Asset condition assessment streamlined.

Thermal imaging cameras to bring AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera.

Flir has announced the worldwide availability of the MentorLens® app by MentorAPM on its professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras, bringing AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera. Developed by MentorAPM, a provider of asset performance management software for critical infrastructure, the app allows maintenance and reliability teams to capture nameplate, condition and thermal imagery on a single device and send it straight to the asset record, without the file transfers and manual data entry that have long slowed condition monitoring programs.*

In industrial operations, the value of a thermal inspection is determined less by the image itself than by what happens to it afterward. Files are moved from an SD card to a laptop, thermal metadata is altered or lost along the way, and findings end up in a folder rather than in the system where maintenance work is actually planned. Running natively on the iXX-Series, the MentorLens app removes that handoff. Images upload from the camera directly to the asset record with their thermal data intact, and technicians can create new assets or update existing ones without leaving the camera. All Flir imaging and hardware controls remain available, including MSX, palette selection, lamp and laser, so the same device that captures the thermogram also captures the nameplate photo and the condition photo.

Once the images are synced, MentorLens processes them automatically. Nameplate and tag data is transcribed into standard asset attributes, visual imagery is scored for condition, and thermal imagery is measured against operating baselines taken from the asset's own nameplate data or from manufacturer manuals. Reports return observed anomalies, temperature readings and recommended actions, and because previous assessments for the same asset are carried into the analysis, degradation is tracked across inspections rather than judged one image at a time.

“Customers don't need more inspection data. They need actionable information that helps them prevent downtime and make better maintenance decisions," said John Gould, Sr. Director of Strategic Business Development, FLIR. "With MentorAPM integrated into the iXX-Series workflow, thermal findings become part of a broader asset health picture. Data is automatically evaluated against previous conditions and delivered to the teams responsible for maintenance planning, enabling earlier intervention and more effective predictive maintenance programs.”

For the wider organisation, the benefits go beyond the inspection itself. Condition and thermal results feed the MentorLens platform, where rules can automatically trigger preventive work orders and where condition history, work history and SCADA events are held against the same asset record. Reports are exported as standardised PDFs, and the underlying data can be pushed by API into an existing CMMS or EAM system, so operators are not obliged to change their system of record in order to benefit. Every AI-assisted workflow keeps a human in the loop, with a person confirming what is committed against the asset.

“For most operators the hardest part of asset management is still the most basic one, which is knowing what you own and what condition it is in,” added Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM. “Putting our app on the iXX-Series means high-quality thermal data now enters that picture at the point of capture, from the same technician and the same device. In plants where downtime is measured in millions of dollars an hour, the payback on that is very quick.”

First proven in water and wastewater utilities, the combined solution is now being adopted in manufacturing, metals, and oil and gas, where thermographic inspection has typically been outsourced to specialist contractors at considerable expense. MentorAPM reports that customers using MentorLens achieve up to 10x faster field data collection and cost savings of more than 75 percent against conventional condition assessment methods. The MentorLens app is available worldwide now for Flir iXX-Series users with a MentorAPM subscription.

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* Both companies will present the integration at the SMRP 34th Annual Conference, held 28 September to 1 October 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh (NC USA). Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM, leads an Innovation Lab session titled "From Camera to Asset Intelligence: AI Workflows for Reliability Teams" on Tuesday 29 September, 1:15 to 2:15 PM ET, in Innovation Lab #3. The session walks through practical workflows using MentorLens with Flir thermal cameras to capture equipment information, analyse visual and thermal conditions and generate structured asset intelligence automatically. John Gould of Teledyne FLIR joins the session to discuss the iXX-Series.

@flir @MentorAPM  @mepaxIntPR  #PAuto #Manufacturing

Seeing the Unseen: Thermal imaging in the tunnel.

In the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector, the ultimate metric of success is not a headline-making emergency response - it is preventing an initial anomaly from escalating into a disaster.

