t3 thermal imager class bates

Bates Technical CollegeBates Technical College

TT33 Thermal Imager Thermal Imager OrientationOrientation

Special Thanks to Gary Simpson of Special Thanks to Gary Simpson of Bullard Thermal Imaging Cameras for his Bullard Thermal Imaging Cameras for his

help on this presentationhelp on this presentation..

Primary ObjectivesPrimary Objectives

Identify and Understand :Identify and Understand :

1. The features and operating procedures 1. The features and operating procedures for the Bullard Thermal Imagers for the Bullard Thermal Imagers

2. The technology and basic theory 2. The technology and basic theory associated with thermal imagingassociated with thermal imaging

3. The emergency response applications 3. The emergency response applications for thermal imaging technologyfor thermal imaging technology

TI Features & Operating ProceduresTI Features & Operating Procedures What should you know about the imager ?What should you know about the imager ?

What about cleaning & maintenance? What about cleaning & maintenance?

What about the accessories ?What about the accessories ?

TT33 Overview Overview

FamiliarizationFamiliarization Operating ProceduresOperating Procedures

Battery Charging & Battery Charging & ChangingChanging

Activating the UnitActivating the Unit

Cleaning & MaintenanceCleaning & Maintenance

FamiliarizationFamiliarization

LCD DisplayLCD Display

On/Off ButtonOn/Off Button

Battery IndicatorBattery Indicator

Battery ReleaseBattery ReleaseBatteryBattery

Lens & BezelLens & Bezelw/Cover Windoww/Cover Window

Operating ProceduresOperating Procedures

Battery ChargingBattery Charging connect the AC or DC power supply to the charger connect the AC or DC power supply to the charger

place a battery in the charger, the center LED should place a battery in the charger, the center LED should turn red. Leave until the LED turns greenturn red. Leave until the LED turns green

Charge Times : Charge Times : 1 battery +/- 90 minutes, 1 battery +/- 90 minutes,

(direct charge)(direct charge) 2 batteries +/- 90 minutes2 batteries +/- 90 minutes


Battery ChangingBattery Changing to remove, push in both battery release buttons and slide the to remove, push in both battery release buttons and slide the

battery forwardbattery forward to reinstall, align the battery with the housing groovesto reinstall, align the battery with the housing grooves slide the battery back until it locks in placeslide the battery back until it locks in place

Operating Time : 2 hours 30 minutesOperating Time : 2 hours 30 minutes


Activating the UnitActivating the Unit place a fully charged battery in the unitplace a fully charged battery in the unit push in the grey On / Off buttonpush in the grey On / Off button wait 5 seconds for the display to appearwait 5 seconds for the display to appear

Deactivating the UnitDeactivating the Unit push in the grey On / Off buttonpush in the grey On / Off button

““Shutter”Shutter” the unit has an automated “shutter”, the unit has an automated “shutter”,

which is used to auto-which is used to auto-calibrate or zero the unitcalibrate or zero the unit

the “shutter” will “fire” or close the “shutter” will “fire” or close at a varied rate, approx. every 60 seconds at a varied rate, approx. every 60 seconds

when the shutter fires, the image on the display will freeze when the shutter fires, the image on the display will freeze for 1-2 seconds.for 1-2 seconds.

when the unit goes in and out of “EI Mode” the “shutter” when the unit goes in and out of “EI Mode” the “shutter” will also fire.will also fire.


““EI Mode”EI Mode” all contrast / gain controls on the unit are automatedall contrast / gain controls on the unit are automated the unit has 2 levels of operation, normal mode for scenes with the unit has 2 levels of operation, normal mode for scenes with

low temperatures, and “EI Mode” for scenes with elevated low temperatures, and “EI Mode” for scenes with elevated temperaturestemperatures

when the unit views an object above 300º F (approx.) it will shift when the unit views an object above 300º F (approx.) it will shift into “EI Mode”.into “EI Mode”.

the unit will remain in “EI Mode” for a 30 seconds or until it is no the unit will remain in “EI Mode” for a 30 seconds or until it is no longer viewing a hot objectlonger viewing a hot object

when the unit goes in and out of “EI Mode” the “shutter“ will fire, when the unit goes in and out of “EI Mode” the “shutter“ will fire, freezing the screen for a second.freezing the screen for a second.


