Thermal mapping
See what a single value cannot show.
Measurements spread across time and space, read together.
In a refrigerator, cold room, storage area or transport unit, temperature and humidity vary by location, time and operating condition. We prepare the measurement campaign, position probes, analyse the data and report the findings according to the project context and requirements.
Why mapping matters
An equipment setpoint or display does not describe the actual distribution of conditions across the full volume under study. Differences appear between measurement points or at different times.
- the volume and geometry of the equipment or area
- load distribution and obstacles to air circulation
- door openings and operating practices
- operating cycles, stabilisation periods or defrost cycles
- the influence of the surrounding environment
- measurement point locations
- specific conditions selected for the study
Mapping observes these variations within a defined framework, identifies critical points and provides a documented basis for decisions, operations or further qualification work where this forms part of the need.
From preparation to reporting
Depending on the agreed scope, the work brings together several activities.
Framing
Define the equipment or area, the objective, the study conditions and the operating constraints.
Protocol and layout
Prepare the protocol and probe layout plan, then identify and position the probes under the defined conditions. Their number and position cannot be derived from a generic rule.
Measurement and analysis
Take measurements over the planned duration, then analyse variations over time and between measurement points.
Findings and reporting
Identify critical areas or moments, document the observed deviations and report the results together with, where the assignment provides for it, useful recommendations.
This continuity makes the work understandable. It is neither a mandatory journey nor a contractual split of responsibilities.
Documented equipment, areas and transport
Several families may be subject to temperature or humidity mapping.
- refrigerators
- freezers
- climate chambers
- cold rooms
- storage areas
- vehicles or transport equipment
These examples are not an exhaustive inventory. Feasibility and protocol depend on the equipment, its volume, use, parameters under study and operating conditions.
Potential deliverables according to the assignment
Several families of deliverables are documented.
- measurement protocol
- probe layout plan
- mapping report
- probe traceability and calibration documents where included in the scope
- deviation report
- recommendations according to the assignment
This list is not a standard package. Mentioning calibration documents implies neither accreditation, nor systematic calibration, nor an automatic certificate issued in our own name.
Mapping and EMS, connected but distinct
A mapping exercise characterises equipment or an area during a defined campaign. An EMS more broadly concerns an environmental monitoring system, its architecture, sensors, data and documentation. The work may also connect with:
- quality documentation and qualification where these activities form part of the project
- field coordination to prepare access, probe layout and measurement conditions
- an EMS engineering study where the need extends beyond a one-off campaign
- deviation analysis and preparation of recommendations within the agreed boundaries
Environments and applicable requirements
Mapping may support pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, healthcare, laboratory, food production or industrial environments, as well as controlled areas and sensitive storage applications. The protocol, criteria, documentation and level of verification are adapted to the context and requirements that actually apply. No mapping exercise is described as an automatic guarantee of compliance or control over storage conditions.
View the case studiesDo you need to characterise equipment, an area or transport equipment?
Tell us about the relevant volume, its use, the parameters to study and known operating conditions. An initial discussion will help define the objective, required information and campaign scope.
Discuss your project