FLIR E4 User Manual
FLIR E4 User Manual
FLIR Ex series
User’s manual
FLIR Ex series
1 Disclaimers ......................................................................................1
1.1 Legal disclaimer ....................................................................... 1
1.2 Usage statistics ........................................................................ 1
1.3 Changes to registry ................................................................... 1
1.4 U.S. Government Regulations...................................................... 1
1.5 Copyright ................................................................................ 1
1.6 Quality assurance ..................................................................... 1
1.7 Patents ................................................................................... 1
1.8 EULA Terms ............................................................................ 1
1.9 EULA Terms ............................................................................ 1
2 Safety information .............................................................................2
3 Notice to user ...................................................................................5
3.1 User-to-user forums .................................................................. 5
3.2 Calibration............................................................................... 5
3.3 Accuracy ................................................................................ 5
3.4 Disposal of electronic waste ........................................................ 5
3.5 Training .................................................................................. 5
3.6 Documentation updates ............................................................. 5
3.7 Important note about this manual.................................................. 5
4 Customer help ..................................................................................6
4.1 General .................................................................................. 6
4.2 Submitting a question ................................................................ 6
4.3 Downloads .............................................................................. 7
5 Quick Start Guide ..............................................................................8
5.1 Procedure ............................................................................... 8
6 Description .......................................................................................9
6.1 Camera parts ........................................................................... 9
6.1.1 Figure .......................................................................... 9
6.1.2 Explanation................................................................... 9
6.2 Keypad................................................................................... 9
6.2.1 Figure .......................................................................... 9
6.2.2 Explanation................................................................... 9
6.3 Connectors ........................................................................... 10
6.3.1 Figure ........................................................................ 10
6.3.2 Explanation................................................................. 10
6.4 Screen elements .................................................................... 11
6.4.1 Figure ........................................................................ 11
6.4.2 Explanation................................................................. 11
7 Operation ....................................................................................... 12
7.1 Charging the battery ................................................................ 12
7.1.1 Charging the battery using the FLIR power supply ............... 12
7.1.2 Charging the battery using the FLIR stand-alone battery
charger. ..................................................................... 12
7.1.3 Charging the battery using a USB cable ............................ 12
7.2 Turning on and turning off the camera.......................................... 12
7.3 Saving an image ..................................................................... 13
7.3.1 General...................................................................... 13
7.3.2 Image capacity ............................................................ 13
7.3.3 Naming convention....................................................... 13
7.3.4 Procedure .................................................................. 13
7.4 Recalling an image.................................................................. 13
7.4.1 General...................................................................... 13
7.4.2 Procedure .................................................................. 13
7.5 Deleting an image ................................................................... 13
7.5.1 General...................................................................... 13
7.5.2 Procedure .................................................................. 13
7.6 Deleting all images.................................................................. 14
7.6.1 General...................................................................... 14
7.6.2 Procedure .................................................................. 14
7.7 Measuring a temperature using a spotmeter ................................. 14
7.7.1 General...................................................................... 14
7.7.2 Procedure .................................................................. 14
7.8 Measuring the hottest temperature within an area .......................... 14
7.8.1 General...................................................................... 14
7.8.2 Procedure .................................................................. 14
7.9 Measuring the coldest temperature within an area.......................... 14
7.9.1 General...................................................................... 14
7.9.2 Procedure .................................................................. 14
7.10 Hiding measurement tools ........................................................ 15
7.10.1 Procedure .................................................................. 15
7.11 Changing the color palette ........................................................ 15
7.11.1 General...................................................................... 15
7.11.2 Procedure .................................................................. 15
7.12 Working with color alarms ......................................................... 15
7.12.1 General...................................................................... 15
7.12.2 Image examples .......................................................... 15
7.12.3 Procedure .................................................................. 16
7.13 Changing image mode ............................................................. 16
7.13.1 General...................................................................... 16
7.13.2 Procedure .................................................................. 17
7.14 Changing the temperature scale mode ........................................ 17
7.14.1 General...................................................................... 17
7.14.2 When to use Lock mode ................................................ 18
7.14.3 When to use Manual mode............................................. 18
7.14.4 Procedure .................................................................. 19
7.15 Setting the emissivity as a surface property .................................. 19
7.15.1 General...................................................................... 19
7.15.2 Procedure .................................................................. 19
7.16 Setting the emissivity as a custom material ................................... 19
7.16.1 General...................................................................... 19
7.16.2 Procedure .................................................................. 19
7.17 Changing the emissivity as a custom value ................................... 20
7.17.1 General...................................................................... 20
7.17.2 Procedure .................................................................. 20
7.18 Changing the reflected apparent temperature ............................... 20
7.18.1 General...................................................................... 20
7.18.2 Procedure .................................................................. 20
7.19 Changing the distance between the object and the camera .............. 20
7.19.1 General...................................................................... 20
7.19.2 Procedure .................................................................. 20
7.20 Performing a non-uniformity correction (NUC) ............................... 21
7.20.1 What is a non-uniformity correction?................................. 21
7.20.2 When to perform a non-uniformity correction? .................... 21
7.20.3 Procedure .................................................................. 21
7.21 Changing the settings .............................................................. 21
7.21.1 General...................................................................... 21
7.21.2 Procedure .................................................................. 22
7.22 Updating the camera ............................................................... 22
7.22.1 General...................................................................... 22
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
Make sure that you read all applicable MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and warning labels on con-
tainers before you use a liquid. The liquids can be dangerous. Injury to persons can occur.
CAUTION
Do not point the infrared camera (with or without the lens cover) at strong energy sources, for example,
devices that cause laser radiation, or the sun. This can have an unwanted effect on the accuracy of the
camera. It can also cause damage to the detector in the camera.
CAUTION
Do not use the camera in temperatures more than +50°C (+122°F), unless other information is specified
in the user documentation or technical data. High temperatures can cause damage to the camera.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
Do not apply solvents or equivalent liquids to the camera, the cables, or other items. Damage to the bat-
tery and injury to persons can occur.
CAUTION
Be careful when you clean the infrared lens. The lens has an anti-reflective coating which is easily dam-
aged. Damage to the infrared lens can occur.
CAUTION
Do not use too much force to clean the infrared lens. This can cause damage to the anti-reflective
coating.
NOTE
The encapsulation rating is only applicable when all the openings on the camera are sealed with their
correct covers, hatches, or caps. This includes the compartments for data storage, batteries, and
connectors.
3.2 Calibration
We recommend that you send in the camera for calibration once a year. Contact your lo-
cal sales office for instructions on where to send the camera.
3.3 Accuracy
For very accurate results, we recommend that you wait 5 minutes after you have started
the camera before measuring a temperature.
