THERMAL IMAGING USING INFRARED CAMERAS

TANEL PRANK

(01) HLC Home Inspections, 2008)

(02) Cool Cosmos bio)

VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DENMARK

Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management

Consultant Henrik Jean Blyt Nov 2009

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Mr Toomas Rhmonen from Termopilt O (the company is active since 2004) and Mr Indrek Kasekamp from Termoproff O (the company is active since 2007). Both men are the representatives of the mentioned companies in Estonia and are actively working in the field of thermal infrared inspections. They were kind enough to spare their time to have small interviews and share their knowledge with me during summer 2009. I am also very grateful to my teacher Henrik Jean Blyt, who organised a meeting with a thermal imaging companys representative in order to give me a possibility to see an infrared camera in real-life action.

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

TITLE PAGE DISSERTATION TITLE: Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras

CONSULTANT: Henrik Jean Blyt

AUTHOR: Tanel Prank

DATE/SIGNATURE: Week 49

STUDENT IDENTITY NUMBER: 2005858

NUMBER OF COPIES: Three copies on paper and one copy on CD

NUMBER OF PAGES: 31

WRITING STYLE: Font 12 Verdana; line spacing 1,15 All rights reserved no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the author. NOTE: This dissertation was compiled as part of an Architectural Technology and Construction Management degree course no responsibility is taken for any advice, instruction or conclusion given within!

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

SUMMARY This report is about thermal infrared cameras and their usage on the building industrys field. It gives an overview of the history of thermal imaging equipment and explains the working principle of a thermal imaging camera in simple terms. In addition, there is an explanation of the nature of infrared radiation. The report is mainly based on information found on various websites (mentioned in the list of reference), but also on two inerviews with representatives of comapanies dealing with termal imaging service in Estonia. Moreover, there is some information of an experimental measuring that took place on the VIA University Colleges property in November 2009. The report is also enriched with colorful pictures and charts. KEYWORDS Absolute zero Advantages of thermography Colorful Cooled infrared detectors Digital camera Disadvantages of thermography ECOlab Emissivity Fire fighting FLIR Focal lenght Infrared Invisible light IR Monochrome NEC Night vision Passive house Photograhpy

Price of thermal imaging equipment Price of thermal imaging service Radiation Resolution Selling or buying real estate Sir Frederick William Herschel Spectrum Thermal imaging Thermal imaging cameras Thermography Uncooled infrared detectors Vietnam War Visible light Wavelenght Wolrd War Two

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

INTRODUCTION The subject of Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras was chosen, because I wanted to link the investigations with everyday photography, which happens to be one of my dearest hobbies. Before I started collecting information about thermal infrared cameras and technology, I knew more or less nothing of the subject, so this was a completely dark field for me. Nevertheless, it was interesting to learn and write about a totally new topic. I am not plannig to work with thermal infrared cameras or thermography in my future career. On the other hand, there is always a possibility that I could share the research information and knowledge accumulated at some point of my working career when a question about it arises. I find the infrared technology to be a very necessary component in todays building indurstry. This dissertation gives an insight to the following subjects: Basic answer to the question: What is infrared?. Brief overview of the history of thermal imaging equipment. Difference between the first generation night vision equipemnt and modern thermal imaging technology working principles. How does a thermal imaging camera work? Brief introduction about the term emissivity. Difference between cooled and uncooled infrared cameras Approximate price range of thermal imaging equipment and service in Estonia. What kind of constructional failures is a thermal imaging camera able to detect? When should one consider hiring a thermal imaging specialist? Things to be watchful about when choosing a company who performs thermal imaging on your building.

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

PROBLEM STATEMENT The main objective for this dissertation is to give information about thermal imaging and answer the questions: What can thermal infrared technology do for people wanting to erect a new building or restaurate an old one? and How beneficial is to hire a professional to take thermal pictures of your building?. Many people might have heard the word infrared, but they do not really know what it is. This piece of writing gives an insight and a casual explanation to that matter as well.

METHODS Material for this dissertation is primarily based on three types of findings: two interviews in Estonia, measuring results in Horsens and information found in the internet.

DELIMITATION This dissertation does not cover: Terms passive thermography and active thermography. Price of the thermal imaging equipment and service in Denmark. Scientific information about infrared waves physics. Scientific working pirnciples of thermal imaging equipment.

