Thermal imaging can be used for energy auditing and weatherization to locate air leaks, moisture issues, and other problems. An energy audit uses tools like a thermal imager, blower door, and other equipment to evaluate energy usage and pinpoint areas of energy loss. Weatherization involves sealing leaks and improving insulation. Thermal imaging makes inspections easier and more effective by allowing users to quickly scan areas and see problems like missing insulation or air leaks without disturbing structures. It provides visual documentation of issues found before and after repairs. Focusing the thermal imager properly and understanding parameters like level, span, and emissivity are important for capturing accurate temperature data.
Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential BuildingsRDH Building Science
Agenda
1. Understand typical ventilation practices for multi-unit residential buildings including corridor pressurization systems.
2. Understand performance issues associated with the ventilation of high-rise multi-unit residential buildings including the impacts of stack effect, wind, and airtightness.
3. Learn about how the theory of airflow relates well to what is
measured in-service, but that the well understood theory is not always taken into account in design.
Current Issues with Ventilated Attics
Case Study of Repairs
Attic Roof Hut Research & Monitoring Study – Key Findings
Performance of Potential Solutions
Ongoing Research & Field Trials
The Future Envelope 12
Interreg IT-AU FACEcamp project
------------
Conference on Building Envelopes
20-21 May 2019, NOI Techpark, Bolzano (Italy)
"It’s all about performances".
Vapour Permeable Air Barriers: Real World Evaluation - What Works, What Doesn...Lorne Ricketts
As insulation and airtightness requirements increase, vapour permeable liquid and self-adhesive air barrier membrane products are rapidly gaining traction in the North American marketplace. This presentation looks at real world testing of various types of these membranes and identifies potential strengths and weakness of these types of products.
Ventilated attics are prone to moisture problems in the Coastal Pacific Northwest climate. This presentation discusses recent research investigating the causes of these issues, and presents cutting edge findings regarding potential solutions.
Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential BuildingsRDH Building Science
Agenda
1. Understand typical ventilation practices for multi-unit residential buildings including corridor pressurization systems.
2. Understand performance issues associated with the ventilation of high-rise multi-unit residential buildings including the impacts of stack effect, wind, and airtightness.
3. Learn about how the theory of airflow relates well to what is
measured in-service, but that the well understood theory is not always taken into account in design.
Current Issues with Ventilated Attics
Case Study of Repairs
Attic Roof Hut Research & Monitoring Study – Key Findings
Performance of Potential Solutions
Ongoing Research & Field Trials
The Future Envelope 12
Interreg IT-AU FACEcamp project
------------
Conference on Building Envelopes
20-21 May 2019, NOI Techpark, Bolzano (Italy)
"It’s all about performances".
Vapour Permeable Air Barriers: Real World Evaluation - What Works, What Doesn...Lorne Ricketts
As insulation and airtightness requirements increase, vapour permeable liquid and self-adhesive air barrier membrane products are rapidly gaining traction in the North American marketplace. This presentation looks at real world testing of various types of these membranes and identifies potential strengths and weakness of these types of products.
Ventilated attics are prone to moisture problems in the Coastal Pacific Northwest climate. This presentation discusses recent research investigating the causes of these issues, and presents cutting edge findings regarding potential solutions.
