Newsletter Archive – October 2014


Volume 3 Issue 10 October 2014

Director’s Message

For many parts of the United States, the onset of Autumn provides one of nature’s most colorful spectacles as the hardwood trees prepare to shed their leaves. With its dynamic colors, this annual event provides hours of entertainment for the casual observer and generates significant ecotourism revenue as ‘leaf peepers’ travel to areas well known for spectacular displays.

A closer study of fall foliage can reveal important data about forest health, climate, and weather. Unlocking such secrets requires the knowledge and experience of a trained scientist.
With the proliferation of lower cost imagers, one may find similarities in thermal imaging. With consumer grade thermal imaging modules available as attachments for cell phones, thermal imaging is now affordable to the casual hobbyist. While the resulting thermal imagery is often intriguing, proper interpretation requires special training and experience that lay people do not possess.

Despite technological advances in hardware and software, accurate analysis of thermal imagery still relies upon a properly trained and experienced operator who thoroughly understands the structures or systems that he or she is inspecting.

The next time you hear someone quip that thermal imaging is easy, you might wish to point out that anyone can watch leaves change color; however, it takes a bit more to understand how and why.

15 Thermographers Earn Level II Certification

Fifteen thermographers from across the US recently completed the Level II Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course. Infraspection’s Level II course builds upon information taught in Level I with a focus on accurate non-contact temperature measurement.
Infraspection’s Level II Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course covers advanced infrared theory, equipment calibration, error sources, cross-verification with contact thermometers, advanced equipment operation, use of windows and filters, assigning temperature limits and repair priorities, and quantitative report generation.

Course attendee Brad Costello stated, “Everything in the course was well organized and right on point.” Equally impressed was Troy Burk who offered the following: “Information is well presented making it easy to follow and understand.” Steve Burzi added, “5 Stars! I will recommend Infraspection Institute to anyone interested in infrared training.”

Flexible Learning Courses Now Available in Australia

IPI Learning of Melbourne Australia recently launched its Flexible Learning courses for infrared thermographers. A hybrid between web-based and classroom delivery, Flexible Learning allows students to complete a portion of their training online and then enjoy the benefits of live, hands-on learning with an experienced instructor.

Utilizing Infraspection Institute’s Certified Infrared Thermographer® course curricula, IPI’s Flexible Learning allows students to complete 20 hours of online training at their own pace followed by two days of in-person classroom instruction. Classroom activities include interaction with experienced Level III instructors, review of critical concepts, and hands-on instruction in the proper use and operation of thermal imagers. Depending upon their course of study, graduates are awarded Level I or Level II certification by the Infraspection Institute.
IPI’s Flexible Learning courses meet ASNT requirements for the training of NDT personnel in the TIR method as specified in Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A, as well as requirements set forth by ISO 18436-7. Graduates also qualify for membership with the Certified Infrared Thermographer’s Association (CITA) and are eligible to apply for certification through the Australian Institute of Non Destructive Testing (AINDT).

Attend IR/INFO and Get FREE Training

In celebration of IR/INFO’s 26th anniversary, Infraspection Institute is pleased to announce a special offer combining the world’s most respected infrared training and certification program with the industry’s original technical conference.

Attend IR/INFO and receive a tuition voucher for up to 100% discount on a 2015 Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course.
Special offers may not be combined with any other discount. Training course vouchers must be used by 12/31/15. Tuition vouchers are transferable to a third party for a $500 administrative fee.