From preventing catastrophic fires in underground infrastructure to helping municipalities optimize complex intersections, Teledyne Flir has established itself as a deeply cemented pillar of transport safety. Following its acquisition of traffic technology pioneer Traficon, Teledyne Flir’s incident-detection technology—encompassing thermal imaging, video analytics, and advanced detection systems—is now deployed in more than 4,000 tunnels worldwide.

In a recent comprehensive interview with Zag Daily (publication for sustainable mobility and innovation), Stefaan Pinck, Vice President of Global Business Development at Teledyne Flir, outlined how advances in sensing and analytics are fundamentally changing how operators manage traffic, protect vulnerable road users, and prepare for a connected, autonomous future.

The turning point in tunnel safety.
The imperative for rapid incident detection inside tunnels was tragically underscored in the late 1990s by the Mont Blanc tunnel fire, which claimed 39 lives. This event served as a catalyst for the industry, shifting the focus of video analytics toward automatic incident detection designed to prevent secondary accidents.

“The objective is not only to detect incidents but also to prevent secondary accidents,” explains Pinck. “If an incident is detected quickly, operators can close the tunnel, activate warning signs and alert approaching drivers before they enter a dangerous situation.”

Today, while stopped vehicles, accidents, and objects on the roadway remain the most common incidents operators monitor—with pedestrians and wrong-way drivers presenting additional, critical safety concerns—fire detection remains the most vital application.

Seconds save lives.
In the harsh, enclosed environment of a tunnel, conventional cameras and traditional fire detection systems often fall short. Traditional linear heat detection can take several minutes to trigger an alarm—a delay that allows fires to grow beyond the point of effective intervention and causes severe structural damage.

Thermal imaging bypasses these limitations. By detecting heat emitted by objects rather than relying on visible light, thermal cameras operate flawlessly in total darkness, glaring light, and heavy smoke.

“Our systems can typically detect a fire within 10 to 15 seconds,” Pinck notes. Early detection grants operators the crucial window needed to warn drivers, halt incoming traffic, and deploy emergency services before conditions deteriorate.

"Success is measured by the tunnel incidents that don’t happen rather than the incidents that make headlines." 

Elevating the intersection.
Beyond subterranean environments, Teledyne Flir’s analytics are transforming above-ground traffic management. Originally utilized simply to replace inductive loops for basic vehicle presence, modern sensors now generate rich, three-dimensional tracking data.

Current systems can classify and track the real-time position, speed, and direction of pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, cars, and heavy transport. This allows traffic signal controllers to make highly contextual decisions. For instance, rather than forcing a heavy goods vehicle to stop, intelligent systems can hold a green light—improving traffic flow while simultaneously reducing the elevated emissions and fuel consumption caused by large vehicles stopping and starting.

Protecting vulnerable road users (VRUs).
When adverse conditions like poor weather, deep shadows, or inconsistent street lighting make pedestrians and cyclists invisible to both drivers and visual-light cameras, thermal imaging provides an uncompromised line of sight.

As the industry moves toward vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, infrastructure-based sensing will become the ultimate safety net. While connected vehicles will increasingly broadcast their own positions, vulnerable road users cannot be expected to carry connected devices or maintain mobile phone batteries just to ensure their own safety.

“From a public policy perspective, safety systems must protect everyone, not only those who own specific devices,” says Pinck to Zag Daily. “That is where infrastructure becomes essential. It acts as an independent source of environmental awareness.”

Purpose-built for the environment. Because transport infrastructure presents unique operational extremes, Teledyne Flir designs both its hardware and analytics in-house. Tunnel systems are ruggedized against corrosive environments, water ingress, and intensive cleaning regimens.

Conversely these traffic sensors feature a compact, ball-shaped design. Originally conceived by the founder to be visually unobtrusive and mitigate public privacy concerns by avoiding a "surveillance" look, the design yields massive operational benefits. The aerodynamic shape sheds wind during storms, keeps lenses clean via airflow, prevents snow accumulation, and even stops spiders from building webs across the lens.