NBEC 2014 - Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential BuildingsRDH Building Science
Introduction & Background
- Testing and Measurement Program
- Measured Ventilation Rates (PFT testing)
- Cause of Ventilation Rates
- Extension of Study Findings
- Conclusions & Recommendations
Challenges Related to Measuring and Reporting Temperature-Dependent Apparent ...RDH Building Science
In North America, the apparent thermal conductivity (and R-value) of building insulation materials is commonly reported at a mean temperature of 24°C (75°F) and practitioners typically assume thermal properties remain constant over the range of temperatures that are experienced in building applications. Researchers have long known and acknowledged the fact that the thermal properties of most building insulation materials change with temperature. There has been little more than academic reason to measure and report this effect. However, interest in temperature-dependent thermal performance has grown with the introduction of new materials, increasing concerns regarding energy performance, and the development of tools transient energy, thermal, and hygrothermal simulation software packages (e.g. Energy Plus, HEAT2, WUFI etc.) that have capacity to account for temperature-dependence. Continue reading by clicking the Download link to the left.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
State of the Art Review of Unvented Sloped Wood-Framed Roofs in Cold ClimatesRDH Building Science
Typical residential house construction in North America has long had vented attics above living space with the insulation and air control layer at the ceiling plane of the living space. Except for documented wintertime condensation issues in cold climates, such vented attics generally perform quite well, provided that they are ventilated adequately and air leakage from the interior is prevented. However, architects and designers are moving away from empty attics by using the attic space as conditioned storage or bonus rooms, or by designing larger interior volumes with cathedral ceilings. The practical challenges of ventilating cathedralized attics and cathedral ceilings have been significant, both because of increased geometrical complexity and because of the number of penetrations typically required for services.
Spray foam has been used successfully in tens of thousands of unvented roof assemblies throughout North America but some concerns remain in the building industry that these assemblies are inferior to ventilated roof assemblies. The National Building Code of Canada, in particular, makes it difficult for designers to use unvented roof assemblies, even using designs that are approved in similar building codes in the United States and have been proven to be durable, high-performing options. Over the past decade, the authors have been directly involved with studies of both 0.5 pcf (8 kg/m3) open cell spray foam, and 2.0 pcf (32 kg/m3) closed cell spray foam in unvented roof assemblies in various climates with continuous monitoring of temperature and moisture conditions. This paper provides a literature review of research that has been conducted on wood-framed sloped unvented roof assemblies, but will focus on results from a field monitoring study of sloped unvented wood roofs in partnership with the University of Waterloo, as well as a field survey that opened roofs and removed samples from aged unvented roof assemblies.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
Presentation Outline:
- What are "Super-Insulated" buildings and what are the drivers?
- Thermal bridging- problems and solutions
- Designing of highly insulated walls - insulation placement & durability considerations
- Super-Insulated wood-frame building enclosure design guide
Improvements in building efficiency can significantly reduce carbon emissions and are an intrinsic component in greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Passive House concept provides a framework for high-performance building that is growing in popularity in Canada, and particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The Passive House standard requires its buildings to achieve specific performance values for heating energy use intensity, total energy use intensity, spatial temperature variation, heat recovery ventilation performance and air leakage rate. The promised co-benefits of Passive Houses include superior thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Passive House design is not prescriptive and can incorporate many different design aspects. The wall assembly is no exception. This paper evaluates the hygrothermal performance of a deep-stud wall assembly of a Passive House in Victoria, BC, with regards to moisture durability. The concern with deep or doublestud wall assemblies is the combined effects of reduced drying with wall configurations that place moisture sensitive materials in riskier locations. Consequently, enclosure monitoring was undertaken in an occupied six-plex over the period of one year.
The enclosure monitoring sensor packages were installed in strategic locations in the wall assembly to monitor the conditions of the assembly. The assemblies were evaluated based on the results of an empirical mold risk index. The wall assembly appears to perform acceptably, with minor concerns of mold growth on the North wall. Air leakage is a significant concern for cavity insulated walls, but the airtightness requirements of Passive house minimize this risk.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
The Problem With and Solutions for Ventilated AtticsGraham Finch
Presentation from 30th RCI Annual Convention and Tradeshow in San Antonio, TX - March 9, 2015.
Peer reviewed paper and presentation covers review of current issues with ventilated attics in the Pacific Northwest with case studies, the latest research and potential solutions to address mold growth and other moisture issues.
Home energy audits are needed to ensure that your home performs. Don't waste money on energy efficient upgrades until having an energy audit performed.
