Infrared Window Assemblies for Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging is one of the most effective measures for high-power and high-voltage electric installations to avoid possible accidents. Infrared window assemblies are needed to be installed on the housing of the electric and industrial equipment as the viewport windows for the thermal image camera which gives the cameras a direct line of sight into energized electrical equipment without having to open cabinet doors or panels, protecting users from arc flash incidents, and reducing inspection time. IR window assemblies cater to versatile applications, such as high-voltage switchgear viewing panes, and windows for thermal cameras oriented for monitoring high-temperature metallurgic ovens.

Hangzhou Shalom EO offers standard and custom infrared inspection window assemblies with a dust-tight, IP67-rated waterproof design, made of CaF2, BaF2, and Germanium with broad transmission in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR region, allowing effective utilization of the IR radiations for thermal imaging camera inspection. Anodized aluminum metal housings are incorporated. The window assemblies are easy to install, no screw is needed.

Properties of Materials:

Fluoride crystals (CaF2 and BaF2) were most common used infrared windows materials. They are both hydroscopic, the transmission would be deteriorated for the moisture absorption, but the protective coating on the windows surface is available in Hangzhou Shalom EO to improve its moisture property. CaF2 is good transmission from 0.2-8µm, covers the UV to LWIR range, it is often used at the viewport windows in the electric power switch cabinet. BaF2 is better in transmission (0.3-12µm), it is often used in the petroleum industry applications.

Germanium and ZnSe are among the best broadband infrared transmitters available. The BBAR coated Germanium is good transmission at 1.8-23µm, which covers the MWIR 3-5µm and LWIR 7-14µm range, for the hush environment application, a kind of diamond coating is available to improve its properties. The cost is relatively high for Germanium and ZnSe crystals, they are used in the military and other high demanding applications.

For the MWIR (3-5µm) or middle-wave applications, the sapphire is a good candidate for its good transmission at 0.2-5.5µm wavelength range and the incredible durability (large hardness), the Silicon crystals is also a good alternative for the MDIR applications, it has good transmission at 1.4-6µm and it is lower in cost than the sapphire.

Resources:

Application Notes:
Installation steps:
• Step 1: Calculate and decide the position where the windows would be installed according to the view angle of the thermal imagine camera;
• Step 2: Drill a hole according to the size of the windows assemblies;
• Step 3: Install the whole windows assemblies;
• Step 4: Open the protective cover and make the testing of the inspection.

Select the suitable crystals materials for your applications:
Several factors you should take into consideration during the selection of crystals materials: Wavelength range, environment (temperature, humidity and vibration ect.) and cost. Here is the specification of the materials for your reference.