Testrix Cameras: Discover Why They’re The Perfect Choice for Thermal Imaging Inspections

By Steven Harrisson, December 21, 2023

Commercial thermal imaging and detection technologies are used for everything from mechanical and electrical inspections, to leak detection and energy audits. Excess heat is the most significant early indicator of possible systemic defects, malfunctions, and inefficiencies; that makes thermal imaging instruments critical components in any plant or facility maintenance tool chest.

Although all thermal imagers possess the same “see in the dark” capability, some are inherently better suited for the rigours of industrial maintenance and inspections than others. In addition to the increased clarity and higher resolutions needed to pinpoint hot spots, these special thermographic devices have to be able to withstand severe environmental and operational conditions that could include performance under emergency circumstances. Most industrial processes are too complex and too sensitive to trust to low-detail thermal imagers, so choosing the highest quality imager has to be a priority for any business.

Reliable Testrix Thermal Imaging for Proper Plant Inspections

Man holding red thermal image camera
Source: daqlogsystems.co.uk

Brisbane’s Testrix System has been on the leading edge of industrial maintenance and inspection tool development for more than 20 years, and their programme of rugged, high resolution thermal image cameras boasts one of the finest, and most trusted lineups available in Australia.

Handheld Testrix imagers and detectors are engineered to take the ambiguity out of locating heat-related inconsistencies before they escalate into costly systemic problems; and their light weight and IP-rated construction makes them irreplaceable for maintenance and inspection personnel for jobs that would be impractical for larger, less sturdy imagers.

The advanced technologies used in Testrix infrared thermal imaging camera equipment are crucial for helping to identify a range of possible problems that are easily detected by unintended temperature increases, including:

  • Excessive bearing wear in machines and other rotating assemblies;
  • Faulty, or overloaded circuits, fuses, or switch assemblies;
  • Extreme build-ups of resistance in cable installations and terminations;
  • Corroded, or failing pipeline insulation; and,
  • Overheating, or thermal runaway in plant, or energy storage processes.

It’s important to remember that outside of normal plant operations, these are only a few of the problems and abnormalities whose symptoms would include elevated temperatures. That’s why vigilant preventive maintenance and inspection schedules are an essential part of plant operations; and as businesses develop those schedules, they need to ensure that they’re using the highest quality thermal imaging equipment available to support it.

Testrix Cameras Makes Image Integrity Their Principal Attribute

Image accuracy and control are the prime thermal camera attributes that Testrix thermographic instruments enjoy over other brands of imagers used in industrial environments. As routine inspection instruments, the commercial thermal imaging cameras used in these applications have to be able to provide the most detailed images possible, and the standard technology built into all Testrix imagers feature superior optical and infrared sensors and components that support:

  • Intelligent temperature ranges from -20°C to 650°C;
  • Thermal sensitivity of 40mK (0.04°C);
  • A built-in industrial 8MP heat vision camera;
  • Manual or automatic image focusing; and,
  • 30Hz image refresh rates.

Make no mistake: early detection of heat-producing conditions is the key to preventing system and equipment failures, and Testrix thermal cameras offer the fullest suite of advanced features available for effective plant maintenance and inspection process planning.

And with a selection of thermal imaging cameras for sale that are adaptable for any plant operator’s budget, the achievable reduction in unscheduled plant maintenance and downtime makes a digital thermal imaging camera one of the wisest Tier-4 maintenance investments that most industries will ever make.

Imager Models for Every Purpose and Price Point

As an Australian company, Testrix understands that performing proper plant maintenance and inspections in one of the toughest operating environments on the planet means sticking to the basics. And with their handheld thermographic camera selections prioritizing simple efficiency over costly combinations of extraneous features, it allows for a more focused range of measurements and a quicker user learning curve, at a price point that provides a maximum return on investment.

Testrix’s thermal image cameras lineup boasts 3 distinct models: the 322-M, the 325-M, and the 326-M. All 3 models share the same 3.6V long-life Li-battery and IP54-rated protection characteristics; but with significant differences in their image resolutions, businesses have the latitude to confidently choose the best core-capable thermal image camera for their operation:

  • Compact convenience with the 322-M. With its 160 x 120 resolution, 19,200 thermal pixel imaging and narrow 25° x 19° field of view, the 322-M is an ultra-affordable temperature sensor camera that offers Super Resolution (SR) image enhancement which can effectively quadruple the pixel image to 76,800 with a resolution of 320 x 240.
  • Mid-sized multi-tasking with the 325-M. A wide 49° x 36.8° field of view, 320 x 240 resolution, and 76,800 pixel imaging, makes mid-range thermal cameras for sale like the 325-M perfect for a broad sector of Australian commercial and industrial users, while also offering SR image enhancement with quadruple imaging to 307,200 thermal pixels at a resolution of 640 x 480.
  • Going deep into details with the high-end 326-M. The 326-M’s narrow field of view 25° x 19°, 384 x 288 resolution, and 110,592 thermal pixel imaging provides the sharpest natural IR thermal camera image possible, but is capable of capturing even finer details with SR image enhancement to produce images up to 442,368 thermal pixels at a resolution of 768 x 576.

Testrix Makes Effective Image Management a Part of the Thermal Imaging Process

Man working with red thermal imaging camera
Source: youtube.com

Although image accuracy and control are the main qualities of every Testrix IR thermal imaging camera, their ability to help plant operators maintain a reliable trail of reportable documentation is a critical aspect of any successful maintenance and inspection process plan. It’s an essential part of plant oversight, and Testrix thermal imagine devices for sale are just as effective at allowing operators to manage their images as they are at producing them.

AnalyzIR® Analysis and Reporting software are standard features with every Testrix heat detector camera, giving operators the ability to:

  • Record voice annotations via Bluetooth to any image or video capture;
  • Organize and label image captures with written notes or scannable QR codes;
  • Automatically produce one-click heat camera reports; and,
  • Share or transfer image captures via a 64GB memory card or WiFi.

Ideally, a Testrix heat sensing thermal imaging camera can provide all the necessary, evidentiary documentation that plant operators need to verify to internal auditors that their runtimes are acceptable, as well as assure customers that their processes are continuously monitored for reliability. It guarantees the safest, and most sustainable outcome for all stakeholders.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, while thermal imaging is only one part of a proactive maintenance and inspection schedule, it’s arguably the most important. It’s a non-invasive process that allows operators to instantly visualize a system’s heat patterns, and ultimately its efficiency in real-time. Accuracy is paramount though, so plant and facility operators have to be sure that the imagers they’re using are the best for the job at hand.

Testrix high resolution cameras offer superior performance and reliability, while keeping the technology as affordable as possible. Premium quality commercial thermal imaging equipment doesn’t have to cost a premium price, and 100% Australian-made Testrix devices are proving it in heavy industries around the country everyday.