Cleaning & Maintenance Cleaning & Maintenance

Mild soap & water with a cloth or soft bristle Mild soap & water with a cloth or soft bristle brush should be used for cleaning brush should be used for cleaning

Isopropyl Alcohol may be used on “stubborn” Isopropyl Alcohol may be used on “stubborn” stainsstains

Polycarbonate LCD cover, Straps, and Rubber Polycarbonate LCD cover, Straps, and Rubber Bumpers are field replaceableBumpers are field replaceable

For any other service issues return the unit to For any other service issues return the unit to BullardBullard

TT33 Accessories Accessories

““Powerhouse”Powerhouse” – standard DC powered vehicle mount– standard DC powered vehicle mount

Components:Components:

Back Mounting PlateBack Mounting Plate

Mounting HardwareMounting Hardware

Latch Spring Latch Spring

Hard Wire DC Power CordHard Wire DC Power Cord

““Powerhouse” TI Holder Powerhouse” TI Holder & Battery Charger & Battery Charger

Intro to Thermal Imaging TechnologyIntro to Thermal Imaging Technology What is thermal imaging ?What is thermal imaging ?

How does a thermal imager work ?How does a thermal imager work ?

What about infrared energy ?What about infrared energy ?

What about using the thermal imager ?What about using the thermal imager ?

What is Thermal Imaging ?What is Thermal Imaging ?

Thermal Imaging is :Thermal Imaging is : the detection of Infrared Radiationthe detection of Infrared Radiation the translation of the detected energy levels into the translation of the detected energy levels into

a viewable imagea viewable image

It is a way to look at the “Heat Signature” of It is a way to look at the “Heat Signature” of an object or personan object or person

Historical PerspectiveHistorical Perspective

Technology was developed for the military in the 1960sTechnology was developed for the military in the 1960s

““America Burning Study” identified thermal imaging America Burning Study” identified thermal imaging technology in 1972 technology in 1972

Fire Service use began in Europe in the mid 1980’sFire Service use began in Europe in the mid 1980’s

FDNY placed their first units in service in 1985FDNY placed their first units in service in 1985

Military declassified 2nd and 3rd generation technology in Military declassified 2nd and 3rd generation technology in 19921992

Widespread use in the US began in 1996Widespread use in the US began in 1996

What is Infrared Radiation ?What is Infrared Radiation ?

Infrared radiation is a portion of the Infrared radiation is a portion of the Electromagnetic SpectrumElectromagnetic Spectrum

It is a form of energy that we perceive as It is a form of energy that we perceive as heatheat

Where does IR come from ?Where does IR come from ?

Infrared Radiation comes from anything with molecular Infrared Radiation comes from anything with molecular activityactivity

Infrared emitters are broken down into 3 categories based Infrared emitters are broken down into 3 categories based on the amount of energy emitted on the amount of energy emitted

Passive : primarily absorb and Passive : primarily absorb and dissipate IR energy from active or direct dissipate IR energy from active or direct emitters (inanimate objects) emitters (inanimate objects)

Active : emit IR energy in low to Active : emit IR energy in low to medium strength and varying medium strength and varying intervals (living organisms) intervals (living organisms)

Direct : constant high strength IR Direct : constant high strength IR energy emitters (energy sources)energy emitters (energy sources)

ImagersImagers

Image Intensifiers vs. Infrared DetectorsImage Intensifiers vs. Infrared Detectors Image Intensifiers (IImage Intensifiers (I22) amplify existing visible light) amplify existing visible light

Infrared Detectors view IR sources regardless of Infrared Detectors view IR sources regardless of

the visible light conditionsthe visible light conditions

Image Intensifier Infrared Detector

Image DisplayImage Display

Hottest Objects : White or Light ShadesHottest Objects : White or Light Shades Coolest Objects : Black or Darker ShadesCoolest Objects : Black or Darker Shades Display is relative to the area viewedDisplay is relative to the area viewed

Thermal Imaging PrinciplesThermal Imaging Principles

IR PrinciplesIR Principles

Heat / Energy PrinciplesHeat / Energy Principles

Image InterpretationImage Interpretation


Infrared Radiation can be :Infrared Radiation can be :

