Survey of thermal imaging technology and applications at the Savannah River Site

This memorandum is an introduction to thermal imaging systems and their use. Emission of infrared radiation from ideal and real materials is described, as are methods of detection in modern thermal imaging systems. Typical specifications and features of commercially available thermal imaging systems are described, and uses of thermal imaging are discussed. At the Savannah River Site (SRS), thermal imaging has been used extensively to measure the temperature of surface water that carries heat from the reactors to the Savannah River. Other uses at SRS have been surveying roof insulation and moisture, evaluating insulation of prototype glass melters at the TNX facility, and locating leaks in the Concentrate Transfer System. Future recommended programs include evaluating thermal imaging for general monitoring of plant facilities, especially electrical conduits, processes occurring at elevated temperature, and radioactive storage areas that generate significant amounts of waste heat. Research on the resistance weld techniques used in tritium reservoir handling (pinch welding and reclamation welding) may profit from high speed thermal image monitoring of heat generated during welding, and other Process Development activities may also benefit from high-speed thermal image monitoring. 12 refs., 1 fig