Thermal imaging has been used by the military to detect and identify enemy personnel, equipment, and buildings for years. Helicopters, fighter jets and even some missiles use thermal imaging for targeting and reconnaissance. Law enforcement agencies also use this technology for everything from tracking criminals at night to rescuing citizens and pets.
In the building industry, thermal imaging has been used to find problems with building materials, such as hidden water leaks, HVAC leaks, missing insulation, and faulty electrical and mechanical systems. For example, thermal imaging can help you locate loose fuse connections and overheated breaker boxes, or determine if there is energy loss due to poor insulation, bad weather stripping around entryways or refrigeration units.
The IAQ industry has been using thermal imaging over the past 5 years for "vision" during environmental investigations. Now you can examine roofs, floors, and walls for moisture intrusion. This technology does not use x-ray capabilities. Instead, it uses the differences in surface temperature to pinpoint problems and presents the results in a colorimetric scale on screen. Infrared cameras cannot detect mold. However, it can detect the temperature differences of moisture often associated with mold growth and condensation problems. You need to use a moisture meter to confirm that the temperature difference is indeed moisture.
Infrared cameras can also be an asset to remediation and restoration contractors. If walls are not dried completely, microbial problems can continue to occur. The infrared camera can help you determine if a wall has dried properly after remediation, saving you time and money by avoiding revisits.
Some thermal imaging cameras come with features such as viewing picture-in-picture, saving jpeg images, and downloading capabilities. Thermal imaging cameras are quickly becoming a common tool to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of IAQ investigations and home inspections.
EMLab P&K offers thermal imaging cameras from two quality manufacturers Fluke and Flir/Extech. If you have questions about thermal imaging cameras, contact EMLab P&K Products. We are happy to assist you.
Best Regards,
EMLab P&K Products
To learn more about thermal imaging cameras or other environmental testing products and analytical services, please contact EMLab P&K Products by phone at (888) 836-5227 or by email at products@emlabpk.com.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Should Borescopes Be A Part of Your Investigation?
Technology sure is a wonderful thing. It can improve our lifestyles and everyday life. It can also take portions of our job and make it easier therefore improving productivity and efficiency. The borescope is an item that technology has impacted recently making it an affordable instrument for any IAQ Professional to use in any of their inspections.
What is a Borescope?
A borescope is an optical device that has a flexible or rigid shaft with an objective lens at one end. The lens is connected by a relay system to an eyepiece or a video screen. Only recently have borescopes had adjustable LED lighting and the ability to record images or video on an internal memory or flash card. Some borescopes even have extensions that can be added to the shaft to access those really hard-to-reach areas.
Who uses a Borescope?
Professionals are using borescopes for a wide variety of jobs such as inspecting wall cavities for moisture, insect infestation, electrical wiring and water pipe location. Other applications include inspecting ducts and obscured areas behind motors and compressors; automotive access around tight engine bays; safety and security inspections, welding inspections, and industrial machinery inspections.
Why Use a Borescope?
Technology has recently made this instrument easy to use and very affordable. A borescope can help you easily get to those hard-to-reach areas during an inspection therefore potentially reducing the amount of time during inspection which may save you money. They can also be used in conjunction with an Inner Wall Sampling device to inspect inside a wall cavity if there is suspicion of microbial contamination.
EMLab P&K offers a wide variety of borescopes. From the traditional eyepiece borescope such as the Flexible Fiber Scope to video borescopes such as the Testo Video Pro Inspection Scope and the Extech™ Wireless Video Borescopes. Choosing the correct borescope may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type and a variety of prices. www.emlab.com/store has a full selection of borescopes as well as other useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
To learn more about borescopes and other environmental testing products, or analytical services please contact EMLab P&K Products Division at (888)836-5227 or visit our website at www.emlab.com or email products@emlabpk.com.
Limited Time Special Offer!
Purchase an Extech™ Wireless Video Borescope from EMLab P&K and receive a FREE Extension Cable! A $50 value! Hurry, this offer is valid until December 31, 2010
What is a Borescope?