3.5 Training
To read about infrared training, visit:
• http://www.infraredtraining.com
• http://www.irtraining.com
• http://www.irtraining.eu
4.1 General
For customer help, visit:
http://support.flir.com
4.3 Downloads
On the customer help site you can also download the following:
• Firmware updates for your infrared camera.
• Program updates for your PC/Mac software.
• Freeware and evaluation versions of PC/Mac software.
• User documentation for current, obsolete, and historical products.
• Mechanical drawings (in *.dxf and *.pdf format).
• Cad data models (in *.stp format).
• Application stories.
• Technical datasheets.
• Product catalogs.
5.1 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Charge the battery. You can do this in three different ways:
• Charge the battery using the FLIR stand-alone battery charger.
• Charge the battery using the FLIR power supply.
• Charge the battery using a USB cable connected to a computer.
NOTE
Charging the camera using a USB cable connected to a computer takes considerably longer
than using the FLIR power supply or the FLIR stand-alone battery charger.
6.1.1 Figure
6.1.2 Explanation
1. Digital camera lens.
2. Infrared lens.
3. Lever to open and close the lens cap.
4. Trigger to save images.
5. Battery.
6.2 Keypad
6.2.1 Figure
6.2.2 Explanation
1. Camera screen.
2. Archive button .
Function:
• Push to open the image archive.
3. Navigation pad.
Function:
• Push left/right or up/down to navigate in menus, submenus, and dialog boxes.
• Push the center to confirm.
4. Cancel button .
Function:
• Push to cancel a choice.
• Push to go back into the menu system.
5. On/off button
Function:
• Push the button to turn on the camera.
• Push and hold the button for less than 5 seconds to put the camera in standby
mode. The camera then automatically turns off after 48 hours.
• Push and hold the button for more than 10 seconds to turn off the camera.
6.3 Connectors
6.3.1 Figure
6.3.2 Explanation
The purpose of this USB mini-B connector is the following:
• Charging the battery using the FLIR power supply.
• Charging the battery using a USB cable connected to a computer.
NOTE
Charging the camera using a USB cable connected to a computer takes considerably longer than
using the FLIR power supply or the FLIR stand-alone battery charger.
• Moving images from the camera to a computer for further analysis in FLIR Tools.
NOTE
Install FLIR Tools on your computer before you move the images.
6.4.1 Figure
6.4.2 Explanation
1. Main menu toolbar.
2. Submenu toolbar.
3. Spotmeter.
4. Result table.
5. Status icons.
6. Temperature scale.
NOTE
7.1.2 Charging the battery using the FLIR stand-alone battery charger.
Follow this procedure:
1. Connect the stand-alone battery charger to a wall outlet.
2. Remove the battery from the camera.
NOTE
NOTE
7.3.1 General
You can save multiple images to the internal camera memory.
7.3.4 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. To save an image, pull the trigger.
7.4.1 General
When you save an image, it is stored in the internal camera memory. To display the im-
age again, you can recall it from the internal camera memory.
7.4.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
7.5.1 General
You can delete one or more images from the internal camera memory.
7.5.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
7.6.1 General
You can delete all images from the internal camera memory.
7.6.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select Device settings. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Reset options. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Delete all saved images.
7.7.1 General
You can measure a temperature using a spotmeter. This will display the temperature at
the position of the spotmeter on the screen.
7.7.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select Center spot .
The temperature at the position of the spotmeter will now be displayed in the top left
corner of the screen.
7.8.1 General
You can measure the hottest temperature within an area. This displays a moving spot-
meter that indicates the hottest temperature.
7.8.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select Auto hot spot .
7.9.1 General
You can measure the coldest temperature within an area. This displays a moving spot-
meter that indicates the coldest temperature.
7.9.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select Auto cold spot .
7.10.1 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Measurement . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select No measurements .
7.11.1 General
You can change the color palette that the camera uses to display different temperatures.
A different palette can make it easier to analyze an image.
7.11.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Color . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select a new color palette.
7.12.1 General
By using color alarms (isotherms), anomalies can easily be discovered in an infrared im-
age. The isotherm command applies a contrasting color to all pixels with a temperature
above or below the specified temperature level.
Below alarm
Above alarm
7.12.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Color . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select the type of alarm:
• Below alarm .
• Above alarm .
4. Push the center of the navigation pad. The threshold temperature is displayed at the
bottom of the screen.
5. To change the threshold temperature, push the navigation pad up/down.
7.13.1 General
The camera can operate in five different image modes:
• Thermal MSX (Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging): The camera displays an infrared im-
age where the edges of the objects are enhanced.
• Thermal blending: The camera displays a blended image that uses a mix of infrared
pixels and digital photo pixels. The mixing level can be adjusted.
To display a good fusion image (Thermal MSX, Picture-in-picture, and Thermal blending
modes), the camera must make adjustments to compensate for the small difference in
position between the digital camera lens and the infrared lens. To adjust the image accu-
rately, the camera requires the alignment distance (i.e., the distance to the object).
7.13.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Image mode . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select one of the following:
• Thermal MSX .
• Thermal .
• Picture-in-picture .
• Thermal blending . This displays a dialog box where you can select the mixing
level.
• Digital camera .
4. If you have selected the Thermal MSX, Picture-in-picture, or Thermal blending mode,
also set the distance to the object by doing the following:
• On the Image mode toolbar, select Alignment distance . This displays a dialog
box.
• In the dialog box, select the distance to the object.
7.14.1 General
The camera can, depending on the camera model, operate in different temperature scale
modes:
• Auto mode: In this mode, the camera is continuously auto-adjusted for the best image
brightness and contrast.
• Lock mode: In this mode, the camera locks the temperature span and the temperature
level.
• Manual mode: This mode allows manual adjustments of the temperature span and
the temperature level.
7.14.3.1 Example 1
This figure shows two infrared images of cable connection points. In the left image, a cor-
rect analysis of the circled cable is difficult if you only auto-adjust the image. You can an-
alyze this cable in more detail if you:
• Change the temperature scale maximum limit.
• Change the temperature scale minimum limit.
• Change the temperature scale maximum and minimum limits.
In the left image, the image is auto-adjusted. In the right image, the maximum and mini-
mum temperature levels have been changed to temperature levels near the object. On
the temperature scale to the right of each image you can see how the temperature levels
were changed.
7.14.3.2 Example 2
This figure shows two infrared images of an isolator in a power line.
In the left image, the cold sky and the power line structure are recorded at a minimum
temperature of –26.0°C (–14.8°F). In the right image, the maximum and minimum tem-
perature levels have been changed to temperature levels near the isolator. This makes it
easier to analyze the temperature variations in the isolator.
7.14.4 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Temperature scale . This displays a toolbar.
