Teledyne FLIR celebrates ten years of its K-series firefighting cameras

by Featured NewsThermal Imaging

Teledyne FLIR has marked the 10 year anniversary of the release of its K-series of firefighting cameras.

In March 2013, FLIR (now Teledyne FLIR) released the first models in its K-series thermal imaging cameras for firefighting applications. A decade down the line, the K-series remains a market leader in firefighting applications, allowing crews to visualise a plan of attack, locate hot spots and save lives – in ultra-quick time.

Initial launch

The firefighting success story began with the launch of the K40 and K50 thermal imaging cameras in the spring of 2013 with the idea of providing firefighters with a tool they can rely on to protect the lives of crew and save the lives of others.

Displaying different colour modes for every situation, the K40 and K50 models met a number of key market criteria, including affordability, dependability and ease-of-use. Furthermore, the devices displayed clear thermal images and produced simple reports.

Following the initial success and uptake of the K40 and K50, FLIR set about expanding the range. In January 2015, at the Intersec exhibition for fire protection technologies in Dubai, the company released its K45 and K55 models with enhanced field-of-view and thermal sensitivity. Next to join the line up in June 2015 were the K2 and K65 thermal imaging cameras, with a public unveiling at the Interschutz exhibition in Hanover.

The FLIR K2 combines capability, ruggedness and reliability in an affordable package. With features such as Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®), easy-to-use buttons and operability in temperatures up to 260°C, the K2 is a small investment that pays big dividends, saving lives, protecting property and ensuring firefighter safety.

Product development

FLIR’s K65 is the advanced, feature-rich thermal imaging camera required when NFPA compliance is a must. With fully sealed connectors and a secured battery, the K65 is fully compliant with the NFPA 1801-2021 standard for thermal imaging cameras covering usability, image quality and durability in firefighting tasks.

With the release of four models in 2015 – K45, K55, K2 and K65 – and initial demand proving high, FLIR felt it an opportune moment to discontinue the original K40 and K50 models, especially as yet more K-series thermal imaging cameras were already in development and nearing release.

In April 2016, at the FDIC exhibition and conference in Indianapolis, FLIR took the opportunity to introduce its brand new K33 and K53 models.

The concept behind the K33 was to provide an economical, easy-to-use option that did not sacrifice clarity or performance. This impressive thermal imaging camera features FSX Flexible Scene Enhancement, which intensifies structural and textural details in thermal images.

The augmented perspective and orientation help improve situational awareness and give firefighters a greater sense of confidence and safety. In comparable terms, the K53 offers the same clarity and performance, but with enhancements such as greater IR resolution and thermal sensitivity.

Latest arrival

FLIR’s most recent addition to its K-series arrived in April 2019 with another grand unveiling at FDIC. Taking the number of available K-series cameras to seven, the K1 situational awareness camera is a rugged, compact thermal device that serves as an extra set of eyes on the fire scene, allowing commanders, officers and inspectors to complete a rapid yet thorough 360° assessment in total darkness and through smoke. With a bright, integrated flashlight, the FLIR K1 illuminates the scene to help users guide and manage crew members more effectively.

Peter Dekkers, Global Business Development Manager – FIRE EMEA at Teledyne FLIR, says: “Ten years ago, the market for thermal imagers for firefighting was somehow static: little innovation, clumsy design, battery challenges, blurry images and so on.

“Moreover, the hefty price tag didn’t support broader adoption among firefighters worldwide. So we took a huge risk by investing in this market, which was – at a first glance – not particularly dynamic. However, we love a challenge and decided to use our in-house industrial and defense expertise in addressing the Fire market.

“With the introduction of our K-Series we set a new standard with superb image quality, ease of use, robustness and reliability. All at a much friendlier price point to not only benefit smaller city or volunteer departments, but also metropolitan departments scaling up their ability to use thermal imaging.”

Dekkers added: “Of course, with broader use comes higher expectations. We therefore keep investing in our solutions, where continuous focus on ergonomics and a super clear image generates trust in reading fires correctly.”


 

IFSJ Exclusive: The true colour of fire with Insight Training LLC

by Featured NewsTraining

Andy Starnes, Instructor at Insight Training LLC, explains why with thermal imaging camera colour palettes, what you see is not always what you get

Thermal Imaging Cameras offer a variety of application-based colour palettes for the end user to choose from. Certain manufacturers offer as many as 23 different choices of colour palettes. In addition to the variety of colour palettes available, certain manufacturers offer feature specific benefits such as hot spot/cold spot tracker, electronic thermal throttle and more.