A borescope is an optical device that has a flexible or rigid shaft with an objective lens at one end. The lens is connected by a relay system to an eyepiece or a video screen. Only recently have borescopes had adjustable LED lighting and the ability to record images or video on an internal memory or flash card. Some borescopes even have extensions that can be added to the shaft to access those really hard-to-reach areas.
Who uses a Borescope?
Professionals are using borescopes for a wide variety of jobs such as inspecting wall cavities for moisture, insect infestation, electrical wiring and water pipe location. Other applications include inspecting ducts and obscured areas behind motors and compressors; automotive access around tight engine bays; safety and security inspections, welding inspections, and industrial machinery inspections.
Why Use a Borescope?
Technology has recently made this instrument easy to use and very affordable. A borescope can help you easily get to those hard-to-reach areas during an inspection therefore potentially reducing the amount of time during inspection which may save you money. They can also be used in conjunction with an Inner Wall Sampling device to inspect inside a wall cavity if there is suspicion of microbial contamination.
EMLab P&K offers a wide variety of borescopes. From the traditional eyepiece borescope such as the Flexible Fiber Scope to video borescopes such as the Testo Video Pro Inspection Scope and the Extech™ Wireless Video Borescopes. Choosing the correct borescope may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type and a variety of prices. www.emlab.com/store has a full selection of borescopes as well as other useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
To learn more about borescopes and other environmental testing products, or analytical services please contact EMLab P&K Products Division at (888)836-5227 or visit our website at www.emlab.com or email products@emlabpk.com.
Limited Time Special Offer!
Purchase an Extech™ Wireless Video Borescope from EMLab P&K and receive a FREE Extension Cable! A $50 value! Hurry, this offer is valid until December 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Complete Guide to Moisture Meters
Moisture meters have been used by many different types of home and building professionals for a number of years. While the technology of moisture meters has changed significantly over the past few years, the reason for using them has not.
Why Use a Moisture Meter?
Moisture is a highly important factor which affects the integrity of homes and buildings and using a moisture meter can allow an inspector to locate the moisture source and determine the amount of moisture present. Some of the surfaces that can be measured with a moisture meter include wood, drywall, plaster, block, brick, siding and roofing materials. Having an increased amount of moisture in these materials can possibly lead to safety issues such as decay, mold and a decrease of structural integrity.
Moisture meters can also be used to see if building materials are dry enough to be utilized in construction. During construction even concrete slabs are measured for moisture content by testing relative humidity before the flooring is laid down.
Different Types of Moisture Meters
There are two different types of moisture meters that a professional can choose from and the selection between the two depends on the material being tested and the parameters of the inspection.
The Pin Type (invasive) moisture meter uses electrical conductance principles to measure the moisture level of the material between two electrodes. One advantage of pin type meters is the ability to penetrate deep into the material of the surface you are testing, resulting in a more accurate reading. This can all depend on the type of materials being tested as well. One downfall of pin type moister meter is it can leave small holes in some materials such as wood, drywall and plaster.
The Pin-Less Type (non-invasive) moisture meters use a radio frequency transceiver to give relative readings within the material. This moisture meter works much like a stud finder and although it is less invasive than its counterpart, some pin-less type moisture meters can give false positive readings. The false positive readings are due to the presence and reflective properties of steel studs behind a wall cavity, as well as false readings of moisture below the surface of the material if surface moisture is present.
There are some moisture meters that offer both Pin and Pin-Less measurement modes. These units can switch between the different modes and can add both flexibility and accuracy during an inspection. Choosing the correct meter may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of moisture meter with a wide variety of prices. EMLabPK.com has a full selection of moisture meters including useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
For any additional questions about moisture meters or other indoor air quality testing products or supplies please feel free to contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Why Use a Moisture Meter?
Moisture is a highly important factor which affects the integrity of homes and buildings and using a moisture meter can allow an inspector to locate the moisture source and determine the amount of moisture present. Some of the surfaces that can be measured with a moisture meter include wood, drywall, plaster, block, brick, siding and roofing materials. Having an increased amount of moisture in these materials can possibly lead to safety issues such as decay, mold and a decrease of structural integrity.
