Flir Cameras Assist Chubb In Fault Detection

Chubb has added two Flir P-Series infrared cameras to its range of inspection equipment for electrical and mechanical assets.

The Flir cameras allow IR services to be provided across all industry sectors, from municipal, medical and leisure establishments to commercial enterprises, factories, warehouses and utility sites. Predominantly, the role of the cameras is in the condition monitoring of capital equipment and associated electrical systems, but they are also used to check the integrity of the insulation.

The Flir thermal-imaging cameras allow Chubb to spot the signs of a developing fault without the need to interrupt the production or business process. Neil MacLeod, risk engineer, said: 'The report wizard ensures that a summary of the survey can normally be issued within 24 hours.

Flir To Exhibit Infrared Cameras At Maintec

Flir will be showing its infrared cameras at Maintec 2010, each with added-value features to provide access to new applications. The programme applies to 40 different infrared camera models, from the low-cost compact range to the flagship professional units. The mid-range T-Series includes new features such as IR video streaming, periodic storage and new lenses, and can also be used for basic analysis and mainstream predictive-maintenance work.

The Flir T-Series comprises 10 models, with three appearing for the first time at Maintec 2010. These cameras are designed for those who need advanced functionality but not the sophistication of the Flir P-Series. Their thermal sensitivity is 0.05C across a wide temperature measurement range. To tailor temperature-measurement readings to the application, this addition offers a range of measurement modes. The Flir T365 and the T425 have been introduced to reduce energy consumption through highly efficient electrical and mechanical infrared faultfinding.

Features such as autofocus and zoom lens enhance the flexibility of these models. Ergonomic design combined with low-weight, picture-in-picture fusion, touch-screen, tiltable lens unit, laser pointer and interchangeable optics complete the package. Flir will also be showing its gas-detection cameras. The models can also see, measure and visualise temperature. In addition to gas and VOC leak detection, these fully radiometric cameras can be used to detect electrical and mechanical faults, and for building inspection.

Flir i7 Investigates Building Faults

The Flir i7 infrared camera is designed to investigate faults in building fabric and operations, and check for electrical and mechanical faults. It can detect missing insulation, check the efficiency of heating and electrical systems or investigate energy waste.

The Flir i7 extends the specifications of the i5 compact range to include 120 x 120 pixels resolution with increased field of view and higher thermal sensitivity. It is designed for tough onsite use and has a double-moulded construction. Weighing 340g it meets IP43 dust/splashproof standards, has a shock rating of 25G and a vibration rating of 2G.

A rechargeable battery allows more than four hours of continuous operation. Images are viewed on the camera's 71mm high-resolution colour LCD and their transfer to a PC is accomplished via the microSD card or USB connection. Flir's radiometric JPEG format allows temperature data to be analysed directly from a common image format using Flir's Quickreport software that is standard with the camera package.

No complicated export routines need to be followed so that inspection findings can be shared. The radiometric JPEGs and MSWord reports can simply be emailed as attachments. Other features of the new Flir i7 are intuitive menu navigation, a thumbnail gallery and a focus-free lens that makes it even easier for a novice to take advantage of thermal imaging. Three measurement modes are available for extensive analysis: spot (centre), area (minimum/maximum) and isotherm (above/below).

Image controls include three palette options: iron, rainbow and black and white. The Flir i7 camera package includes a 512Mb microSD card, miniSD adaptor, Li-ion rechargeable battery with AC adaptor/charger, Quickreport software, USB cable, built-in lens protector, hand strap and hard case.

Flir Enhances Mid-Range T-Series Cameras

Flir Systems has announced that the latest models of its mid-range T-Series infrared cameras feature five areas of function development. The latest generation Flir T-Series has the ability to image stream, enabling the user, for example, to watch a process at start-up and acquire radiometric data at a reasonable speed.

This enhances the application scope of the camera and new software packages are available to support this functionality. These include Quickplot for simple trending, analysis and reporting work and ResearchIR for comprehensive data analysis. Periodic storage has been rolled out to the Flir T-Series. This allows snapshots to be taken at predetermined intervals, allowing the camera to act as a watchman for a variety of applications.

Thermal and/or visual images can be stored and for ease-of-use a counter is provided as standard. The company said this takes the Flir T-Series into the realms of product test and development. The ability to build a composite image is now available on selected T-Series models as the Panorama feature. Images complete with their radiometric data can be dragged, dropped and aligned in a grid to create a larger image. This opens up opportunities for new applications that can be accommodated without the need to invest in a wide-angle lens.

In additional to various stylus and sketching improvements, the latest T-Series generation can also be equipped with a choice of three new lenses, a 90deg field of view and two macro lenses for basic troubleshooting. These lenses are designed to be used across the entire Flir product programme.

Flir Mid-Range T-Series Cameras Enhanced

Flir Systems has announced that the latest models of its mid-range T-Series infrared cameras feature five areas of function development. The latest generation Flir T-Series has the ability to image stream, enabling the user, for example, to watch a process at start-up and acquire radiometric data at a reasonable speed.

This enhances the application scope of the camera and new software packages are available to support this functionality. These include Quickplot for simple trending, analysis and reporting work and ResearchIR for comprehensive data analysis. Periodic storage has been rolled out to the Flir T-Series. This allows snapshots to be taken at predetermined intervals, allowing the camera to act as a watchman for a variety of applications.

Thermal and/or visual images can be stored and for ease-of-use a counter is provided as standard. The company said this takes the Flir T-Series into the realms of product test and development. The ability to build a composite image is now available on selected T-Series models as the Panorama feature. Images complete with their radiometric data can be dragged, dropped and aligned in a grid to create a larger image.

This opens up opportunities for new applications that can be accommodated without the need to invest in a wide-angle lens. In additional to various stylus and sketching improvements, the latest T-Series generation can also be equipped with a choice of three new lenses, a 90deg field of view and two macro lenses for basic troubleshooting. These lenses are designed to be used across the entire Flir product programme.