MAINTEC 2009 - Stand no: 154 -- 17-19 March, NEC, Birmingham

Also appearing for the first time is the extended FLIR compact range. Breaking down the entry barriers to thermography has been one of FLIR Systems’ greatest achievements and to emphasise this point the company has continued to introduce new easily affordable infrared products. The latest additions to its i-Series are good examples. The FLIR i40 and i60 provide even more choice for those wanting to incorporate thermal imaging to their predictive maintenance work. These cameras are the first of the compact range models to feature a laser pointer whose location is captured on the infrared image. This enhances the ability of the camera to find faults in double quick time.

The new FLIR P660 has every facility to allow the professional thermographer to work smarter. It uses an advanced, highly sensitive detector for non-contact scanning of wide areas. But if the industry leading sensitivity of >45mK isn’t enough, images can be enhanced further by the new contrast optimiser. This is a special algorithm that enables the scanned object and its surroundings to be viewed with the utmost clarity.

Another industry first is integral GPS for geo-location that is particularly helpful if a geographically spread asset base needs to be monitored. This is clearly a benefit for utility and telecoms companies but also for consultants who survey different sites in the course of their working day. A 3.2 visual camera is integral to the design.

Wireless remote control is another added value feature on the FLIR P660 that allows the camera to be set-up in sensitive, dangerous or difficult to access locations. Other features include a new Picture-in-Picture function for overlaying, panning and scaling an infrared image on a visual one. As all measurement data is retained, the combined image can be fully analysed. At the push of a button thermal fusion enables image overlay to be undertaken in real time.

Several other P-Series cameras sit below this new top-of-the-range model but for those seeking a less sophisticated option, but one that still packs in a host of features, FLIR Systems offers its mid-range T-Series. Since last year’s Maintec the award winning T-Series has been extended downwards to provide even greater choice. These cameras are characterised by their outstanding ease of use, value for money and excellent ergonomics. Standard features include tiltable lens unit, visual camera, image fusion and touch screen with stylus. They have a wide choice of measurement functions including spotmeter, areabox and high/low temperature isotherms; the T400 also has delta T.