With such a variety of choices, options, and applications; it is no wonder firefighters are often seen using these application-based colour palettes incorrectly. How can these colour palettes be used incorrectly?

To properly address this issue, we must first define these various application-based colour palettes and their appropriate and intended environment for use. Each specific colour palette is assigned what is known as false colours by the programming in the thermal imaging camera based on different intensities of radiation at different levels.

Most of these colour palettes have uses that were not originally intended for firefighting – they were intended for low temperature and low contrast environments except fire-based colour palettes such as TI Basic. This is especially important to note as the fireground will have much higher temperatures than most of these colour palettes listed here were intended for.

Fire departments who are choosing thermal imaging cameras would be wise to do their research before purchasing any device that offers many options that may not be applicable to their service delivery model. In other words, if a department chooses a highly complicated device with numerous application specific options, they must invest in thermography-based training for their firefighters to maximise the effectiveness of their investment.

Establishing common ground

Firefighters are quick to recognise the colour palette known as TI Basic. NFPA 1801, The Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service-chapter 6.6.4.1.9 states regarding colourisation the following:

In the TI Basic mode, the heat colour reference bar shall have a colour scale that includes only the following colourisation: Greyscale — at the bottom of the heat colour reference bar before colour indication begins and shall not be more than 50 percent of the overall height of the heat colour reference bar; yellow at the low end of the heat colour reference bar; orange in the middle of the heat colour reference bar; and red at the high end of the heat colour reference bar.

This colour palette is simple and intuitive for all users to understand except for the following variable: Manufacturers choose when these colours engage, and they are approved by NFPA if they follow the approved colour/temperature progression with no more than 50% of the colour palette being in grey scale.

This creates a problem for firefighters as they can pick up any of the currently certified NFPA 1801 Certified Thermal Imaging Cameras and each will show colourisation at different temperatures at differing pixel percentages and some show colourisation in high and low sensitivity modes.

The issue of non-uniformity in colour temperature correlation continues to worsen when we notice that many manufacturers offer an overwhelming selection of non-firefighting application-based colour palettes such as: Rainbow or High Colour, Iron Bow, Fire & Ice, Black Hot, Green Hot and many more.

One of the best explanations for how and why colour palettes are developed comes from Teledyne FLIR: “In thermal imaging, each individual pixel represents a specific temperature data point. These data points are assigned a unique colour or shade based on their value, meaning that as the thermal sensor detects changes in heat energy, it will express this change by adjusting the colour or shade of a pixel. These pre-set gradients—or thermal palettes—determine pixel appearance and help identify different heat sources throughout a scene.”

By assigning specific temperature data points to a specific colour or shade this allows firefighters to quickly identify areas of interest. But which colour palettes should and should not be used in the realm of firefighting?  Per NFPA 1801, TI Basic is the recommended colour palette for firefighting but there are numerous other colour palettes available for use. The issue is not the colour palettes themselves but the end user and their level of overall knowledge.

Colour palette options

First, the end user must be trained on the specific application-based colour palette. While the temperature and conditions of a scene is the same, each colour palette will detect and interpret the scene differently. By understanding the colour palette and its intended use, a firefighter can use these colour palettes to their advantage in various emergency situations.

According to Dave Lee from FLIR Delta: “Not all colour palettes are well suited for every situation. In fact, some colour palettes can even make your job harder or even hide what you are looking for.”

Iron-Bow: The Iron-bow colour palette is one of the most popular palettes chosen by thermography professionals. It is used extensively in the inspection industry when viewing roofs, solar panels, and electrical equipment. It is also used in pinpointing skin temperature variations in industrial thermal imaging cameras known as EBT or elevated body temperature devices. Many TIC manufacturers do not publish the temperature colour correlations for this palette.

Rainbow Colour Palette: In thermography, the rainbow colour palette is typically used for demonstration purposes to show clients/customers areas of potential interest as the broad spectrum of colours provide a separation of specific areas of interest. It is also used in the electrical industry when inspecting circuit boards and electronic components. In emergency services, this colour palette can lead to confusion for firefighters due to the manufacturer does not publish the colour/temperature correlations.

White Hot: Prior to the addition of TI Basic Plus, the standard colour palette was White Hot. With this, the hottest object within the field of view of the will appear white whereas the coldest object within the field of view will be colorised black. The issue arises when we are trying to determine the areas that are in-between black and white.