Moisture meters can also be used to see if building materials are dry enough to be utilized in construction. During construction even concrete slabs are measured for moisture content by testing relative humidity before the flooring is laid down.
Different Types of Moisture Meters
There are two different types of moisture meters that a professional can choose from and the selection between the two depends on the material being tested and the parameters of the inspection.
The Pin Type (invasive) moisture meter uses electrical conductance principles to measure the moisture level of the material between two electrodes. One advantage of pin type meters is the ability to penetrate deep into the material of the surface you are testing, resulting in a more accurate reading. This can all depend on the type of materials being tested as well. One downfall of pin type moister meter is it can leave small holes in some materials such as wood, drywall and plaster.
The Pin-Less Type (non-invasive) moisture meters use a radio frequency transceiver to give relative readings within the material. This moisture meter works much like a stud finder and although it is less invasive than its counterpart, some pin-less type moisture meters can give false positive readings. The false positive readings are due to the presence and reflective properties of steel studs behind a wall cavity, as well as false readings of moisture below the surface of the material if surface moisture is present.
There are some moisture meters that offer both Pin and Pin-Less measurement modes. These units can switch between the different modes and can add both flexibility and accuracy during an inspection. Choosing the correct meter may require some research since there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of moisture meter with a wide variety of prices. EMLabPK.com has a full selection of moisture meters including useful information such as users’ manuals, high resolution images, specifications and videos.
For any additional questions about moisture meters or other indoor air quality testing products or supplies please feel free to contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Friday, June 18, 2010
EMLab P&K Performs Bacterial Analysis for Rachael Ray Show, Testing Old Makeup and Beauty Products
EMLab P&K recently provided bacterial analysis and microbial consulting for the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show.
San Bruno, CA, June 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Recently the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show contacted EMLab P&K for bacterial analysis. The show wanted to prove that old makeup and beauty supplies harbor bacteria and could be potentially harmful to the user.
EMLab P&K provided microbiology analysis and microbial consulting for the Rachael Ray Show. EMLab P&K tested several beauty products and ran state-of-the-art bacterial speciation tests along with E.coli, fecal and total coliform tests for each sample. The results of the bacteria tests can be viewed in the segment "Is Your Makeup Making You Sick?" on Rachael Ray's website at:
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/hidden-germs-your-beauty-products/
The Rachael Ray Show relied heavily upon EMLab P&K's expertise and timely bacterial analysis. EMLab P&K demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in assisting clients with special projects that are not common. With superior service and state-of-the-art Microbial Identification System (MIDI), EMLab P&K was able to accommodate all the needs of the Rachael Ray Show in a timely manner.
"The Rachael Ray Show put their trust in EMLab P&K for our excellent client service and for our high quality, accurate bacterial analysis," said Phil Robertson, Regional Account Manager at EMLab P&K. "We are glad to support a show of this credibility and magnitude."
EMLab P&K supports a diversified client base including IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, environmental specialists, mold remediation contractors, HVAC contractors, hospitals, medical professionals, building owners, commercial property managers, home inspectors, engineering and construction firms, and insurance, real estate and legal professionals. Clients also include government and university researchers as well as federal, state, and local government health departments throughout the United States.
About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs.
San Bruno, CA, June 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Recently the Emmy Award-winning Rachael Ray Show contacted EMLab P&K for bacterial analysis. The show wanted to prove that old makeup and beauty supplies harbor bacteria and could be potentially harmful to the user.
EMLab P&K provided microbiology analysis and microbial consulting for the Rachael Ray Show. EMLab P&K tested several beauty products and ran state-of-the-art bacterial speciation tests along with E.coli, fecal and total coliform tests for each sample. The results of the bacteria tests can be viewed in the segment "Is Your Makeup Making You Sick?" on Rachael Ray's website at:
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/hidden-germs-your-beauty-products/
The Rachael Ray Show relied heavily upon EMLab P&K's expertise and timely bacterial analysis. EMLab P&K demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in assisting clients with special projects that are not common. With superior service and state-of-the-art Microbial Identification System (MIDI), EMLab P&K was able to accommodate all the needs of the Rachael Ray Show in a timely manner.