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................ 2 TITLE PAGE................................................................................. 3 SUMMARY ................................................................................... 4 KEYWORDS ................................................................................. 4 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 5 PROBLEM STATEMENT ................................................................ 6 METHODS ................................................................................... 6 DELIMITATION ........................................................................... 6 RESULTS AND FINDINGS ............................................................ 8 What is infrared? ........................................................................... 8 History of infrared ......................................................................... 9 History of invisible light detection equipment .................................. 10 Seeing in dark before the modern thermal imaging equipment .......... 10 Modern thermal imaging technology basic working principles ............ 11 Comparisson between a digital camera and infrared thermal camera . 13 Cooled and uncooled infrared cameras ........................................... 15 Price of the thermal imaging service .............................................. 17 Time, precision and trial measuring ............................................... 18 Who can perform thermal imaging? ............................................... 20 Emissivity ................................................................................... 22 Some advantages and disadvantages of thermography .................... 23 When to order a thermal infrared inspection? .................................. 24 SUMMARY OF THE WORKING PROCESS..................................... 26 Collecting information .................................................................. 26 CONCLUSION ............................................................................ 27 LIST OF REFERENCE ................................................................. 28

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

RESULTS AND FINDINGS What is infrared? Most of the people who have an up to date picture of todays world, have heard or read the word infrared or IR in one place or another. Infrared technology is used in such everyday equipment as TV remotes, computers and cellphones, just to bring out a few. Since many people do not have an idea of the nature of infrared radiation, it would not be a big surprise, when a person asked you: Who invented infrared?. Of course the right answer to that would be: It was not invented it has always excisted!. The correct question would instead be: Who discovered the infrared excistance?. Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than that of visible light (400700 nm), but shorter than that of terahertz radiation (100 m 1 mm) and microwaves. Infrared radiation spans more than three orders of magnitude (roughly 700 nm to 300 m). (03) Wikipedia/Infrared) The picture on the left side of this page gives an idea what the technical definition above is saying. In simple terms, every object or body is radiating electromagnetic waves, which have different wavelenghts. For explanation of the wavelenght, see the sketch on the bottom of the page. The above mentioned interval of wavelenghts is called infrared and is invisible to human eye, as are the majority of other wavelenghts, that have been discovered and named by people. The visible wavelenghts are in between 380 to 750 nm and are (04) Imagine the Universe!) (05) The Free Dictionary) just under
Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

infrared. The visible wavelenghts are registered by human eyes as colorful lights. (06) Wikipedia/Visible spectrum)

History of infrared The first person to discover lights invisible to human eye was Sir Frederick William (07) Cavendish Science) Herschel. He did it back in year the 1800. Herschel passed sunlight through a glass prism to create a spectrum and measured the temperatures of each color. He discovered, that the (08) William Herschel) temperatures are rising when moving up on the spectrum. A spectrum contains all of the visible colors that make up sunlight. (09) Cool Cosmos) While measuring the temperatures of each color, he found out that after the last visible color red the temperature was even higher. From this knowledge he concluded, that there must be a light invisible to human eye. Since it was placed after the red color, he named it infrared.
(02) Cool Cosmos bio)

The word infra comes from the Latin language and means below. (10) MIVIM) To explain, one could say that the visible red color has the longest wavelenght (out of all visible wavelenghts) meaning the smallest frequency - the frequency of infrared is even lower, so it is below red.

Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

History of invisible light detection equipment Originally the invisible light detection equipment was invented to enable military forces to see in such light conditions, where it is nearly impossible for the naked eye to distinguish a clear picture of a subject.
(11) Bullard)

Current thermal imagers are based on technology that was originally developed for the military. Thermal imaging technology provides the ability to see and target opposing forces through the dark of night or across a smoke-covered battleground. The properties that have made infrared detection valuable to military services around the world also make it valuable to fire services and law enforcement. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Texas Instruments, Hughes Aircraft, and Honeywell developed single element detectors that scanned scenes and produced line images. The military had a lock on the technology because it was expensive and had sensitive military applications. These basic detectors (12) Woodbury Minnesota) led to the development of modern thermal imaging.. (11) Bullard) The thermal imaging technology was first demonstrated to the military in 1979. At first it was quite expensive, but after 1991 the production quantities of the equipment went up and the price of each piece decreased remarkably. It was then, the thermal imaging equipment was also introduced to fire fighters. First thermal imager specifically designed for fire fighting was introduced in 1998. (11) Bullard)

