12 SIT: Steam/hot air leakage detection system (Hot inspection tool)
Leakage detection from door seals is a relevant problem for quality control of a variety of appliances which have a door, having implications on users’ safety and appliance’s efficiency.
Even though an approach for investigating these leaks when the appliance (e.g. oven, fridge, etc.) is switched-on exists, it can be useful to check the effect of these leaks with the appliance in operating conditions.
This system uses Infrared Thermography to identify the presence of leaks, given that if a leak is present it causes hot/cold air flow. To increase the sensitivity of the approach black tape/tissue can be placed on the appliance, by acting as infrared radiation enhancing device.
The method does not require any necessity to move sensors along the door perimeter, because it provides a full field information, even though it is more targeted to laboratory investigations rather than in-line inspections.