Thermography can determine heat loss in a building.
Buildings and humans have a common characteristic; they both emit heat and cold. Thermography measures those hot and cold temperatures and identifies exact locations based on the readings. The readings, known as thermograms, are created by infrared technology that converts radiant heat energy into an image. Different temperatures produce different images. These images prove valuable for diagnostic purposes.
Industrial
According to the United States Department of Energy, thermography provides a valuable tool for industrial building inspections, using what is called an energy audit. Infrared video and still cameras record the outside of the building for heat loss. Areas that show excessive heat are examined to determine need for more insulation. An identical process takes place inside the building. Building owners analyze these tests and take corrective actions which lead to energy savings and reduction in costs. Other benefits from a thermographic audit include an examination of electrical and mechanical systems which identify heat loss resulting from faulty and potentially dangerous equipment.
Dental
Thermal imaging is used in dental practices to diagnose temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. Thermography is pain free and presents none of the dangers of jaw X-rays for the patient. A normal jaw will emit heat in a standard pattern at all points. If part of the jaw has inflammation from TMJ it will appear as a different color on the thermogram. The dentist will then be able to identify the problem's location. Thermography can also indicate the success of treatment by comparing before and after thermograms of the jaw.
Medical
Thermography is available for a wide range of medical applications, including breast cancer detection, blood flow issues, such as coronary artery disease, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. The thermogram shows hot spots in the body which may be the result of cancerous tumors, insufficient blood flow or inflamed tissues. Breast cancer requires an initial set of images to establish a baseline for comparison. Followup images compare and contrast any change in heat images which would point to a possible tumor.
Military and Law Enforcement
Thermal imaging has been used in the military as a means of detecting humans inside buildings or hiding behind objects. These images provide intelligence for military operations. The same ideas are used in law enforcement when tracking a suspect or deciding whether or not to enter a building. Both military and law enforcement perform some of their duties at night, so thermography provides a valuable tool.
Tags: heat loss, blood flow, emit heat, provides valuable, provides valuable tool, Thermal imaging
