How Infrared Scanning Works

Infrared scanners work by detecting the heat emitted by objects. All objects emit infrared radiation, but the amount of radiation emitted depends on the temperature of the object. Hotter objects emit more infrared radiation than cooler objects.

The infrared scanner converts the infrared radiation it detects into an electronic signal. This signal is then processed by the scanner to create an image of the object. The image is displayed in a color map, with different colors representing different temperature levels.

Infrared scanning can be used to inspect a wide variety of objects, including electrical equipment, buildings, machinery, and people. It is a valuable tool for detecting defects, identifying problems, and improving safety.

How Infrared Radiation Works

Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. It is often referred to as "heat radiation" because it is emitted by all objects that have a temperature above absolute zero.

The wavelength of infrared radiation ranges from about 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). This is much longer than the wavelength of visible light, which ranges from about 400 nm to 700 nm.

Infrared radiation is often divided into three bands:

• Near-infrared (NIR): 700 to 1,400 nm

• Mid-infrared (MIR): 1,400 to 3,000 nm

• Far-infrared (FIR): 3,000 to 1 millimeter

Near-infrared radiation is the most similar to visible light, and it can sometimes be seen by the human eye under certain conditions. Mid-infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be detected by special sensors. Far-infrared radiation is also invisible to the human eye, but it can be detected by even more sensitive sensors.

How Infrared Scanners Work

Infrared scanners work by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by objects. The scanner contains an infrared sensor that converts the infrared radiation into an electronic signal. This signal is then processed by the scanner to create an image of the object.

The type of infrared sensor used in a scanner depends on the wavelength of infrared radiation that the scanner is designed to detect. Near-infrared scanners typically use photodiodes, while mid-infrared and far-infrared scanners typically use pyroelectric sensors.

The image created by an infrared scanner is a color map, with different colors representing different temperature levels. The colors are usually assigned to the temperature levels in a linear or logarithmic scale.

Applications of Infrared Scanning

Infrared scanning has a wide variety of applications, including:

Electrical inspection: Infrared scanning can be used to detect electrical problems, such as hot spots, loose connections, and arcing.

Building inspection: Infrared scanning can be used to detect structural problems, such as cracks, leaks, and moisture damage.

Machinery inspection: Infrared scanning can be used to detect mechanical problems, such as overheating, wear, and loose components.

People scanning: Infrared scanning can be used to detect fevers, blood flow, and other medical conditions.

Benefits of Infrared Scanning

Infrared scanning offers a number of benefits over other inspection methods, including:

Non-contact: Infrared scanning is a non-contact method of inspection, which means that it does not damage the object being inspected.

Remote: Infrared scanning can be used to inspect objects that are difficult or dangerous to access.

Fast: Infrared scanning can be used to inspect objects quickly and easily.

Accurate: Infrared scanning can provide accurate measurements of temperature.

Conclusion

Infrared scanning is a powerful tool that can be used to inspect a wide variety of objects. It is a non-contact, remote, fast, and accurate method of inspection that offers a number of benefits over other inspection methods.

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of how Infrared Scans Seattle works. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. 425-861-3887