1. Thermal Imaging Cameras and Their Uses

2. Objectives
Student will know each thermal imagers operation and features
Students will understand the basic mechanics of thermal images
Student will understand applications

3. Countryside Cameras 4131 Bullard T3 Max 4110 MSA Evolution 5200

4. Camera Features Bullard T3 Max Microbolometer Core EI mode
Will Shutter
EI mode
Relative Heat Indicator
Electronic Thermal Throttle
Super Red Hot Feature

5. Camera Features MSA Evolution 5000 and 5200 Microbolometer Core
Will Shutter
Optional quick temp indicator with digital measurement
Low sensitivity mode indicator
Shutter indicator
Heat seeker plus indicator
Over temperature indicator

6. Bullard T3, MSA 5000 & 5200 Shutter
The unit has an automated shutter used to calibrate or change sensitivity
Fires about every seconds depending on environment
When it fires screen will freeze for 1-2 seconds

7. Bullard T3 Max EI mode 2 levels of operation Normal- low temp scenes
EI –elevated temperatures
Automatically switch when object viewed >300 degree F
Will shutter between modes

8. Low Sensitivity Mode Indicator
MSA Evolution 5000 and 5200
Low Sensitivity Mode Indicator
Will automatically switch when TIC senses environment about 300 degrees F
“L” appears on lower right corner of screen

9. Relative Heat Indicator
Bullard T3 Max
Relative Heat Indicator
Bar graph on right side of screen
Temp accuracy decreases as distant from object increases
Accuracy of indicator dependent on;
Distance from object
Emissivity (ability to radiate heat)

10. Optional quick temp indicator with digital measurement
MSA Evolution 5000 and 5200
Optional quick temp indicator with digital measurement
Similar to relative heat indicator
Temperatures from 32 degrees F to 300 degrees in high sensitivity mode and 32 degrees to 1000 degrees in low sensitivity mode
Digital value only displays approximate value

11. Relative Heat Indicator
Bullard T3 Max
Relative Heat Indicator

12. Bullard T3 Max Thermal Throttle
Enables firefighters to optimize the scene with the touch of a button
Pinpointing hot spots during overhaul, searching for overheated electrical equipment, and distinguishing hotter objects from cooler ones
Paints the hottest objects in the scene blue, leaving other hot objects white

13. Thermal Throttle

14. Bullard T3 Max Thermal Throttle
For firefighter safety, the ETT blue feature does not operate when the T3 MAX detects it should be operating the Super Red Hot feature

15. Bullard T3 Max Super Red Hot Feature
Heat levels are identified by color
Starting at 500 degrees, heated objects are yellow transitioning to orange then red
Provides enhanced visual awareness

16. Optional Heat Seeker PLUS Indicator
MSA Evolution 5000 and 5200
Optional Heat Seeker PLUS Indicator
Graduated color (yellow to orange to red) of portions of a scheme that are above 275°F(135°C)-yellow, 297°F-red, in High Sensitivity, or 842°F-yellow, 914°F-red, in Low Sensitivity mode

17. Over Temperature Warning
MSA Evolution 5000 and 5200
Over Temperature Warning
Lower left below screen
Flashing red indicates exceeded recommended operational thermal limits
Tests on the Evolution TIC’s indicate that it will provide an acceptable image when subjected to an ambient temperature or approx. 248 degrees for about ten minutes. Exposure to conditions exceeding these will result in deterioration and loss of image.

18. Emitters Active Passive Direct Produce own heat Human
Object that can be heated or cooled
Does not produce own heat
Direct
Source of heat
Sun, fire

19. Active emitter exercise

20. Passive Emitter Exercise

21. What a TIC will do
Allows you to “see” the area that you are working in.
Dramatically cuts down the time for a primary search.
Narrows down the search area.
Locate the seat of the fire quicker.
Assist with size-up.

22. What a TIC Won’t Do Won’t “see” through water, windows or windshields.
Infrared wavelengths won’t pass through those types of mediums.

23. What a TIC Won’t Do Won’t “see” through furniture.
Won’t “see” through walls, floors, etc.
It will “see” heat transferred through walls.