"The Rachael Ray Show put their trust in EMLab P&K for our excellent client service and for our high quality, accurate bacterial analysis," said Phil Robertson, Regional Account Manager at EMLab P&K. "We are glad to support a show of this credibility and magnitude."
EMLab P&K supports a diversified client base including IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, environmental specialists, mold remediation contractors, HVAC contractors, hospitals, medical professionals, building owners, commercial property managers, home inspectors, engineering and construction firms, and insurance, real estate and legal professionals. Clients also include government and university researchers as well as federal, state, and local government health departments throughout the United States.
About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Air-O-Cell Contest Winners
EMLab P&K is happy to announce the winners of our Air-O-Cell contest!
The winner of 25 Air-O-Cells from MoldReport is Krista D. of Superior Mold Testing. The winner of 50 Air-O-Cells from EMLab P&K is Christine S. of Hardware Creations.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Look for other contests and promotions coming soon from E-Blasts, Facebook and Twitter!
The winner of 25 Air-O-Cells from MoldReport is Krista D. of Superior Mold Testing. The winner of 50 Air-O-Cells from EMLab P&K is Christine S. of Hardware Creations.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Look for other contests and promotions coming soon from E-Blasts, Facebook and Twitter!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Protecting Your Equipment Investment – Proper Maintenance is the Key
Preventive maintenance of sampling and investigating equipment should be performed at regular intervals to ensure sample integrity, sample volumes, and pump flow rates. Indoor Air Quality equipment such as the Rotary Vane high volume pump, the A6® single stage impaction sampler, the WallChek™ adapter, as well many other types of equipment, need to be cleaned of contamination and sample debris on a regular basis.
Proper maintenance of high volume pumps is important to sustain consistent sample collection. To make certain the pump is operating at manufacturer’s specifications and to ensure data comparability, ACGIH recommends calibrating pumps before and after sample collection with variances not to exceed 5 to 10%. Calibration should be performed against a primary standard that can be traced to an NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standard. These may include using a bubble meter while manually recording flow rates or using a more sophisticated electronic device such as the Dry Cal® DC-Lite Calibrator and Bios Defender™.
The exhaust of the Rotary Vane high volume pump requires cleaning due to debris or carbon dust build up in the exhaust filter. The exhaust filter, located behind the flow meter on the head of the pump, should be replaced if it appears to be obstructed. Older models of the Rotary Vane pump may have a glass jar with a filter inside, while newer models have a copper cone or silencer. Once the filter has been removed, run the pump outdoors to clear any debris or carbon dust that may have accumulated inside the head of the pump. Replace any necessary parts that appear worn or damaged and connect the new filter.
Maintenance of the A6® single stage impaction sampler is necessary to ensure sample integrity. The A6® consists of 3 stages, the cone, the jet classification stage, and the base. Each of these stages has the potential for debris collection, which can affect sample integrity. All 400 of the holes on the jet classification stage must be clear of any sample debris before sampling. An alcohol wipe, ultrasonic cleaner, or canned air may be used to clear the holes. To ensure a proper seal during sampling, make sure the o-rings are in good condition. Replacing worn out and damaged o-rings and springs is an inexpensive way to ensure proper sample collection.
The WallChek™ adapter can become contaminated over time due to highly concentrated samples, debris, and/or gypsum dust build up. To minimize interferences and cross contamination, the adapter should be cleaned between every sample. To clean the WallChek™ adapter, rinse the body and attached tubing with isopropyl alcohol or water and sling dry. The adapter may also be wiped clean inside with an alcohol wipe.
Replacement filters and basic maintenance are available from EMLab P&K Products.
For a limited time, EMLab P&K Products will completely clean and replace any parts necessary on the A6® Single Stage Impaction Sampler. For more information on IAQ Sampling Equipment and maintenance, please contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Proper maintenance of high volume pumps is important to sustain consistent sample collection. To make certain the pump is operating at manufacturer’s specifications and to ensure data comparability, ACGIH recommends calibrating pumps before and after sample collection with variances not to exceed 5 to 10%. Calibration should be performed against a primary standard that can be traced to an NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standard. These may include using a bubble meter while manually recording flow rates or using a more sophisticated electronic device such as the Dry Cal® DC-Lite Calibrator and Bios Defender™.