Seeing in dark before the modern thermal imaging equipment Before the modern thermal imaging (that is based on collecting infrared information and translating it to visible picture) was invented, military forces used first generation night vision equipment. Night vision devices were first used in World War II, and came into wide use during the Vietnam War. (13) Wikipedia/Night vision device) The first generation night vision devices had a much different working principle, than those of todays world knows and uses. American soldiers used image intensifiers called Star-Tron scopes in the Vietnam War (similar to the
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device shown on right). The scopes were almost as heavy as the rifles they were mounted on, and were extremely expensive to manufacture. They worked by focusing the dim night scene onto a photo-cathode inside a tube. The photo-cathode accelerated and multiplied the electrons from the (14) Utah Gun Collectors Association) ambient light, and focused them into a visible image. The Star-Tron scope permitted a soldier to see in the dark about 400 yards ( 366 m), but it had several unfortunate drawbacks. The scope would shut down if it was exposed to a sudden bright light, and the device emitted a high-pitched whine that was often loud enough to give away its users (sic) position, thus cancelling out the stealth effect.. (15) Bookrags/Night Vision Devices) There was a lot of work done to eliminate the mentioned problem. The scientists successfully removed the malfunction from the device before the next generation was announced. (15) Bookrags/Night Vision
Devices)

Modern thermal imaging technology basic working principles A thermographic camera, sometimes called a FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed), or an infrared camera less specifically, is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light. Instead of the 450750 nanometer range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 m). (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic
camera)

(16) About.com/Origins of Thermal Imaging or Infrared (IR) Imaging, 1977)

Modern technology used to see otherwise invisible light is mainly based on thermal infrared imaging and in many references is called infrared thermography Infrared thermography is not the same as night vision. Night vision operates on the principle of light amplification, so in a totally dark environment light amplification would yield no image where as a thermal imager would.. (16) About.com/Origins of Thermal Imaging or Infrared (IR) Imaging, 1977) A thermal imaging device gives the ability to see targets in darkness or smoke.. (16) About.com/Origins of
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All bodies above the absolute zero of temperature absorb and radiate infrared radiation. (18) The Free Dictionary/infrared radiation) By international agreement, absolute zero is defined as precisely 0 K on the Kelvin scale, which is a thermodynamic (absolute) temperature scale, and 273.15 on the Celsius scale.. (19) Wikipedia/Absolute zero) So, figuratively speaking, if one took a thermal picture of an object, which was surrounded by nothing, and had a temperature of absolute (20) Flir.com/FLIR i5 and zero, the resulting image would be blank. Of i7 Infrared Camera) course that kind of a situation is imaginary, and could not happen in everyday life. A thermal imaging camera consists of five components: an optic system, detector, amplifier, signal processing, and display. (21) Thermal imaging camera) When a commonly used digital cameras sensor is able to create a picture if light that is visible to human eye is projected through a lens to the sensor, then thermal imaging cameras sensor is able to generate an image using light that is invisible, such as infrared light. Picture taken with a thermal imaging camera can be monochrome or colorful. That depends on the cameras sensor. Images from infrared cameras tend to be monochromatic because the cameras are generally designed with only a single type of sensor responding to single wavelength range of infrared radiation. Color cameras require a more complex construction to differentiate wavelength and color has less meaning outside of the normal visible spectrum because the differing wavelengths do not map uniformly into the system of color vision used by humans. Sometimes these monochromatic images are displayed in pseudo-color, where changes in color are used rather than changes in intensity to display changes in the signal. (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Most of the thermal camera sensors, that are able to create colorful pictures, can also do it in monocrome, but not the other way around. A similar parallel could be drawn between black & white and color film used in everyday photography. When projecting images to a photo paper, the latter could, in principle, be
(17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

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successfully used with either color or balck & white paper, but not the black & white film. Some thermal imaging cameras, that are used in the building industry, are able to take usual digital (22) Developing problem, or X-ray pictures as well. When making fogging?) comparisons, this additional function saves both time and money for the people making thermal analysis of a building, because a thermal image shows aspects of the photographed object that a usual digital photo does not and vice versa. When placed side by side, two different pictures of the same object give a better understanding of the situation or possibly a problem of the object. These cameras, which do not have the ability to take usual photographs, do not lack too much value, when we are talking about the final result of thermal analysis, but for a non professional client, for example, it is easier to understand the situation, when two images are put side by side. With thermal cameras, that are not able to take pictures visible to human eye, a separate digital camera is (23) Abrioux Home Inspections) used.