24. Fire in Wall

25. Practical Applications
Size-up
RIT
Light ballast, electrical motor/appliance issues
ID spaces quickly: attics, walls, cocklofts, utility chases, roof profile
Victim ejections, limb searches
Overhaul
Extension searches
Chimney fire
Search

26. Practical Applications
Roof vent location
“See” the truss system
Directly over the fire
Cut-man can see the area in need of cutting
Wildland/Brush
Haz Mat incidents
Top of water searching

27. Size Up – Fire location

28. Size Up – Fire location

29. RIT SCBA bottles and fittings will appear dark
Reflective trim on gear will contrast with fire resistive material
Firefighters will not be located in the traditional locations that civilian victims are found
Look for signs of firefighter presence (marked thermal layers, hose lines,cold/wet spots, etc.)

30. RIT
SCBA bottles and fittings will appear dark while straps and padding will absorb heat

31. RIT
“Reflective trim on gear will contrast with fire resistive material”

32. Electrical Outlets Obtain Thermal Image Identify problem outlet
Use traditional means to check for heat
Obtain Thermal Image
Identify problem outlet

33. Electrical Outlets Or if you see this starting to occur
Monitor area and ensure thermal outline decreases
Decreases causing unnecessary damage
When is it time to open up??
Anytime you want to..
Or if you see this starting to occur

34. ID Spaces
Parapet height?
Construction Type?

35. SEARCHING W/ TIC
Interior searches should be approached with safety in mind.
Do not abandon current safety practices
Teams
Patterns
Organization
Communications
USE OTHER SENSES AS WELL
Stay low
REALITY CHECKS
Take non-camera views- every 30 seconds

36. Six-sided Approach First (UP) Second (DOWN) THIRD, FOURTH , FIFTH
Ceiling where heat is, heated gasses, extension or collapse areas. Where is it moving?
Second (DOWN)
Floor. No holes, make sure you are not directly over the fire or other hazards.
THIRD, FOURTH , FIFTH
Right, Center, Left
Look for hazards, egress
SIXTH (BEHIND)
Hazards, changing conditions
Egress routes

37. Convection Waves

38. SEARCHES w/ TIC Camera Directed Search TIC operator makes a room
Gets 6 sided view
“DIRECTS” search crews through space
Stays at the door or egress point for when camera malfunctions

39. SEARCHES w/ TIC Camera Led Search TIC operator makes a room
Gets 6 sided view
Camera operator with the TIC searches the space
Unsighted crews stay at the door or egress point for when camera malfunctions

40. SEARCHES w/ TIC Point to Point Accelerates searches
Does not search areas he/she can see are clear
When in doubt, search
Utilized in conjunction with other search techniques

41. SEARCHES w/ TIC TIPS Review where you have been
Check for changing conditions
Communicate often and clearly
Establish landmarks, window sill tops, door jambs to evaluate thermal layer -Make one if necessary
DO NOT forget the basic fundamentals of proper searching
Reality checks often
Scan shoulder to shoulder
Let a searcher see the area prior to searching

42. SEARCHES w/ TIC TIPS TICS can fail TICS WILL FAIL
Cannot see through water, glass
Depth perception is altered
NOT intrinsically safe
Glass or smooth surfaces will reflect an image
Scan horizontal not vertical

43. Ventilation Use TIC to find ventilation points Vent over seat of fire
See” the truss system
Cut-man can see the area in need of cutting

44. Overhaul
Use thermal throttle
Overhaul hottest areas

45. Checking for Extension

46. TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Three main things we are looking for
Life Safety
Occupants, down fire fighters
Fire Conditions
Thermal Layering
Convected heat and fire gasses
Fire source
Structural Conditions
Structural integrity

47. Hazmat

48. Wildland / Brush Fires Locate hotspots faster
Better application of water
Save on valuable resources

49. Water Rescue
Look for shape as well as heat

50. Common Mistakes Made Neglecting the physical search
Relying SOLEY on the camera
TIC operator strays from rest of crew
Crews forget basics
Leave walls, hose lines
Communication
Standing up in thermal layer
Crews now WALK, or worse, RUN through buildings

51. Common Mistakes Made Crews miss exits Manpower limitations
Not clearing condensation off of lens and germanium
Forgetting that the TI has no peripheral vision
Missed holes in floors
Water on floor will look like a hole

52. Just Another TOOL in the BOX

53. References
Bob Pugh, Brian Lee and Bob Hnatko of the Chesapeake Fire Department
Deepwater Fools
Bullard
MSA