There are 1,500 potentially active volcanoes in the world. Asia alone has 744 of them. Though it may take a hundred to thousand years before these volcanoes erupt, it is still important to study them and determine the timeframe of their potential eruption. Countries who are situated near the Pacific Ring of Fire are the ones who are always being affected when volcanoes erupt. Aside from the imminent danger that is brought by lava flow, different air pollution is also one of the hazardous effects of an active volcano. That is why many expert geologists are continuously finding ways to measure the current status of every volcanoes that can potentially erupt.

Thermal Energy

One of the primary ways that is utilized to study active volcanoes is through measuring thermal energy. Thermal energy is an energy contained in a system or object that is measurable. It is usually represented by heat and temperature. In relation, volcanoes are known to contain this measurable kinetic energy that is dangerous when incautiously studied. Much of the monitoring activity performed by volcanologists is gathered from thermal imaging mechanisms. Aircraft, satellites, and handheld sensing instruments are some of the most used tools in measuring thermal energy but the most convenient of the three is the handheld instruments. Thermal cameras or Infrared cameras are the most commonly used type of thermal energy measurement tool. Its portable feature makes data measurements to be captured instantly and easily as events unfold in real-time.

How does an IR camera work?

Unlike regular cameras, thermal cameras create images by detecting Infrared energy which an object emits. Volcanoes that are active and emitting lava flows are one the main end-user of this instrument as thermal cameras uses infrared-sensitive sensors that can detect differing temperatures and hot spots.

Remembering Kilauea Volcano

Many volcano monitoring operations have benefitted from using handheld thermal imagers. The monitoring operation for Kilauea volcano, for example, has utilized handheld thermal imagers to instantly determine its volcanic activity. In late April 2018, the volcano started showing signs of increased activity and last May 3, 2018, the first crack (fissure) has started. The activity sparked widespread attention as lava flows and potential destruction on Hawaii circulated amongst the people residing on the island. Since then, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted several monitoring operations and provided real-time news and information to determine and prepare for an imminent volcanic eruption. With the use of portable thermal imagers, the USGS has collected a variety of critical information and data that provided the foundation for counter acts and lifesaving predictions.

***

Thermal imagers are not just utilized for volcanic monitoring activities. It is also widely used for other temperature measurements, especially in factories that require accurate heat signals and levels. Thus, it is essential for any manufacturing and production businesses to have a reliable thermal imaging instrument. Presidium.ph Corporation can provide you just that! As an official distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the country, you can expect us to bring you the most reliable testing instruments you need and guarantee safety for your business operations.

For more info, you can contact us at +632 464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph!

One of the horrors of being a technician or an electrician is being harmed by the actual job itself. The voltage of a certain electrical system is being measured by attaching the test lead probe or alligator clips directly to electrical conductors. This traditional way of measuring voltages requires metal-to-metal contact that brings with it the risk of arc flash and electrical shock. The repercussions can potentially harm not just the person who is doing the measurement but also the testing device itself.

This is why Fluke has devised the FieldSense technology to make a workplace safer for electricians and technicians. This is where the voltage is being measured by isolating the measurement tool from the voltage source under test. Thus, it will reduce the risks of electrical shock and arc flash.

The principle of galvanic isolation makes the FieldSense technology possible. It simply allows electricians and technicians to measure voltage without exposing themselves to contact points with live voltage. A FieldSense technology-enabled device, like the Fluke T6-100, detects the electrical field in the open fork and measures the voltage through the cable insulation.

Here are the other reasons how FieldSense technology can keep the workplace for electricians and technicians safer:

No direct metal-to-metal contact

With the FieldSense technology, there is no need to attach probes or alligator clips to the conductor. The Fluke’s FieldSense technology allows you to measure AC voltage, current, and frequency through the cable’s insulation by sliding the fork of the tester over the conductor. In this manner, the risks for electrical sparks or arc flash will be minimized, hence, much less potential for electrical shock.

Works beyond expectations

The FieldSense-enabled devices of Fluke doesn’t just show you the live voltage present but also accurately measure that voltage. This technology injects a known signal to accurately derive the unknown AC voltage to produce an actual AC voltage.

No need to open panels

Devices with the FieldSense technology don’t need access to any wire end points as it can already measure the voltage at any point along the conductor. This feature saves you more time because you don’t have to deal with crowded junction boxes anymore. You just have to slid a single conducting wire into the open fork and read the results. Hence, you won’t have to be worried about experiencing electrical shocks when you dig deep down the bunch of wirings.

Just keep in mind that you also need to take precautionary measures and safety equipment while doing such task. Furthermore, you have to be more observant, careful, and vigilant upon doing your job to make sure that you can do it safely.

And when it comes to the best testing tools that you need for your work, trust Presidium.PH! We are a proud distributor of Fluke Calibration and Industrial Group tools here in the Philippines. Contact us at +63 2 464 9339 or email us at info@presidium.ph for inquiries and other information!