Comparisson between a digital camera and infrared thermal camera One of the important things in nowadays digital photography is the resolution of the sensor. The bigger it is, the larger the picture. High resolution can not be directly related to better image quality, because there are several other importances to the quality of the image. For example the size of pixels on the sensor and the quality of the materials used in the lens. Therefore, one of the questions during both interviews I had past summer, I asked: What is the resolution of
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a thermal cameras sensor?. Having photography as one of my hobbies, but at the same time knowing very little about thermography, I was expecting an answer comparable to the numbers that one could read from a digital (24) flir.com/ThermaCAM B4) cameras instruction manual 2 to 8 megapixels for lower end cameras, 8 to 24 megapixels for medium and semi-professional cameras and 24 plus megapixels for professional studio work cameras. Turns out that my assumptions were really far off from the correct answer. Both of the companies that I visited, are using a thermal imaging camera from a company called FLIR. The resolution of sensors of the cameras that these companies are using is 320 x 240 pixels, which equals to about 0,08 megapixels. Compared to a usual didital camera, it is a really low resolution, but the important thing to note here, is that in thermography the well known saying a picture is worth a thousand words does not apply. When in photography the (25) FLIR/FLIR IR Camera Range for outcome is just a picture, then in the Building Industry) thermography the picture has only an illustrative function. Since vision is one of the most important senses of a human being, then seeing a picture on a thermal imaging cameras screen helps to recognise the things one is looking for. In the building industry these things would, in many cases, be heat- and moisture leaks. Besides the illustrative picture, the outcome of taking a thermal image is a great amount of information about every singel pixel of the image. When phrased this way, the 320 x 240 pixels does not seem like a small number anymore. A simple calculation shows that 320 times 240 is 76 800. That is the number of analysis the thermal imaging camera does with ervey single picture taken at that resolution. On the FLIRs homepage I was also able to find more sophisticated thermal imagers with more functions and larger sensor resolutions. One example is the model called FLIR 660, which has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels
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totaling 307 200 measuring points. When a usual digital camera, depending, of course, on the quality and type, could be bought for few hundred kroner, then thermal imaging cameras prices are, so to speak, form another world. For example, FLIR B4 (see a picture (25) FLIR/FLIR IR Camera Range for the of the device from previous Building Industry) page) costs around 100 000 Danish kroner. The mentioned model is by far not the highest end and best thermal infrared camera in the industry, but still the price speaks for itself. More advanced devices cost half a million or even more. (26)
Kasekamp, 2009)

The camera pictured on the right is one of the best FLIR models one could use. Besides the already mentioned high resolution it features several other modern technologies, that help the operator to achieve better results in less time.
(27) flir.com/FLIR B660)

Cooled and uncooled infrared cameras Yet another way to distinguish infrared cameras is if their detectors are cooled or uncooled. There is a difference in between the construction of the sensors used in either kind of the systems. Both have their own pros and cons. These cameras that use cooled detector systems can, in most occasions, produce infrared images with higher quality than the uncooled ones. Without cooling, these sensors (which detect and convert light in much the same way as common digital cameras, but are made of different materials) would be 'blinded' or flooded by their own radiation. (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Additionally, the greater sensitivity of cooled cameras also allow the use of higher Fnumber
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cooled cameras also allow the use of higher F-number lenses, making high performance long focal length lenses both smaller and cheaper for cooled detectors. (17)
Wikipedia/Thermographic camera)

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks. (28) Richards) Cooled infrared cameras are relatively expensive both to produce and to run. Cooling process uses a lot of energy and is also time-consuming. Cooling down might take several minutes. (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Cooling system last only 8 000-10 000 hours, when uncooled cameras might not need servicing for years. (28) Richards) There are two commonly used cooling systems - rotary stirling engine cryocooling and gases bottled at high pressure. (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Even though the cost of a cooled camera core is much higher than an uncooled core, the system cost (core plus lens) for uncooled surpasses cooled system cost at a focal length on the order of 350mm. (28) Richards) From the previous one could deduce, that in the building industry there are mainly uncooled systems used, because normally there is no need to use a lens with a focal lenght of 350mm or more. An approximate measuring distance from a building, which is 5 meter high and 10 meters wide, is 25 meters. (26) Kasekamp, 2009) Uncooled thermal infrared imaging devices are physically smaller (because there is no need to reserve space for cooling mechanisms) and also cheaper to produce and maintain. (17) Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) However, their resolution and image quality tend to be lower than cooled detectors. This is due to difference in their fabrication processes, limited by currently available technology. (17)
Wikipedia/Thermographic camera)

Modern uncooled detectors all use sensors that work by the change of resistance, voltage or current when heated by infrared radiation. These changes are then measured and compared to the values at the operating temperature of the sensor. (17)
Wikipedia/Thermographic camera) Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank (28) Richards)