Conventional Roofing Assemblies: Measuring the Thermal Benefits of Light to D...RDH Building Science
Presentation Overview:
• Conventional Roofing Designs
and Current Issues
• Conventional Roofing Field
Monitoring and Research
Program
• Measured Insulation Performance
• Selecting Roofing Membrane
Color and Insulation Strategy for
Optimum Energy Efficiency
• Case Studies
The most accurate and flexible temperature data acquisition system for the fa...Fluke Calibration
Data acquisition in the factory or temperature calibration in the lab? The 1586A Super-DAQ lets you do both! The 1586A is a versatile instrument that can be easily configured for use in the factory or benchtop. It features excellent temperature measurement accuracy, four modes of operation, real-time graphing of up to four channels simultaneously, data portability and security, and the capability to control Fluke Calibration dry-wells and baths for automated calibration routines.
NBEC 2014 - Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential BuildingsRDH Building Science
Introduction & Background
- Testing and Measurement Program
- Measured Ventilation Rates (PFT testing)
- Cause of Ventilation Rates
- Extension of Study Findings
- Conclusions & Recommendations
Challenges Related to Measuring and Reporting Temperature-Dependent Apparent ...RDH Building Science
In North America, the apparent thermal conductivity (and R-value) of building insulation materials is commonly reported at a mean temperature of 24°C (75°F) and practitioners typically assume thermal properties remain constant over the range of temperatures that are experienced in building applications. Researchers have long known and acknowledged the fact that the thermal properties of most building insulation materials change with temperature. There has been little more than academic reason to measure and report this effect. However, interest in temperature-dependent thermal performance has grown with the introduction of new materials, increasing concerns regarding energy performance, and the development of tools transient energy, thermal, and hygrothermal simulation software packages (e.g. Energy Plus, HEAT2, WUFI etc.) that have capacity to account for temperature-dependence. Continue reading by clicking the Download link to the left.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
State of the Art Review of Unvented Sloped Wood-Framed Roofs in Cold ClimatesRDH Building Science
Typical residential house construction in North America has long had vented attics above living space with the insulation and air control layer at the ceiling plane of the living space. Except for documented wintertime condensation issues in cold climates, such vented attics generally perform quite well, provided that they are ventilated adequately and air leakage from the interior is prevented. However, architects and designers are moving away from empty attics by using the attic space as conditioned storage or bonus rooms, or by designing larger interior volumes with cathedral ceilings. The practical challenges of ventilating cathedralized attics and cathedral ceilings have been significant, both because of increased geometrical complexity and because of the number of penetrations typically required for services.
Spray foam has been used successfully in tens of thousands of unvented roof assemblies throughout North America but some concerns remain in the building industry that these assemblies are inferior to ventilated roof assemblies. The National Building Code of Canada, in particular, makes it difficult for designers to use unvented roof assemblies, even using designs that are approved in similar building codes in the United States and have been proven to be durable, high-performing options. Over the past decade, the authors have been directly involved with studies of both 0.5 pcf (8 kg/m3) open cell spray foam, and 2.0 pcf (32 kg/m3) closed cell spray foam in unvented roof assemblies in various climates with continuous monitoring of temperature and moisture conditions. This paper provides a literature review of research that has been conducted on wood-framed sloped unvented roof assemblies, but will focus on results from a field monitoring study of sloped unvented wood roofs in partnership with the University of Waterloo, as well as a field survey that opened roofs and removed samples from aged unvented roof assemblies.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
Presentation Outline:
- What are "Super-Insulated" buildings and what are the drivers?