3. On the toolbar, select one of the following:
• Auto .
• Lock .
• Manual .
4. To change the temperature span and the temperature level in Manual mode, do the
following:
• Push the navigation pad left/right to select (highlight) the maximum and/or mini-
mum temperature.
• Push the navigation pad up/down to change the value of the highlighted
temperature.
7.15.1 General
To measure temperatures accurately, the camera must know what kind of surface you
are measuring. You can choose between the following surface properties:
• Matt.
• Semi-matt.
• Semi-glossy.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurement
techniques, page 50.
7.15.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select one of the following:
• Matt.
• Semi-matt.
• Semi-glossy.
7.16.1 General
Instead of specifying a surface property as matt, semi-matt or semi-glossy, you can spec-
ify a custom material from a list of materials.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurement
techniques, page 50.
7.16.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Custom material. This displays a list of materials with known
emissivities.
6. In the list, select the material.
7.17.1 General
For very precise measurements, you may need to set the emissivity, instead of selecting
a surface property or a custom material. You also need to understand how emissivity and
reflectivity affect measurements, rather than just simply selecting a surface property.
Emissivity is a property that indicates how much radiation originates from an object as
opposed to being reflected by it. A lower value indicates that a larger proportion is being
reflected, while a high value indicates that a lower proportion is being reflected.
Polished stainless steel, for example, has an emissivity of 0.14, while a structured PVC
floor typically has an emissivity of 0.93.
For more information about emissivity, see section 15 Thermographic measurement
techniques, page 50.
7.17.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Emissivity. This displays a dialog box.
5. In the dialog box, select Custom value. This displays a dialog box where you can set
a custom value.
7.18.1 General
This parameter is used to compensate for the radiation reflected by the object. If the
emissivity is low and the object temperature significantly different from that of the re-
flected temperature, it will be important to set and compensate for the reflected apparent
temperature correctly.
For more information about reflected apparent temperature, see section 15 Thermo-
graphic measurement techniques, page 50.
7.18.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select Measurement parameters. This displays a dialog box.
4. In the dialog box, select Reflected apparent temperature. This displays a dialog box
where you can set a value.
7.19 Changing the distance between the object and the camera
7.19.1 General
To measure temperatures accurately, the camera requires the distance between the
camera and the object.
7.19.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
7.20.3 Procedure
To perform a non-uniformity correction, push and hold the Image archive button for
more than 2 seconds.
7.21.1 General
You can change a variety of settings for the camera.
The Settings menu includes the following:
• Measurement parameters.
• Save options.
• Device settings.
1. Definition from the impending international adoption of DIN 54190-3 (Non-destructive testing – Thermographic
testing – Part 3: Terms and definitions).
7.21.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Push the center of the navigation pad. This displays a toolbar.
2. On the toolbar, select Settings . This displays a dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, select the setting that you want to change and use the navigation
pad to display additional dialog boxes.
7.22.1 General
To take advantage of our latest camera firmware, it is important that you keep your cam-
era updated. You update your camera using FLIR Tools.
7.22.2 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Start FLIR Tools.
2. Start the camera.
3. Connect the camera to the computer using the USB cable.
4. On the Help menu in FLIR Tools, click Check for updates.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8.3 FLIR E4
P/N: 63901-0101
Rev.: 22369
General description
The FLIR Ex series cameras are point-and-shoot infrared cameras that give you access to the infrared
world. A FLIR Ex series camera is an affordable replacement for an infrared thermometer, providing a
thermal image with temperature information in every pixel. The new MSX and visual formats make the
cameras incomparably easy to use.
The FLIR Ex series cameras are user-friendly, compact, and rugged, for use in harsh environments.
The wide field of view makes them the perfect choice for building applications.
Benefits:
• Easy to use: The FLIR Ex series cameras are fully automatic and focus-free with an intuitive inter-
face for simple measurements in thermal, visual, or MSX mode.
• Compact and rugged: The FLIR Ex series cameras’ low weight of 0.575 kg and the accessory belt
pouch make them easy to bring along at all times. Their rugged design can withstand a 2 m drop
test, and ensures reliability, even in harsh environments.
• Ground breaking affordability: The FLIR Ex series cameras are the most affordable infrared cameras
on the market.
IR resolution 80 × 60 pixels
Detector data
Detector type Focal plane array (FPA), uncooled
microbolometer
Spectral range 7.5–13 µm
Image presentation
Measurement
Object temperature range –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)
Measurement analysis
Set-up
Storage of images
Power system
Battery type Rechargeable Li Ion battery
Environmental data
Operating temperature range –15°C to +50°C (+5°F to +122°F)
EMC
• WEEE 2012/19/EC
• RoHs 2011/65/EC
• C-Tick
• EN 61000-6-3
• EN 61000-6-2
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class B
Encapsulation IP 54 (IEC 60529)
Physical data
Certifications
Certification UL, CSA, CE, PSE and CCC
Shipping information
EAN-13 4743254000995
UPC-12 845188004941
Country of origin Estonia
8.4 FLIR E5
P/N: 63905-0501
Rev.: 22369
General description
The FLIR Ex series cameras are point-and-shoot infrared cameras that give you access to the infrared
world. A FLIR Ex series camera is an affordable replacement for an infrared thermometer, providing a
thermal image with temperature information in every pixel. The new MSX and visual formats make the
cameras incomparably easy to use.
The FLIR Ex series cameras are user-friendly, compact, and rugged, for use in harsh environments.
The wide field of view makes them the perfect choice for building applications.
Benefits:
• Easy to use: The FLIR Ex series cameras are fully automatic and focus-free with an intuitive inter-
face for simple measurements in thermal, visual, or MSX mode.
• Compact and rugged: The FLIR Ex series cameras’ low weight of 0.575 kg and the accessory belt
pouch make them easy to bring along at all times. Their rugged design can withstand a 2 m drop
test, and ensures reliability, even in harsh environments.
• Ground breaking affordability: The FLIR Ex series cameras are the most affordable infrared cameras
on the market.
Detector data
Detector type Focal plane array (FPA), uncooled
microbolometer
Spectral range 7.5–13 µm
Image presentation
Measurement
Object temperature range –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)
Measurement analysis
Measurement analysis
Emissivity table Emissivity table of predefined materials
Set-up
Storage of images
Power system
Battery type Rechargeable Li Ion battery
Environmental data
Operating temperature range –15°C to +50°C (+5°F to +122°F)
EMC
• WEEE 2012/19/EC
• RoHs 2011/65/EC
• C-Tick
• EN 61000-6-3
• EN 61000-6-2
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class B
Encapsulation IP 54 (IEC 60529)
Physical data
Certifications
Certification UL, CSA, CE, PSE and CCC
Shipping information
EAN-13 4743254001114
UPC-12 845188005146
Country of origin Estonia
8.5 FLIR E6
P/N: 63902-0202
Rev.: 22369
General description
The FLIR Ex series cameras are point-and-shoot infrared cameras that give you access to the infrared
world. A FLIR Ex series camera is an affordable replacement for an infrared thermometer, providing a
thermal image with temperature information in every pixel. The new MSX and visual formats make the
cameras incomparably easy to use.
