What is the use of temperature-indicating devices to detect temperature changes in operating equipment called?

The use of temperature-indicating devices to detect temperature changes in operating equipment is referred to as thermography. This technique involves using infrared cameras or sensors to visualize and measure the thermal energy emitted by objects, which allows operators to detect hotspots or temperature variations that may indicate potential issues or failures within the equipment. Thermography effectively identifies areas that require maintenance, thereby enhancing safety, reliability, and efficiency in mechanical systems.

Other terms that are mentioned have distinct meanings. Thermoelectric monitoring, for instance, typically relates to the measurement of temperature using thermoelectric devices but does not encompass the broader application of visualizing temperature differences in real-time. Thermal imaging is often used interchangeably with thermography but specifically refers to the technique of creating images based on infrared radiation, which is part of thermography. Heat mapping, on the other hand, generally describes a visual representation of data related to temperature but may not utilize the specialized techniques or devices found in thermography.