Firefighters who use this colour palette would be wise to consider any area that is white (in fire conditions) as hot and cool the area until it becomes black. Shades of grey are not as easy to differentiate as thermographers tell us. When compared to the other options the firefighter must choose from within the various colour palettes; White Hot is the simplest option for staying oriented.

Colour selection criteria guide

In situations such as the fire ground, a firefighter does not have the luxury of time to select from various colour palettes. The end user must ask themselves the following questions: Do I have seconds? Such as a fire or rescue scene? -or- Do I have minutes? Such as a lost person search operation or drone application as pictured here.

When seconds count, newer standard fire service TICs will turn on and default to TI Basic without selecting or pressing any additional buttons other than the power button. If a firefighter is in another application mode other than TI-Basic, they can simply tap the green power button and it will return to TI-Basic. When the end user has more time such as during investigations, size up, or overhaul situations, they can quickly select their colour palette of choice.

The following colour selection criteria guide is designed for applications where time is not of the essence The end user should consider the following questions:

• What am I looking for? High Heat? Low Heat? No Heat?

• What is the background temperature compared to the object of interest?

• What type of Incident? Fire, Lost Person, Haz-Mat, Active Shooter?

• Do I need detail, or Do I need simply to identify the area of interest?

• Who is the operator? Are they colour blind or have issues with their eyesight?

This three-point model can simplify the process.

1) Check Conditions: What are the overall background temperatures compared to the object of interest? Toggle through the available colour palettes while keeping in mind that as the environment changes so will the discernible details. Is this a high heat or low heat situation? Be aware that as the overall temperature increases, the TIC will switch from high to low sensitivity which can cause a loss of detail. If the end user is viewing a high heat scene, they would be wise to stay in an application mode that offers dual gain or high and low sensitivity. If they are viewing a low temperature scene, a single gain application mode will benefit them greatly.

2) Colourisation Adjustment: Certain colour palettes have adjustable temperature/heat spans to highlight areas of interest.

3) Contrast Check: Certain Colour Palettes offer too little contrast for contexts where clarity and detail are of the utmost importance.

In summary, thermal imaging cameras offer a variety of options and features but they cannot be used to their maximum potential without proper education and training. We recommend learning and training on your specific model of thermal imaging camera. Colour palettes and application features vary by manufacturer. This diagnostic tool can be an asset or a detriment. The determining factor of its overall effectiveness is ultimately up to the knowledge, skill, and understanding of the end user.

This article was originally published in the January edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

IFSJ Exclusive: Inside Bullard’s TXS Thermal Imager

by IFSJ Exclusives
IFSJ takes a look at Bullard’s new, lightweight thermal imaging camera the TXS Thermal Imager

Small in both shape and weight, the new TXS Thermal Imager from protection equipment manufacturer Bullard joins its range of firefighting thermal imaging cameras. The new model was created as an affordable option in order to offer all firefighting teams the ability to be fully equipped during an emergency.

The lightweight TXS offers a clear image that will help firefighters better understand the situation in front of them using the device’s high-resolution infrared sensor and proprietary image enhancement technology.

Bullard thermal imaging cameras were first introduced to the fire service market in 1998 with its first high-resolution thermal imager, the Bullard TI. The latest model follows the same formula that has made its predecessors a success: robust design, high quality and ergonomic form factor.

The new device also aims to prove that Bullard’s footprint is more international than ever. Developed in the Swiss-based Bullard Technology Center and in close cooperation with European fire departments, the Bullard TXS is manufactured in the Unites States and distributed in the US and Europe via Bullard’s close[1]-knit, proven dealer network of firefighting professionals.

“Like all our developments for the fire safety products market, the new Bullard TXS delivers on what we call the Bullard Tough promise”, says Martijn Bosch, Bullard Thermal Imaging Product Manager at the Swiss Bullard Technology Center, noting that the camera is built for the most demanding of situations and comes with 5 years warranty.

Bosch says the device is purposely built for the fire service and was designed with the input of end users from across the world. The result is a lightweight thermal imager the features a compact but highly durable design.

Lightweight design

Bullard TXS is robust, easy-to-handle and lightweight. Clocking in at just 750g including battery, the compact, ergonomically designed camera is shaped to fit comfortably in the gloved hand and is to be stowed easily via lanyard. At the touch of a button, the TXS is immediately ready for action capable of functioning for 6 hours of continuous use due to its Li-Ion battery and intuitive charging options.