- Thermal bridging- problems and solutions
- Designing of highly insulated walls - insulation placement & durability considerations
- Super-Insulated wood-frame building enclosure design guide
Improvements in building efficiency can significantly reduce carbon emissions and are an intrinsic component in greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Passive House concept provides a framework for high-performance building that is growing in popularity in Canada, and particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The Passive House standard requires its buildings to achieve specific performance values for heating energy use intensity, total energy use intensity, spatial temperature variation, heat recovery ventilation performance and air leakage rate. The promised co-benefits of Passive Houses include superior thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Passive House design is not prescriptive and can incorporate many different design aspects. The wall assembly is no exception. This paper evaluates the hygrothermal performance of a deep-stud wall assembly of a Passive House in Victoria, BC, with regards to moisture durability. The concern with deep or doublestud wall assemblies is the combined effects of reduced drying with wall configurations that place moisture sensitive materials in riskier locations. Consequently, enclosure monitoring was undertaken in an occupied six-plex over the period of one year.
The enclosure monitoring sensor packages were installed in strategic locations in the wall assembly to monitor the conditions of the assembly. The assemblies were evaluated based on the results of an empirical mold risk index. The wall assembly appears to perform acceptably, with minor concerns of mold growth on the North wall. Air leakage is a significant concern for cavity insulated walls, but the airtightness requirements of Passive house minimize this risk.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
The Problem With and Solutions for Ventilated AtticsGraham Finch
Presentation from 30th RCI Annual Convention and Tradeshow in San Antonio, TX - March 9, 2015.
Peer reviewed paper and presentation covers review of current issues with ventilated attics in the Pacific Northwest with case studies, the latest research and potential solutions to address mold growth and other moisture issues.
Home energy audits are needed to ensure that your home performs. Don't waste money on energy efficient upgrades until having an energy audit performed.
Conventional Roofing Assemblies: Measuring the Thermal Benefits of Light to D...RDH Building Science
Presentation Overview:
• Conventional Roofing Designs
and Current Issues
• Conventional Roofing Field
Monitoring and Research
Program
• Measured Insulation Performance
• Selecting Roofing Membrane
Color and Insulation Strategy for
Optimum Energy Efficiency
• Case Studies
The most accurate and flexible temperature data acquisition system for the fa...Fluke Calibration
Data acquisition in the factory or temperature calibration in the lab? The 1586A Super-DAQ lets you do both! The 1586A is a versatile instrument that can be easily configured for use in the factory or benchtop. It features excellent temperature measurement accuracy, four modes of operation, real-time graphing of up to four channels simultaneously, data portability and security, and the capability to control Fluke Calibration dry-wells and baths for automated calibration routines.
New Calibration Product Catalog by Fluke CalibrationFluke Calibration
Summary descriptions of electrical, rf, temperature, pressure and gas flow calibration products, calibration software, data acquisition and general purpost test products, all from Fluke Calibration.
Transcat Webinar: Fluke Connect - How Wireless Is Changing the GameTranscat
Learn how Fluke Connect and wireless technology can allow you to work faster, more collaboratively, reduce paperwork and improve your safety. Visit transcat.com/flukeconnect for more details.
Presented by Paul Twite, Operations & Energy Services Manager, Delano Utilities
Topics Include:
Common Usage Applications
-Who?
-When?
-Where?
-Why?
Overview of Features
-Video Calls
-Live Trending
-Automatic Measurement Recording
-Equipment History Database
-Cloud Storage
Enabled Tools
-20 Enabled Kits
-Upcoming Releases
Fluke Corporation: Gas Custody Transfer CalibrationTranscat
This presentation covers the information about test tools that technicians and measurement managers need to consider in order to successfully calibrate differential pressure gas custody transfer meters. Specific topics include:
• Why Calibration Matters in Custody Transfer
• Differential Pressure (D/P) vs. Ultrasonic
• Test Tools Considerations
• Pressure Calibration Test Tools
• Temperature Calibration Test Tools
• % Full Scale vs. % Reading + Floor
• Curriculum Topics
• UUT Considerations
• High Pressure Test Considerations
• Process Overview
Joel Hartel works with the Oil and Gas Applications Team at the Fluke Corporation. He has been at Fluke for 5 years, working in both operations and sales / marketing roles, in North America and Emerging Markets. Prior joining Fluke, Joel was in the Navy, serving in nuclear submarines.
