Termografia

Termografía, also known as infrared thermography, is a non-contact imaging modality that records infrared radiation emitted by objects to visualize their surface temperature distribution. A thermography camera detects infrared energy and converts it into a thermogram, an image where color or gray level corresponds to temperature. Accurate quantitative use requires consideration of emissivity, distance, atmospheric effects, and reflections, along with calibration.

Two main approaches exist. Passive thermography relies on natural temperature differences in the scene, while active thermography applies external stimuli—such as heat, electrical pulses, or cooling—to induce temperature changes that reveal subsurface features or defects. Modern systems use infrared detectors, commonly microbolometer arrays, and may provide radiometric data for temperature measurements after proper correction.

Applications are diverse. In building science, termografía helps identify heat losses, insulation defects, and moisture intrusion. In industry, it supports electrical and mechanical equipment inspection, process monitoring, and quality control. Medical and veterinary thermography is used as an adjunct tool to detect abnormal temperature patterns related to inflammation or circulatory conditions, though it is not a stand-alone diagnostic method and is subject to regulatory guidance. Research and conservation disciplines also employ thermography for nondestructive testing and artifact analysis.

Limitations include dependency on surface emissivity, presence of coatings or fluids, reflections, and environmental conditions that can affect accuracy. Thermographic interpretation requires expertise, and temperature readings are most reliable when combined with other measurements. Standards and practices vary by field, with industrial condition monitoring referencing guidelines such as ISO 18434 for thermography procedures.