The yellow-orange-red coloring is standard, as is the numerical and graphic temperature display. Thanks to the resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a 3.5” screen with 30Hz frame rate, the thermal imager delivers a clear image that provides attack squads with all important information which Bosch says is presented: “At a price that makes the Bullard TXS Thermal Imager the TI solution of choice when budget, quality, and performance are essential. TXS gives you all the vital information you need, without ever weighing you down – all that at an incredible value.”

The purpose of the TXS, says Bosch, is to support as many firefighters as possible to have access to this time and life-saving technology with a clear image quality that allows users to see more earlier and make decisions faster, making it beneficial for any firefighter task.

Bosch points out that earlier this year the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization, classifies the occupational carcinogenic exposure experienced by a firefighter in the highest category. The rating changed on June 15th, 2022, from IARC category 2b (potentially carcinogenic risk) to IARC category 1a (known carcinogenic risk).

“The longer you are exposed the higher is the risk of being exposed,” says Bosch. “Using a thermal imager correctly can potentially help fulfilling tasks quicker. The thermal imager not only allows the user to see differences in temperatures but also to make heat radiation and its movement visible. You can also see physicochemical reactions.”

A device in every department

Twenty years ago, says Bosch, a fire department might have had one thermal imager. It would be a piece of kit that would cost a fortune would more than likely be locked away and only taken it out on the most critical missions. “I’m exaggerating a bit of course, but the use has changed enormously since,” he says. “Now departments want their firefighters to bring thermal imagers on all missions as more eyes and thermal images on the fire increases the safety and effectiveness of all.

“Bullard wanted to support this trend and talked to many firefighters and chiefs on specific needs to enable them to equip more firefighters with imagers. We established that a compact and lightweight design was key, to reduce the combined weight of all the gear, while maintaining a great image quality at an incredible durability, safe for structural firefighting. Of course, also the price is critical and we have managed to make the TXS our most affordable imager by a great leap.”

In order to ensure the TXS does what it is supposed to, the device underwent multiple stages of testing throughout the development process. Bosch says that a lot of the functional testing Bullard carries out is done together with fire stations in order to fine-tune the design to their feedback. Following that, there is a large batch of lab tests, loosely based on the NFPA1801 standard, to ensure the durability and safety of the device. The testing process is finished off with the compliance tests necessary for market admission, such as the CE standard.

High-definition imaging

The key things to note about the TXS is that it is a compact, lightweight and genuinely robust thermal imager. In addition to its structural soundness, some of the key innovations are to be found in the image quality. “You’ll notice a very low lag – the image follows without stuttering if you look around or change from a low to high temperature scene,” Bosch tells. “We have achieved by carefully designing the image pipeline (lens – sensor – computing – software – display) to be blazingly fast at every stage.”

Bosch adds that in his experience, there are many imagers in the lower priced segments that he believes make sacrifices on the image quality, which is why Bullard worked to ensure that the TXS captures a clear image at a lower price point: “Try to get your hands on one, take it into a burn and I guarantee that you won’t go back to your bulky old imager.”

Better after fire

Earlier this year at the INTERSCHUTZ trade show in Hannover, Germany, the Lohmar Volunteer Fire Department presented its concept for operational hygiene. At its heart was the hygiene unit: three tents which were divided into black and white areas where its members ensure that comrades could get rid of contaminated fire protection clothing and helmets as quickly as possible. The emphasis was to show the effectiveness and benefits of removing contaminated gear at the scene of the incident rather than back at the station.

Two hygiene specialists were on hand in the rapid change of clothing, showing that this would involve their coming into contact with contaminated equipment. To prevent negative health effects of being exposed to contaminated gear, the Lohmar Volunteer Fire Department relied on the new EVA powered air-purifying respirator from Bullard.

The advantages of the reusable system, which is available with different hoods and filters, are obvious, says Sub-Fire Chief André Neff: “The lightweight respiratory protection always sits where it belongs; even for beard and glasses wearers. Even when bending down and handling contaminated equipment, nothing slips. This allows our hygiene unit to concentrate fully on its task.”

PFE Limited partners with Flir for fire protection of sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

British inspection specialist PFE Limited has used FLIR Thermal Studio software to accelerate site inspections and reporting, and to deliver consistent reporting quality to its demanding customer base.

