Product category:
Temperature sensors
News Release from: Flir Systems | Subject: ThermaCAM PM695
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 01 September 2000
Why it has never been easier to use
thermography
The ThermaCAM PM 695 thermographic camera uses MicroIRT technology, a patented third generation uncooled microbolometer FPA detector which has nearly 77,000 measurement points
The main focus of Flir Systems' research and development work has always been to introduce thermographic systems which take the operator from image capture to analysis and report generation as accurately, simply and quickly as possible Its latest camera range, the ThermaCAM PM695 is no exception to that rule but its significant new features provide industry with even more powerful means of detecting faults, saving money and saving time
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 3 Aug 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Thermal camera keeps Spurs scoring freely
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club's stadium at White Hart Lane has an under-pitch heating system, whose integrity was recently confirmed by a Thermacam PM695 thermal imaging camera
Thermal imaging monitors moisture in paper sheet
Voith Fabrics of Blackburn is using thermal imaging for condition management and has chosen a FLIR Systems ThermaCAM PM695 to provide in-process quality control
Furthermore, this new feature-rich camera has been introduced at the same price as its predecessor.
ThermaCAM PM series systems range in cost from £17,000 to £30,000.
The ThermaCAM PM 695 uses MicroIRT technology, a patented third generation uncooled microbolometer FPA detector which has nearly 77,000 measurement points.
The camera's closest competitor only employs first generation technology giving the ThermaCAM PM 695 unparalleled resolution.
Even better image quality By comparison with its predecessor, the ThermaCAM PM 695 provides a two fold improvement in image quality.
Further reading
Thermal imaging camera helps maritime firefighters
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has recently bought a thermal imaging camera to allow it to direct fire fighters to areas on a stricken ship that pose the greatest risk
Thermal cameras track down tube faults
Finding hotspots on electrification supply equipment to traction rails has been the prime occupation of the two Flir Systems ThermaCAM PM695 thermal imaging cameras at Infraco Sub Surface - SSL.
Camera is professional choice
As a company whose sole purpose is thermographic testing, Marden Thermographic has always invested in professional infra-red cameras.
Each pixel on its new detector collects more IR radiation allowing the camera to offer a thermal sensitivity rating of 0.08C; its predecessor offered 0.12C.
This design feature is complemented by the recalibration procedure which takes into account the temperature in the body of the camera and on the lens to ensure maximum measurement accuracy.
Also new are auto focus, auto range and auto span features which produce perfectly adjusted, high resolution thermal images to help users identify problems clearly and to speed survey time.
Spot measurement, area average, line profile, isotherm and Delta T measurement modes are all instantly selectable via pull-down menu.
Emissivity QuickSelectT takes the guesswork out of selecting emissivity values by providing a list of common materials to be inspected.
This camera operates two standard temperature ranges.
The first is -40C to +120C, an ideal range for those working in climatic chambers and cold stores.
The second is 0C to 500C which is particularly useful for applications whose operating temperatures ramp-up quickly.
Ranges up to +1500C and +2000C are optionally available.
In-built digital camera FLIR Systems has also acknowledged the common requirement of taking a digital photograph as a reference against the thermographic image.
This latest model therefore has an integral digital camera.
At the touch of a button the operator can store visible and infra red images, data and text comments which can be selected and edited in the field from pre-loaded choices.
30 seconds of voice comments can also be embedded with each image file.
In common with preceding ThermaCAM's the PM 695 is designed for operation in harsh environments.
It is IP54 rated, fits comfortably in one hand and requires no external cables.
For reliable, uninterrupted operation, the camera uses long, no-memory NiMH batteries to provide over two hours of continuous use.
Despite the addition of the digital camera, the ThermaCAM PM695 only weighs 2 kgs, just 0.1 kg more than its forerunner.
Standard features include a built-in colour viewfinder; a large format LCD panel is optionally available.
Just as taking and storing the image onto PC card is exceptionally simple, so too is documenting the results.
The seamless integration of PM 695 camera and ThermaCAM Reporter software ensures that field inspection data is quickly and automatically transformed into a maintenance report.
The new Reporter software introduced with the camera is available in basic and Professional versions, providing two grades of analysis capability.
Wizards provide templates for speedy set of report formats.
The user also has the option of QuickReportT which allows field inspection results to be dragged and dropped onto the programme icon for instant creation of maintenance reports.
ThermaCAM Database and IRWIN OLE object linked embedding programmes are further software options.
FLIR Systems places high emphasis on the benefit of training to ensure operators to get the best possible return on their company's investment.
Several levels of training are available on the new ThermaCAM PM695 either in the UK, at FLIR's International Training Centre in Sweden, or on-site at the customer's premises. Request a free brochure from Flir Systems ...
• Flir Systems: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page