EmittedEmitted

AbsorbedAbsorbed

Emitted AgainEmitted Again

ReflectedReflected

BST FOOTAGEBST FOOTAGE


Heat Conditions Search & Rescue

Haz-Mat Recon


ReflectionsReflections Infrared Radiation can be reflected by a Infrared Radiation can be reflected by a

number of surfacesnumber of surfaces These can include : Glass, Water, Mirrors, These can include : Glass, Water, Mirrors,

and Shiny Surfacesand Shiny Surfaces

Reflection


Fire Attack Outdoor Search

Overhaul


GlassGlass IR will not penetrate glass, however heated IR will not penetrate glass, however heated

glass will show up lighter in colorglass will show up lighter in color

WaterWater IR will not penetrate water, some IR will not penetrate water, some

penetration may occur in a fog or mist penetration may occur in a fog or mist

SteamSteam IR may or may not penetrate IR may or may not penetrate

steam depending on it’s densitysteam depending on it’s density

Energy / Heat PrinciplesEnergy / Heat Principles

Energy or heat can travel or be transferred by :Energy or heat can travel or be transferred by : ConductionConduction ConvectionConvection RadiationRadiation

Different materials and forms of building construction can Different materials and forms of building construction can vary greatly in how they impact energy transfer vary greatly in how they impact energy transfer

** It is critical to understand how heat or energy is transferred so that when It is critical to understand how heat or energy is transferred so that when heat is identified the source can be determined.heat is identified the source can be determined.

** It is also critical to understand how heat or energy is transferred so that a It is also critical to understand how heat or energy is transferred so that a heat or energy source is not underestimated.heat or energy source is not underestimated.

Energy / Heat PrinciplesEnergy / Heat Principles

ConductionConduction Occurs in a solid or liquid, a heat source is in direct contact Occurs in a solid or liquid, a heat source is in direct contact

with the material and transfers energy directly through it.with the material and transfers energy directly through it. Is readily identified with the TI especially with good conductors Is readily identified with the TI especially with good conductors

such as metalssuch as metals

Examples :Examples :• fire in contact with a metal pipe fire in contact with a metal pipe

heats the pipe and transfers heats the pipe and transfers

energy down the length of it.energy down the length of it.

IFSTA

Energy / Heat PrinciplesEnergy / Heat Principles ConvectionConvection

Occurs in gases, an energy source will heat the gases which will carry or Occurs in gases, an energy source will heat the gases which will carry or transfer the energy on air currents transfer the energy on air currents

Not always identified with the TI. Gases which have heavy particle content (like Not always identified with the TI. Gases which have heavy particle content (like carbon in smoke) and superheated gases are more likely to show the energycarbon in smoke) and superheated gases are more likely to show the energy

Example :Example :

Energy / Heat PrinciplesEnergy / Heat Principles RadiationRadiation

Occurs through air, energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves Occurs through air, energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves which travels through the air and transfers the energy to objects as it strikes which travels through the air and transfers the energy to objects as it strikes them.them.

Easily identified with the TI at the source and on objects where the heat has Easily identified with the TI at the source and on objects where the heat has been transferred, but cannot be seen as it travels through the airbeen transferred, but cannot be seen as it travels through the air

ExampleExample

Thermal ContrastThermal Contrast how well objects stand out from one another, related to how well objects stand out from one another, related to

detector sensitivity and the variance of temperature in detector sensitivity and the variance of temperature in

objects being viewedobjects being viewed

High ContrastHigh ContrastBackground and Background and victim are distinctvictim are distinctshadesshades

Low ContrastBackground is faded together, victim is all the same shade


Thermal InversionThermal Inversion Occurs when an object changes shade, even Occurs when an object changes shade, even

though its temperature has not, due to though its temperature has not, due to changing environmental conditionschanging environmental conditions

Background is light, versus dark,due to heating by fire

Firefighter is dark,versus light,due to high surroundingheat conditions



Thermal SaturationThermal Saturation Not the same as “White Out”Not the same as “White Out” Occurs when objects absorb as much energy as possible and Occurs when objects absorb as much energy as possible and

radiate the energy back creating an even temperature and an radiate the energy back creating an even temperature and an almost completely white imagealmost completely white image

An “All White” image can occur during or after a fire An “All White” image can occur during or after a fire


Judging Temperature Judging Temperature – T– T33 Units Units Shifting into “EI Mode”Shifting into “EI Mode” Comparisons, Common Sense, and Firefighting BasicsComparisons, Common Sense, and Firefighting Basics

* Comparisons should be made between similar objects when possible

Emergency Response / EMSEmergency Response / EMS Scene AssessmentScene Assessment Hazard IdentificationHazard Identification Victim IdentificationVictim Identification Patient AssessmentPatient Assessment

Limited Only ByLimited Only ByYour Imagination !Your Imagination !

