of radiant emittance lies at 9.7 μm, in the far infrared, while at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K) the maximum of the almost insignificant amount of radiant emittance occurs at 38 μm, in the extreme infrared wavelengths.
Figure 19.6 Planckian curves plotted on semi-log scales from 100 K to 1000 K. The dotted line represents
the locus of maximum radiant emittance at each temperature as described by Wien's displacement law. 1:
Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm
2
(μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm).
19.3.3 Stefan-Boltzmann's law
By integrating Planck’s formula from λ = 0 to λ = ∞, we obtain the total radiant emittance
(W
) of a blackbody:
b
This is the Stefan-Boltzmann formula (after Josef Stefan, 1835–1893, and Ludwig Boltz-mann, 1844–1906), which states that the total emissive power of a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. Graphically, W
represents the
b
area below the Planck curve for a particular temperature. It can be shown that the radiant
emittance in the interval λ = 0 to λ
is only 25% of the total, which represents about the
max
amount of the sun’s radiation which lies inside the visible light spectrum.
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Theory of thermography
Figure 19.7 Josef Stefan (1835–1893), and Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906)
Using the Stefan-Boltzmann formula to calculate the power radiated by the human body,
at a temperature of 300 K and an external surface area of approx. 2 m
2
, we obtain 1 kW.
This power loss could not be sustained if it were not for the compensating absorption of
radiation from surrounding surfaces, at room temperatures which do not vary too drastically from the temperature of the body – or, of course, the addition of clothing.
19.3.4 Non-blackbody emitters
So far, only blackbody radiators and blackbody radiation have been discussed. However,
real objects almost never comply with these laws over an extended wavelength region –
although they may approach the blackbody behavior in certain spectral intervals. For example, a certain type of white paint may appear perfectly white in the visible light spectrum, but becomes distinctly gray at about 2 μm, and beyond 3 μm it is almost black.
There are three processes which can occur that prevent a real object from acting like a
blackbody: a fraction of the incident radiation α may be absorbed, a fraction ρ may be reflected, and a fraction τ may be transmitted. Since all of these factors are more or less
wavelength dependent, the subscript λ is used to imply the spectral dependence of their
definitions. Thus:
• The spectral absorptance α
= the ratio of the spectral radiant power absorbed by an
λ
object to that incident upon it.
• The spectral reflectance ρ
= the ratio of the spectral radiant power reflected by an ob-
λ
ject to that incident upon it.
• The spectral transmittance τ
= the ratio of the spectral radiant power transmitted
λ
through an object to that incident upon it.
The sum of these three factors must always add up to the whole at any wavelength, so
we have the relation:
For opaque materials τλ= 0 and the relation simplifies to:
Another factor, called the emissivity, is required to describe the fraction ε of the radiant
emittance of a blackbody produced by an object at a specific temperature. Thus, we
have the definition:
The spectral emissivity ε
= the ratio of the spectral radiant power from an object to that
λ
from a blackbody at the same temperature and wavelength.
Expressed mathematically, this can be written as the ratio of the spectral emittance of
the object to that of a blackbody as follows:
Generally speaking, there are three types of radiation source, distinguished by the ways
in which the spectral emittance of each varies with wavelength.
• A blackbody, for which ε
• A graybody, for which ε
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= ε = 1
λ
= ε = constant less than 1
λ
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Theory of thermography
• A selective radiator, for which ε varies with wavelength
According to Kirchhoff’s law, for any material the spectral emissivity and spectral absorp-
tance of a body are equal at any specified temperature and wavelength. That is:
From this we obtain, for an opaque material (since αλ+ ρλ= 1):
For highly polished materials ελapproaches zero, so that for a perfectly reflecting material (i.e. a perfect mirror) we have:
For a graybody radiator, the Stefan-Boltzmann formula becomes:
This states that the total emissive power of a graybody is the same as a blackbody at the
same temperature reduced in proportion to the value of ε from the graybody.
Figure 19.8 Spectral radiant emittance of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral radiant emittance; 2: Wavelength; 3: Blackbody; 4: Selective radiator; 5: Graybody.
Figure 19.9 Spectral emissivity of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral emissivity; 2: Wavelength; 3: Blackbody; 4: Graybody; 5: Selective radiator.
