Thermal Inspection System

Thermal Inspection System

ADTS has developed a comapact and lightweight Thermal Inspection System (TIS) capable of detecting the presence of humidity in the roof of tunnels.

Thermal Camera Enhanced Detection System

Overview
Our product leverages the advanced capabilities of the FLIR Ax5 thermal camera, known for its precise thermal imaging and ability to detect subtle temperature variations. The system excels in identifying structural issues, material inconsistencies, and environmental anomalies, providing enhanced analysis and inspection capabilities.

Key Features

  1. Dual-Band Analysis

    • Combines visible light imaging with thermal infrared (IR) imaging for comprehensive inspection.
    • Detects features invisible in standard visible imaging, such as subsurface structures or temperature-related anomalies.
  2. Precision and Versatility

    • Operates at 30Hz with a maximum resolution of 640×480 for detailed thermal imaging.
    • Ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor environments, even under challenging conditions like high humidity or varying solar exposure.
  3. Use Cases

    • Infrastructure Monitoring: Identifies water infiltration, structural damage, and material inconsistencies in concrete, plaster, and other construction materials.
    • Thermal Gradient Analysis: Highlights temperature variations due to environmental factors or material properties.
    • Advanced Inspections: Effective in scenarios like tunnels or bridges, capturing details with both thermal and visible imaging.
  4. Innovative Detection

    • Pinpoints issues undetectable in IR, such as moisture without a thermal gradient, using complementary visible imaging.
    • Visualizes temperature changes in real-time, enabling precise monitoring of thermal gradients.

Limitations

  • Thermal Drift: Slight inaccuracies in absolute temperature readings over time, though relative measurements remain reliable.
  • Calibration Interruptions: Brief pauses for sensor recalibration, ensuring long-term accuracy.
  • Triggering Options: Operates in a continuous “free-run” mode; external trigger-based operation is not available.

Why Choose This System?
Our product harnesses the FLIR Ax5’s unique capabilities to provide unparalleled insights, optimizing detection and analysis for various applications. This robust integration of thermal and visible imaging ensures a thorough understanding of any scenario.

Revealing Hidden Anomalies with Thermal Imaging

The VistaMacchia feature of our thermal imaging system refers to its ability to detect subtle temperature variations that reveal hidden or underlying issues in structures. This functionality goes beyond what can be observed with the naked eye or standard visible light cameras, making it an essential tool for detecting problems like moisture accumulation, insulation deficiencies, or structural weaknesses.

How VistaMacchia Works

In thermal imaging, different materials absorb and emit heat in unique ways. When moisture seeps behind a wall or when a structural fault exists, these areas often exhibit slight temperature differences compared to the surrounding material. These temperature “spots” or macchie—which may be too subtle to detect with standard sensors—are clearly visible using our thermal imaging technology.

The VistaMacchia capability allows the system to capture and highlight these thermal anomalies, providing critical insights into what’s happening beneath the surface of the material. This feature is invaluable in a range of applications, such as:

  • Detecting Moisture and Water Leaks: Whether it’s moisture behind a wall or water infiltration in a tunnel, the thermal camera can spot the temperature drop caused by water. These cooler spots, or macchie, give an early indication of water damage, enabling timely repairs.

  • Identifying Structural Issues: VistaMacchia can detect variations in temperature across surfaces that may indicate insulation breakdowns, cracks, or voids in materials. This early detection is crucial in preventing more significant issues in buildings, bridges, and tunnels.

  • Assessing Energy Efficiency: In building inspections, the feature can be used to identify areas where heat is escaping, such as through cracks, poorly insulated walls, or windows. These macchie of heat loss are visible in the thermal spectrum and help to improve energy efficiency by highlighting areas that need attention.

Thermal Palettes and Enhanced Visualization

To further enhance the VistaMacchia capability, our system comes with a variety of thermal palettes that can be applied to the image, allowing operators to see these subtle temperature differences more clearly. By adjusting the color scale, operators can emphasize particular temperature ranges, making it easier to spot irregularities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For example:

  • A wall with hidden moisture might appear as a cooler macchia when viewed in a palette that contrasts blue and red.
  • A structural anomaly, such as a crack or weak point, might show as a warmer macchia in a palette optimized for detecting heat concentration.

Real-Time Detection in Dynamic Environments

In environments where constant monitoring is required, such as transportation or infrastructure, the VistaMacchia capability works seamlessly with real-time thermal imaging. When combined with the front-facing view (similar to a driver’s view or vista macchinista), this feature enables operators to simultaneously observe the path ahead and identify critical anomalies in the surrounding structures. This is especially valuable in tunnels, where hidden faults in the walls or ceiling can pose significant risks.

Applications of VistaMacchia:

  • Infrastructure and Tunnel Inspection: Spotting moisture, cracks, or weak points in walls and ceilings that are invisible to the naked eye.
  • Building Diagnostics: Identifying areas of poor insulation, heat loss, or hidden water damage.
  • Industrial Safety: Detecting thermal irregularities in machinery or systems, indicating potential overheating or wear that could lead to failure.