The exhaust of the Rotary Vane high volume pump requires cleaning due to debris or carbon dust build up in the exhaust filter. The exhaust filter, located behind the flow meter on the head of the pump, should be replaced if it appears to be obstructed. Older models of the Rotary Vane pump may have a glass jar with a filter inside, while newer models have a copper cone or silencer. Once the filter has been removed, run the pump outdoors to clear any debris or carbon dust that may have accumulated inside the head of the pump. Replace any necessary parts that appear worn or damaged and connect the new filter.
Maintenance of the A6® single stage impaction sampler is necessary to ensure sample integrity. The A6® consists of 3 stages, the cone, the jet classification stage, and the base. Each of these stages has the potential for debris collection, which can affect sample integrity. All 400 of the holes on the jet classification stage must be clear of any sample debris before sampling. An alcohol wipe, ultrasonic cleaner, or canned air may be used to clear the holes. To ensure a proper seal during sampling, make sure the o-rings are in good condition. Replacing worn out and damaged o-rings and springs is an inexpensive way to ensure proper sample collection.
The WallChek™ adapter can become contaminated over time due to highly concentrated samples, debris, and/or gypsum dust build up. To minimize interferences and cross contamination, the adapter should be cleaned between every sample. To clean the WallChek™ adapter, rinse the body and attached tubing with isopropyl alcohol or water and sling dry. The adapter may also be wiped clean inside with an alcohol wipe.
Replacement filters and basic maintenance are available from EMLab P&K Products.
For a limited time, EMLab P&K Products will completely clean and replace any parts necessary on the A6® Single Stage Impaction Sampler. For more information on IAQ Sampling Equipment and maintenance, please contact EMLab P&K Products at 888.836.5227 or email at products@emlabpk.com.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
EMLab P&K Products at 13th Annual IAQA Meeting and Expo
Come visit EMLab P&K and EMLab P&K Products Division as booth numbers 321 and 323 at the IAQA Meeting and Expo at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida from March 7th to March 9th. Visit with your favorite Regional Account Manager or Project Manager at EMLab P&K or visit our Products display where you can see all of the new items for 2010! There will be plenty of giveaways including posters, notepads, pens, flashlights, T-Shirts, and much more!
If you follow EMLab P&K Products on Facebook or Twitter and you mention this announcement when you visit us at IAQA you may receive a special giveaway from the Products Division!
Want to attend IAQA but haven't registered? Visit http://www.iaqa.org/ and sign up today!
If you follow EMLab P&K Products on Facebook or Twitter and you mention this announcement when you visit us at IAQA you may receive a special giveaway from the Products Division!
Want to attend IAQA but haven't registered? Visit http://www.iaqa.org/ and sign up today!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Twitter and Facebook Announcement
EMLab P&K Products is now on Twitter and Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook and receive the very latest news and articles about IAQ Products. Also be the first to know about new products, exclusive offers, and promotions to help your business grow. Just go to http://www.twitter.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ and sign up today!
With over 18 years of IAQ experience in the products industry, EMLab P&K Products offers the best in IAQ Products and customer service. "EMLab P&K Products has expanded its customer service by now offering free articles and tips for our followers on Twitter and Facebook", stated Chris Weedon, Corporate Products Coordinator at EMLab P&K. "We strive to offer the best customer service to our clients and this shows how we want to take it to the next level."
Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook and receive the very latest news and articles about IAQ Products. Also be the first to know about new products, exclusive offers, and promotions to help your business grow. Just go to http://www.twitter.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ and sign up today!
With over 18 years of IAQ experience in the products industry, EMLab P&K Products offers the best in IAQ Products and customer service. "EMLab P&K Products has expanded its customer service by now offering free articles and tips for our followers on Twitter and Facebook", stated Chris Weedon, Corporate Products Coordinator at EMLab P&K. "We strive to offer the best customer service to our clients and this shows how we want to take it to the next level."
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