Thermal History Paints for Advanced Condition Monitoring

Temperature is an important physical property in many processes, spanning various industrial sectors. In particular, high temperatures (above 400°C) are common in industries such as chemical processing, power generation, aerospace, automotive and others. High temperatures are often necessary to attain process efficiency, generate power or to enable a chemical or physical process. Knowledge of the temperatures that surfaces are exposed to is crucial in many processes.
On-line techniques, using thermocouples or pyrometry, allow the monitoring and recording of temperatures on-line, whilst a component is exposed to high temperatures. These techniques require access to surfaces of interest during operation, which is often not possible as some might be optically inaccessible or might require complex, costly and intrusive instrumentation. Data on the temperature might still be obtained by using off-line temperature measurement techniques, also called thermal history sensors, such that the temperatures can be retrieved after the exposure, at room temperature.

Phosphorescent Thermal History Paint is a promising technology which would answer the needs of the market for advanced thermal history sensors for thermal mapping. Initial research & development of the technology was conducted via a PhD research contract with Imperial College London. The project led to a better understanding of the physics of the technology behind luminescent Thermal History Paints. Further, STS conducted a market survey leading to the conclusion that the technology is being needed.
A logical follow-up is a proof-of-concept which will raise the technology readiness to premarket entry level. The objective of the project is to demonstrate the paint concept involving an established UK paint manufacturer and to develop associated readout equipment.