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Price of the thermal imaging service Since thermal imaging equipment is so expensive, in most cases, the service of taking those images is bought from a specialised company. In Estonia the average fee for thermal analysis of a single family house is worth around 1 500 Danish kroner. This price includes both taking pictures of the building and making a detailed report with the measuring results. If there are any problems with the house, then the report also includes suggestions for repairs. (26)
Kasekamp, 2009)

Some firms offer the service for a remarkably lower cost, than

mentioned above. The ones, who need to use the service, must therefore watch out not to have a trick played on them. As described previously, seeing a thermal picture alone, gives limited information of the situation. It does not help the one, ordering the measuring, enough to take relevant action for eliminating the problem/problems. It would not be wise to set all the companies, offering the thermography service with a cost lower than 1500 kroner, aside just because of the low price some might have discount campaigns going on. Nevertheless, before buying the (29) Crawford, 2006) service, one should make a thorough investigation of what one actually gets for the money. During one of the interviews I was told, that some of the firms, who offer the thermal imaging service, do the following: take the pictures of the given building, charge the client few hundred kroner and present him/her with a CD of the pictures. There are neither analysis nor suggestive ideas for fixing the problems included. Unless one wants just the thermal
Thermal Imaging Using Infrared Cameras Tanel Prank

(29) Crawford, 2006)

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pictures - which usually is not the case these kind of companies should be avoided. (30) Rhmonen, 2009)

Time, precision and trial measuring Another photography related question, that I asked during the interviews in Estonia, was: How long is the exposure time for taking one thermal image?. When taking a usual digital image, the exposure time can vary from approximately 1/8000 of a second to several hours. It depends on the type of picture and the type of effect one wants to achieve. However, to get one decent thermal image with enough information for analysis it takes about 50 seconds. An average time spent on completing a thermal imaging process for a single family house, for example, is 1,5 hours. That includes setting up the equipment to proper places and taking images. Post analysis takes some additional time. Of course every building is different and has its own characteristics, so the precise measuring time depends on various factors. (26) Kasekamp, 2009) With FLIR B4 temperature is measured on every point on the thermal picture with an accuracy of 0,1C (30) Rhmonen, 2009) On the FLIR website the number of accuracy is said to be even as low as 0,08C (24) flir.com/ThermaCAM B4). The best temperature of the working environment for the thermal camera FLIR B4 is between -20C and +55C. (24) flir.com/ThermaCAM B4) For best measuring results indoor an outdoor temperature difference should be about 15C for a constant period an occasional night frost during autumn or spring does not count. The best time to run a thermal imaging would be a cold period preferably during the winter season. (30) Rhmonen, 2009) 20C difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures would be the ideal condition (26) Kasekamp, 2009) and 10C would be the minimum (31)
Trial Thermal Measuring in Horsens, 2009)

The trial measuring, that was scheduled to take place on 24th of November in Horsens on the VIA University Colleges property, did not succeed 100%. The building, that was to be taken thermal images of, was still under construction and therefore not warm enough from the inside to make up the metioned temperature difference of at least 10C. The attempt to heat up the building with an
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(32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009)

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electrical hot air blower failed, because it could not have been left turned on overnight due to the risk of burning down the buliding if anything went wrong. According to the thermal imaging specialist, who was on the site taking the pictures, the building should have been under (32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009) constant heating for about a week to heat up the walls and achieve the inside temperature acceptable for taking decent thermal images.
(31) Trial Thermal Measuring in Horsens, 2009)

The building itself is being built for a scientific project and meant for that kind of measurings and tests. The inside (32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009) area of it is only about 10m2. It has thick well insulated walls. The roof is covered with solar panels. Although the conditions for thermal imaging were far from perfect, some pictures were taken just to demonstrate how the camera works. Model number of the camera used is (32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009) NEC TH7800. The resolution of the cameras thermal picture sensor is the same as it is in FLIR B4 320x240 px (pixels). This camera has the ability to take both thermal and usual digital images simultaneously.
(33) Thermo Tracer TH7800 320x240 Pixels)

(33) Thermo Tracer TH7800 320x240 Pixels)

The original idea, why ECOlab building was chosen for the measuring, was to check the house with a professional thermal imager aginst any flaws in the construction quality. One of the
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(32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009)

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possible problems with the building that I had in mind and would have wanted to have been controlled, was the tightness of the heat proofing around the windows and doors. Since the ECOlab is being built as a passive house using all the modern materials to make it sustainable it should, according to the calculations, work that way once finished. Nevertheless, taking thermal images of the building would give an additional security and peace of mind that everything was done properly. As mentioned, this time the measuring did not succeed due to too small temperature differences between inside and outside, but I sincerely hope, that this kind of measuring will take place in the future when the building construction has been completed. Of course, if done, it will be a subject of another report or dissertation but this one.

