The Spicy Side of Infrared Training

The first time I tried the Shrimp Cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, let’s just say I wasn’t smiling, at least not initially.  That’s not to say it’s a terrible appetizer.  It’s actually quite good…just very hot! (although this thermal image says otherwise). 

The cocktail sauce contains so much horseradish that it is barely even red, more like a light pink, but that can be difficult to discern in the low light of the restaurant (which I think they do on purpose to help hide the sauce’s true power, but I can’t prove it!). 

At the time it was my first St. Elmo experience and I didn’t know then that the restaurant is famous for it…and the heat it brings when an amateur patron scoops up too much of it for their first bite.  The upside, any sinus issues I might have been experiencing at the time were immediately cured. 

This time I was prepared, and while in town last week for a Level I thermography course, I had to stop by and try it again.  Dinner at St. Elmo is a must for anyone who travels to Indianapolis looking for a great meal and a relaxing evening, especially after a full day of infrared training.  I look forward to returning.

Using IR to Locate Water Damage from Plumbing Leaks

Not a thermal pattern one wants to see on the ceiling of their first floor bathroom, especially when there’s a second floor vanity located right above it.

It’s a confirmed moisture problem that I discovered over the weekend which may be related to the drain pipe failing.  The upside: a nice little case study on IR & moisture that I can use for the blog! 

Stay tuned, I’m calling the plumber. 

An ITC Hot Spot: Focus (Video)

In a previous ITC Hot Spot we discussed the impact that Thermal Capacitance has on thermographers.  Now, this first video in a series of segments that we’re producing on image quality, we address focus and how it can negatively affect our ability to discern important thermal details and measure accurate temperatures if not adjusted properly:

The Old Lady and the Shrew

Free White Paper – Click Here to Download

Thermal imaging is a valuable tool for the restoration contractor, allowing them to locate problems and possibly avoid destructive remediation work. The ability to detect and pinpoint damage quickly can also help minimize the scope of work required, saving the client both time and money.

This complimentary paper, originally presented at InfraMation 2008, explains one such use of the technology by a restoration contractor that also includes a special encounter with a certain “resident” of a house that you’ll enjoy reading about.

Over the next several months we’ll be offering a number of additional free InfraMation-related resources for thermographers as ITC gets ready for the 2015 InfraMation conference in Nashville, Tennessee May 11-14. Look for conference papers such as this one, live webcasts of past conference presentations and special registration offers!

To learn more about InfraMation 2015 (and possibly submit a paper presentation of your own for consideration), please visit www.inframation.org