Ultimately, whether deployed at a bustling intersection or deep within a mountain tunnel, the technology serves a singular purpose: proactive mitigation.

"Success is measured by the tunnel incidents that don’t happen rather than the incidents that make headlines." — Stefaan Pinck

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@flir  @mepaxIntPR @ZagDaily #Transport #Safety #PAuto

Reducing moisture mapping with accuracy and speed.

By combining advanced thermal imaging with workflows directly connected to the company’s moisture assessment platform, Onterris (formerly CTEH) has reduced moisture mapping costs by upwards of 40% while improving accuracy and speed. The iXX Series from Flir,  enables faster inspections, real-time collaboration, and more efficient data integration, transforming both field performance and client delivery.

Operating across the United States, Canada and Australia, the Onterris Resilience and Recovery Team specialises in helping return buildings to safe, functional conditions after issues such as water damage, contamination, or environmental hazards. Their teams handle a wide range of building science challenges from indoor air quality and ventilation assessments to disaster response, chemical impacts, and post-remediation verification. A key element of this work is the need to quickly understand what’s happening inside structures, often under time pressure and in complex environments. Moisture migration, hidden damage, and contamination risks must be identified early to ensure effective remediation and reduce long-term costs.

Thermal imaging and structured workflows in practice.
Thermal imaging is a key part of Onterris’ inspections, helping teams quickly spot temperature differences that reveal moisture paths, hidden leaks, and other issues not visible to the eye. It also supports airflow checks, identification of potential biological growth, and detection of chemical leaks. Combined with moisture meters, hygrometers, and iPads running the company’s proprietary Moisture Assessment Survey Tool (MAST®) along with LiDAR scanning and integrated data capture, this setup allows teams to efficiently map conditions, document findings, and deliver clear, client-ready reports that support remediation decisions.

Choosing the iXX-Series.
Before adopting the Flir iXX Series, Onterris used a mix of Flir Ex and Cx-Series cameras. The move to iXX was driven by the need for higher accuracy and field efficiency, enabling teams to reliably detect even subtle issues, work comfortably through long inspections, and efficiently cover larger or elevated areas. Key selection criteria included:

• High-resolution imaging for better anomalydetection
• Ease of use and ergonomics for long days in the field
• Open API compatibility to integrate directly with internal software
• Built-in teleconferencing capabilities for real-time expert support

The ability to connect thermal images directly with the company’s MAST® platform was particularly valuable, eliminating manual steps and reducing the risk of errors.

Faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective.
The transition to the iXX Series has delivered measurable improvements across operations:

• Average cost per square foot reduced by upwards of 40%
• Improved detection accuracy, with fewer overlooked areas
• Reduced downtime thanks to longer battery life

This translates to more efficient inspections and better outcomes for clients, without increasing operational complexity. In practice, the iXX cameras have helped Onterris identify problem areas earlier and with greater confidence, increase responder productivity in the field, simplify training and deployment, and deliver more consistent and reliable inspection results. The cost reduction alone demonstrates how improved imaging capability and seamless data integration can directly impact profitability and scalability.

Tangible benefits and looking to the future.
The expansion of the iXX across Onterris has been driven by clear, practical advantages, strengthening both operational efficiency and brand reputation and positioning the business for continued growth. These include:

• Immediate access to expert input via live communication
• Higher-quality deliverables for clients
• Reduced need for follow-up analysis after site visits

This allows teams to resolve issues faster and with greater confidence, while improving overall client satisfaction. The adoption of the iXX-Series has also delivered benefits beyond field performance, improving team morale and confidence in equipment, enabling faster turnaround times for clients, and providing stronger data quality and reporting.

Looking ahead, the biggest opportunity is deeper digital integration: automatically linking thermal images to inspection data, reducing manual work and errors, and speeding up reporting. The iXX already supports this with built-in connectivity, enabling real-time collaboration and faster decisions on-site. Future enhancements, such as automatic logging of environmental and psychrometric data with each thermal image, and consolidation of tools into a more integrated inspection ecosystem could further streamline workflows. These improvements would continue to reduce equipment load while increasing data quality and usability.

