Successful digital image correlation requires accurate calibration. Correlated Solutions is proud to introduce an all-new set of laser-marked calibration targets with precision marker placement and improved contrast which provides more accurate stereo-camera calibration. This yields more consistent centroid extractions in VIC-3D and produces improved calibration scores. The end result is a more robust 3D digital image correlation system and improved accuracy in displacement and strain measurements.

In addition to the new Calibration Target Kit, Correlated Solutions is also now offering low-resolution calibration targets for cameras with less than one megapixel in total resolution. This is common with high-speed cameras such as the Photron Fastcam NOVA when run at higher speeds. The targets have fewer and larger markers, which allows VIC-3D’s algorithms to locate the centroids with more accuracy and consistency, improving the overall stereo-calibration and analysis results.

Photron has just released a new camera head for their already powerful MH6 Multi head high speed camera. The MH6 processor can utilise up to 12 of the mini ST camera heads, each capable of recording 1000 frames per second at full resolution 800 x 600 pixels. The Mini heads, at a size of 15 x 15 x 15mm and weight of 15g are a great tool for a wide range of industries, in particular in high G environments. The MH6 can utilise a combination of both HD camera heads and the new Mini ST head

Using pulse thermography, WELD-CHECK enables you a quantitative assessment of the inspected welds. A special software algorithm analyzes the pulse-induced change in temperature in the tested joint and computes, based on its temporal course and geometric spreading, corresponding test results. These results are documented in a test report and provided in a format that can be used in your quality databases. This makes WELD-CHECK the ideal test system for automobile body assembly – both as an offline measuring unit as well as for in-line inspection.

Thermal imaging cameras of the high-end camera series ImageIR ® by InfraTec are essential components used in this system. Enabling a geometric resolution of up to (1,920 × 1,536) IR pixels, frame rates with some kHz and thermal resolutions below 0,015 K they provide the precise measurement basis for the reliable detection of even the smallest anomalies.

WELD-CHECK Software

• Different operating modes for Teach-In, testing and offline analysis
• Provision of all relevant information in testing mode with live, difference, evaluation and reference image
• Comprehensive representation of results
• Offline mode for parameterisation and evaluation of large datasets
• Flexible integration into the local system structure via universal interfaces and bus systems

Photron’s PFV 4 is a powerful tool both in the acquisition and processing of high speed camera footage, but also in the setup of the Photron range of cameras. In the below tech tip, Bill Spinelli outlines some of the key components to setting up your camera and software to get the most out of both hardware and software.

This 5 part training series covers unique features of the all-new data visualization engine called iris which is included in the latest version of VIC-3D, the industry-leading digital image correlation system from Correlated Solutions. https://www.correlatedsolutions.com/v… If you have any questions, please contact us.

FIRE-SCAN monitoring system in pellet production

Wood pellets as an alternative and high-quality fuel have become increasingly important in recent years. Their local origin from sustainable cultivation in the region has given WUN Bioenergie GmbH the opportunity to respond to market demand as an environmentally friendly supplier of raw materials. However, like other fuels, stored wood pellets need to be secured and monitored around the clock to prevent causes of devastating damage in the event of a fire, for example. Robust and reliable thermography solutions are a suitable tool for plant protection here.

At its Wunsiedel site, WUN Bioenergie GmbH has more than one string to its bow. Among other things, it operates a biomass cogeneration plant there. Treetop wood with a high proportion of conifer needles and twig residues are used as heating fuel, as these are cheap and environmentally friendly to procure. The water content amounts to about 30 – 60 percent, which does not pose any problems for the operation of a highly efficient ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) plant.

Fire protection with FIRE-SCAN

Wood pellets are a high-quality and energy-rich fuel. For this reason, the storage facilities must be monitored around the clock in the interest of fire protection. This is made possible by high-quality thermographic systems that simultaneously track the moisture content of the pellets during the drying process with high thermographic and geometric resolution. The real-time evaluation of the thermal images allows an accurate assessment of this process.

Fig. 1: The heart of the FIRE-SCAN hardware, well protected and equipped for continuous use

The FIRE-SCAN fire monitoring system from InfraTec is used in the WUN Bioenergie warehouse. This thermography automation solution is equipped with VarioCAM® HDx head infrared cameras and designed for a 24/7 continuous operation. The very stable and highly accurate digital infrared cameras of the VarioCAM® HDx head series from InfraTec are based on thermally and geometrically high-resolution microbolometer FPA detectors with (640 × 480) IR pixels and provide brilliant 16-bit thermal images in real time.

In addition to automated continuous monitoring, the associated software also allows manual interactions by the operating personnel. The surface temperatures measured by the cameras ensure constant quality monitoring of the pellets, as the FIRE-SCAN software monitors another threshold temperature in addition to the threshold values for early fire detection. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the moisture content of the pellets. Thus, the crane operator can actively ensure that the drying process runs smoothly. If the system detects a heat nest at up to 40 °C, the pellets are rearranged by the crane system. At 60 °C, they are removed from storage and, in the event of a fire, extinguished with quartz sand if necessary.

Download Case Study        Variocam HDx

Combustion research involves the complex study of a chemical reaction between multiple substances. The speed at which the substances combine is very high due to the energy that is generated by the combination of oxygen and heat or flame. The study of combustion is based on the knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mechanics. Combustion research is utilized in a wide range of applications, including engine testing in the automotive industry and in rocket and jet engine testing in the aerospace industry.

Photron cameras are often used in combustion studies due to their light sensitivity and PFV software which adds a number of features that prove helpful in those studies.

Academic Paper – Study of stratified lean premixed methane/air low-swirl turbulent flame

Simultaneous high-repetition rate (3 kHz) CH2O planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed in in turbulent low swirl stratified premixed methane/air flames to investigate the large-scale spatial and temporal evolution of the flame and flow dynamics. In addition, PLIF of OH and CH2O at a low-repetition rate (10Hz) were carried to study the global effect of equivalence ratio, ϕ, on the flame. A low swirler burner was used to stabilize a wide range of flames, from close-to-quenching lean flames to close to stoichiometric flame with ϕ = 0.9. The flames exhibit a laminar flamelet structure in the leading front and thickened flame structure with local quenching at the trailing edge. Detailed statistical data are obtained, including the velocity field, the mean flame location; preheat layer thickness, flame brush thickness and the flame surface density. These data provide a useful database for comparison of combustion model simulations. The results reveal interesting flame behaviour; depending on the equivalence ratio the large scale interaction between the flame and the flow field takes different forms.

Video Examples – Blue Combustion

High Speed IR capabilities can be used across a number of sectors including for blast monitoring. The ImageIR® 8300 hs with its features is a masterpiece of precision:

	Detection of Smallest Details The geometric resolution of (640 x 512) IR pixels ensures a brilliant image of the measured objects down to the smallest detail
	Precise Measurement at Top Speed With a frame rate of 1,004 Hz in full-frame mode, even extremely fast moving objects and highly dynamic thermal processes are detected
	Identification of the Smallest Temperature Differences With better than 20 mK the camera achieves an impressively high thermographic resolution
	Short Integration Times and Extremely High Frame Rates Large detector pixels (pixel pitch 25 µm) ensure particularly high detector sensitivity for the shortest integration times at extremely high frame rates
	Longer Cooler Lifetime Innovative HOT Long Life Technology extends cooler lifetime through higher working temperature and reduced cooling load
	Digital High-speed Data Acquisition Superfast industrial grade 10 GigE interface makes the thermographic images in real time available on your computer

To find out more on this technology we will be looking to hold a virtual demonstration with some pre recorded data. Please register your interest below and we will contact you when dates are finalised.