Thermography, what it is, what it is used for and applications

What is thermography?

Thermography is an inspection technique based on the detection and measurement of infrared radiation emitted by objects as a function of their temperature. By using specialized thermographic cameras, it is possible to convert this radiation into a visible image, allowing detailed analysis of thermal patterns.

How does thermography work?

The principle of thermography is based on Planck’s radiation law, which states that any body with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15 °C) emits energy in the infrared spectrum. Thermal imaging camera sensors detect this radiation and convert it into a thermal image, where temperature differences are represented by a color scale.

Today’s technologies offer high thermal sensitivity, advanced resolutions and analysis capabilities that enable accurate real-time measurements. In addition, devices with different spectral ranges are available to suit various applications.

Check out our entire portfolio of thermal imaging cameras here.

Advantages of thermography

The use of thermography offers multiple benefits, among which the following stand out:

Non-invasive technique: It does not require contact with the analyzed object.
Inspections in operation: Allows to evaluate equipment without interrupting production or shutting down machinery.
Early failure detection: Identifies overheating, thermal leaks or structural defects before they become critical failures.
Speed and efficiency: Provides results in real time, reducing diagnostic and maintenance times.
Reliability: Obtaining information in a wavelength not visible to the human eye.
Complete mapping: This technique allows to obtain information on 100% of the inspected object.
Versatile applications: It can be used in various industrial and non-industrial sectors.

Thermography as a predictive maintenance technique

Infrared thermography is one of the most widely used techniques in predictive maintenance, allowing the evaluation of the operational status of equipment without the need for physical contact or interruption of production processes.

By capturing thermal patterns, it is possible to detect anomalies such as overheating, thermal imbalances, bearing failures or energy losses before they evolve into critical failures.

This technique integrates with other monitoring methodologies, such as vibration analysis and ultrasound, to provide an accurate and complete diagnosis of asset condition.

Thermography allows us to reduce corrective maintenance costs, optimize equipment availability and extend the useful life of assets.

At DSP, we implement this technique with high frequency. The portability and ease of use of the cameras allow our technicians to be always ready to inspect machinery and installations on each visit.

For more information about our thermography service, click here.

Thermography applications

Thermography has a wide range of applications in different sectors. Some of the most outstanding are:

Energy Industry

Solar thermal and photovoltaic plants: Inspection of solar panels and thermal collectors for defects, inactive cells or accumulated dirt that reduces efficiency.
Electrical substations: Identification of hot spots in transformers, switches and electrical connections.
Electric motors and generators: Analysis of overheating in windings and bearings.

Manufacturing Industry and Industrial Processes

Quality control: Inspection of materials and welds in manufacturing processes.
Furnace and boiler monitoring: Evaluation of thermal distribution in foundry and heat treatment processes.
Overhaul of refrigeration and air conditioning systems: Detection of leaks and thermal insulation problems.

Infrastructure and Construction

Evaluation of buildings: Identification of thermal bridges, dampness and insulation problems.
Review of civil structures: Inspection of foundations, bridges and roads to detect thermal anomalies.

Animal and Biomedical Control

Livestock monitoring: Evaluation of the body temperature of animals to identify infections or health problems.
Zoological and conservation screening: Monitoring of wildlife in their habitat without human interference.
Use in human medicine: Detection of inflammation, fever or circulatory problems by thermal analysis.

Safety and Risk Prevention

Fire detection: Identification of ignition points in warehouses or forest areas.
Monitoring of hazardous processes: Evaluation of temperatures in chemical reactors or storage of sensitive materials.