(32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009)

Who can perform thermal imaging?

(32) ECOlab Horsens, 2009)

Since a thermal imaging specialist is not an easy profession to have, one could think, that to become one, he/she would need to, figuratively speaking, go through fire and water to get a certificate for that. Some part of this thought is true, but some is not. Sure, a thermal imaging specialist must have great amount of knowledge about the thermography field to do the work properly and effectively, but at least in Estonia one does not need a paper or diploma for doing that kind of work. This being said, people should be aware of who they really hire to do the inspection on their house. There are some service providers out there, who (34) Viewport enables closed-door IR have just bought a thermal scans of electrical panels.) imaging camera to make some
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(35) npiweb.com)

money by using the equipment for taking bare infrared pictures and presenting their client with these. They are including very vague analysis thogether with the thermal images, if any at all. Therefore, trusting companies or individuals with proper education and long experience pays off, even if their service costs a penny more. At this point I find it necessary to mention, that the previous applies only for taking thermal images. Drawing an energy audit together, is a whole different story. One needs to have

a special licence for doing energy audits. (26) Kasekamp, 2009) An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s). When (36) ITC - Building the object of study is an occupied building then Science reducing energy consumption while maintaining or Thermography Certification) improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings. (37)
Wikipedia/Energy audit)

At the same time, in The United Stated there are extensive educational training courses provided for specialists working withing the field of thermography. Advances in technology have provided infrared equipment that is userfriendly; however, infrared thermography is not (38) The Academy Of a "simply point and shoot" technology. In Infrared Training Inc addition to understanding the object or system (AIRT)) being inspected, thermographers must also understand common error sources that can influence observed thermal data. Typically, infrared training courses should cover the topics of
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infrared theory, heat transfer concepts, equipment selection and operation, how to eliminate or overcome common error sources, and specific applications. (39) Wapedia/Thermographic camera) Structural thermal imaging professionals can properly interpret readings and recommend cost-effective measures to improve building efficiency. (39) Wapedia/Thermographic camera) To reach the highest - third - certified level, it takes a lot of work and time. A Level 3 must: Meet all the requirements for a Level 2 thermographer. Complete a further 40 hours training under an approved program and pass an exam with at least 75%. Work for at least 48 months as an active thermographer. Have at least 1920 hours of cumulative experience in thermography. Submit proof of this.
(39) Wapedia/Thermographic camera)

A Level 3 qualified thermographer is "qualified to perform and/or direct all types of thermographic measurements and analysis." (39)
Wapedia/Thermographic camera)

Certification is written proof of qualification, and a well trained thermographer will not only be trained, but properly certified. ISO 18436 lays down the criteria for certification. (39) Wapedia/Thermographic
camera)

Emissivity Another term that is important, when talking about thermography, is emissivity. Emissivity is a term representing a material's ability to emit thermal radiation. (40) Wikipedia/Emissivity) One of the most important part of thermography specialists work is to know how to estimate emissivity. Each material has a different emissivity and it can be quite a task to determine the appropriate emissivity for a subject. A material's emissivity can range from 0.00 (completely notemitting) to 1.00 (completely emitting); the emissivity often varies with temperature. (40) Wikipedia/Emissivity) Emissivity is related to the theory of Black Body. A black body is a theoretical object which will radiate infrared radiation at its contact temperature. (40) Wikipedia/Emissivity) Since there is no such thing as a perfect black body, the infrared radiation of normal objects will appear to be less than the contact temperature. The rate (percentage) of
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TABLE OF EMISSIVITY METALS Normal Temp. Material emissivity, (C) En Aluminum Unoxidized 100 0.03 Unoxidized 500 0.06 Oxidized 200 0.11 Oxidized 600 0.19 Monel, Ni-Cu Unoxidized 200 0.41 Unoxidized 600 0.46 Nickel Polished 40 0.05 Oxidized 40 0.31 Oxidized 250 0.46 Steel Unoxidized 100 0.08 Oxidized 100 0.80 Stainless Steel Polished 100 0.22 Polished 425 0.45
(41) Infrared ir thermal imaging cameras for thermographic applications; emissivity)

emission of infrared radiation will thus be a fraction of the true contact temperature. This fraction is called emissivity. (40)
Wikipedia/Emissivity)

To make a temperature measurement of an object, the thermographer will refer to the emissivity table to choose the emissivity value of the object, which is then entered into the camera. The camera's algorithm will correct the temperature by using the emissivity to calculate a temperature that more closely matches the actual contact temperature of the object. (40) Wikipedia/Emissivity) There is an example of a basic emissivity table on the left. Of course, there are more complex tables with more information for actual infrared thermography.

