High temperature inspection by thermal imaging

Paul Boughton

The FLIR GF309 is an IR camera from FLIR Systems for the high-temperature measurement of industrial furnaces, chemical heaters, and coal-fired boilers, without the need to shut down the operation. 

The portable camera also greatly improves operator safety, by measuring through flames at a safe distance, for all types of furnaces. A good knowledge of the furnace condition can avert failures and unscheduled shutdowns.

Suitable for monitoring all types of gas-fired furnaces, chemical heaters and coal-fired boilers, the FLIR GF309 measures temperatures from -40°C to +1500°C with high accuracy across the range. To protect the camera and the operator it has a contoured, nickel-coated heat-shield to reflect the heat. It is ideal for a range of extreme temperature applications including inspecting tubes for reduced heat transfer due to scale build-up and localised tube failure due to overheating.

FLIR GF309 provides temperature readings across the entire surface of the heater, boiler and furnace

The FLIR GF309 provides temperature readings across the entire surface of the heater, boiler and furnace without the need to interrupt the process. It allows inspection to be accomplished faster and safer, averting unscheduled shutdowns and costly catastrophic failures.  This ability is greatly complemented by the cameras wide operating temperature range and detachable heat-shield. 

As a result the FLIR GF309 can be used for all manner of electrical and mechanical inspection tasks from predicting the life of a bearing to spotting poor electrical connections.

The GF309 furnace inspection camera has in-built GPS that automatically documents satellite co-ordinates, enabling swift identification of the problem site and improving repair logistics. It also has a high sensitivity of <25mK so that small faults can be seen at a good range. Additional features include an in-built, high quality visual camera and a lamp for use in dark environments.

Lightweight – just 2.4kg – and robust, the FLIR GF309 has a high performance and tiltable viewfinder.  This can be adapted to the individual user and particularly effective outdoors as it shows a very sharp image without the influence of ambient light or reflection. A turntable control grip allows the camera to be used in the most comfortable position; programmable direct access buttons and joystick control are integrated into this handle.

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FLIR GF309 infrared camera from FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS) (34693)