Electrical Maintenance Safety Devices, such as Infrared Inspection (IR) Windows, allow for real time, infrared data to be collected on energized electrical assets in a closed and guarded condition. The team’s research on IR Windows reveals that there are many materials used in manufacturing the infrared lenses of an IR window.
There are numerous types of infrared lenses materials that can be used in IR Windows. The choice of infrared lenses material is driven by the application, environmental factors, light wavelength to be measured and cost. The infrared lenses material should:
1. Withstand all mechanical impact and load test requirements
2. Have a fixed and stable transmission rate for the life of the unit
3. Transmit in the infrared wavelengths as a minimum as well as visual and ultraviolet wavelengths if desired
4. Transmit infrared radiation in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared ranges (3 – 12 microns) to coincide with most IR cameras
5. Withstand prolonged exposure to vibration without cracking or degrading
6. Withstand prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without degrading
7. Not absorb moisture (non-hygroscopic)
8. Be of an IP2X fail safe design (touch proof with less than ½“ aperture size even with the infrared lenses compromised)
9. Be able to withstand temperatures up to 250°C (482°F)
10. Be resistant to light acids, alkalis and water
11. Be made of materials that are non-carcinogenic and non-toxic and must not contain arsenic, barium, bromine, cadmium, chlorine, gallium, germanium, iodine, lead, lithium, mercury, selenium, sulfur, thallium or zinc
12. Be able to work with all makes and models of IR cameras
The most common materials used in IR windows are Calcium fluoride, Sapphire, IR Polymer, Germanium, Zinc Selenide and Barium Fluoride. Historically, Calcium Fluoride and Barium Fluoride were the most commonly used infrared window optic materials. However, since Barium Fluoride (in powder form) was classified as a possible carcinogen and known muscle toxin, Calcium Fluoride has been used more frequently.
This article comes from iriss edit released