Based in Wallasey, North-West England, PFE Limited is a family-owned business, specialising in a wide range of inspection and reliability services for industrial customers. To provide trustworthy and repeatable reporting quality, PFE engineers make use of the latest technology on the market for vibration analysis, dynamic balancing and thermography, among other things.

The company has been using thermal imaging for more than 15 years for mechanical, electrical, and process-related inspections. One of the more specialized types of inspections that PFE Limited offers are furnace inspections, for which the company is using a FLIR Exx-Series pistol-grip camera.

The most tangible output that the company is offering to its customers are reports, so it speaks for itself these need to be of consistently high quality. PFE Limited therefore relies on FLIR Thermal Studio software with routing functionality from the FLIR Route Creator plugin.

Jake Ford, Reliability and Mechanical Engineer at PFE Limited said: “We used to go on site for our inspections, combining the use of a thermal imaging camera with some kind of clipboard or electronic tablet.

“For every asset and every image taken with our thermal camera, we used to jot down numbers and comments on a separate device. This was not only unpractical, but it also took twice the time we spend on inspections today. Thanks to the introduction of the FLIR Thermal Studio software, we were able to cut our inspection time in half.”

ADJ Fire & Security and Hikvision launch thermal imaging cameras at Recycling Lives

by ProductsThermal Imaging

ADJ Fire & Security has provided a solution to improve fire safety via Hikvision’s thermal bullet cameras for Recycling Lives.

Recycling Lives is a recycling and waste management operation, using a commercial element to support and sustain charity programmes for offender rehabilitation, residential support and food redistribution. It’s reportedly an effective approach to social aid, and one that has earned four prestigious Queens Awards and numerous admirers, including Andy Moore, Managing Director of ADJ Fire & Security Limited. ADJ works with Recycling Lives to provide technology-based solutions to minimise risk at its sites.

“The whole company’s called Recycling Lives, because that’s what it does,” Moore explains. “It gives people a second chance, people who have come out of prison or who are homeless, and they help them back into society. It’s providing help to people who really need it, by giving them jobs and if necessary rehoming them if they need somewhere to stay until they get their own place. They’re a special company, definitely. ADJ is extremely proud to be associated with a company like Recycling Lives.”

Recycling Lives has sites across the UK was founded, and is run, by second generation recyclers, time-served experts with a wealth of industry knowledge, insight and contacts. Their charity and social enterprise teams provide residential accommodation for the homeless, help to reduce reoffending and redistribute food, directly supported by recycling, recruitment, compliance and waste management businesses. As a result, they create more than just environmental and financial value from their activities: they provide significant social value too.

At the Recycling Lives site in Preston, on Longridge Road, ADJ was asked to help devise a solution which could help the Recycling Lives staff prevent and detect fires on-site during and out of office hours, explains Moore.

“These fires can happen within waste piles on site, and can end up burning inside without any notification,” he says. “They can seriously flare up when the pile is disturbed. There are batteries stored on site from depolluted cars and these can also be a serious fire hazard if ignited.”

The camera uses image processing technology, including Adaptive Automatic Gain Control, Digital Detail Enhancement, 3D Dynamic Noise Reduction, and a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference of less than < 40mk. Its powerful behaviour analysis algorithm enables automatic smart detection including Line Crossing, Intrusion, and Region Entrance & Exit, and it also provides a reliable temperature exception alarm function and advanced fire detection algorithm. Temperature measurement range is -20℃ to 550℃ with ±2℃ accuracy.

The thermal imaging module provides 384 by 288 resolution, a high sensitivity sensor, and supports contrast adjustment and shutter adjustment in various modes. There are 15 palettes of adjustable colour available, and because this is a thermal imaging camera rather than a conventional CCTV device, there’s no need for additional lighting. 19 thermometric cameras were installed initially at the Preston site, with more set to be added in future.

“Cameras are located in the high-risk areas where fires could break out such as the plant rooms and stockpiles, shredder, and depollution areas,” Moore says. “When the cameras detect an increase in temperature that signifies a potential fire risk, they automatically raise an alarm and alert the client to the issue. That allows them to take action much more quickly than relying on traditional video or other forms of fire detection – they can react immediately even to the risk of fire breaking out.”

Recycling Lives Compliance Manager Dave Gallagher says: “The prevention of fire, and early detection of any fire that may break out, is of critical importance to protecting our people, infrastructure and the local environment. Whilst our risk controls have proved effective year after year, the opportunity to invest in new technology that enhances our ability to react fast in the event of an emerging fire hazard was one that was not to be missed.”

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