Why thermal mapping matters in modern industrial facilities
CONTROL & AUTOMATION THE HIDDEN VARIABLE
GEMINI DATA LOGGERS
Why thermal mapping matters in modern industrial facilities
In today’ s manufacturing and process engineering environments, temperature stability is a critical factor that directly influences product quality, equipment reliability and operational efficiency. Yet large industrial facilities such as warehouses, production halls, plant rooms and automated lines, often face complex thermal behaviour that standard HVAC systems cannot fully control. Warm air stratifies in tall buildings, localised heat loads distort airflow and external weather fluctuations introduce unpredictable variations.
For operators working in sectors where consistency is essential, from precision engineering to materials processing and controlled storage, this creates a problem: conditions can appear stable on paper while hiding variations that undermine performance. This is where thermal mapping becomes invaluable.
Understanding the True Thermal Behaviour of Your Facility
Thermal mapping is the process of placing a network of data loggers across a defined space to measure how temperature behaves over time. Unlike single-point monitoring, mapping creates a complete picture, revealing hot and cold zones, temperature-related uneven airflow, and the influence of machinery or structural features.
These insights help engineering teams:
• Confirm that controlled environments perform as intended
• Identify areas where temperature instability could affect product quality
• Validate HVAC performance and guide corrective actions
• Understand seasonal variation and its impact on operations
For industries handling temperaturesensitive materials, operating curing or bonding processes or storing highvalue or perishable inventory, this level of assurance is essential.
A Practical Tool for Commissioning, Validation and Improvement
Thermal mapping is increasingly used as part of facility commissioning, system upgrades and engineering validation. While not always mandated, it provides evidence-based confidence that environmental controls are fit for purpose. Mapping studies often uncover issues that routine monitoring cannot detect such as air stagnation behind equipment, temperature layering near ceilings or inconsistent cooling across racking.
This makes mapping a valuable tool for engineers seeking to reduce risk, optimise performance and support data-backed decision-making.
Tinytag Temperature Mapping: A Proven, Reliable Approach
Tinytag by Gemini Data Loggers has been manufacturing robust, highaccuracy environmental monitoring instruments for over 40 years. Our data loggers are used worldwide to support environmental control in demanding industrial environments.
For operators requiring full thermal mapping studies, Tinytag works with specialist partner Valcomm to deliver comprehensive services including multi-point data collection, analysis and full documentation. Guided mapping kits are also available for teams wishing to complete studies internally using their own personnel.
Turning Insight into Operational Advantage
Whether used for compliance, process optimisation or engineering assurance, thermal mapping gives industrial facilities the clarity needed to operate with confidence. By understanding exactly how temperature behaves, teams can strengthen reliability, improve efficiency and protect product quality across their operation.
For further information, please visit www. geminidataloggers. com
32 PECM Issue 78