Gulf Construction Online - Sensing the heat

The Big 5

Sensing the heat

01 October 2012

FLIR Systems, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of thermal imaging cameras, has launched the FLIR T400bx-Series, which aims to enhance the appeal of thermal imaging for both the advanced user and the beginner.

The product will be showcased alongside the US-headquartered company’s other thermal imaging cameras at The Big 5 in Dubai.

The new cameras, which offer multi-spectral dynamic imaging (MSX) and other new innovative features, are designed for users looking for high performance at an affordable price. They combine excellent ergonomics with high image quality of 320 by 240 pixels, and come with a tiltable optical unit, which makes it possible to measure and take images of objects in all angles, still in a comfortable working position.

FLIR’s E60 thermal camera was used to successfully locate leaks in a swimming pool at a holiday apartment complex in Sardinia, Italy.

A compass has been integrated in the FLIR T440bx especially for the building sector. “This way the inspector can see in which direction he is looking and to which direction a wall is oriented. This can be important information when doing building inspections,” says a spokesman for FLIR.

He says: “Well-experienced users of thermal imaging cameras like service providers and professional building inspectors are demanding more from thermal imaging cameras. They want ergonomic systems that they can use several hours per day, cameras that offer high image quality and that are equipped with all the necessary features that help them to save time when doing their everyday jobs. The T400bx-Series cameras are truly user-friendly well suited also for the first time user.”

The FLIR T400bx-Series offers two different versions: FLIR T420bx and FLIR T440bx. The top-of-the-line FLIR T440bx cameras are equipped with the innovative MSX feature, which produces an extremely detail-rich image.

“This new, patent-pending technology is based on FLIR’s unique onboard processor that provides extraordinary thermal image details in real time. MSX incorporates real-time thermal video enhanced with visible spectrum definition. It produces exceptional thermal clarity to highlight exactly where the problem is, ensuring easier target identification without compromising radiometric data. The quality of the thermal images is excellent. There is almost no need any more for a separate digital image. FLIR’s new MSX embosses digital camera detail onto thermal video and stills,” he says.

“MSX produces better texture in a thermal image. With this new feature, more anomalies can be detected, analyses can be done in more detail and conclusions can be drawn in a split second,” says the spokesman.

Objects of interest, both on the thermal image and the visual image, can be highlighted by sketching directly on the touch-screen of the FLIR T440bx. An ‘instant report’ of the inspection (with sketches or other text comments included) can be created directly in the FLIR T440bx. A programmable button provides easy access to favourite functions.

The FLIR T440bx also incorporates a compass which automatically records on every image the direction in which the camera is focused.

This feature makes detecting and reporting of possible anomalies even more efficient and accurate, the spokesman adds.
Furthermore, built-in wi-fi allows connecting smart phones or tablet PCs for the wireless transfer of images or remote control of the camera. The Bluetooth-based Meterlink function transfers readings from external measurement instruments to the thermal image.

Every FLIR T400bx-Series thermal imaging camera also comes with FLIR Tools software, allowing thermal images to be imported directly from the FLIR T400bx-Series to a PC for basic reporting and analysis of findings. Other features of the FLIR Tools include lay-out, moving and resizing measurement tools on any thermal image; ability to create PDF image sheets of specific images; adding headers, footers, and logos to reports; and applying filters when searching for images. Meanwhile, users who need more reporting functionalities can choose the FLIR Reporter software, which is also compatible with the T400bx-Series.

FLIR Systems is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of thermal imaging cameras. It has over 50 years of experience and thousands of thermal imaging cameras currently in use worldwide for industrial maintenance, building inspections, research and development, security and surveillance, maritime, automotive and other night-vision applications. FLIR Systems has manufacturing plants in the US (Portland, Boston, Santa Barbara and Bozeman), Sweden (Stockholm), Estonia (Tallinn) and France (near Paris). It operates offices in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, the UK and the US. It has over 3,200 dedicated infrared specialists, and serves international markets through an international distributor network providing local sales and support functions.

Flir Systems will be at Hall 3, Stand 3C116.