Simple Steps to Improve Your Maintenance ProgramTranscat
Presented by John Bernet of Fluke Corporation, Fluke and Transcat detail the benefits of a proactive maintenance program and how it compares to historical reactive, preventive, and predictive maintenance schedules.
The building envelope is physical separator between the exterior and the interior of the building and fenestration systems.
Envelope design strongly affects the visual and thermal comfort of the occupants, as well as energy consumption in the building.
How Would You Perform Air Conditioning - Poll Result.pdfOrapi Asia
Aircon Maintenance: DIY or Hire a Pro?
In a recent survey, we asked our audience about their preferences for aircon maintenance, and the results are in: 78% of respondents prefer hiring professionals! If you choose to leave it to the experts, we've got you covered with a guide to evaluate the quality of their service.
On the other hand, if you're keen on taking the DIY route, you can use this step-by-step guide to help you ensure that you're performing all the necessary steps correctly.
Check out the best air conditioner maintenance products in the market:
👉🏼 https://orapiasia.com/product-tag/air-conditioner/
#airconditionermaintenance #airconmaintenance #acmaintenance
Thermography test of electrical panels Thermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panelThermography test of electrical panel
Energy Efficiency Survey of the Ganado Advocates Head OfficeFabio Agosta
The Green Energy Committee within Ganado and Associates Advocates has been working on a number of initiatives to enhance the energy efficiency of the headquarters building in Valletta. Following several renovations, it was deemed appropriate to carry out an energy audit to identify more options to save on energy and become greener. This was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Company and the Institute for Sustainable Energy of the University of Malta. A specific training activity under the auspices of the project entitled: “Renewable Energy Scenarios in Islands (R.E.S.I.), co-financed by the Operative Programme Italy-Malta 2007-2013, and led by the Province of Ragusa, Italy, has enabled the exchange of scientists, engineers and architects between Malta and Sicily.
Presented by Emerson's Michael Pearson and Roy Gueldenzoph at the 2011 Emerson Exchange in Nashville, TN USA.
Abstract: Many measurement challenges exist when monitoring high temperature assets such as Arc Furnaces, including high temperature, moving platforms, and high EMI. Northstar Bluescope Steel had all of these problems and more. They used these points for control, and their only solution was shutting the furnace down and replacing the wires often. By implementing an Emerson Smart Wireless technology, the customer was able to reduce or eliminate all of these measurement challenges, resulting in greatly reduced maintenance costs, and additional throughput.
2. Agenda Energy Auditing, Weatherization & Energy Use Where & How Thermal Imaging Fits In IR-Fusion® technology Air Leaks & Insulation Moisture Electrical Roofs Thermography physics and heat transfer How a thermal imager works Resolving detail and parameters of a good image Fluke Thermal Imagers SmartView® Software
3. How We Use Energy in Our Homes Source: DOE - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_energy.html Date Accessed: 4/20/2009
4. Energy Auditing & Weatherization Energy Audit Evaluate energy use and pinpoint areas of energy loss Thermal imager, blower door, smoke pen, air tester, energy monitor Weatherization Includes a wide variety of energy efficiency measures that encompass the building envelope, its heating and cooling systems, its electrical system, and electricity consuming appliances Corrective action based on findings Follow up scan with infrared to verify repairs Source: DOE - http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/what_is.cfm Date Accessed: 4/20/2009
5. According to ENERGY STAR®: “…sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.” Source - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing Date Accessed: 4/20/2009
6. Common Air Leak Sources Source: DOE - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/air_leaks.html Date Accessed: 4/20/2009
7. Why Thermal Imaging? Easier & more effective inspection Customers request it More competitive Build business & make more money
8. What is Thermography? Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects The amount of radiation increases with temperature It is the science of “seeing” temperature by measuring the radiation emitted from an object and converting this data to a corresponding digital, or visual image called a thermogram We are only measuring the surface temperature!