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Theory of thermography
19.4Infrared semi-transparent materials
Consider now a non-metallic, semi-transparent body – let us say, in the form of a thick flat
plate of plastic material. When the plate is heated, radiation generated within its volume
must work its way toward the surfaces through the material in which it is partially absorbed. Moreover, when it arrives at the surface, some of it is reflected back into the interior. The back-reflected radiation is again partially absorbed, but some of it arrives at the
other surface, through which most of it escapes; part of it is reflected back again.
Although the progressive reflections become weaker and weaker they must all be added
up when the total emittance of the plate is sought. When the resulting geometrical series
is summed, the effective emissivity of a semi-transparent plate is obtained as:
When the plate becomes opaque this formula is reduced to the single formula:
This last relation is a particularly convenient one, because it is often easier to measure
reflectance than to measure emissivity directly.
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The measurement formula
As already mentioned, when viewing an object, the camera receives radiation not only
from the object itself. It also collects radiation from the surroundings reflected via the object surface. Both these radiation contributions become attenuated to some extent by the
atmosphere in the measurement path. To this comes a third radiation contribution from
the atmosphere itself.
This description of the measurement situation, as illustrated in the figure below, is so far
a fairly true description of the real conditions. What has been neglected could for instance be sun light scattering in the atmosphere or stray radiation from intense radiation
sources outside the field of view. Such disturbances are difficult to quantify, however, in
most cases they are fortunately small enough to be neglected. In case they are not negligible, the measurement configuration is likely to be such that the risk for disturbance is
obvious, at least to a trained operator. It is then his responsibility to modify the measurement situation to avoid the disturbance e.g. by changing the viewing direction, shielding
off intense radiation sources etc.
Accepting the description above, we can use the figure below to derive a formula for the
calculation of the object temperature from the calibrated camera output.
Figure 20.1 A schematic representation of the general thermographic measurement situation.1: Surroundings; 2: Object; 3: Atmosphere; 4: Camera
Assume that the received radiation power W from a blackbody source of temperature
T
on short distance generates a camera output signal U
source
the power input (power linear camera). We can then write (Equation 1):
or, with simplified notation:
where C is a constant.
Should the source be a graybody with emittance ε, the received radiation would conse-
quently be εW
We are now ready to write the three collected radiation power terms:
1. Emission from the object = ετW
transmittance of the atmosphere. The object temperature is T
source
.
, where ε is the emittance of the object and τ is the
obj
that is proportional to
source
.
obj
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The measurement formula
2. Reflected emission from ambient sources = (1 – ε)τW
tance of the object. The ambient sources have the temperature T
It has here been assumed that the temperature T
, where (1 – ε) is the reflec-
refl
.
refl
is the same for all emitting surfa-
refl
ces within the halfsphere seen from a point on the object surface. This is of course
sometimes a simplification of the true situation. It is, however, a necessary simplification in order to derive a workable formula, and T
can – at least theoretically – be giv-
refl
en a value that represents an efficient temperature of a complex surrounding.
Note also that we have assumed that the emittance for the surroundings = 1. This is
correct in accordance with Kirchhoff’s law: All radiation impinging on the surrounding
surfaces will eventually be absorbed by the same surfaces. Thus the emittance = 1.
(Note though that the latest discussion requires the complete sphere around the object to be considered.)
3. Emission from the atmosphere = (1 – τ)τW
mosphere. The temperature of the atmosphere is T
, where (1 – τ) is the emittance of the at-
atm
atm
.
The total received radiation power can now be written (Equation 2):
We multiply each term by the constant C of Equation 1 and replace the CW products by
the corresponding U according to the same equation, and get (Equation 3):
Solve Equation 3 for U
(Equation 4):
obj
This is the general measurement formula used in all the FLIR Systems thermographic
equipment. The voltages of the formula are:
Table 20.1 Voltages
U
obj
U
tot
U
refl
U
atm
Calculated camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature
i.e. a voltage that can be directly converted into true requested
T
obj
object temperature.
Measured camera output voltage for the actual case.
Theoretical camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature
T
according to the calibration.
refl
Theoretical camera output voltage for a blackbody of temperature
according to the calibration.
