In the past, thermal imaging was used for military applications. However, today, it’s used for numerous applications. Infrared technology is helping several industries handle complicated applications, leading to a successful project. Below are the applications of thermal infrared sensors in today’s world.
Smart Buildings
Home and business owners must keep intruders away when building a home or commercial building. Thermal imaging can be used to facilitate security in buildings. It enables detecting intruders’ activities, locating people, counting people, sensing abnormally high temperatures, and ensuring proper lighting and heating. This way, families, business owners, and employees have peace of mind.
Connected Devices
Most consumers today are using connected devices. These devices are also being used in workspaces. They are applied in several areas, including:
1. Thermal Goggles
Thermal goggles are used mainly by firefighters to detect temperature variations when working in dangerous zones. Again, they are applied in defense to sense the presence of individuals or any heat sources. They are also vital at home because they warn homeowners about high temperatures and prevent accidents such as fires.
2. Connected Glasses
These glasses are primarily used in the entertainment and manufacturing industries. They have a thermal camera, thermal detection abilities, and a voice command.
3. Video Gaming
Headsets video gamers use have a thermal vision that helps them play the game depending on their needed accessories.
4. Thermal Imaging Cameras
Smartphones, digital cameras, and tablets have thermal cameras that can create clear images. These devices inspect electrical appliances, ensure home security, and troubleshoot.
Transportation
Thermal sensors are being used on the road to improve traffic safety. Vehicles are equipped with thermal imaging technology to help drivers drive at night and alert them of pedestrians or obstacles. This way, the drivers are always alert and prevent accidents from happening.
Surveillance and Security
Thermal sensors can ensure security in various areas, including commercial sites, national borders, and entertainment. They are used to detect any human movement; hence, it is easy to sense the presence of intruders. These thermal imaging sensors can work day, night, and in any weather. This way, business owners and employees have peace of mind because they are guaranteed safety.
Firefighting
Firefighters can be called to work in dangerous areas with blazing hot fires. With the smoke-filled in these environments, they can’t see clearly. However, thermal imaging helps them detect and rescue trapped victims from fire. Again, thermal imaging can help them to extinguish the fire completely and eliminate all hot spots.
Drones
They are used in several areas, including;
1. Crop Surveillance and Analysis
In agriculture, thermal sensors are used to boost crop productivity. Thermal cameras provide images that help in soil irrigation.
2. Structural Health Monitoring and Linear Surveillance
Sometimes, surveillance missions can be deadly to humans, such as dams eliminating hazardous substances. Hence, drones are used to survey these areas to provide the needed images. Sometimes, drones are used to monitor areas if the budget is tight because they are cost-effective.
Outdoor and Leisure Activities
Leisure activities include various things, such as visiting a park. When watching birds and other wildlife, thermal imaging helps people to enjoy themselves without causing disruptions.
Thermography
Thermography is used in devices to measure the actual emission of infrared radiation. It involves specific procedures that professionals do. In thermal technology, thermography is applied in various areas, including;
1. Gas Detection
The oil and gas industry can be dangerous for employees without leak detectors. If leaks occur, they can cause a fire, resulting in injuries or even massive deaths. However, thermal sensors help to detect any oil and gas leaks, allowing necessary action to avoid problems. Again, it saves these industries lots of money that could be used to replace leaked oil and gases.
2. Building and Construction
Thermal sensors can conduct an energy audit in residential and commercial buildings. This way, those running the thermal audit can determine energy lost in buildings through a thermogram.
3. Petrochemicals
It’s difficult to determine if the furnace tubes are damaged using the naked eye. Thus, thermal cameras help in inspecting these furnace tubes. They can show the interior parts of the furnace tubes so that employees can see those that are cracked and need to be changed.
These sensors are mostly placed on the ground level for easier access. They ensure that operations are smoke-free, and this boosts efficiency. Again, they lower energy costs, saving industries lots of money.
4. Industrial Inspection
There are many machines used in industries that require inspection once in a while. Thermography helps in inspecting these machines to help in various production lines.
Thermographic cameras allow the measurement of the temperature of objects without touching them. Thus, this makes employees able to monitor and control extreme temperatures automatically. They also check solar power towers, inspect welding, and check fatigue strength in various mechanical components.
5. Preventive Maintenance
Thermal infrared technology can conduct maintenance and prevention in large industries. Thus, thermography helps to detect any hazardous incidents so that they are mitigated before the problem worsens. That’s why thermal sensors inspect electrical grids used in government buildings. However, this inspection is made possible by using a drone with a thermal camera.
Sometimes, machines can overheat and get damaged due to friction. Thermal sensors help employees inspect appliances in large industries and maintain them before encountering a loss, fire problem, or another hazard.
Medical, Paramedical, and Veterinary Imaging
Medical specialists use thermal imaging to identify problems in their patients, including tumors, trauma, inflammation, and metabolic fluctuations. Using this non-invasive technique, they can apply it in several fields, including pharmacology, neurology, dermatology, rheumatology, traumatology, and veterinary medicine.
Thermal infrared technology makes roads safer, keeps intruders away from homes and workplaces, and ensures successful projects in various industries. This way, products are being brought into the market every day. Again, by helping doctors treat patients, this technology helps to prolong lives.
