What type of deficiencies can thermography identify in a thermal system?

Thermography is a non-destructive testing technique that leverages infrared imaging to detect variations in temperature across different surfaces. It is particularly effective in identifying thermal anomalies, which are deviations from the expected thermal profile of a system. These anomalies can indicate issues such as insufficient insulation, hot spots due to electrical faults, or areas of energy loss, all of which cannot be perceived by the naked eye.

By using thermography, technicians are able to visualize these temperature differences and correlate them with potential issues in the thermal system. For instance, if one part of an electrical panel shows a significantly higher temperature compared to its surrounding areas, this could suggest an overload or failing component. Similarly, in mechanical systems, abnormal temperature readings can indicate friction or other inefficiencies.

While structural weaknesses, mechanical wear, and corrosive damages could indirectly lead to thermal anomalies, thermography specifically excels at identifying those temperature differences that directly point to operational performance issues rather than directly assessing the physical characteristics of the materials or mechanical systems themselves.