9. What Does an IR Camera Do? Displays the thermal patterns on a given surface by converting temperature data to a digital image Can also provide advanced temperature measurements Provides visual verification and documentation of moisture problems, before and after Most importantly – reduces liability, improves efficiency, adds revenue stream
10. Why use Thermal Imaging? Hot or cold areas, or thermal anomalies, often are a strong indicator of potential problems Thermal Imaging works well to inspect: Building Inspections Residential - Home Inspectors Commercial – Property Managers Energy Audits/Weatherization Termite/Pest Control Water damage Commercial Low Slope Roofing Construction Defect Management or Building Forensic Firms Plumbing/Radiant Heat
11. Thermography Benefits Measurements are: Non-contact Obtained without disturbing structure Very sensitive to problem characteristics Detect problem before significant damage Can scan large areas quickly Identifies specific location
12. Why Thermal Imaging? “The time savings alone made my investment in thermal imaging well worth it. Infrared allows me to quickly and easily locate air leaks and missing insulation without having to drill and probe with a manometer.” - Andy Imig Owner, Arrowhead Energy and Comfort Solutions – Esko, MN Instructor, Dunwoody Institute & Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
13. What do we look for? Thermography can identify surface temperature variations that relate to problems with poor construction, missing or inadequate insulation, broken window seals, moisture intrusion and air Air leakage Air Quality Energy Consumption Safety Concerns Occupant comfort Moisture intrusion Health (mold) Construction Problems Maintenance cost Safety Concerns Electrical and Mechanical Systems
14. Where do we look? Roof Systems Indoor Walls Floors Ceilings Exterior Thermal bridging Window systems Construction HVAC/R System component operation Duct system Electrical and Mechanical Systems Connections Breakers Fuses
15. Air Leaks Become Visible! Fast location of air leaks and missing insulation Non-destructive Easily document & report findings to property owner
16. Three Modes of Heat Transfer Radiation is the transmission of electromagnetic rays through space Each material that has a temperature above absolute zero (-460°F) emits infrared radiation, Conduction is direct heat flow through matter Fun fact: Notice how metal feels cold? It is not – that is only the metal taking energy away from your hand and we perceive this as “cold”! Convection is the transport of heat within a gas or liquid Cold air drops so A/C vents are high Warm air rises so heating vents are on floor
17. Conduction & Convection Example Outside heat conducted through siding Convected inside empty wall cavity Conducted through inside wall board Convected into air conditioned room
18. Air Leaks Image Courtesy of Structure Tech Home Inspections Common causes: Door & window gaps Exterior wall electrical outlets Recessed lights Attic penetrations Ducts / Vents
19. Fluke IR-Fusion® Combines visual light and infrared together Easy reference of problem location More effective reporting
20. IR-Fusion Viewing Modes Traditional Full IR Color Alarm PIP Full IR Full Visual PIP Blended Blended IR / Visual *Not all viewing modes available on-board all models, all available in software
22. Air Leaks The passage of air through the building envelope, wall, window, joint, etc. Improper air movement significantly reduces the integrity and performance of the envelope and is therefore a major contributor to energy consumption in a building as well as poor air quality
23. Air Leaks Poor construction Leaks and penetrations around envelop: Chimneys Plumbing vents HVAC lines Utility lines Leaks around window and doors Poorly installed siding and wraps Damaged and misfit heat ducts
24. Construction Defects Find common construction issues such as missing insulation, improper framing, concrete and masonry problems, etc. These images are from a stucco home which had small outside leaks
25.