Some advantages and disadvantages of thermography Advantages It helps to prevent problems prior to their occurrence It can be used to observe areas inaccessible or hazardous for other methods It can be used to find defects in shafts, pipes, and other metal or plastic parts It can be used to see better in darker or completely dark environment It makes catching moving targets in real time easy It is a non-destructive test method Disadvantages The cameras cost a lot (often over US$ 6000) For getting accurate temperatures, emissivity must be determined correctly Most cameras have 2% accuracy or worse and are not as accurate as contact methods Thermography is only able to directly detect surface temperatures

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When to order a thermal infrared inspection? If previously there was a topic about the price of thermal infrared inspections, then this paragraph is listing the main reasons why to order the service. If one has a problem with his/hers heating bill showing too large numbers, then it would be a good idea to have his/hers home examined by a thermography specialist. It does not necessarily have to be a private house, that the thermal images could be taken of. Semi-detached houses or apartments can be investigated as well. Thermal images can reveal constructional problems invisible to human eye, such as partly or totally missing insulation in some parts of the wall as well as moisture damages. (26) Kasekamp, 2009) The fact, that a house is recently built (43) Ebuilding Envelope or only a few years old, does not give any Forum) guarantee for the building to be in good order. During one of the interviews in Estonia I had a severe story shared with me. When the handing over time for a building was getting close, my interviewee had heard a builder shouting harsh words towards the site manager, because the latter had not warned the building crew for the coming thermal inspection. That was all, what my interviewee told me about this case, but it is fairly easy to read between the lines and understand, that clearly some parts of the building had not been insulated properly to cut down on the cost of building materials. Again, the problem could not have been discovered without a thermal inspection. (30) Rhmonen, 2009) If there are any mistakes found inside the construction of a building, then, in most cases, some advice is given to the owner of the building or to the person, who ordered the inspection, how to eliminate those problems. Sometimes simple replacement of windows or externally insulating some walls can do
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the trick. Then again, there are cases, where the thermal inspection specialists have to be the ones who deliver the bad news. Sometimes it would be just too expensive to correct all the constructional failures in order to render the house heatproof cheaper solution would be to tear down the house and build a new one. (30) Rhmonen, 2009) Selling or buying real estate could also be a good reason for ordering a thermal (45)mulden) inspection. An official signed document about the condition of the building gives the buyer a better picture of the situation and proves that the seller has nothing to hide. Of course, as a buyer, it would be wise to ask for a thermal inspection, if one has not been provided beforehand. If any suspicions arise about the truthfulness of a thermal measuring carried out before one gets to see the house, it would be clever to ask for a new one. If the owner of the building refuses to pay for the new measuring but the buyer is still interested in purchasing it, it would be money spent wisely to still order a new measuring and pay for it themselves. If it turns out, that there are no thermal or moisture problems detectable with a infrared imager, then the buyer loses about 1 500 kroner, but still gains a peace of mind about the condition of the building. When ordering a new measuring, there is 50-50 chance, that it will be showing more or less the same numbers as the old one did. That said, it would be better to pay this money to be insured of the situation of the building, than to pay many times more for a years heating bill or repairs of the house in the future. At one of the interviews in Estonia, my interviewee told me, that he had had to work for people who tried to pay him off in order for him to lie about the condition of a building. That had clearly been to hide some mistakes in the construction of the house. Naturally, he had refused the offer and explained his reputation and honesty to be more important than few thousand kroner. (30) Rhmonen, 2009)

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SUMMARY OF THE WORKING PROCESS Collecting information During the summer 2009 I collected some information about thermal imaging from different web pages, after which I had two interviews with two companies dealing with infrared cameras in Estonia. Since the whole thing was new to me, I started from the very beginning and gathered some basic facts from those meetings. Questions like What can the infrared cameras be used for? and What is the best distance to take a thermal picture of a house? got easy, but thorough answers. I even had a chance to see an infrared camera and have some functions of its menu introduced to me. I also had an opportunity to take part in an experiment on a passive house in Horsens that was specially being built for tests. With the help from my consultant, who organised a meeting with a company dealing with thermal imaging in Denmark, I got to see a thermal imaging camera in action. Reading about a subject is one thing, but to see it working in real life is a whole different story. Collecting decent information about the subject was not easy, because there are so many informative sources, with somewhat different facts, out there, so it was hard to choose one and rely totally on that. On the other hand, having enough options to choose between and having specialists of thermal imaging with years of experience consulting me, made writing the dissertation a great learning opportunity. It also gave me security and piece of mind when the people working with infrared cameras daily, confirmed some facts that I had read from a page or another.