T
atm
The operator has to supply a number of parameter values for the calculation:
• the object emittance ε,
• the relative humidity,
• T
atm
• object distance (D
obj
)
• the (effective) temperature of the object surroundings, or the reflected ambient tem-
perature T
• the temperature of the atmosphere T
refl
, and
atm
This task could sometimes be a heavy burden for the operator since there are normally
no easy ways to find accurate values of emittance and atmospheric transmittance for the
actual case. The two temperatures are normally less of a problem provided the surroundings do not contain large and intense radiation sources.
A natural question in this connection is: How important is it to know the right values of
these parameters? It could though be of interest to get a feeling for this problem already
here by looking into some different measurement cases and compare the relative
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The measurement formula
magnitudes of the three radiation terms. This will give indications about when it is important to use correct values of which parameters.
The figures below illustrates the relative magnitudes of the three radiation contributions
for three different object temperatures, two emittances, and two spectral ranges: SW and
LW. Remaining parameters have the following fixed values:
• τ = 0.88
• T
= +20°C (+68°F)
refl
• T
= +20°C (+68°F)
atm
It is obvious that measurement of low object temperatures are more critical than measuring high temperatures since the ‘disturbing’ radiation sources are relatively much stronger in the first case. Should also the object emittance be low, the situation would be still
more difficult.
We have finally to answer a question about the importance of being allowed to use the
calibration curve above the highest calibration point, what we call extrapolation. Imagine
that we in a certain case measure U
= 4.5 volts. The highest calibration point for the
tot
camera was in the order of 4.1 volts, a value unknown to the operator. Thus, even if the
object happened to be a blackbody, i.e. U
obj
= U
, we are actually performing extrapola-
tot
tion of the calibration curve when converting 4.5 volts into temperature.
Let us now assume that the object is not black, it has an emittance of 0.75, and the trans-
mittance is 0.92. We also assume that the two second terms of Equation 4 amount to 0.5
volts together. Computation of U
by means of Equation 4 then results in U
obj
obj
= 4.5 /
0.75 / 0.92 – 0.5 = 6.0. This is a rather extreme extrapolation, particularly when considering that the video amplifier might limit the output to 5 volts! Note, though, that the application of the calibration curve is a theoretical procedure where no electronic or other
limitations exist. We trust that if there had been no signal limitations in the camera, and if
it had been calibrated far beyond 5 volts, the resulting curve would have been very much
the same as our real curve extrapolated beyond 4.1 volts, provided the calibration algorithm is based on radiation physics, like the FLIR Systems algorithm. Of course there
must be a limit to such extrapolations.
14. Schuster, Norbert and Kolobrodov, Valentin G. Infrarotthermographie. Berlin: Wiley-
VCH, 2000.
Note The emissivity values in the table below are recorded using a shortwave (SW)
camera. The values should be regarded as recommendations only and used with
caution.
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
123456
Glass pane (float
glass)
Gold
Goldpolished, carefully
Gold
Granitepolished20LLW0.8498
Granite
Graniterough, 4 different
Graniterough, 4 different
Gypsum
Ice: See Water
Iron and steelcold rolled70
Iron and steelcold rolled70LW0.099
Iron and steelcovered with red
Iron and steelelectrolytic100T0.054
Iron and steelelectrolytic22T0.054
Iron and steelelectrolytic260T0.074
Iron and steelelectrolytic, care-
Iron and steelfreshly worked
Iron and steelground sheet950–1100T0.55–0.611
Iron and steelheavily rusted
Iron and steelhot rolled130T0.601
Iron and steelhot rolled20T0.771
Iron and steeloxidized100T0.744
Iron and steeloxidized100T0.741
Iron and steeloxidized1227T0.894
Iron and steeloxidized125–525T0.78–0.821
Iron and steeloxidized200T0.792
Iron and steeloxidized200–600T0.801
Iron and steeloxidized strongly50T0.881
Iron and steeloxidized strongly500T0.981
Iron and steelpolished100T0.072
Iron and steelpolished400–1000T0.14–0.381
Iron and steelpolished sheet750–1050T0.52–0.561
Iron and steelrolled sheet50T0.561
Iron and steelrolled, freshly
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