Chapter 21 Thermal Imaging Camera Flashcards
Define Infrared radiation
It essentially reveals the heat signature of an object or a person. Infrared radiation comes from anything with molecular activity (no clear definition in the precis)
Identify the three categories of IR emitters
- Passive: Primarily absorb and dissipate IR energy from active or direct emitters
(inanimate objects)
● A passive object may be a chair as an example - Active: Emit IR energy in low to medium strength and varying intervals (living
organisms)
● Yourself as an example - Direct: Constant high strength IR energy emitters
● A hot water tank as an example
How is IR emitted
Infrared radiation comes from anything with molecular activity
Define thermal contrast
● It is the visual difference between two or more items when viewed with the
Thermal Imaging Camera. Their image will be relative to the detectors’
sensitivity and the variance of the temperatures within them.
Define thermal inversion
● It occurs when an object changes shade even though its temperature has not.
● Is a result of a change in temperature of the environment not the object.
Define thermal layering
● Occurs when effective ventilation is not completed
● Can be identified using the TIC
● Detects the higher temperature exhibited at the ceiling falling in degrees as
you scan toward the floor
Identify the 3 modes of operation for Scott Safety X380N
1) High sense mode- at room temperature or cooler
2) Mid sense mode-Activated when temperatures are above 65 degrees
Celsius, but below 240 degrees Celsius
3) Low sense 1000+ mode- Activated when temperatures exceed 240
degrees Celsius
What are the various items on the display of Scott Safety X380N
1) Mode – NOTE; no indicator for Ti
Basic high sense mode.
2) DTM Crosshair
3) Battery Status Bar
4) DTM readout
5) Color Reference Bar
What are the three keys of effective operations
- Orientation
- Interpretation
- Communication
Describe the five scanning techniques
- Start at the ceiling and sweep to the side (Left to
Right as an example) - Move directly downward until you have reached
the halfway height of the room - Sweep back toward your left while maintaining
a consistent elevation - Move directly downward once again until you
reach the floor area - Sweep back again toward your right scanning
the floor as you progress
List the applications of a TIC camera
- Size – Up
- Search and Rescue
- Fire Attack
- Ventilation
- Overhaul
- Hazardous Material Events
- Wild Land Operations
Training - Wildland (missing persons) search
- Water Rescue Events (body or body parts are only visible if above water)
What are the operating instructions for Scott Safety X380N
What are the difference between Image intensifiers vs. infrared detectors
Image intensifiers
● Amplify existing visible light (A camera’s night shot for example)
Infrared Detectors
● View IR sources regardless of the visible light conditions
Describe the four scanning priorities
- Scan the Ceiling (Looking for temperature variation and elevation)
- Scan the center of the room (Looking for exits and openings)
- Scan the floor (Looking for hazards and victims)
- Scan behind (To ensure nothing is missed)
When charging the Battery with the desk top charger If the LED continues flashing RED when no battery is installed what does it mean
If the LED continues flashing RED when no battery is installed, the charger
may need to be reset or may need servicing. Unplug the charger, wait two minutes,
then reconnect and repeat.
What is a major consideration when replacing the TIC battery
Failure to lock the battery into place
may result in the battery falling out of
the camera while in use. Failure to
observe these instructions may result in
minor or moderate injury and/or
equipment damage.
What is the over heat indicator and what should the operator do when the warning goes off
The X380N is equipped with an internal electronics overheat indicator. This
indicator will activate when internal electronics have reached temperatures beyond
their safe operating range. The over temp indicator will begin flashing at least 30
seconds before the camera shutdown sequence begins. Should the internal
electronics overheat indicator activate during use, the operator should immediately
plan their egress using proper firefighting tactics. (Reference NFPA 1801, 6.6.4.4)
The X360N has a zoom function how much does it magnify
2X/4X Zoom
How do you activate the hot spot tracker
To activate the Hot Spot Tracker, press and release the HST Button
(Plus Button).
What temperatures does the cold spot tracker accurately measure
Measures temperatures accurately down to -40 degrees C.
What are the applications of the cold spot tracker
● Detection of gas leaks.
● Can help locate pinpoint,
thread, valve leaks.
What are the 3 Infrared Application Limitations (Limitations of the TIC)
- Glass
● Infrared energy will not penetrate glass however heated glass will show up
lighter in color - Water
● Infrared energy will not penetrate water however some penetration may occur
in a fog or mist - Steam
● Infrared energy may or may not penetrate steam depending on its density
Describe High Sense Mode
This mode is automatically activated when
objects in its field of view are at room
temperature or cooler. For example, when
you activate your thermal imager and look
around the fire station, it will most likely be
operating in High Sensitivity Mode.
Likewise, High Sensitivity Mode is
automatically selected when you are
searching or navigating in a cold
smoke-filled basement.
Describe Mid Sense Mode
This mode is automatically activated when
the temperature of objects in its field of
view is elevated. This mode is automatically
activated when there are objects in the field
of view that are generally greater than
150°F or 65°C.
