Thermography Training Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Examines conduction, convection, and radiation as pathways for thermal energy movement. Connects heat transfer theory to observable surface temperature patterns.

Lesson 2 • Emissivity and Surface Properties

Defines emissivity and its effect on accurate temperature measurement. Students learn to identify material surface characteristics that influence thermal readings.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Infrared Radiation

Covers electromagnetic spectrum placement of infrared energy and blackbody radiation laws. Establishes the physical basis for all thermographic measurement.

Lesson 1 • Ancillary Tools and Accessories

Introduces supplementary instruments such as contact thermometers, hygrometers, and tripods. Integrating these tools improves measurement confidence and documentation quality.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Maintenance and Storage

Establishes routines for cleaning, calibrating, and storing infrared equipment. Proper maintenance preserves accuracy and extends equipment service life.

Lesson 3 • Optical Systems and Lenses

Covers infrared-transmissive lens materials, focal lengths, and field-of-view calculations. Students select appropriate optics for target size and working distance.

Lesson 4 • Detector Technologies and Camera Types

Compares cooled and uncooled detector technologies and their performance trade-offs. Guides equipment selection based on sensitivity, cost, and application requirements.

Lesson 1 • Data Recording and File Management

Establishes naming conventions, metadata entry, and storage protocols for thermal image files. Organised data management supports efficient analysis and long-term traceability.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Inspection Planning and Setup

Covers target identification, environmental assessment, and equipment preparation before scanning. Thorough planning reduces errors and improves inspection efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Image Focusing and Framing

Develops skills for achieving sharp thermal focus and composing informative image frames. Well-framed images accelerate analysis and improve report clarity.

Lesson 4 • Camera Positioning and Scanning Angles

Teaches optimal standoff distances, angles of incidence, and systematic scan patterns. Correct positioning minimises reflective interference and maximises thermal contrast.

Lesson 1 • Distinguishing Artifacts from Real Anomalies

Identifies common image artifacts including reflections, solar loading, and emissivity errors. Eliminating false positives is critical for credible inspection findings.

Lesson 2 • Quantitative Analysis and Reporting Data

Applies statistical and comparative analysis to thermal data for objective severity assessment. Quantitative outputs support prioritised maintenance recommendations.

Lesson 3 • Identifying Thermal Anomalies

Teaches systematic methods for locating hot spots, cold spots, and thermal gradients. Students classify anomalies by pattern shape, location, and severity.

Lesson 4 • Temperature Measurement Tools

Covers spot, line, and area measurement tools within thermal analysis software. Accurate tool placement is essential for valid temperature extraction.

Lesson 1 • Transformer and Cable Inspection

Addresses thermal inspection of transformers, cable terminations, and underground systems. Identifies insulation degradation and overloaded conductors before failure.

Lesson 2 • Motor and Drive System Inspection

Teaches thermal assessment of motors, variable frequency drives, and associated wiring. Early detection of motor faults prevents costly unplanned downtime.

Lesson 3 • Severity Classification and Priority Setting

Applies industry-standard temperature rise criteria to classify electrical fault severity. Students prioritise corrective actions based on risk and operational impact.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Thermography Fundamentals

Explains Joule heating, load-dependent temperature rise, and electrical fault signatures. Provides the physical basis for interpreting electrical thermal anomalies.

Lesson 1 • Moisture and Water Intrusion Detection

Detects moisture accumulation in walls, roofs, and floors through evaporative cooling signatures. Moisture findings are correlated with contact meter readings for confirmation.

Lesson 2 • Blower Door and Active Thermography

Integrates mechanical pressurisation and active heating to enhance thermal contrast in buildings. Students design combined test protocols for comprehensive envelope diagnostics.

Lesson 3 • Insulation Defect Detection

Teaches identification of missing, settled, and damaged insulation through thermal pattern analysis. Accurate insulation mapping supports energy efficiency improvements.

Lesson 4 • Air Leakage and Infiltration Mapping

Identifies air leakage paths at penetrations, joints, and structural connections using thermal imaging. Blower door integration enhances leakage detection sensitivity.

Lesson 1 • Conveyor and Drive System Assessment

Applies thermography to conveyor belts, rollers, gearboxes, and drive components. Early fault detection reduces production interruptions and maintenance costs.

Lesson 2 • Rotating Machinery Inspection

Covers thermal assessment of bearings, couplings, shafts, and rotating components under load. Thermal patterns reveal friction, misalignment, and lubrication deficiencies.

Lesson 3 • Process Piping and Vessel Inspection

Teaches thermal inspection of insulated piping, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers. Identifies insulation voids, blockages, and refractory degradation.

Lesson 4 • Predictive Maintenance Integration

Positions thermography within a broader predictive maintenance strategy alongside vibration and oil analysis. Students design inspection routes and trending programmes.

Lesson 1 • Report Structure and Content

Defines required report sections including executive summary, findings, images, and recommendations. A well-structured report enables clients to act on findings efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Image Annotation and Presentation

Teaches annotation of thermal images with measurement markers, temperature scales, and labels. Clear image presentation strengthens the credibility of reported findings.

Lesson 3 • Industry Standards and Certification Overview

Reviews internationally recognised thermography standards, certification levels, and professional codes of practice. Standards compliance ensures credibility and legal defensibility.

Lesson 4 • Reporting Software and Workflow

Introduces professional thermography reporting software features and efficient workflow design. Streamlined workflows reduce report production time without sacrificing quality.