THERMAL IMAGING ADDS VALUE TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
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For a specialist painting and building contractor, FLIR thermal imaging has proved particularly helpful in its dealings with property managers and owners. From experience, Martin Meyer knew where to look for heat loss that resulted from missing insulation but convincing the customer that replacement was both necessary and cost effective was another matter. Investment in a FLIR E50bx, however, gave him all the necessary proof.
“Today we make the need for improvement really visible to the customer by taking a free thermal image of the building’s façade,” Martin Meyer explained. “This way we can clearly show the sources of heat loss from badly installed or missing insulation and provide a good estimate of the energy savings that would follow.”
Mildew growth
Identification of insulation faults is only one application for the FLIR E50bx. The main focus for Martin Meyer is interior decoration and an increasingly common problem for his property management customer base, is mildew. Old or badly fitting windows and poor ventilation, as well as bad insulation, can cause condensation to build-up; especially where tenants turn heating off to minimise energy costs.
The FLIR E50bx is ideal for detecting the moisture that can lead to mildew. It is one of the best-value, compact, infrared cameras for the building sector and its accuracy makes surveying and reporting, even from a distance, dependable and precise. For Martin Meyer features such as FLIR’s patented MSX feature, which allows image elements taken by the unit’s in-built digital camera to enhance the thermal image, are particularly appealing.
Underfloor leaks
Another common application for Martin Meyer’s camera is the investigation of underfloor heating systems and it proved particularly useful prior to a recent restoration project. The FLIR E50bx was used to investigate the poor performance of a 20 year-old underfloor heating system in conjunction with a FLIR MR77 non-invasive moisture meter.
“I placed the meter in the room and it automatically transferred the relative temperature and humidity data to the thermal image on the FLIR E50bx,” explained Martin Meyer. “It made it easy for me to locate an area of moisture on the wall that was clearly the source of the problem and show the heating contractor exactly where to open the wall. Sure enough, there was a small leak in the underfloor heating which could then be professionally repaired.”
To evaluate his thermal images, Martin Meyer uses the FLIR Tools software included with his camera as well as the FLIR Reporter software which allows him to create reports to include his own logo and other pre-settings.
“For us the investment in a thermal imaging camera has definitely paid off,” concludes Martin Meyer. “We are the only painting specialist in our area who can offer these services and it has allowed us to add value to the work we do.”
NON-CONTACT AND CONTACT MOISTURE MEASUREMENT IN ONE UNIT
The FLIR MR77 moisture meter provides the best of both worlds. This advanced instrument features a highly sensitive pinless sensor. When held against the surface, it projects an electromagnetic field to determine moisture content up to 19mm below the material surface. It has an external, 76cm wired pin probe that can capture readings in hard-to-reach areas too. So, whatever the nature of job or the type of wood or building material being inspected, the FLIR MR77 will give quick and accurate readings.
The attributes of the FLIR MR77 don’t stop there. It also comes complete with field-replaceable temperature and humidity sensors to reduce downtime, spot infrared thermometer and laser pointer. High/low moisture and humidity alarms complete the package.
A large, clear LCD screen simultaneously displays all the readings. These include grains per kilo, dew point, condensation point and the differential between infrared and dew point. A bright, white backlight on the LED ensures values can be read clearly, even when the ambient light is poor.
The moisture meter’s double-moulded, rubberised case is shock-resistant and will withstand a drop from two metres without fear of compromising its reliability or durability. The housing is also designed to resist contamination.
Readings from the FLIR MR77 can be transferred via Bluetooth to Android devices running the FLIR Tool Mobile app. The instrument also includes FLIR Systems’ METERLINK® technology that allows moisture readings taken on the FLIR MR77 to be transferred to similarly-enabled thermal imaging cameras.
Thermal imaging cameras for building inspections
Thermal imaging cameras have evolved into widespread instruments for building inspections. Energy losses, wet areas, mould build-up, leaks in roofs, underlying constructions, problems with HVAC installations can all be seamlessly detected with the help of a thermal imaging camera.
The FLIR Ebx-Series are rugged, full featured instruments that are available with an image quality of up to 320 x 240 pixels.
All versions of the FLIR Ebx-Series are equipped with a state-of-the-art uncooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector. According to his needs the user can choose between different image quality:
– E30bx / E40bx: produces thermal images of 160 x 120 pixels
– E50bx: produces thermal images of 240 x 180 pixels
– E60bx: produces thermal images of 320 x 240 pixels
More pixels means seeing more detail and more accurate temperature readings so that the smallest of anomalies can be detected.
Accurate temperature readings
Depending on the version, the FLIR Ebx-Series make temperature differences as small as 0.045°C visible. They can measure temperatures up to +120°C. Model dependant, the FLIR Ebx-Series include analysis tools like multiple spotmeters, automatic hot/cold detection markers, isotherm (above/below/interval) and automatic calculation of the temperature difference between 2 user defined points in the image. Especially for the building professional all versions include moisture and insulations alarms.
About thermal imaging
Thermal imaging is the use of cameras constructed with specialty sensors that “see” thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible to the human eye because its wavelength is too long to be detected. It’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Infrared allows us to see what our eyes cannot.
Thermal imaging cameras produce images of invisible infrared or “heat” radiation. Based on temperature differences between objects, thermal imaging produces a clear image. It is an excellent tool for predictive maintenance, building inspections, research & development and automation applications.
It can see in total darkness, in the darkest of nights, through fog, in the far distance, through smoke. It is also used for security and surveillance, maritime, automotive, firefighting and many other applications.
Find out more about FLIR building diagnostic products at https://www.flir.co.uk/instruments/building/content/?id=65320