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@flir @onterris @mepaxIntPR #Moisture #PAuto #TandM

Thar she blows!

Thermal imagery provides 24/7 edge-AI and real‑time expert verification to address a leading cause of death for large whales.

WhaleSpotter is the latest collaborator in the Thermal by FLIR program, supporting efforts to prevent fatal whale strikes through AI‑powered thermal infrared detection. The WhaleSpotter solution combines Teledyne FLIR OEM’s Boson+ thermal camera module with WhaleSpotter’s proprietary AI and real‑time expert verification to address a leading cause of death for large whales.

Pic: Whalespotter

"WhaleSpotter’s solution embodies our mission to enable intelligent thermal with edge-based AI that addresses critical, global challenges," said Paul Clayton, president, Teledyne FLIR OEM. "The scalable, plug-and-play solution protects both the environment and the global supply chain."

The WhaleSpotter system leverages thermal imaging to reliably detect marine mammals in real time, day or night, and through light fog. The solution alerts crews to whales surfacing at distances of up to seven kilometers (four nautical miles), comparable as humans with binoculars during daylight. This provides ships and offshore operators more time and distance to adjust course or speed.

"WhaleSpotter was born from more than ten years of research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to solve the 'unseen whale' problem," said Dr. Daniel Zitterbart, co-founder and chief scientist of WhaleSpotter. "By pairing Teledyne FLIR OEM’s thermal imaging with our AI and global network of expert marine specialists, we deliver 99 percent efficacy. This ensures captains have the confidence to act without the 'alert fatigue' caused by false positives."

Boson+ Camera

Proven global scale. WhaleSpotter is a direct spinoff of Dr. Zitterbart’s work at WHOI, bringing laboratory-grade science to commercial fleets and offshore energy platforms worldwide. Following a decade of field testing, WhaleSpotter has achieved more than 250,000 verified detections. With nearly 100 systems active at more than 50 global sites today, the technology is in service with customers around the world, including Matson, a leading U.S. cargo carrier in the Pacific.

In an announcement from November 2025, Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO, Matson, said, “The technology is remarkable, and now refined to meet our zero-false alert requirements. Our crews are enthusiastic about this new tool and are already using it to help protect whales."

Beyond the tragic loss of life, whale strikes carry massive economic consequences. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) values a single great whale at more than two million dollars due to its role in carbon sequestration, fishery enhancement, and ecotourism. For critically endangered species like the North Atlantic Right Whale—of which only about 70 reproductively active females remain—a single strike can impact the future of the entire population.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #Whalespotter #Marine #Environment

Optimal cyclist position enhanced using thermal imaging.

One of the most advanced bike-fitting studios worldwide is tapping into the benefit of Flir thermal imaging technology to push the boundaries of sports science and biomechanics at all levels of cycling. Bikefit Van Staeyen (Antwerpen B) uses Flir-generated infrared images to visualise body heat and pressure distribution in real time, subsequently optimising rider position and bike set up. The enterprise offers professional bike fitting based on more than 20 years of experience in cycling. Founded by brothers Kevin and Michael Van Staeyen (a former professional road racing cyclist), the business has built its success on extensive expertise in sports science, biomechanics and cycling. What started as a passion for precision and performance evolved into one of the world’s most advanced bike-fitting studios.

The principal differentiator of Bikefit Van Staeyen is its dual-expert approach: every bike fit is performed by both brothers working together, merging technical analysis and professional cycling experience with medical understanding.

“This synergy allows us to identify patterns and dysfunctions far beyond what conventional systems can capture,” explains Kevin.

Real-time insight.
Central to the process is the use of advanced thermal imaging technology from Flir, which provides a real-time view into physiological asymmetries, pressure distribution, and underlying muscular imbalances.

