Thermal Imaging

What is Thermal Imaging?

This is a technique used to locate or produce and image of an object based on the heat it emits. The technique is also known as infrared imaging, thermography or thermal scanning.

The image is of a Cummins diesel marine engine while being run during a sea trial. The image on the left is a standard thermal image whereas the image on the right is a Thermal MSX® Image.

To the left is a hull thermal image whereas to the right is a Thermal MSX® Image.

As it is evident in the images above, MSX® technology produces a crispier and cleaner thermal image. This makes it easier to locate problems.

What Does This Mean and Why is it Important?

As you may already know, marine surveying is non-intrusive. This means the surveyor will not be taking components apart to take a look inside. The surveyor simply observes and listens then compiles a survey report. The use of thermal imaging gives the surveyor extra vision. The technology makes it possible to look inside components without the need of taking them apart. In the past, to look inside a component during a marine survey you had to bring in a mechanic or a technician. Thanks to thermal imaging, our surveyor is able to see inside an alternator, electrical panels, power steering pump and get a better understanding of the condition of bearing including if there is excessive wear or misalignment. Without thermal imaging, a surveyor cannot be able to identify a pending issue.

Thermal scans help find potential problems with the heat exchangers of the engine cooling systems, bearings, manifolds and riser and so many other components. With thermal imaging, it is easy for a surveyor to find coolant obstruction in the engine. Thermal scanning can also be used to detect potential problems that would otherwise not be found without the input of a marine mechanic or electrician. This doesn’t mean that we don’t advocate for working with electrical and mechanical professionals. Their input is invaluable. What we are saying is that the use of thermal imagining makes us better at our job.

How Does Thermal Imaging Work?

Thermal imaging is the best tool for detecting temperature anomalies in machinery and electrical equipment. Since everything emits some level of thermal radiation, thermal imaging works on a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, steel and fiberglass. The best thing is unlike night vision which uses some kind of light, thermal cameras can work in complete darkness. These pieces of equipment have been used in many industries to aid with the maintenance and repair of equipment. Thermal imaging is mostly used in the survey of commercial aircraft systems and hulls. The technology is fairly new in marine surveying. At Sun Coast Marine Surveying, we strive to provide our surveyors with the best pieces of equipment so that they can serve our clients better.

Thermographic cameras look the same as portable digital video cameras. The two even work the same save for the fact that a thermal camera uses thermal imaging. In our company, we use FLIR® brand infrared cameras. We only choose the FLIR® cameras that incorporate the MSX® technology. The MSX® technology is only available in FLIR® cameras and not in all FLIR® camera brands. The MSX® technology adds key details from the onboard visible light camera. All this is done in real time. The final result is a thermal image that includes labels, numbers and even structural details. This helps identify the object being scanned easily.

When a target item emits an infrared light, the light is focused by a special lens on an infrared camera. With the MSX® technology, the camera has an extra lens which takes digital photos. This helps create three images of the target item:

1. Digital Image 2. Thermal Image 3. Thermal MSX

The thermal MSX® image is an overlay of the three images which makes them crisp and easy to recognize. These images can be seen using the FLIR® software.

Advantages of Thermal Imaging?

There are many benefits that come with thermal imaging. For the marine surveying industry, the key advantages are:

Contactless survey. Thermal imaging guarantees that the surveyor never have to touch hot and moving engine-room components. This keeps him safe. Moreover, the technology can be used to inspect electrical components without the risk of electrocution.
Happens in real-time. Scanning and recording with a thermal camera is instant. No time is wasted generating the images.
You can see the thermal patterns. This is important because it helps reduce the time and money that would otherwise be spent hiring a mechanic or a technician during a boat inspection. You will be able to save time and money as a client whereas the surveyor will reduce the amount of time it takes for them to complete a survey. Temperature anomalies can be found easily using thermographic images.
Adds details to the survey report. At Sun Coast Marine Surveying and Consulting, we offer thermal imaging at no added charge. We use it because it helps us get a better understanding of components such as electrical systems, tanks, gearbox, engines, hulls and decks. Thermal imaging helps us know where there are faults, leaks or delamination. We will include our findings in the survey report.

Thermography and How It makes Your Vessel Safer

The answer is a resounding yes. This is because with thermography, you will not only be able to see existing issues but also ones that are about to happen. This information makes your vessel a safer investment. Thermography can be used to detect abnormal heat that could lead to an electrical fire. It can also be used to detect water or gasoline leaks from the tanks thus preventing water damage or an explosion. In the engine, thermal imaging can be used to identify temperature irregularities that might lead to expensive repairs.

In the image on the right, delamination was discovered using a thermography. As you can see, thermal imaging helps surveyors spot potential structural issues that may go unnoticed using traditional survey methods.

While new technologies are here to change the way we do things, at Sun Coast Marine Surveying and Consulting we still use the tried-and-true traditional surveying methods. We still use such methods as percussion soundings and GRP33 moisture meter. Our reliance on FLIR® thermal cameras that use the MSX® imaging technology helps us to offer more than standard surveys and also sets us apart from our competition.