Energy Balance Thermography
Quantifying thermal energy losses in furnaces, boilers, steam lines and high-temperature systems using ISO-aligned engineering methods.
Energy Balance & Thermal Loss Assessment
Energy balance thermography quantifies heat losses from furnaces, boilers, refractory structures, steam lines, hot vessels and thermal equipment. Temperature distribution is measured and converted into actual energy-loss values (kW), enabling cost-impact calculations and ROI modelling for insulation repair.
Engineering Equations Used
All calculations follow recognised heat-transfer theory and ISO 18434-1 methodologies.
1. Stefan–Boltzmann Radiation
Qᵣ = ε × σ × A × (Tₛ⁴ − Tₐ⁴)
σ = 5.670×10⁻⁸ W/m²·K⁴
2. Convection Heat Loss
Q꜀ = h × A × (Tₛ − Tₐ)
h = convective coefficient (forced or natural)
3. Conduction Through Lagging / Refractory
Qₖ = (k × A × ΔT) / d
k = thermal conductivity
d = insulation thickness
Worked Example: Furnace Surface Heat Loss
The following illustrates a typical real-world calculation:
Surface temperature (Tₛ): 165°C
Ambient temperature (Tₐ): 25°C
Area (A): 2.4 m²
Emissivity (ε): 0.92 (painted steel)
Calculated radiation: 1.45 kW
Calculated convection: 0.68 kW
Total estimated loss: 2.13 kW
Energy cost impact:
≈ R 4,600 – R 6,000 per month (continuous operation)
These values allow clients to quantify energy waste, justify insulation projects, and benchmark furnace performance over time. This forms part of ISO 50001 energy-management workflows.