“We use a Flir infrared camera to study a heat map of a rider pedaling to optimise body position and bike set up,” says Kevin. “By combining thermography with motion tracking, force analysis, and EMG [electromyographic] data, we can see what others can only guess: how the rider’s body reacts, compensates, and adapts under load. We’ve named our thermography application ‘Lava.flow’, a process that allows us to understand and optimise injury-prone areas, muscle activation, and pressure points in a completely new way.”

Bikefit Van Staeyen initially used a Flir E76 thermal imaging camera but has since migrated to the newer E96. The E96 is Flir’s first pistol-grip camera with 640 × 480 thermal resolution, allowing users to survey targets safely and quickly. This advanced sensor offers complete coverage of near and distant targets through a range of lens options. In addition, Flir Ignite provides the automatic uploading of E96 images directly from the camera to the cloud for easy, secure storage and sharing.

As pioneers in thermal analysis for cycling applications, Bikefit Van Staeyen works in close collaboration with Thermal Focus, a Flir Platinum Partner and stockist of the largest selection of Flir infrared cameras in the Benelux region.

Temperature in focus.
The hot spots and cold spots identified by Flir thermal cameras serve as direct indicators of how a cyclist’s body functions on the bike. An excessive temperature increase in certain areas can indicate overexertion, friction, or poor posture.

Using the Flir E96, Bikefit Van Staeyen can: detect hot spots and elevated pressure zones on the saddle, shoes, or handlebars; identify asymmetric muscle loading and unbalanced activation patterns; analyse vascular restrictions that may lead to numbness or reduced performance; and detect thermal irregularities that could indicate overload.

Bikefitter adjusting cycleheight

With this in-depth thermal analysis, the brothers are able to identify a range of issues that prompt adjustments for the optimal riding experience. For instance, asymmetric heat distribution around the kneecap points to a possible biomechanical problem, while too much heat in the ball of the foot typically means incorrect positioning of the cleat position. Similarly, increased temperature in the lower back could be the result of a compensatory mechanism or incorrect saddle adjustment.

"While traditional bike fits are often based on observation and feel, we use objective, data-driven measurements from the Flir thermal camera,” reveals Kevin. “Our Lava.flow process gives us unique, real-time insight into how a rider’s body responds while cycling. By way of example, we recently helped a cyclist experiencing unexplained knee pain during rides. Using our Flir infrared imaging technology, we observed excessive heat accumulation in the tibia [tibialis anterior muscle]. Thanks to the Flir imaging of this increased heat and our leg length software, we discovered that this leg was structurally shorter and that the rider had to pull the pedal excessively upward when cycling, resulting in knee pain.”

All levels of cyclist.
Cyclists turning to Bikefit Van Staeyen for assistance range from dedicated amateurs to World Tour professionals. They trust the company for the same reason: attention to detail. From saddle pressure to neural load; from crank dynamics to thermal asymmetry - no variable is left unexplored. The company is also pioneering the bike-fit domain at university level, a first in Europe, by collaborating with the University of Antwerp to integrate data-driven approaches.

“We want to serve as the fundamental partner and reference point for thermal camera technology within the sport of cycling,” concludes Kevin. “Our ambition is to help shape the future of performance diagnostics, not just for our own athletes, but as a knowledge and technology hub for teams and riders worldwide. With our expertise and experience we can demonstrate the immense potential of thermography in biomechanical and performance analysis.”

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@Van_Staeyen_M @flir @mepaxIntPR  #BikeFit #Sport

Quality assurance inspection.

Imaging built for automation, not adapted to it..

The Flir A6450 Long-Life Cooled MWIR Camera Seriesa is a new thermal imaging solution purpose-built for continuous industrial automation, process control, and non-destructive testing applications. Designed to overcome long-standing barriers to deploying cooled thermal cameras in production environments, the A6450 combines industry-leading long-life cooling, high-speed MWIR performance, and automation-ready integration enabling manufacturers and system integrators to deploy high-performance thermal imaging in true 24/7 operations.