Thermal Imaging ApplicationsThermal Imaging Applications

Scene AssessmentScene Assessment

Scene Assessment - ObjectivesScene Assessment - Objectives1. Regain vision in total darkness, fog, smoke1. Regain vision in total darkness, fog, smoke

2. Gain information unavailable to the naked eye2. Gain information unavailable to the naked eye

Hazard IdentificationHazard Identification

Hazard Identification - ObjectivesHazard Identification - Objectives1. Identify heat, fire, and ignition Sources1. Identify heat, fire, and ignition Sources

2. Evaluate presence of hazardous materials2. Evaluate presence of hazardous materials

3. Determine extent of mechanical or electrical hazards3. Determine extent of mechanical or electrical hazards

Victim IdentificationVictim Identification

Victim Identification - ObjectivesVictim Identification - Objectives1. Regain vision in total darkness, fog, smoke1. Regain vision in total darkness, fog, smoke

2. Gain information unavailable to the naked eye2. Gain information unavailable to the naked eye

Patient AssessmentPatient Assessment

Patient Assessment - Patient Assessment - ObjectivesObjectives1. Locate amputated body 1. Locate amputated body

partsparts

2. Identify areas of heat, 2. Identify areas of heat, indicating injuryindicating injury

3. Evaluate hypothermia or 3. Evaluate hypothermia or

frostbitefrostbite

Size UpSize Up

Size UpSize Up

High Heat LevelsHigh Heat Levelsshows fire & heatshows fire & heatthroughout structurethroughout structure

Heat In AtticHeat In Atticshows advancing shows advancing fire conditionsfire conditions


Size UpSize Up

Size UpSize Up

““Haloing” OccurringHaloing” OccurringAround WindowAround Window

which would make it

Hottest SpotHottest Spotmost likely the most likely the seat of the fireseat of the fire


Search & RescueSearch & Rescue

Search & Rescue - Key PointsSearch & Rescue - Key Points Constantly scan and evaluate all areas using a Constantly scan and evaluate all areas using a

“6 sided” approach (ceiling, 4 walls, floor). “6 sided” approach (ceiling, 4 walls, floor).

DO NOT forget to maintain a physical reference DO NOT forget to maintain a physical reference point, by using a rope, hoseline, or staying on an point, by using a rope, hoseline, or staying on an exterior wall. Never rely on an imager 100 exterior wall. Never rely on an imager 100 percent to identify your way outpercent to identify your way out


Search & Rescue Search & Rescue Identify Victims by scanning each area and looking for Identify Victims by scanning each area and looking for

::

• obvious form of victimobvious form of victim

• unrecognizable form that could be a victimunrecognizable form that could be a victim

• areas that could contain a victim such as a bed, areas that could contain a victim such as a bed, closet, or debris fieldcloset, or debris field

Light Light ShadesShades

Dark Dark ShadesShades

** Remember not all victims will have a recognizable form or recognizable color Remember not all victims will have a recognizable form or recognizable color

** Clothing, bedding, or debris can all mask a victim’s heat / IR signature Clothing, bedding, or debris can all mask a victim’s heat / IR signature


Fire AttackFire Attack




Fire Attack - Key PointsFire Attack - Key Points

High HeatHigh HeatDANGER !DANGER !

Firefighter w/ TIFirefighter w/ TIdirectingdirecting

F. F. w/ hoseF. F. w/ hose

Dark AreaDark Areaindicating waterindicating water

is coolingis cooling

Light AreaLight Areaindicating waterindicating water

is not coolingis not cooling


Fire Attack – Fire Attack – Identify convected heat which Identify convected heat which

can indicate :can indicate :

• Extent of fire conditionsExtent of fire conditions

• Location of the fireLocation of the fire

• Potential for Rollover Potential for Rollover or or Flashover exists Flashover exists



Fire Attack Fire Attack Identify fire conditions hidden by building constructionIdentify fire conditions hidden by building construction

The video illustrates :The video illustrates :

• studs and void spacesstuds and void spaces

• recognizable fire patternrecognizable fire pattern

• Fire growth & extensionFire growth & extension

** Remember certain types of heavier building construction or Remember certain types of heavier building construction or multiple layers of materials can mask heat or fire conditionsmultiple layers of materials can mask heat or fire conditions


Ventilation Ventilation Identify the areas of greatest heat concentrationIdentify the areas of greatest heat concentration

Remember, an imager can not see through solid objects, but Remember, an imager can not see through solid objects, but can identify heat transferred through or around the materials.can identify heat transferred through or around the materials.

