By Solutions Direct
All objects constantly emit infrared (IR) radiation. Infrared radiation occupies the region of the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and microwaves. As an object becomes hotter, the frequency of the vibrations increases and the total amount of infrared energy increases significantly. The human eye is unable to detect infrared radiation; however an IR detector converts the infrared energy into an electrical signal that generates a temperature value. Infrared or non-contact temperature sensors are very successful in measuring hot, moving, or difficult to reach objects.
They are also used where contact temperature sensors would damage or alter the material. Infrared has been used successfully in a wide range of industrial applications including the following: heat treating, forging, glass processing, building and construction materials, packaging, thermoforming, machine condition monitoring, and food processing. Here are some basic questions to help customers choose the correct fixed mount pyrometer:
- Temperature range of process to be measured as well as accuracy required?
- Target size and distance from IR sensor?
- Does the target completely fill the field of view (FOV) of the IR device?
- What are the ambient/environmental conditions (i.e., ambient temp., smoke, dust, or particulates)?
- Are the parts moving (i.e., rollers, moving machinery, or conveyor belt)?
- What signal input does the controller accept (i.e., 4-20 mA, J or K thermocouple, or RS-485)?
What is the target material?
Is it shiny or dull?
Highly reflective or shiny materials tend to have a low emissivity (object’s ability to emit energy) while non-metallic or organic materials have a higher emissivity.
Check an emissivity table by material type.
Optical resolution is specified by the D:S ratio, which is found by comparing the distance from the object to the sensor (D) with the size (i.e., diameter) of the spot being measured (S).
For example, a 1" spot on a target being measured at a distance of 10" has a D:S of 10:1.
If so, how fast?
This influences response time requirements.
About Solutions Direct Online:
Solutions Direct Online is an online distributor that provides technical products for industrial customers and strives to provide the highest quality products at affordable prices. A partial list of products include: electrical enclosures, electronic racks & cabinets, infrared temperature measurement products, material testing equipment, process control & measurement products, and scales & balances.