Infrared Thermography (IR)
Method Overview
Non-contact temperature distribution analysis to detect thermal anomalies, insulation voids, and structural delaminations.
Core Method Specifications
Target Applications & Governing Standards
1 Scopes ConfiguredMethod Limitations & Operational Boundary Conditions
Critical physics limits, thermal envelopes, blind spots, and ASME Sec V / API procedural boundaries for IR.
Direct sunlight exposure, solar loading, and wind speeds > 15 mph (24 km/h) wash out thermal gradients on outdoor assets.
Requires active heat flow / thermal gradient (minimum Delta T >= 5°C) between internal process and external surface
None (non-contact optical radiation detection)
Direct optical line of sight: camera angle of incidence should be within 45° of perpendicular to avoid emissivity drop-off
- •Assets with zero heat flux (isothermal conditions where internal fluid temperature matches ambient)
- •Shiny unpainted aluminum or galvanized insulation jacketing reflecting sky radiation and operator body heat
Solar gain reflections on western pipe exposures during late afternoon mistaken for refractory thinning hotspots
Direct high-temperature UT thickness measurement on hot spots detected on fired furnace tubes
Visual internal borescope check of refractory lining tiles and anchor pins
Technique-to-OEM Compatibility Matrix
Verified manufacturers, instrument models, and diagnostic portals supporting IR.
FLIR Systems (Teledyne FLIR)
World benchmark manufacturer of radiometric thermal imaging cameras, optical gas imaging (OGI) leak cameras, acoustic acoustic imagers, and drone payloads under Teledyne Technologies.
Flyability
Swiss pioneer of collision-resilient confined-space inspection drones (Elios series) with protective cage and multi-sensor payloads (UT thickness gauge, LiDAR 3D, and thermal) for tanks, boilers, and chimneystacks.
Skydio
Autonomous AI-powered inspection drones (Skydio X10/X2) equipped with 360° computer-vision obstacle avoidance, thermal cameras, and automated 3D scan mapping for critical industrial assets.
Percepto
Autonomous Drone-in-a-Box (Air Max & Air Mobile) and AIM software platform for continuous automated visual, thermal, and optical gas inspection of refineries, mines, and utilities.
Easy Aerial
Tethered and autonomous free-flight drone monitoring systems designed for long-endurance visual testing (DVT) and thermal perimeter monitoring of industrial energy assets.
Fluke Corporation
Fortive subsidiary and world benchmark manufacturer of industrial test tools, thermal imaging cameras, acoustic imaging leak detectors, and portable vibration meters.
FLIR Systems
OEM Manufacturer for IR inspection systems.
Testo
OEM Manufacturer for IR inspection systems.
Optris
OEM Manufacturer for IR inspection systems.