Remember, heat levels can appear differently based on the type Remember, heat levels can appear differently based on the type of building construction being viewed.of building construction being viewed.

VentilationVentilation

OverhaulOverhaul

OverhaulOverhaul

T-3 FOOTAGET-3 FOOTAGE

OverhaulOverhaul

Overhaul – Overhaul – Identify construction features & hidden fireIdentify construction features & hidden fire


• studs and void spacesstuds and void spaces

• recognizable fire patternrecognizable fire pattern

• Fire growth & extensionFire growth & extension

TT33 FOOTAGE FOOTAGE

OverhaulOverhaul

Overhaul Overhaul

** Remember thermal imagers are very sensitive Remember thermal imagers are very sensitive

** Use additional features to judge heat conditions Use additional features to judge heat conditions

Haz MatHaz Mat

Haz Mat – Haz Mat –

Identify product levels Identify product levels • Product levels can only be determined Product levels can only be determined

with solids and liquids, NOT GASESwith solids and liquids, NOT GASES

• Product level will only be visible when Product level will only be visible when the material inside the container has the material inside the container has affected the external surface affected the external surface temperature of the container.temperature of the container.

Haz MatHaz Mat

Haz MatHaz Mat Identify product levelsIdentify product levels


• product level is clear on the product level is clear on the container to the left container to the left

• no product level is visible no product level is visible on the container to the right on the container to the right which could indicate it is which could indicate it is empty or too empty or too insulated to show insulated to show a product levela product level

• If the containers are If the containers are compared the one on the compared the one on the right would be empty, but right would be empty, but only identical containers only identical containers should be comparedshould be compared


Haz MatHaz Mat

Haz MatHaz Mat

Haz Mat Haz Mat Identify product movementIdentify product movement

• Will only identify materials on the Will only identify materials on the

surface of watersurface of water

• Will only identify gaseous clouds Will only identify gaseous clouds

when there is contamination or a when there is contamination or a

temperature differencetemperature difference

• Will only identify solids or liquids on Will only identify solids or liquids on

the ground when there is a the ground when there is a

temperature difference.temperature difference.

Release PointRelease Point

Direction of FlowDirection of Flow

Haz MatHaz Mat

WildlandWildland

Wildland Firefighting Wildland Firefighting Identify fire lines and reaming hot spotsIdentify fire lines and reaming hot spots

• Place imager in an aircraft, or elevated platform when possiblePlace imager in an aircraft, or elevated platform when possible

• Use wireless transmitter feature to relay information to commandUse wireless transmitter feature to relay information to command

Firefighter SafetyFirefighter Safety

Firefighter Safety : Key IssuesFirefighter Safety : Key IssuesRemember !Remember !

You have to look at it,You have to look at it,

You have to interpret You have to interpret itit

The imager can not doThe imager can not doit for you!it for you!

Maintain a point of Maintain a point of reference!reference!BST FOOTAGEBST FOOTAGE

Thanks To The FollowingThanks To The Following

The following individuals have contributed information to The following individuals have contributed information to this presentation and the overall understanding of this presentation and the overall understanding of thermal imaging in the Fire Service.thermal imaging in the Fire Service. SAFE-IRSAFE-IR

B. AthanasB. AthanasB. KnabbeB. KnabbeG. RusinskiG. RusinskiS. WoodworthS. WoodworthM. WestM. West

Bourbon County FD, KYBourbon County FD, KY

Charlottesville FD, VACharlottesville FD, VA

E.K.U. Fire & Safety, KYE.K.U. Fire & Safety, KY

Enterprise FD, ALEnterprise FD, AL

Fairhope FD, ALFairhope FD, AL

Nassau County FD, FLNassau County FD, FL

Paris FD, KYParis FD, KYAxis Fire Supply, FLAxis Fire Supply, FLJ. MontgomeryJ. Montgomery

t3 thermal imager class bates

Education

infrared energy

ir principles glass

unit push

anddissipate ir energy

unit cleaning maintenance

ir principles heat conditions

ei mode

bullard thermal imagers