The FLIR Ex series cameras are user-friendly, compact, and rugged, for use in harsh environments.
The wide field of view makes them the perfect choice for building applications.
Benefits:
• Easy to use: The FLIR Ex series cameras are fully automatic and focus-free with an intuitive inter-
face for simple measurements in thermal, visual, or MSX mode.
• Compact and rugged: The FLIR Ex series cameras’ low weight of 0.575 kg and the accessory belt
pouch make them easy to bring along at all times. Their rugged design can withstand a 2 m drop
test, and ensures reliability, even in harsh environments.
• Ground breaking affordability: The FLIR Ex series cameras are the most affordable infrared cameras
on the market.
Detector data
Detector type Focal plane array (FPA), uncooled
microbolometer
Spectral range 7.5–13 µm
Image presentation
Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) IR image with enhanced detail presentation
Measurement
Object temperature range –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)
Measurement analysis
Measurement analysis
Emissivity table Emissivity table of predefined materials
Set-up
Storage of images
Power system
Battery type Rechargeable Li Ion battery
Environmental data
Operating temperature range –15°C to +50°C (+5°F to +122°F)
EMC
• WEEE 2012/19/EC
• RoHs 2011/65/EC
• C-Tick
• EN 61000-6-3
• EN 61000-6-2
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class B
Encapsulation IP 54 (IEC 60529)
Physical data
Certifications
Certification UL, CSA, CE, PSE and CCC
Shipping information
EAN-13 4743254001008
UPC-12 845188004958
Country of origin Estonia
8.6 FLIR E8
P/N: 63903-0303
Rev.: 22369
General description
The FLIR Ex series cameras are point-and-shoot infrared cameras that give you access to the infrared
world. A FLIR Ex series camera is an affordable replacement for an infrared thermometer, providing a
thermal image with temperature information in every pixel. The new MSX and visual formats make the
cameras incomparably easy to use.
The FLIR Ex series cameras are user-friendly, compact, and rugged, for use in harsh environments.
The wide field of view makes them the perfect choice for building applications.
Benefits:
• Easy to use: The FLIR Ex series cameras are fully automatic and focus-free with an intuitive inter-
face for simple measurements in thermal, visual, or MSX mode.
• Compact and rugged: The FLIR Ex series cameras’ low weight of 0.575 kg and the accessory belt
pouch make them easy to bring along at all times. Their rugged design can withstand a 2 m drop
test, and ensures reliability, even in harsh environments.
• Ground breaking affordability: The FLIR Ex series cameras are the most affordable infrared cameras
on the market.
Detector data
Detector type Focal plane array (FPA), uncooled
microbolometer
Spectral range 7.5–13 µm
Image presentation
Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) IR image with enhanced detail presentation
Measurement
Object temperature range –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)
Measurement analysis
Measurement analysis
Emissivity table Emissivity table of predefined materials
Set-up
Storage of images
Power system
Battery type Rechargeable Li Ion battery
Environmental data
Operating temperature range –15°C to +50°C (+5°F to +122°F)
EMC
• WEEE 2012/19/EC
• RoHs 2011/65/EC
• C-Tick
• EN 61000-6-3
• EN 61000-6-2
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class B
Encapsulation IP 54 (IEC 60529)
Physical data
Certifications
Certification UL, CSA, CE, PSE and CCC
Shipping information
EAN-13 4743254001015
UPC-12 845188004965
Country of origin Estonia
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7,41in 2,17in
188,3mm 55,2mm
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Camera with built-in IR lens f=6,5 mm (45°)
IR optical axis
Visual optical axis
0,53in
13,5mm
108
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Optical axis
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56mm
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Drawing No.
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Product may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to [email protected] with any questions. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
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2,6in 22,1mm
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Charger and Power pack
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Drawn by
R&D Thermography
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10 Declaration of conformity
11.1.1 Liquids
Use one of these liquids:
• Warm water
• A weak detergent solution
11.1.2 Equipment
A soft cloth
11.1.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Soak the cloth in the liquid.
2. Twist the cloth to remove excess liquid.
3. Clean the part with the cloth.
CAUTION
Do not apply solvents or similar liquids to the camera, the cables, or other items. This can cause
damage.
11.2.1 Liquids
Use one of these liquids:
• A commercial lens cleaning liquid with more than 30% isopropyl alcohol.
• 96% ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH).
11.2.2 Equipment
Cotton wool
11.2.3 Procedure
Follow this procedure:
1. Soak the cotton wool in the liquid.
2. Twist the cotton wool to remove excess liquid.
3. Clean the lens one time only and discard the cotton wool.
WARNING
Make sure that you read all applicable MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and warning labels on con-
tainers before you use a liquid: the liquids can be dangerous.
CAUTION
• Be careful when you clean the infrared lens. The lens has a delicate anti-reflective coating.
• Do not clean the infrared lens too vigorously. This can damage the anti-reflective coating.
12.1.1 General
It is often possible to detect moisture and water damage in a house by using an infrared
camera. This is partly because the damaged area has a different heat conduction prop-
erty and partly because it has a different thermal capacity to store heat than the sur-
rounding material.
NOTE
Many factors can come into play as to how moisture or water damage will appear in an infrared image.
For example, heating and cooling of these parts takes place at different rates depending on the material
and the time of day. For this reason, it is important that other methods are used as well to check for
moisture or water damage.
12.1.2 Figure
The image below shows extensive water damage on an external wall where the water
has penetrated the outer facing because of an incorrectly installed window ledge.
12.2.1 General
Depending on the type of connection a socket has, an improperly connected wire can re-
sult in local temperature increase. This temperature increase is caused by the reduced
contact area between the connection point of the incoming wire and the socket , and can
result in an electrical fire.
NOTE
A socket’s construction may differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another. For this reason, differ-
ent faults in a socket can lead to the same typical appearance in an infrared image.
Local temperature increase can also result from improper contact between wire and socket, or from dif-
ference in load.
12.2.2 Figure
The image below shows a connection of a cable to a socket where improper contact in
the connection has resulted in local temperature increase.
12.3.1 General
Depending on the type of socket and the environment in which the socket is installed, ox-
ides may occur on the socket's contact surfaces. These oxides can lead to locally in-
creased resistance when the socket is loaded, which can be seen in an infrared image
as local temperature increase.
