Using Thermal Imaging and Some Recent Findings...

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by SuenosAzules, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. SuenosAzules
    Joined: Apr 2010
    Posts: 33
    Likes: 3, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 18
    Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    SuenosAzules Junior Member

    I thought I would share some recent thermal images from surveys. I do not just use the thermal imaging camera. I use the phenolic camera, moisture meter, and of course just visual observation. However it is the thermal image that kills most if not all doubt when you put it in a survey report. Here are some recent ones:

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    Deck area suspected of core deterioration

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    Thermal image of the same area confirming core deterioration

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    An exhaust riser with visual corrosion at the manifold connection

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    Thermal image showing a hot spot and leak at the manifold connection (verified also with a CO gas meter)

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    An overheating 12 volt fuse when the electrical system behind the helm console was checked (notice the temperature of the fuse)

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    Sea water trapped in the fiberglass of the hull bottom

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    Normal thermal imaging of properly working fuel injectors while the diesel engine was running at wide open throttle

    This is great technology that I would not survey without. I highly recommend that anyone that uses thermal imaging take at least the level one thermal imaging course as it helps greatly with tuning and properly analyzing the thermal images.
     
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  2. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Thermal imaging of superyacht electrical systems is a good business. Most boat fires are electrical and caused by poor, high resistance, high tension connections.

    thermal imaging spots them early.

    Shorepower connections are notorious for bursting into flames.

    Galley, aircon........
     
  3. WestVanHan
    Joined: Aug 2009
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    Location: Vancouver

    WestVanHan Not a Senior Member

    I have one-best thing to have around. Great for spotting wolves and bears too.

    Also,there are $30 laser IR temperature sensors.
    A friend's boat began running roughly-a mobile mechanic thought it was the carb and wanted $100 just to look at it plus maybe $500 for a rebuild and install.
    I went over,popped down there and found a cool cylinder in 30 seconds-a spark plug cap had been bumped loose.
    A minute later we were enjoying wobbly pops in the evening breeze..
     
  4. Mark Cat
    Joined: Jun 2011
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    Location: Michigan

    Mark Cat Senior Member

    SuenosAzules,

    Hi, what model thermal imaging camera did you use from FLIR?

    Thanks,

    Mark Cat
     

  5. SuenosAzules
    Joined: Apr 2010
    Posts: 33
    Likes: 3, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 18
    Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

    SuenosAzules Junior Member

    Thermal imaging camera

    I use two thermal imaging cameras, the Flir i5 and the Flir E50 cameras. These photos were taken with the smaller i5 camera. The images are also enhanced with the Flir software which makes a huge difference in showing the thermal anomalies once the images are properly tuned.
     
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