Pyrometers are temperature measurement devices that have a wide range of applications: from medicine, through the food industry, to heavy industry. Their most important advantage is that - unlike thermometers - they do not require physical contact with the object being tested. What is worth knowing before purchasing such a meter?
Pyrometer – what to remember when buying?
Pyrometers are temperature measurement devices that have a wide range of applications: from medicine, through the food industry, to heavy industry . Their most important advantage is that - unlike thermometers - they do not require contact with the tested object to operate. What is worth knowing before purchasing such a meter?
From this article you will learn, among other things, about:
- how pyrometers work,
- types of pyrometers,
- their possible applications,
- features that are worth taking into account when purchasing,
- models worth recommending.
How does a pyrometer work?
Any object with a temperature higher than absolute zero, i.e. -273.15 ° C, emits infrared radiation, i.e. heat. This radiation can be converted into a specific temperature, which will be shown on the pyrometer display . In practice, the matter is slightly more complicated, because to obtain an accurate measurement of the surface temperature, the emissivity coefficient must be known. For different materials, its value varies from 0 to 1. A standard infrared thermometer has this coefficient set to 0.95. Industrial pyrometers are usually equipped with an adjustment of this coefficient, so they can be adapted to a given type of material.
If you don't know what material the element whose temperature needs to be measured is made of, you can use a trick. All you need to do is stick pyrometric insulating tape on such an object, the emissivity of which is provided by the manufacturer . The pyrometer should then be calibrated to the value given on the tape and then the measurement should be taken. It is also a way to measure the temperature of translucent and transparent materials, such as glass.
Before measuring , you must wait until the instrument adapts to the ambient temperature . This is especially important if the meter has been stored in a very cold or hot room. In such a situation, it will be best to wait about 30 minutes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the result obtained.
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What types of pyrometers are there?
Temperature meters can be divided according to the type of detectors that detect thermal radiation. These devices may be equipped with thermal or photoelectric detectors . They differ in the way they work, because the first one converts radiant energy into heat, and the second one converts into an electrical signal.
Due to the measurement range, there are 4 types of pyrometers :
- radiation pyrometers,
- two-color pyrometers,
- photoelectric band pyrometers,
- monochromatic pyrometers.
Which type to choose depends on the radiation band to be measured. Using a radiation pyrometer, you can measure the entire spectrum: from infrared to ultraviolet. Two-color pyrometers are used for industrial applications, which allow the comparison of radiation values at two wavelengths, hence their name. If one wavelength needs to be measured, it is best to use a monochromatic pyrometer. In turn, a band pyrometer is best when you need to measure a specific band.
Where do you need accurate temperature measurement?
Pyrometers are commonly used in the food industry. They are used to check the temperature of food or the temperature in refrigeration devices, such as freezers, coolers or freezers. In the food industry, aseptic housing and HACCP certification are of great importance.
Another area of industrial applications of pyrometers are all kinds of places where access is difficult or even dangerous due to the prevailing temperature. The laser sight is invaluable as it facilitates measurement from longer distances . Such equipment can be used, for example, by firefighters to measure surface temperature. Although it will not replace a thermal imaging camera , it allows for accurate, point measurement.
Pyrometers are also used in the automotive industry, in the production of machines and to monitor the temperature of various components of industrial machines, as well as to control electrical and electronic devices. They are also useful for monitoring the condition of heating systems and air conditioning systems . They are also used in construction, especially to locate damp ceilings or walls and to detect thermal currents or drafts.
Purchasing a pyrometer – what to pay attention to?
The first thing you should pay attention to is the device parameters. It will depend on them whether the purchased equipment will meet the requirements. The included software is also important, as it enables, for example, the device to work with a computer.
Another important feature is the optical parameter, also called optical resolution , expressed in numerical form. In practice, values ranging from 3:1 to 100:1 occur. This number determines the ratio of the distance from the place from which the measurement is made to the diameter of the surface temperature measurement point. Optical resolution is also called focal length or pyrometer optics. In practice, the measurement point is neither perfectly circular nor has a sharp boundary, which must be taken into account when measuring.
Optical pyrometers allow for accurate and reliable measurement in various conditions, but when choosing a specific product , it is worth paying special attention to the quality of the optics . Additional accessories, such as cases or lenses, will also be useful. Technical support and service are also important when purchasing. Moreover, it is worth checking the conditions and warranty period.
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Which pyrometers are particularly recommended?
How to choose a good pyrometer? There is a large selection of cheap devices from China on the market, the accuracy of which, however, leaves much to be desired . Therefore, it is better to focus on the quality of the products purchased - equipment from a reputable brand will have a calibration certificate that confirms the class of the device. At the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find proven pyrometers for various applications.
Accurate high temperature measurement
If you want a wide measurement range, it is worth choosing the Sonel DIT-500 pyrometer . It is a device with a double laser sight that can measure temperatures in the range from -50 to 1600°C. It is also characterized by adjustable emissivity, which translates into accurate measurements . The optical resolution of 50:1 makes it easier to measure in hard-to-reach places.
Equipment for professionals at an affordable price
The Sonel DIT-120 pyrometer model has a narrower measurement range than its older brother, but it is also a device for professionals. It can measure temperatures ranging from -50 to 650°C. A double laser pointer helps in accurate measurements, thanks to which you can easily determine the measurement area. As befits equipment for professionals, it has emission control. It is equipped with a reinforced housing, which translates into an IP54 protection level .
Small size combined with great solidity
The Fluke 62MAX+ pyrometer-thermometer is precise and at the same time extremely durable, as it can withstand a fall from a height of up to 3 meters . It has a multifunctional digital display and the temperature range is from -30 to 650°C. A useful additional function of this model is temperature difference measurement. Thanks to its small size, it is a very handy and easy-to-use device.
Electricity and low temperature specialist
Fluke T3000 FC Wireless Temperature Module Type K will be useful for measuring particularly low temperatures, because its measurement range covers the range from -200 to 1372°C. This model can be used as a single meter or as part of a larger system . It is equipped with a K-type thermocouple. The device is particularly recommended for measuring temperature differences in a 3-phase electrical network.
Temperature meter for heat guns
The ability to precisely measure the temperature proves to be very useful when processing materials that are sensitive to under or overheating. The Steinel HL SCAN operating temperature meter can be mounted directly on selected heat gun models, allowing you to set the maximum allowable deviation from the set temperature value . If the set limits are exceeded, the display background changes and the device additionally emits a sound signal.
Pyrometers are versatile devices that facilitate the work of specialists in many fields. However, the durability and quality of processed materials and products also depend on their precision. Choose the model that best suits your needs and requirements!
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