NOTE
A socket’s construction may differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another. For this reason, differ-
ent faults in a socket can lead to the same typical appearance in an infrared image.
Local temperature increase can also result from improper contact between a wire and socket, or from
difference in load.
12.3.2 Figure
The image below shows a series of fuses where one fuse has a raised temperature on
the contact surfaces against the fuse holder. Because of the fuse holder’s blank metal,
the temperature increase is not visible there, while it is visible on the fuse’s ceramic
material.
12.4.1 General
Insulation deficiencies may result from insulation losing volume over the course of time
and thereby not entirely filling the cavity in a frame wall.
An infrared camera allows you to see these insulation deficiencies because they either
have a different heat conduction property than sections with correctly installed insulation,
and/or show the area where air is penetrating the frame of the building.
NOTE
When you are inspecting a building, the temperature difference between the inside and outside should
be at least 10°C (18°F). Studs, water pipes, concrete columns, and similar components may resemble
an insulation deficiency in an infrared image. Minor differences may also occur naturally.
12.4.2 Figure
In the image below, insulation in the roof framing is lacking. Due to the absence of insula-
tion, air has forced its way into the roof structure, which thus takes on a different charac-
teristic appearance in the infrared image.
12.5 Draft
12.5.1 General
Draft can be found under baseboards, around door and window casings, and above ceil-
ing trim. This type of draft is often possible to see with an infrared camera, as a cooler
airstream cools down the surrounding surface.
NOTE
When you are investigating draft in a house, there should be sub-atmospheric pressure in the house.
Close all doors, windows, and ventilation ducts, and allow the kitchen fan to run for a while before you
take the infrared images.
An infrared image of draft often shows a typical stream pattern. You can see this stream pattern clearly
in the picture below.
Also keep in mind that drafts can be concealed by heat from floor heating circuits.
12.5.2 Figure
The image below shows a ceiling hatch where faulty installation has resulted in a strong
draft.
The company has sold more than 350,000 infrared cameras worldwide for applications
such as predictive maintenance, R & D, non-destructive testing, process control and au-
tomation, and machine vision, among many others.
FLIR Systems has three manufacturing plants in the United States (Portland, OR, Bos-
ton, MA, Santa Barbara, CA) and one in Sweden (Stockholm). Since 2007 there is also a
manufacturing plant in Tallinn, Estonia. Direct sales offices in Belgium, Brazil, China,
France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and the USA
—together with a worldwide network of agents and distributors—support our internation-
al customer base.
FLIR Systems is at the forefront of innovation in the infrared camera industry. We antici-
pate market demand by constantly improving our existing cameras and developing new
ones. The company has set milestones in product design and development such as the
introduction of the first battery-operated portable camera for industrial inspections, and
the first uncooled infrared camera, to mention just two innovations.
Figure 13.2 LEFT: Thermovision Model 661 from 1969. The camera weighed approximately 25 kg
(55 lb.), the oscilloscope 20 kg (44 lb.), and the tripod 15 kg (33 lb.). The operator also needed a 220 VAC
generator set, and a 10 L (2.6 US gallon) jar with liquid nitrogen. To the left of the oscilloscope the Polaroid
attachment (6 kg/13 lb.) can be seen. RIGHT: FLIR One, which was launched in January 2014, is a slide-
on attachment that gives iPhones thermal imaging capabilities. Weight: 90 g (3.2 oz.).
FLIR Systems manufactures all vital mechanical and electronic components of the cam-
era systems itself. From detector design and manufacturing, to lenses and system elec-
tronics, to final testing and calibration, all production steps are carried out and
supervised by our own engineers. The in-depth expertise of these infrared specialists en-
sures the accuracy and reliability of all vital components that are assembled into your in-
frared camera.
Figure 13.3 LEFT: Development of system electronics; RIGHT: Testing of an FPA detector
15.1 Introduction
An infrared camera measures and images the emitted infrared radiation from an object.
The fact that radiation is a function of object surface temperature makes it possible for
the camera to calculate and display this temperature.
However, the radiation measured by the camera does not only depend on the tempera-
ture of the object but is also a function of the emissivity. Radiation also originates from
the surroundings and is reflected in the object. The radiation from the object and the re-
flected radiation will also be influenced by the absorption of the atmosphere.
To measure temperature accurately, it is therefore necessary to compensate for the ef-
fects of a number of different radiation sources. This is done on-line automatically by the
camera. The following object parameters must, however, be supplied for the camera:
• The emissivity of the object
• The reflected apparent temperature
• The distance between the object and the camera
• The relative humidity
• Temperature of the atmosphere
15.2 Emissivity
The most important object parameter to set correctly is the emissivity which, in short, is a
measure of how much radiation is emitted from the object, compared to that from a per-
fect blackbody of the same temperature.
Normally, object materials and surface treatments exhibit emissivity ranging from approx-
imately 0.1 to 0.95. A highly polished (mirror) surface falls below 0.1, while an oxidized
or painted surface has a higher emissivity. Oil-based paint, regardless of color in the visi-
ble spectrum, has an emissivity over 0.9 in the infrared. Human skin exhibits an emissiv-
ity 0.97 to 0.98.
Non-oxidized metals represent an extreme case of perfect opacity and high reflexivity,
which does not vary greatly with wavelength. Consequently, the emissivity of metals is
low – only increasing with temperature. For non-metals, emissivity tends to be high, and
decreases with temperature.
2. If the reflection source is a spot source, modify the source by obstructing it using a
piece if cardboard.
3. Measure the radiation intensity (= apparent temperature) from the reflecting source
using the following settings:
• Emissivity: 1.0
• Dobj: 0
You can measure the radiation intensity using one of the following two methods:
NOTE
Using a thermocouple to measure reflected apparent temperature is not recommended for two impor-
tant reasons:
• A thermocouple does not measure radiation intensity
• A thermocouple requires a very good thermal contact to the surface, usually by gluing and covering
the sensor by a thermal isolator.
NOTE
15.4 Distance
The distance is the distance between the object and the front lens of the camera. This
parameter is used to compensate for the following two facts:
• That radiation from the target is absorbed by the atmosphere between the object and
the camera.
• That radiation from the atmosphere itself is detected by the camera.
• External optics transmittance – i.e. the transmission of any external lenses or windows
used in front of the camera
Before the year 1800, the existence of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spec-
trum wasn't even suspected. The original significance of the infrared spectrum, or simply
‘the infrared’ as it is often called, as a form of heat radiation is perhaps less obvious to-
day than it was at the time of its discovery by Herschel in 1800.
