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Quality Assurance
Through Infrared Imaging

Fig.
1
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The
dark loops revealed in this grey-scale infrared
image (Fig. 1) are electric heating circuits embedded
beneath ceramic tiling. The imaging camera does
not "see" through the tile. Instead, it
pictures the transfer of heat from the wire loops
through to the tile surface. Both, the quality
of workmanship and operation of circuits can be
quickly visualised and quantified.
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Knowing
and controlling the temperature of welds is important
to maintaining a quality product. In this case
(Fig. 2) a manager at a flywheel production plant
wanted a quick, non-contact method of determining
the temperature and uniformity of the welds after
the flywheels had exited the arc-welder and were
moving on the conveyor. IR imaging was suggested
and to the manager's surprise the temperature
was degrees below what he had expected.
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Fig.
2
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Fig.
3 |
Paved
surfaces can be inspected for sub-surface voids
and delaminations. After a severe leak from a
water main, the extent of damage to the gravel
base of this paved surface (Fig. 3) was
determined using infrared imaging. Some of the
voiding has already been repaired (the warmer
red area at the top of the image) by back filling
with a gravel mixture. The infrared image shows
that the extent of damage is greater than originally
assumed (blue areas).
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The
thermogram (interior view of ceiling section)
to the right (Fig. 4) reveals deficient insulation.
Improper installation practices are a major cause
of poor energy management and can be
avoided. Quality control at the construction phase
is essential to maintaining efficient use of energy
resources and money. Using infrared thermography,
large facilities can be inspected quickly. Qualitative
and quantitative analysis can be performed to
assess the integrity of the building envelope.
Homeowners or those considering the purchase of
a new or used home can quickly and cost-effectively
inspect the building envelope and window seals
for efficiency and quality of construction.
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Fig.4
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GlencoMetrics
Inc.
16 Sims Cres., Unit # 28, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada,
L4B 2P1
Tel: (905) 764-9297, Fax: (905) 764-8084
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