FLIR One or similar thermal imaging device for detecting steam leaks?

a2shutt

I'm curious if anyone has used a thermal imaging camera like the FLIR One or similar to find tough steam leaks. Anyone use one, and if so, how did it work? I'm thinking it might be useful to find leaks that evaporate quickly, but I'm not sure.

Thinking about the FLIR One because they have it for a good price through December 7. It attaches to your smartphone and looks really slick.

Abracadabra

I've recently picked up a Seek Thermal IR camera attachment for my phone. I've been pretty happy with the results so far.

http://www.wired.com/2014/10/seek-thermal-infrared-camera-iphone-android/

a2shutt

Hmm looks interesting. Have you been able to pinpoint steam issues easier than conventional methods?

nicholas bonham-carter

These IR cameras would be useful to see how steam begins to flow in your supply pipes. If one branch is under vented then that line will be seen as heating up more slowly through the camera.
Flir makes one for the iPhone at attractive prices now.
Maybe you could have a look at your electrical panel, to see any overheating/overloading as well.--NBC

nicatniter

I've found the new Seek Thermal camera (for iPhone/Android) useful in troubleshooting and balancing my steam system. It has fast refresh giving essentially a real-time IR image (and it can even shoot video footage), so I can quickly survey all traps and risers and see when steam arrives. It also has a spot temperature readout so you can easily detect blown traps.
-Jon

a2shutt

thanks for the suggestion. I actually ordered one last week and I'm looking forward to trying it out! I'll be posting the results here: http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/153011/boiler-still-losing-lots-of-water-not-sure-what-to-do-next#latest