“Historically, the timing and cost of maintaining cooled thermal cameras limited their use in production line applications,” said Matthew Hasty, Global Vertical Director Automation for Flir. “With the A6450, we’ve fundamentally changed that equation delivering long-life cooled MWIR performance that manufacturers can confidently deploy across continuous production processes.”

At the core of the A6450 is a revolutionary, HOT MWIR detector paired with an industry-leading linear cooler, delivering up to 27,000 hours of operational life. This extended lifespan dramatically reduces the need for annual maintenance, enabling manufacturers to shift from short service intervals to multi-year operational planning. By reducing downtime, service costs, and operational risk, the A6450 transforms cooled MWIR cameras from specialized inspection tools into reliable, long-term automation assets.

The A6450 is designed for applications where timing is critical. With a 125 Hz frame rate, the camera accurately captures fast thermal events and subtle temperature variations on moving products capabilities essential for non-destructive testing, process monitoring, and inline quality assurance.

High thermal sensitivity allows users to detect early-stage defects, material inconsistencies, or process deviations before they propagate downstream, helping reduce scrap, rework, and unplanned downtime.

Built on proven industry-recognized Flir A6700-Series electronics, the A6450 supports GigE Vision®, GenICam®, and other industry-standard protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing automation systems. Customer-driven interfaces, commands, and triggers, allow system integrators to deploy the camera quickly without custom development.

For pre-deployment testing and validation, the A6450 offers plug-and-play compatibility with Flir Research Studio, enabling users to test, tune, and validate inspection setups before full system integration.

To support diverse manufacturing environments, the A6450 offers a flexible, high-performance optics portfolio and extensive calibration options. Users can store hundreds of calibration profiles directly on the camera, making it easy to support multiple products, materials, and inspection scenarios especially in facilities with frequent changeovers. This flexibility allows one camera platform to support a wide range of applications across production lines, which reduces hardware complexity and increases deployment efficiency.

The A6450 supports automation strategies that improve product quality, reduce manual inspection labor, and minimize risk. Continuous thermal monitoring helps identify seal defects, material deformities, and other critical quality issues by revealing subtle temperature variations that indicate incomplete bonding, uneven curing, or process instability. By detecting overheating, process drift, or equipment stress early, manufacturers can intervene sooner helping prevent defects from escalating downstream and delivering safer operations with more consistent quality outcomes.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR  #PAuto #TandM

Glass Furnace heat-up.

A new application note from LAND® demonstrates how thermal imaging manages the heat-up process in glass furnaces to achieve the optimum temperature while ensuring long-term performance and maintenance are achieved. Efficient and controlled heat-up in glass furnaces is critical to ensuring the longevity of the furnace and maintaining structural integrity while enhancing operational safety.

Philippe Kerbois, Global Industry Manager LAND said: “Our thermal imagers ensure you stay in control during the heat-up process, as well as the post-heat-up process, safeguarding the furnace and optimising the production for a more stable and fast production with higher quality glass”.

This application note highlights the complete process of achieving full-spectrum furnace monitoring through the use of thermal imaging cameras such as LAND’s NIR-b-2K-Glass and the MWIR-b-640, which work together to provide full-spectrum thermal coverage, from early ramp-up to steady-state operation.

There are numerous benefits to using thermal imaging cameras, including detecting wear or damage to refractories during charging, such as hot spots or cracks, which allows for planned maintenance and reduces the risk of unplanned shutdowns, which can be costly. Improved energy efficiency through optimal heat management, along with the prevention of crown overheating and structural damage, can also be achieved.

Designed for lower temperatures, the MWIR-b-640 is ideal for monitoring the efficiency of the furnace heat-up phase. At the same time, the NIR-b-2K-Glass measures the temperature of both the melting glass and the furnace structure at 1000+ °C temperatures and optimises charging to avoid piles that are difficult to melt.

The NIR-b-2K-Glass helps to achieve efficient heat transfer to the batch while avoiding overheating or skewed temperature profiles. The camera observes the flame and temperature profile, which allows the operator to fine-tune the flame length and direction and balance burner power levels. This results in even melting across the batch while protecting the refractory lining from localised overheating.