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CONCLUSION Based on infrared (invisible light discovered more than 200 years ago) the mankind has invented a high end technology that is both extremely helpful and a necessary part of nowadays building industry. Using thermal infrared inspection service to find out constructional flaws of a building is a very good idea. There is no need to open up any inaccessible sections of the house, because thermography is a non-destructive test method. Thermographic camera is able to measure temperatures of surfaces without having a physical contact to them. It is relatively cheap to use this service and trace down the defects compared to the price of repairing the possible errors made during the erection of the building later. However, a piece of thermographic equipment costs a fortune and, in most cases, is not affordable for a regular individual. At the same time, the unattainability is good in a way that handling a thermal infrared camera requires a lot of knowledge and experience anyway. To avoid miscalculations and wrong conclusions it is better to leave the job of thermal inspections to the professionals. As well as there is a large number of thermal infrared camera manufacturers, there are many companies offering the service of thermal inspections. To find out the best relation between the price and the quality, a thorough investigation, of what one acctually gets for the money, must be made, before buying the service. The best time of the year for running thermal imaging is winter. As the trial measuring in Horsens also showed, this type of camera cannot be properly used, when the temperature differences between indoor and oudoor are not great enough. There are number of conditions which have to be fulfilled for using an infrared thermal imager. There conditions are not only physical or weather related, but also depend on the knowledge of the cameras operator. One of these importances is knowing how to correctly apply emissivity. To sum up, this study gives a thorough insight to thermal imaging and good bases for somebody looking for further information on the subject.

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27) flir.com/FLIR B660. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 16, 2009, from http://www.flir.com/uploadedFiles/Thermography/MMC/Brochures/1558 697/1558697_EN.pdf 28) Richards, A. D. (n.d.). Flir.com. Retrieved 11 28, 2009, from http://www.flir.com/uploadedFiles/ENG_01_cooledVSuncooled.pdf 29) Crawford, J. (2006). Thermography Report. Thermography Report, Smithville. 30) Rhmonen, T. (2009, 07 21). Thermal Imaging Cameras and Technology. (T. Prank, Interviewer) Prnu, Prnumaa, Estonia. (2009, 11 24). 31) Trial Thermal Measuring in Horsens. (T. Prank, Interviewer) 32) ECOlab Horsens. VIA University College, Horsens, Denmark. 33) Thermo Tracer TH7800 320x240 Pixels. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 27, 2009, from http://www.irpod.net/en/nec_san_ei_infrared_kameras/thermo_tracer_ th7800_320x240.html 34) Viewport enables closed-door IR scans of electrical panels. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 28, 2009, from http://news.thomasnet.com/images/large/464/464596.jpg 35) npiweb.com. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 29, 2009, from http://www.npiweb.com/Portals/0/images/PDF/stevecertificate.jpg 36) ITC - Building Science Thermography Certification. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 29, 2009, from http://images.google.dk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.npiweb.com/Portal s/0/images/PDF/stevecertificate.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.npiweb.com /parusa/&usg=__vDBRgEbgySsLsJv7bModtGOeuUw=&h=1755&w=127 5&sz=477&hl=en&start=1&sig2=Lz0suDXk_85z7VPA9kqMIw&um=1&it bs=1&tbn 37) Wikipedia/Energy audit. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 28, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_audit 38) The Academy Of Infrared Training Inc (AIRT). (n.d.). Retrieved 11 29, 2009, from http://www.infraredtraining.net/ 39) Wapedia/Thermographic camera. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 25, 2009, from http://wapedia.mobi/en/Thermographic_camera
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40) Wikipedia/Emissivity. (n.d.). Retrieved 07 20, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermography 41) Infrared ir thermal imaging cameras for thermographic applications; emissivity. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 29, 2009, from http://www.x20.org/library/thermal/emissivity.htm 42) Wikipedia/Advantages of thermography. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 29, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermography 43) Ebuilding Envelope Forum. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 27, 2009, from http://www.buildingenvelopeforum.com/images/barriertesting2_img_16 .jpg 44)frenta. (n.d.). Crestock. Retrieved 11 25, 2009, from http://www.crestock.com/image/819911-3d-person-a-puppet-holdingin-a-hand-a-small-cottage.aspx 45)mulden. (n.d.). Crestock. Retrieved 11 25, 2009, from http://www.crestock.com/image/1914513-New-cottages-and-bluesky.aspx

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