Sean
Thermal mapping, or temperature mapping, establishes the temperature distribution, or profile, within the zone being mapped.
There are different technologies for producing a thermal map. Perhaps the most recognized way of thermal mapping is through the use of thermal imaging. Thermal imaging is the process of converting infrared (IR) radiation (heat) into visible images that depict the spatial distribution of temperature differences in a scene viewed by a thermal camera.
One important context for thermal mapping is for testing a space allocated for the storage and handling of products with a specified labelled storage temperature. This includes freezer rooms, cold rooms, temperature-controlled storage areas, and receiving and loading bays. It may also include laboratories. The permitted temperature ranges in these areas will vary – for example, -25°C to -10°C, 2°C to 8°C, 15°C to 25°C, etc. In this case, the mapping is used to identify zones where remedial action needs to be taken; for example by altering existing air distribution to eliminate hot and cold spots, or by retro-fitting new air distribution equipment to reduce temperature stratification.
