The game changer of thermal imaging industry
Mr. T.P. Singh Country Manager, India-Instruments, FLIR Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
Q. Kindly brief us about your company and different solutions you provide?
FLIR is Global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging cameras for a wide variety of applications that offers affordable, fully integrated thermal imaging and measurement solutions for applications such as Predictive Maintenance, condition monitoring, R&D, Fire fighting, security and surveillance etc. Our Thermography products are extensively being used by customers in India and Globally. FLIR is listed on NASDAQ and our 2014 global turnover was USD 1.5 Billion. We have approx. 3000 employees globally.
Q. For how long FLIR is in India and how is the business?
FLIR started its operation in India in 2011 and the business has been good. We have many happy customers in India who are using our products for different applications.
Q. You deal in a great technology. Kindly explain the same for a new person ?
As a theory, almost all objects around us emits infrared(IR) radiations which our eyes cannot see.
See image below- Infrared energy (A) coming from an object is focused by the optics (B) onto an infrared detector (C). The detector sends the information to sensor electronics (D) for image processing. The electronics translate the data coming from the detector into an image (E) that can be viewed in the viewfinder or on a standard video monitor or LCD screen.
Infrared thermography is the art of transforming an infrared image into a radiometric one; every pixel in a radiometric image is actually a temperature measurement, so temperature values to be read from the image. This makes the thermal imaging camera a perfect tool for Predictive Maintenance applications.
Picture below explains the text in visual form.
This picture is for illustrative purpose only.
Since IR radiations are everywhere, these cameras have application almost at all the places.
Q. How this product is used in Industries ?
FLIR thermal imaging cameras are must have tools for electricians and maintenance technicians. They give you the power to see problems in a way no other technology can, and allow you to inspect equipment quickly and take accurate temperature measurements from a safe distance. FLIR cameras help you find impending trouble before it hurts someone, shuts things down or wastes energy.
FLIR thermal cameras can be used in many different areas of your business, which can accelerate your return on investment. Most electrical and mechanical devices get hot before they fail. Finding these problems early allows you to do repairs on a more convenient schedule rather than in an emergency. But there are plenty of other areas you can use your camera to save money, including flat roof water damage detection, process control and energy loss. Check out FLIR.com and the Infrared Training Center (ITC) to learn about more applications.
Q. Can you explain above answer with some more details please ?
Yes, as discussed, Thermal imaging help you to ‘ SEE” tomorrow’s problem today.
Below images will explain the same in detail.
First image shows loose fuse connection, and second one can help to Discover overheated bearings, linkages, and other components before they can interrupt your operations or create safety hazards.
These Images are for illustrative purpose only.
Q. Are there any new developments ? what are latest new features in these devices ?
Yes there are . If you plan to share saved images with customers or co-workers, a thermal image alone isn’t always enough to help them understand what they’re seeing. That’s why FLIR developed MSX® Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging to bring together the best of both spectrums in a striking, innovative way. Now onboard the full line of new FLIR Ex-series, Exx-series and T-series cameras, MSX instantaneously generates a definitive, all-in-one thermal picture that easily orients you to the location of the problem as soon you see it on the screen or in a report. No more guesswork or messing around with extra photos.
Q. What makes MSX a unique feature ?
MSX is completely different. Using FLIR’s patented algorithm, MSX extracts the high contrast highlights from the built-in visible camera’s image and then virtually etches the skeletonized details onto the entire corresponding FLIR infrared image in real time. The result: totally recognizable thermal video and snapshots integrated with all the texture,depth and definition you need to isolate the problem in one simple picture. See an example below.
Q. Tell us something about the quality of your Instruments?
We are maintaining highest standard of quality and our products confirm the same. We are giving 10 years warranty on our uncooled detector of handheld Thermography range after product registration on our website within 60 days of purchase, – this assurance itself confirms the confidence we have in our product and quality standard we follow.
Q. Have you launched any new product recently ?
Yes, we have launched revoltionery new product in India on 1st April, model C2. This is smallest Thermal product which can come in pocket and is available at very low price of INR 70,000/- ( approx.).
Q. Other than Thermal Cameras, do you have any other type of equipmets ?
Yes, we do have complete range of Test and Measurement instruments including Digital multimeters, Clamp meters, Insulation & Earth testers, Vibration meters, Sound meters, Lux meters, Air quality meters, Boroscopes, NCV etc.
Q. Last question, Mr. Singh, whats your background ?
I am a graduate Engineer with degree of B.E in Electronics and Communication. I did my management course from IIM, Calcutta and have more than 21 years of work experience. I am responsible for Sales of Instruments division of FLIR in India.