The discovery was made accidentally during the search for a new optical material. Sir
William Herschel – Royal Astronomer to King George III of England, and already famous
for his discovery of the planet Uranus – was searching for an optical filter material to re-
duce the brightness of the sun’s image in telescopes during solar observations. While
testing different samples of colored glass which gave similar reductions in brightness he
was intrigued to find that some of the samples passed very little of the sun’s heat, while
others passed so much heat that he risked eye damage after only a few seconds’
observation.
Herschel was soon convinced of the necessity of setting up a systematic experiment,
with the objective of finding a single material that would give the desired reduction in
brightness as well as the maximum reduction in heat. He began the experiment by ac-
tually repeating Newton’s prism experiment, but looking for the heating effect rather than
the visual distribution of intensity in the spectrum. He first blackened the bulb of a sensi-
tive mercury-in-glass thermometer with ink, and with this as his radiation detector he pro-
ceeded to test the heating effect of the various colors of the spectrum formed on the top
of a table by passing sunlight through a glass prism. Other thermometers, placed outside
the sun’s rays, served as controls.
As the blackened thermometer was moved slowly along the colors of the spectrum, the
temperature readings showed a steady increase from the violet end to the red end. This
was not entirely unexpected, since the Italian researcher, Landriani, in a similar experi-
ment in 1777 had observed much the same effect. It was Herschel, however, who was
the first to recognize that there must be a point where the heating effect reaches a maxi-
mum, and that measurements confined to the visible portion of the spectrum failed to lo-
cate this point.
Moving the thermometer into the dark region beyond the red end of the spectrum, Her-
schel confirmed that the heating continued to increase. The maximum point, when he
found it, lay well beyond the red end – in what is known today as the ‘infrared
wavelengths’.
When Herschel revealed his discovery, he referred to this new portion of the electromag-
netic spectrum as the ‘thermometrical spectrum’. The radiation itself he sometimes re-
ferred to as ‘dark heat’, or simply ‘the invisible rays’. Ironically, and contrary to popular
opinion, it wasn't Herschel who originated the term ‘infrared’. The word only began to ap-
pear in print around 75 years later, and it is still unclear who should receive credit as the
originator.
Herschel’s use of glass in the prism of his original experiment led to some early contro-
versies with his contemporaries about the actual existence of the infrared wavelengths.
Different investigators, in attempting to confirm his work, used various types of glass in-
discriminately, having different transparencies in the infrared. Through his later experi-
ments, Herschel was aware of the limited transparency of glass to the newly-discovered
thermal radiation, and he was forced to conclude that optics for the infrared would prob-
ably be doomed to the use of reflective elements exclusively (i.e. plane and curved mir-
rors). Fortunately, this proved to be true only until 1830, when the Italian investigator,
Melloni, made his great discovery that naturally occurring rock salt (NaCl) – which was
available in large enough natural crystals to be made into lenses and prisms – is remark-
ably transparent to the infrared. The result was that rock salt became the principal infra-
red optical material, and remained so for the next hundred years, until the art of synthetic
crystal growing was mastered in the 1930’s.
Thermometers, as radiation detectors, remained unchallenged until 1829, the year Nobili
invented the thermocouple. (Herschel’s own thermometer could be read to 0.2 °C
(0.036 °F), and later models were able to be read to 0.05 °C (0.09 °F)). Then a break-
through occurred; Melloni connected a number of thermocouples in series to form the
first thermopile. The new device was at least 40 times as sensitive as the best thermome-
ter of the day for detecting heat radiation – capable of detecting the heat from a person
standing three meters away.
The first so-called ‘heat-picture’ became possible in 1840, the result of work by Sir John
Herschel, son of the discoverer of the infrared and a famous astronomer in his own right.
Based upon the differential evaporation of a thin film of oil when exposed to a heat pat-
tern focused upon it, the thermal image could be seen by reflected light where the inter-
ference effects of the oil film made the image visible to the eye. Sir John also managed
to obtain a primitive record of the thermal image on paper, which he called a
‘thermograph’.
17.1 Introduction
The subjects of infrared radiation and the related technique of thermography are still new
to many who will use an infrared camera. In this section the theory behind thermography
will be given.
Figure 17.1 The electromagnetic spectrum. 1: X-ray; 2: UV; 3: Visible; 4: IR; 5: Microwaves; 6:
Radiowaves.
Thermography makes use of the infrared spectral band. At the short-wavelength end the
boundary lies at the limit of visual perception, in the deep red. At the long-wavelength
end it merges with the microwave radio wavelengths, in the millimeter range.
The infrared band is often further subdivided into four smaller bands, the boundaries of
which are also arbitrarily chosen. They include: the near infrared (0.75–3 μm), the middle
infrared (3–6 μm), the far infrared (6–15 μm) and the extreme infrared (15–100 μm).
Although the wavelengths are given in μm (micrometers), other units are often still used
to measure wavelength in this spectral region, e.g. nanometer (nm) and Ångström (Å).
The relationships between the different wavelength measurements is:
The construction of a blackbody source is, in principle, very simple. The radiation charac-
teristics of an aperture in an isotherm cavity made of an opaque absorbing material rep-
resents almost exactly the properties of a blackbody. A practical application of the
principle to the construction of a perfect absorber of radiation consists of a box that is
light tight except for an aperture in one of the sides. Any radiation which then enters the
hole is scattered and absorbed by repeated reflections so only an infinitesimal fraction
can possibly escape. The blackness which is obtained at the aperture is nearly equal to
a blackbody and almost perfect for all wavelengths.
By providing such an isothermal cavity with a suitable heater it becomes what is termed
a cavity radiator. An isothermal cavity heated to a uniform temperature generates black-
body radiation, the characteristics of which are determined solely by the temperature of
the cavity. Such cavity radiators are commonly used as sources of radiation in tempera-
ture reference standards in the laboratory for calibrating thermographic instruments,
such as a FLIR Systems camera for example.
If the temperature of blackbody radiation increases to more than 525°C (977°F), the
source begins to be visible so that it appears to the eye no longer black. This is the incipi-
ent red heat temperature of the radiator, which then becomes orange or yellow as the
temperature increases further. In fact, the definition of the so-called color temperature of
an object is the temperature to which a blackbody would have to be heated to have the
same appearance.
Now consider three expressions that describe the radiation emitted from a blackbody.
Max Planck (1858–1947) was able to describe the spectral distribution of the radiation
from a blackbody by means of the following formula:
where:
λ Wavelength (μm).
NOTE
The factor 10-6 is used since spectral emittance in the curves is expressed in Watt/m2, μm.
Planck’s formula, when plotted graphically for various temperatures, produces a family of
curves. Following any particular Planck curve, the spectral emittance is zero at λ = 0,
then increases rapidly to a maximum at a wavelength λmax and after passing it ap-
proaches zero again at very long wavelengths. The higher the temperature, the shorter
the wavelength at which maximum occurs.