This system offers flexibility for operators, deploying a NIR-b-2K-Glass camera allows for seamless switching from the MWIR-b-640 camera, as both systems share identical mechanical assemblies. This offers comprehensive monitoring beyond heat-up, improving product quality, and reducing potential downtime. Operators can alternate between the two types of cameras as needed, without requiring significant modifications or additional training.

By using thermal imaging cameras from LAND®, glass manufacturers can maintain full visibility and control during heat-up in the furnace, which can lead to faster revenue generation, reduced disruptions, and a more efficient production ramp-up.

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@landinst @codacomms #PAuto

Fast-Tracking asset monitoring.

Testing company slashes reporting times from 12 hours to five minutes with a connected, cloud-first workflow.

Combining Flir’s new i65 thermal imaging camera with the Condoit electrical data platform, Blackmon Power has overhauled its asset monitoring and reporting process – cutting turnaround times from 8-12 hours to less than five minutes. The result: faster workflows, fewer errors, and smarter decision-making for customers.

Modernising a Manual Workflow.
Until recently, Blackmon Power’s technicians followed the same time-consuming process familiar to many in the industry: capture thermal images, store them on SD cards, transfer the data to spreadsheets back at the office, and manually generate reports.

“The biggest time constraint was always back-end reporting,” recalls Tyler Grant, Project Manager at Blackmon Power. “We knew that a more advanced thermal camera and data app could save time and money – for both us and our customers.”

A small 10-15 component inspection typically took two hours to report. Larger jobs could demand an entire workday. For some projects, reporting alone consumed up to 30% of total job time, cutting into margins and slowing response times.

The solution came in the form of Flir’s i65, a next-generation thermal camera from the iXX-Series, and Condoit, a cloud-based electrical data platform. The i65 pairs infrared imaging with smartphone-like functionality, while Condoit offers automatic single-line diagram generation, NFPA 70B-aligned maintenance workflows, and a customer visibility portal. Together, they enable real-time data capture, instant cloud sync, and automated reporting – a far cry from spreadsheets and manual uploads.

Proving Ground: Kings Mountain Data Center.
Blackmon Power put the new workflow to the test at the Kings Mountain Data Center Campus for T5 Data Centers, a flagship 60 MW facility billed as Carolina’s only “FOREVER ON” data center. The Phase I delivery of the new project is scheduled for 2026.

Technicians scanned electrical distribution assets using the i65, identifying temperature anomalies that could signal loose connections or faulty equipment. Each scan took just 15-20 seconds, with data uploaded automatically to the cloud.

Previously, reporting might take half a technician’s time. Now, with the Flir–Condoit platform, that figure drops close to zero. “Using the i65 and Condoit app is a total gamechanger,” Tyler says. “I've been doing this job for over a decade, and it’s never been this easy. Reporting has moved from the office to the field. What used to take us 12 hours now takes five minutes.”

The Condoit integration connects wirelessly with most Flir cameras, doubling the speed of traditional thermography workflows. There’s no manual image sorting or software juggling; everything syncs instantly to the cloud.

Field teams and office engineers can collaborate in real time, while customers gain secure access to their data through Condoit’s online portal. For clients like T5, which manage multiple facilities, this centralised visibility makes it easier to track electrical system health across entire property portfolios.

Bridging the Skills Gap.

With nearly 60% of inspection teams reporting a shortage of skilled thermographers, the platform’s guided workflows help less experienced technicians perform expert-level inspections. Blackmon Power can now also collect baseline data for all components without passing on extra costs to customers. “Before, collecting non-problematic data was too expensive for most clients,” Tyler explains. “Now, it’s simple and fast. And because field technicians can input data in real time, errors have dropped dramatically.”

For Blackmon Power, the impact goes beyond speed. The integrated platform improves data accuracy, enhances transparency through customer portals, and sets a new standard for reporting quality. “The Flir i65/Condoit platform puts our team light years ahead of the competition,” Tyler concludes. “It’s cleaner, faster, and better for our customers, with great reporting on the back end. What’s more, with the i65 we don’t need a separate smartphone or digital camera. This is going to change our business for years to come.”

