Pyrometers are devices for measuring temperatures 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 tested object to operate. What is worth knowing before buying such a meter?
Pyrometer – what to remember when buying?
Pyrometers are devices for measuring temperatures 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 buying such a meter?
From this article you will learn, among other things, about:
- how pyrometers work,
- types of pyrometers,
- their possible applications,
- Features worth considering when buying,
- models worth recommending.
How does a pyrometer work?
Any object with a temperature above absolute zero, i.e. -273.15 ° C, emits infrared radiation, or heat. This radiation can be converted to a specific temperature, which will be shown on the pyrometer display . In practice, the matter is a bit more complicated, because to obtain an accurate measurement of the surface temperature, you need to know the emissivity coefficient. For different materials, its value ranges 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 you can adapt them to a given type of material.
If you don't know what material the item you want to measure is made of, you can use a trick. Simply stick a pyrometric insulating tape on the item, the emissivity of which is given by its manufacturer . The pyrometer should then be calibrated to the value given on the tape, and then the measurement should be taken. This is also a way to measure the temperature of semi-transparent and transparent materials, such as glass.
Before taking a measurement , you need to wait for the device to adjust 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 is 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 can be equipped with thermal or photoelectric detectors . They differ in the way they work, because the first converts radiation energy into heat, and the second into an electrical signal.
Due to the measurement range, 4 types of pyrometers can be distinguished :
- radiation pyrometers,
- two-color pyrometers,
- photoelectric band pyrometers,
- monochromatic pyrometers.
The type you choose depends on the band of radiation you want to measure. A radiation pyrometer can measure the entire spectrum: from infrared to ultraviolet. For industrial applications, two-color pyrometers are used, which allow you to compare the amount of radiation at two wavelengths, hence their name. If you need to measure one wavelength, it is best to use a monochromatic pyrometer. On the other hand, 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 equipment, such as freezers, cold stores 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 with difficult or even dangerous access due to the prevailing temperature. A laser sight, which facilitates measurement from greater distances , turns out to be invaluable. 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 automotive, machine manufacturing and for monitoring the temperature of various components of industrial machines, as well as for checking 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 for locating damp ceilings or walls and for detecting thermal currents or drafts.
Buying a pyrometer – what to pay attention to?
The first thing to look at is the device's parameters. They will determine whether the purchased equipment meets the requirements. The included software, which allows, for example, the device to work with a computer, is also important.
Another important feature is the optical parameter, also called optical resolution , expressed in numerical form. In practice, there are values ranging from 3:1 to 100:1. This number defines 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 the focal length or optics of the pyrometer. In practice, the measurement point is not perfectly circular and does not have a sharp boundary, which must be taken into account during measurement.
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 buying. In addition, it is worth checking the terms and period of the warranty.
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Which pyrometers are particularly recommendable?
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 . It is better to focus on the quality of the products you buy - equipment from a renowned brand will have a calibration certificate that confirms the class of the device. In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find proven pyrometers for various applications.
Accurate measurement of high temperature
If you want a wide measurement range, it is worth choosing the Sonel DIT-500 Pyrometer . This is a device with a double laser sight that can measure temperatures in the range from -50 to 1600°C. It also features adjustable emissivity, which translates into accurate measurements . The optical resolution of 50:1 facilitates measurement in hard-to-reach places.
Equipment for professionals at an affordable price
The Sonel DIT-120 Pyrometer has a narrower measurement range than its older brother, but it is also a device for professionals. It can measure temperatures in the range of -50 to 650°C. Accurate measurements are aided by a double laser pointer, thanks to which you can easily determine the measurement area. As befits equipment for professionals, it has emissivity regulation. It is equipped with a reinforced housing, which translates into an IP54 protection class .
Small size combined with great solidity
The Fluke 62MAX+ thermometer-pyrometer is precise and exceptionally durable, as it can withstand a fall from a height of 3 meters . It has a multifunctional digital display, and the temperature measurement range is from -30 to 650°C. A useful additional function of this model is the measurement of temperature differences. Thanks to its small size, it is a very handy and easy-to-use device.
Electricity and low temperature specialist
Fluke T3000 FC K-Type Wireless Temperature Module will be useful for measuring particularly low temperatures, because its measurement range covers the interval 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 especially recommended for measuring temperature differences in a 3-phase electrical network.
Heat gun temperature gauge
The ability to precisely measure temperature is very useful when processing materials that are sensitive to underheating or overheating. The Steinel HL SCAN temperature meter can be mounted directly on selected models of hot air guns , allowing you to set the maximum permissible deviation from the set temperature value . If the set limits are exceeded, the display background changes and the device additionally emits an audible signal.
Pyrometers are versatile devices that facilitate the work of specialists in many fields. However, their precision also determines the durability and quality of processed materials and products. Choose the model that best suits your needs and requirements!
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