Infrared
thermometers are special type of thermometer used to measure the temperature
using infrared radiations emitted from objects. They are called non-contact
thermometers due to the ability of the device to measure the temperature
from a distance. Sometimes they are also called laser thermometers if a
laser is used to help aim the thermometer. They are also known as radiation
pyrometer, optical pyrometer or simply as infrared radiation thermometers.
Features to Look for While Buying Infrared Thermometers
If you are looking to purchase a technological product, it is always nice
to have an idea about the most current available in the market. Technology
keeps changing so quickly that deciding on a product such as a infrared
thermometer may require some probe. Here we are providing some useful tips,
which may come handy to you prior to buying a infrared thermometer :
- You should look for the options for temperature range on infrared
thermometers.
- You must know what is the distance to spot size on infrared
thermometers.
- Check out the level of emissivity on infrared thermometers.
- Find out the maximum/minimum memory on infrared thermometers.
- Is there any low battery indicator provided on infrared thermometers?
- Are there different levels of accuracy on infrared thermometers?
- Do the infrared thermometers have a manual set time feature?
- Is there the option for laser sighting on infrared thermometers?
Unique
Advantages of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers come handy in circumstances where thermocouples
or other probe type sensors cannot be used or do not produce precise
data for different reasons. It is also useful in situations :
- Where the object to be measured is moving.
- Where the object is surrounded by an electromagnetic field, as in
induction heating.
- Where the object is contained in a vacuum or other controlled
atmosphere.
- Where a fast response is required.
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How Do Infrared Thermometers Work?
Infrared thermometers calculate the amount of thermal electromagnetic
radiation (infrared radiation) emitted from the object. By knowing the
emissivity of the object and the amount of infrared energy emitted by the
object, the object's temperature can be determined. With the help of
infrared thermometers, temperatures of the objects placed in hazardous or
hard-to-reach places or other situations can be determined.
Basic Design of Infrared Thermometers
The most common design of a IR thermometer consists of a lens to focus the
infrared energy on to a detector. The detector changes the energy to an
electrical signal that can be shown in units of temperature after being
corrected for ambient temperature variation. This configuration helps
measuring the temperature from a distance without contact with the object.
Applications of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers have found a wide range of applications in various
types of laboratories specially in chemistry laboratories and research
centers. Infrared thermometers are used for numerous industrial applications
as well. They are used for many household applications.
- Laboratory Applications :The laboratory applications of
infrared thermometers include high temperature measurement in furnaces,
vacuum chambers, refractories, ovens and reactors. In a laboratory
environment, non contact IR thermometer are required virtually at all
places.
- Industrial Applications : Infrared thermometer technology is
used in a large range of industrial applications.
» They are used for measuring the surface temperature of curing
concrete to determine if cracking is a danger.
» They are used for measuring asphalt prior to pour to ensure
smooth application.
» They are used for measuring ink temperatures prior to mix for
accurate color matching in printing presses.
- Household Applications :Infrared thermometers are also used
for various household applications. They are used for improving the
cooling and heating efficiency of homes in the extreme climate areas.
They are also used for rectifying the problem of electrical trouble
shooting.
Classification of Infrared Thermometers
On the basis of principle of operation, Infrared thermometers can be
classified in a number of groups :
- Spectral Band Thermometers
- Total Radiation Thermometers
- Ratio Thermometers
- Thermal Imagers
- Special Purpose Thermometers
