About Thermal/Infrared Testing (IR)
Infrared/Thermal Testing, or infrared thermography, is used to measure or map surface temperatures based on the infrared radiation given off by an object as heat flows through, to or from that object. The majority of infrared radiation is longer in wavelength than visible light but can be detected using thermal imaging devices, commonly called "infrared cameras." For accurate IR testing, the part(s) being investigated should be in direct line of sight with the camera, i.e., should not be done with panel covers closed as the covers will diffuse the heat and can result in false readings. Used properly, thermal imaging can be used to detect corrosion damage, delaminations, disbonds, voids, inclusions as well as many other detrimental conditions.
Topical Outline
This examination is 2 hrs in length, having 90 questions of equal value.
- Principles/Theory
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
- The nature of heat and heat flow
- Temperature measurement principles
- Proper selection of Thermal/Infrared testing
- Equipment/Materials
- Temperature measurement equipment
- Heat flux indicators
- Performance parameters of non-contact devices
- Techniques
- Contact temperature indicators
- Non-contact pyrometers
- Infrared line scanners
- Thermal/Infrared imaging
- Heat flux indicators
- Exothermic or endothermic investigations
- Friction investigations
- Fluid Flow investigations
- Thermal resistance (steady state heat flow)
- Thermal capacitance investigations
- Interpretation/Evaluation
- Procedures
- Safety and health
- Safety responsibility and authority
- Safety for personnel
- Safety for client and facilities
- Safety for testing equipment
References
The number in parentheses following each reference is the ASNT catalog number.