Figure 17.4 Blackbody spectral radiant emittance according to Planck’s law, plotted for various absolute
temperatures. 1: Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm2 × 103(μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm)
This is Wien’s formula (after Wilhelm Wien, 1864–1928), which expresses mathemati-
cally the common observation that colors vary from red to orange or yellow as the tem-
perature of a thermal radiator increases. The wavelength of the color is the same as the
wavelength calculated for λmax. A good approximation of the value of λmax for a given
blackbody temperature is obtained by applying the rule-of-thumb 3 000/T μm. Thus, a
very hot star such as Sirius (11 000 K), emitting bluish-white light, radiates with the peak
of spectral radiant emittance occurring within the invisible ultraviolet spectrum, at wave-
length 0.27 μm.
The sun (approx. 6 000 K) emits yellow light, peaking at about 0.5 μm in the middle of
the visible light spectrum.
At room temperature (300 K) the peak of radiant emittance lies at 9.7 μm, in the far infra-
red, while at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K) the maximum of the almost insignif-
icant amount of radiant emittance occurs at 38 μm, in the extreme infrared wavelengths.
Figure 17.6 Planckian curves plotted on semi-log scales from 100 K to 1000 K. The dotted line represents
the locus of maximum radiant emittance at each temperature as described by Wien's displacement law. 1:
Spectral radiant emittance (W/cm2 (μm)); 2: Wavelength (μm).
This is the Stefan-Boltzmann formula (after Josef Stefan, 1835–1893, and Ludwig Boltz-
mann, 1844–1906), which states that the total emissive power of a blackbody is propor-
tional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. Graphically, Wb represents the
area below the Planck curve for a particular temperature. It can be shown that the radiant
emittance in the interval λ = 0 to λmax is only 25% of the total, which represents about the
amount of the sun’s radiation which lies inside the visible light spectrum.
Using the Stefan-Boltzmann formula to calculate the power radiated by the human body,
at a temperature of 300 K and an external surface area of approx. 2 m2, we obtain 1 kW.
This power loss could not be sustained if it were not for the compensating absorption of
radiation from surrounding surfaces, at room temperatures which do not vary too drasti-
cally from the temperature of the body – or, of course, the addition of clothing.
Another factor, called the emissivity, is required to describe the fraction ε of the radiant
emittance of a blackbody produced by an object at a specific temperature. Thus, we
have the definition:
The spectral emissivity ελ= the ratio of the spectral radiant power from an object to that
from a blackbody at the same temperature and wavelength.
Expressed mathematically, this can be written as the ratio of the spectral emittance of
the object to that of a blackbody as follows:
Generally speaking, there are three types of radiation source, distinguished by the ways
in which the spectral emittance of each varies with wavelength.
• A blackbody, for which ελ = ε = 1
• A graybody, for which ελ = ε = constant less than 1
For highly polished materials ελ approaches zero, so that for a perfectly reflecting materi-
al (i.e. a perfect mirror) we have:
This states that the total emissive power of a graybody is the same as a blackbody at the
same temperature reduced in proportion to the value of ε from the graybody.
Figure 17.8 Spectral radiant emittance of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral radiant emittance; 2: Wave-
length; 3: Blackbody; 4: Selective radiator; 5: Graybody.
Figure 17.9 Spectral emissivity of three types of radiators. 1: Spectral emissivity; 2: Wavelength; 3: Black-
body; 4: Graybody; 5: Selective radiator.
When the plate becomes opaque this formula is reduced to the single formula:
This last relation is a particularly convenient one, because it is often easier to measure
reflectance than to measure emissivity directly.
As already mentioned, when viewing an object, the camera receives radiation not only
from the object itself. It also collects radiation from the surroundings reflected via the ob-
ject surface. Both these radiation contributions become attenuated to some extent by the
atmosphere in the measurement path. To this comes a third radiation contribution from
the atmosphere itself.
This description of the measurement situation, as illustrated in the figure below, is so far
a fairly true description of the real conditions. What has been neglected could for in-
stance be sun light scattering in the atmosphere or stray radiation from intense radiation
sources outside the field of view. Such disturbances are difficult to quantify, however, in
most cases they are fortunately small enough to be neglected. In case they are not negli-
gible, the measurement configuration is likely to be such that the risk for disturbance is
obvious, at least to a trained operator. It is then his responsibility to modify the measure-
ment situation to avoid the disturbance e.g. by changing the viewing direction, shielding
off intense radiation sources etc.
Accepting the description above, we can use the figure below to derive a formula for the
calculation of the object temperature from the calibrated camera output.
Figure 18.1 A schematic representation of the general thermographic measurement situation.1: Sur-
roundings; 2: Object; 3: Atmosphere; 4: Camera
Assume that the received radiation power W from a blackbody source of temperature
Tsource on short distance generates a camera output signal Usource that is proportional to
the power input (power linear camera). We can then write (Equation 1):
where C is a constant.
Should the source be a graybody with emittance ε, the received radiation would conse-
quently be εWsource.
We are now ready to write the three collected radiation power terms:
1. Emission from the object = ετWobj, where ε is the emittance of the object and τ is the
transmittance of the atmosphere. The object temperature is Tobj.
We multiply each term by the constant C of Equation 1 and replace the CW products by
the corresponding U according to the same equation, and get (Equation 3):
This is the general measurement formula used in all the FLIR Systems thermographic
equipment. The voltages of the formula are:
Table 18.1 Voltages
The operator has to supply a number of parameter values for the calculation:
• the object emittance ε,
• the relative humidity,
• Tatm
• object distance (Dobj)
• the (effective) temperature of the object surroundings, or the reflected ambient tem-
perature Trefl, and
• the temperature of the atmosphere Tatm
This task could sometimes be a heavy burden for the operator since there are normally
no easy ways to find accurate values of emittance and atmospheric transmittance for the
actual case. The two temperatures are normally less of a problem provided the surround-
ings do not contain large and intense radiation sources.
A natural question in this connection is: How important is it to know the right values of
these parameters? It could though be of interest to get a feeling for this problem already
here by looking into some different measurement cases and compare the relative
magnitudes of the three radiation terms. This will give indications about when it is impor-
tant to use correct values of which parameters.
The figures below illustrates the relative magnitudes of the three radiation contributions
for three different object temperatures, two emittances, and two spectral ranges: SW and
LW. Remaining parameters have the following fixed values:
• τ = 0.88
• Trefl = +20°C (+68°F)
• Tatm = +20°C (+68°F)
It is obvious that measurement of low object temperatures are more critical than measur-
ing high temperatures since the ‘disturbing’ radiation sources are relatively much stron-
ger in the first case. Should also the object emittance be low, the situation would be still
more difficult.