26. Conductive Losses Conductive Losses Missing, compressed or improperly installed insulation Shrinkage or settling of various insulating materials Excessive thermal bridging in joints between walls and tops or bottom plates Moisture damage to insulation and building materials
27. Conductive Losses cont. Conductive Losses Heat loss through multi-plane windows with a broken or improperly fitted seal Leaks in water pipes Damaged heat ducts Location of; or leaking in buried steam lines, water line or underground sprinklers
28. Energy Efficiency Efficiency reduction causes Hot or cold air infiltration Improper air flow (HVAC) Insulation Voids Thermography can identify surface temperature variations that relate to problems Poor construction, missing or inadequate insulation, broken window seals, moisture intrusion and air leakage Here are images showing lack of proper insulation
29. Thermal Bypass ENERGY STAR® Thermal Bypass Checklist Common Areas of Concern: Air and thermal barrier contact Showers & tubs on exterior walls Floors above garages Knee walls Attic access Cantilevered floors Soffits Image Courtesy of Energy Services Group Image Courtesy of Energy Services Group
34. Moisture Water entering building structure through: Leaks in building envelop Failed and poorly installed plumbing Condensation caused by: Improper construction Poor building management Air leakage All of which can cause health, comfort, safety and financial issues
36. HVAC - Air Conditioner Unit Abnormal Appearance The discharge line is not as hot and appears not as white and the suction line is only slightly cooler. Indicates A/C unit in need of charge or upon HVAC inspection after charge possible compressor blow by. Normal Appearance Suction line (Black = Cold) and discharge line (White = Very hot) on an exterior A/C unit.
37. A/C Condenser in Ceiling condenser unit in ceiling above bathtub full of water top of ceiling above bathtub shower wall Condensation drain line in A/c condenser clogged causing water to drip from pan.
38. Compressor for in Store Freezing Units Problems here! Caused this problem
39. Bridge Deck / In-Floor Heating DOT in Oklahoma Floor preparation for Mud jacking
41. Electrical Measurements Confirmation of Thermal images Current startup current Running current Loading of Circuits Proper Operating Conditions GFI tester Outlet tester AC Current/Voltage measurements DC Current measurement for Solar system
44. Roof inspection Patterns vary with: Roof type Insulation type Deck Conditions Non-absorbent insulation types are more difficult to inspect
45. It’s not just about energy loss! Excessive leakage can also cause condensation to form within and on walls which can create many problems: Permanently damage insulation Seriously degrade materials Rot wood Corrode metals Stain brick, concrete or surfaces Extreme cases will cause concrete to spall, bricks to separate, mortar to crumble and sections of wall to fall Corrode structural steal, re-bar and metal hangers and bolts
46. What You Need to Know How buildings work & how they are built Heat transfer basics Thermal imager operation Many organizations developing standards RESNET & BPI Local training & certification requirements ASNT SNT-TC-1A
47. Be aware: convection (wind) can effect temperature 117F 95F 81F 85F 76F 72F No wind T = 36F T = 13F Photo courtesy of Snell Infrared
48. Wind can significantly reduce temperature of hot spot Rule of thumb 10 mph can reduce T by up to 1/2 15 mph can reduce T by up to 2/3 Roof moisture inspection is very difficult in wind Wind Effects
49. Conservation of Energy IR cameras detects infrared radiation from the target: Radiation can be transmitted through a surface Our IR camera lens, for example Radiation can be reflected off a surface (background radiation) Similar to your reflection in a mirror Radiation can be absorbed and re-emitted This is what tells us the surface temperature Absorbed & re-emitted Transmitted Reflected Reflected + Absorbed + Transmitted = 1 OR Reflected + Emitted + Transmitted = 1 OR Reflected+ Emitted = 1 This is a key relationship
50. Surfaces emit radiation differently, this is called emissivity Pronunciation: "Em`is*siv"i*ty ” Ability for absorbed heat energy to radiate (leave) an object as compared to a device called a black body A true black body radiates 100% of its absorbed energy (nothing is reflected or transmitted) so the ε = 1 Materials that are not black bodies only radiate a fraction of the radiation so the ε is <1 and we have to account for reflected energy We have to “tell” our camera how much radiation is being “emitted” relative to “100%” Putting it all together
51. Summary R+E=1 Emitters don’t make good reflectors Reflectors don’t make good emitters Difficult to make accurate measurements on highly reflective surfaces If emissivity is below 0.6 measurement is unreliable
52. Simple guidelines All objects of organic origin have emissivity of approx. 0.95 Soil, lime, stone, paper, textile Non-metallic paint, plastic, rubber Oil, grease, dust Apply tape or paint to increase emissivity Whenever possible, increase emissivity!
