Where there is life there is heat

The recent events in Boston shocked the world. The subsequent search and apprehension for the perpetrators ended on a TV screen. We were watching police as they zoned into the missing suspect hiding under canvas. There he was. Thermographic cameras were useful in confirming that the suspect was still hiding in the boat before they approached it.

People may not be aware of the term thermography but most of us who watch TV news and detective shows will be familiar with infrared photography.

Thermography is an important scientific tool relating to infrared physics, heat science and accurate measurement.

The University of Melbourne School of Engineering has led the provision of industry-certified training in infrared thermography for over 13 years and is a Licensed Training Centre for academics and industry. 

Infrared thermography (IRT), thermal imaging, and thermal video are examples of infrared imaging science. Thermographic cameras detect radiation and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms. Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects above absolute zero according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one's environment with or without visible illumination. 

The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night.  

Alan Smith from the Melbourne School of Engineering is the only registered Infrared Training Centre (ITC) Level 2 trainer in Australia, having taught Level 1 for many years. He is now offering Level 2 courses at the University.

When Dr Smith started investigating the use of thermography back in 1994, his camera system cost $250,000 and specialist lenses almost as much as the camera. Like many other technologies, the cost of cameras has reduced over the years and a new camera can now be bought for much less, although they can cost $100,000 and beyond depending on the customer’s requirements. 

After having mastered Levels 1 and 2, Dr Smith, funded by a grant from the Melbourne School of Engineering and supported by UoM Commercial, went to the US to complete the Level 3 course. Alan is the only person in Australia equipped and ITC-qualified to teach others about thermography and its varied applications at an advanced level. This makes him unique in teaching circles.

Dr Smith remains enthusiastic about this technology and is ready to start teaching the next group of experts in July 2013. 

“I continue to be amazed at the scope of this technology and how it is being used. I believe thermography has a role to play in industry, defence and even in medicine,” he says.

“People don’t realise where thermography is being used. It has practical uses and it can advance research. One of the most satisfying aspects for me has been to introduce thermography to researchers across the University.”

Over the years, Dr Smith has seen thermography used in an increasing range of areas. It can detect the presence of termite nests, possums hiding in a roof, water leakages, and monitor heavy haulage equipment for safety and efficiency. It is used extensively in manufacturing and mining and assists with maintaining quality and safety in keeping with regulations relating to compliance on machine condition monitoring. 

“If we think about some of the very large machines and conveyor belts used in industry, they have large components such as gears and bearings. It is vital to keep these items at an even temperature. A tyre blowing out or a bearing overheating can halt work and replacement parts could hold up work even further. Infrared technology can be used as a monitoring tool to check and review potential hot spots. It adds to a safer workplace and productivity,” he says.

“Law enforcement and emergency services have been using thermography for quite some time. I was involved in the commissioning of Victoria Police’s first airborne system. While the systems used do not require temperature measurement functions, many would have this capability.

“The use of monochrome is a choice, and my recommendation, for search and rescue operations.”

Thermography is also used in industries such as paper production and the food canning industry. Uniformity is needed in these production processes and thermography is one method of ensuring quality standards are maintained. 

Veterinary science has embraced thermography especially when looking after thoroughbred racehorses. Inflammation can be hard to detect but the cameras which can be used remotely offer specialists an accurate and non-invasive view. 

Medicine too is slowly turning to thermography. Functions such as circulation through veins can be tracked and is useful in open-heart surgery as a complementary tool to monitor the temperatures of vital organs.

Students taught by Dr Smith receive training in how to use the technology, optimise its potential, attain the best possible images, and interpret images.

www.commercial.unimelb.edu.au/itc1

www.commercial.unimelb.edu.au/