We have finally to answer a question about the importance of being allowed to use the
calibration curve above the highest calibration point, what we call extrapolation. Imagine
that we in a certain case measure Utot = 4.5 volts. The highest calibration point for the
camera was in the order of 4.1 volts, a value unknown to the operator. Thus, even if the
object happened to be a blackbody, i.e. Uobj = Utot, we are actually performing extrapola-
tion of the calibration curve when converting 4.5 volts into temperature.
Let us now assume that the object is not black, it has an emittance of 0.75, and the trans-
mittance is 0.92. We also assume that the two second terms of Equation 4 amount to 0.5
volts together. Computation of Uobj by means of Equation 4 then results in Uobj = 4.5 /
0.75 / 0.92 – 0.5 = 6.0. This is a rather extreme extrapolation, particularly when consider-
ing that the video amplifier might limit the output to 5 volts! Note, though, that the applica-
tion of the calibration curve is a theoretical procedure where no electronic or other
limitations exist. We trust that if there had been no signal limitations in the camera, and if
it had been calibrated far beyond 5 volts, the resulting curve would have been very much
the same as our real curve extrapolated beyond 4.1 volts, provided the calibration algo-
rithm is based on radiation physics, like the FLIR Systems algorithm. Of course there
must be a limit to such extrapolations.
Figure 18.2 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (SW cam-
era). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmos-
phere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; Trefl = 20°C (+68°F); Tatm = 20°C (+68°F).
Figure 18.3 Relative magnitudes of radiation sources under varying measurement conditions (LW cam-
era). 1: Object temperature; 2: Emittance; Obj: Object radiation; Refl: Reflected radiation; Atm: atmos-
phere radiation. Fixed parameters: τ = 0.88; Trefl = 20°C (+68°F); Tatm = 20°C (+68°F).
This section presents a compilation of emissivity data from the infrared literature and
measurements made by FLIR Systems.
19.1 References
1. Mikaél A. Bramson: Infrared Radiation, A Handbook for Applications, Plenum press,
N.Y.
2. William L. Wolfe, George J. Zissis: The Infrared Handbook, Office of Naval Research,
Department of Navy, Washington, D.C.
3. Madding, R. P.: Thermographic Instruments and systems. Madison, Wisconsin: Uni-
versity of Wisconsin – Extension, Department of Engineering and Applied Science.
4. William L. Wolfe: Handbook of Military Infrared Technology, Office of Naval Research,
Department of Navy, Washington, D.C.
5. Jones, Smith, Probert: External thermography of buildings..., Proc. of the Society of
Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, vol.110, Industrial and Civil Applications of
Infrared Technology, June 1977 London.
6. Paljak, Pettersson: Thermography of Buildings, Swedish Building Research Institute,
Stockholm 1972.
7. Vlcek, J: Determination of emissivity with imaging radiometers and some emissivities
at λ = 5 µm. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing.
8. Kern: Evaluation of infrared emission of clouds and ground as measured by weather
satellites, Defence Documentation Center, AD 617 417.
9. Öhman, Claes: Emittansmätningar med AGEMA E-Box. Teknisk rapport, AGEMA
1999. (Emittance measurements using AGEMA E-Box. Technical report, AGEMA
1999.)
10. Matteï, S., Tang-Kwor, E: Emissivity measurements for Nextel Velvet coating 811-21
between –36°C AND 82°C.
11. Lohrengel & Todtenhaupt (1996)
12. ITC Technical publication 32.
13. ITC Technical publication 29.
NOTE
The emissivity values in the table below are recorded using a shortwave (SW) camera. The values
should be regarded as recommendations only and used with caution.
19.2 Tables
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference
1 2 3 4 5 6
3M type 35 Vinyl electrical < 80 LW ≈ 0.96 13
tape (several
colors)
3M type 88 Black vinyl electri- < 105 LW ≈ 0.96 13
cal tape
3M type 88 Black vinyl electri- < 105 MW < 0.96 13
cal tape
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Aluminum anodized, light 70 LW 0.97 9
gray, dull
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Brass polished 200 T 0.03 1
Brass polished, highly 100 T 0.03 2
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Chipboard untreated 20 SW 0.90 6
Ebonite T 0.89 1
Emery coarse 80 T 0.85 1
Enamel 20 T 0.9 1
Enamel lacquer 20 T 0.85–0.95 1
Fiber board hard, untreated 20 SW 0.85 6
Fiber board masonite 70 SW 0.75 9
Fiber board masonite 70 LW 0.88 9
Fiber board particle board 70 SW 0.77 9
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Granite polished 20 LLW 0.849 8
Gypsum 20 T 0.8–0.9 1
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Iron and steel wrought, carefully 40–250 T 0.28 1
polished
Iron galvanized heavily oxidized 70 SW 0.64 9
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Lead red 100 T 0.93 4
Lead red, powder 100 T 0.93 1
Leather tanned T 0.75–0.80 1
Lime T 0.3–0.4 1
Magnesium 22 T 0.07 4
Magnesium T 0.86 1
powder
Molybdenum 1500–2200 T 0.19–0.26 1
Mortar 17 SW 0.87 5
Mortar dry 36 SW 0.94 7
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Nickel oxide 500–650 T 0.52–0.59 1
Oil, lubricating 0.025 mm film 20 T 0.27 2
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Plaster plasterboard, 20 SW 0.90 6
untreated
Plaster rough coat 20 T 0.91 2
Sand T 0.60 1
Sand 20 T 0.90 2
Sandstone polished 19 LLW 0.909 8
Sandstone rough 19 LLW 0.935 8
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Soil saturated with 20 T 0.95 2
water
Stainless steel alloy, 8% Ni, 18% 500 T 0.35 1
Cr
Stainless steel rolled 700 T 0.45 1
Stainless steel sandblasted 700 T 0.70 1
Stainless steel sheet, polished 70 SW 0.18 9
Tar T 0.79–0.84 1
Tar paper 20 T 0.91–0.93 1
Tile glazed 17 SW 0.94 5
Table 19.1 T: Total spectrum; SW: 2–5 µm; LW: 8–14 µm, LLW: 6.5–20 µm; 1: Material; 2: Specification;
3:Temperature in °C; 4: Spectrum; 5: Emissivity: 6:Reference (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Water ice, smooth –10 T 0.96 2
Water layer >0.1 mm 0–100 T 0.95–0.98 1
thick
Water snow T 0.8 1
Water snow –10 T 0.85 2
Wood 17 SW 0.98 5
Wood 19 LLW 0.962 8
Wood ground T 0.5–0.7 1