54. Successful IR Audit Air Leaks – ASTM E-1186 ΔT of 3°F for Air Leak Inspection Insulation – ASTM C-1060 ΔT of 18°F for Insulation Inspection Solar Loading & Wind can mask problems Focus!
55. Inspecting with IR Stabilize home, office and others Turn HVAC off 10-15 min after arrive – before scan Perform visual inspection of building envelope Work systematically – follow route IR image appears hot or cold depending on climate Inspect from both inside and outside Validate findings with other tools
56. Blower Door How it works: Creates pressure differential Air flows through gaps and cracks Determine Air Infiltration Rate Reveals more during thermal inspection Image Courtesy of Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
57.
58. Saturation colors will be displayed when the temperature in the field of view is above or below the thermal window defined on the camera
59. The RANGE represents the highest and lowest temperature value the camera is calibrated to measure
60. The SPAN is the adjustable ”thermal window” you choose to view and consist of a “high” temp measurement and a “low” temperature measurement Level =65°F Span =30°F
61. Level and Span Image shown w/ a 10 ° span Cameras can be set for “auto” or “manual” rescaling 5° for auto and 2.5 ° in manual is ideal Auto rescaling adjusts image to highest and lowest temp in FOV Taking advantage of the manual level and scale adjustment gives you better thermal resolution within the FOV A wider span gives less thermal detail A narrower span will give more thermal detail and give more contrast. Same image shown w/ a very narrow span
63. Level and Span keep span narrow and adjust level as needed Auto Manual
64. Palette Selection Grayscale Grayscale Inverted Hot Metal Blue Red High Contrast Iron Bow Amber Amber Inverted
65. Best Focus Practices Look for edges Use IR-Fusion Hold imager still Some people find best results with the gray scale palette
66. Checking calibration Routinely check basic calibration before each scan. Here are a few simple test you can perform Check the tear duct of a work partner (recommend the same person) Check an ice bath to verify camera performance at 0º C Check boiling water to verify camera performance at 100º C Check a surface that you know its temperature
67. Focus is CRITICAL Focusing an IR imager is different than a visible camera Visible detector array has far more elements Infrared images are naturally less sharp IR wavelengths are more than an order of magnitude longer visible light cameras measure reflected radiation not emitted; IR imagers must measure emitted radiation to determine temperature sharp edges can exist between a black line and a white line but sharp edges can not exist between a hot line and a cold line Best focus is critical for accurate temperature measurements Anything but focus can be modified/optimized later with PC software Unfocused Image Focused Image
68. Summary Thermal Imaging Reduces time needed to locate problem areas Powerful tool to illustrate impact of air infiltration and missing insulation Provides documentation of problems both before and after corrective action
74. SmartView®Software Create professional reports SmartView software is included at no additional charge, with no license agreement and no costly upgrades Imager stores ALL raw temperature data You can optimize everything besides focus in the software afterwards
77. For More Information… Schedule a demo or test drive View product specific webinars Product Selection Tool on Fluke website Email us at: thermography@fluke.com Call us at: 800.760.4523
78. Additional Training Fluke Thermal Imaging Training Center on Fluke.com Hands-On Seminars The Snell Group: Online Training Pre-Recorded Webinars from $39 to $79 Level 1, 2 & 3 Thermography Training Application Specific Training www.fluke.com/titraining