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Maintenance #USA

Overcoming inherent Battery Energy Storage risks.

Early detection isn’t just a bright idea it’s the only way to keep the power on.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are revolutionising the way our world is powered, acting as the source that keeps renewable energy flowing even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. As the backbone of modern energy infrastructure, BESS plays a crucial role in balancing supply and demand. However, with the increasing adoption of large-scale battery storage comes the responsibility for manufacturers, site managers and regulators to manage its risks effectively.

The High-Voltage Threat: Thermal runaway in battery storage.
Thermal runaway is the equivalent of a system overload. It’s a dangerous chain reaction in which an overheated battery cell loses its stability and begins to ignite its neighbors, setting off a firestorm that’s incredibly difficult to contain. It's of particular concern when dealing with lithium-ion batteries used in products such as electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid-scale storage.

Much like an electrical surge that fries a circuit, thermal runaway rapidly escalates, putting lives, infrastructure, and energy security at risk.

Several factors can cause this dangerous phenomenon to ignite, including:

• Overcharging or overdischarging: Pushing a battery beyond its limits can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to system failure.
• Physical damage or manufacturing defects: Cracks, punctures, or design flaws can create weak links in the chain, making failures more likely.
• Environmental conditions: Exposure to high temperatures or external heat sources can turn a stable BESS into a ticking time bomb.

The fallout from a BESS fire can be severe, resulting in massive financial losses, grid instability, and environmental harm. And when you consider that these storage units are often installed near other high-energy infrastructure, the potential for disaster multiplies.

With the adoption of BESS units ramping up across the globe, soaring by more than 50% in 2024* alone, the potential risks must be managed in a way that safeguards workers, critical assets, communities, and the environment.

Stop the spark before it starts
The best way to prevent thermal runaway is to detect heat anomalies before they escalate. But without the right monitoring tools in place, operators are left in the dark, often unaware of hidden dangers until it’s too late.

That’s where thermal imaging technology plays a pivotal role. By offering continuous, real-time temperature surveillance, advanced thermal imaging can alert personnel to dangerous situations as they being to develop, so that no hot spot beyond specifications goes unnoticed. Like a circuit breaker that prevents an electrical overload, thermal monitoring acts as a failsafe, allowing site managers to catch and address overheating batteries before they ignite.

What makes a strong thermal monitoring system?
To truly keep BESS operations running smoothly without the risk of meltdown, thermal monitoring systems must offer:

• High-resolution imaging: The ability to detect even the slightest temperature variations across battery stacks, ensuring no heat anomaly slips through the cracks
• Wide field of view: Comprehensive coverage that leaves no blind spots, just as a well-designed electrical grid leaves no home without power
• Advanced analytics: Smart detection technology that filters out false alarms caused by reflections, weather, or routine human activity
• 24/7 real-time monitoring: A non-stop watchdog that never sleeps, ensuring site managers stay wired into potential risks at all hours.

With 640 × 480 thermal resolution, FSX® (Flexible Scene Enhancement) technology, on-the-edge analytics, and offered fields of view up to 80°, FLIR’s industry-leading A500f/A700f Advanced Smart Sensor camera is key to ensuring site owners' valuable peace of mind.

Powering a safer future.
BESS technology is charging ahead, and with it, the responsibility to keep energy storage systems safe and stable. If left unmonitored, thermal runaway could pull the plug on renewable energy progress, jeopardising the benefits of grid resilience, sustainability, and energy security.

By integrating cutting-edge thermal imaging into BESS infrastructure, operators can stay ahead of the curve, preventing small temperature fluctuations from sparking massive disasters. Because in the high-stakes world of energy storage, early detection isn’t just a bright idea it’s the only way to keep the power on.

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See also: Supercharging Global infrastructure! (May 2025)

@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #TandM