<\/div>\n
Physical principle<\/h2>
Every body at a temperature T emits thermal radiation with a spectrum described by Planck’s law, with a peak at a wavelength inversely proportional to T (Wien’s law: \u03bb_max\u00b7T = 2898 \u00b5m\u00b7K). The total intensity is proportional to T\u2074 (Stefan-Boltzmann law: W = \u03b5\u00b7\u03c3\u00b7T\u2074, where \u03b5 is the emissivity of the material and \u03c3 the Stefan-Boltzmann constant). The pyrometer measures the radiation intensity in a spectral band defined by the optics and the sensor, and calculates T from the known \u03b5 of the material. Emissivity varies with the material (black bodies \u03b5\u22481; polished metals \u03b5=0.1-0.3; organic materials and plastic \u03b5=0.9-0.95) and must be set correctly in the instrument to obtain accurate measurements. <\/p>
Features of the instruments<\/h2>
Portable pyrometers cover typical ranges of -30 \u00b0C to +500 \u00b0C (general models) up to +2000 \u00b0C and beyond (models for metallurgy). Typical accuracy is \u00b11 \u00b0C or \u00b11% of the reading. Resolution is 0.1 \u00b0C. The working distance and the size of the target are characterized by the D:S ratio (distance-to-spot ratio, typically 10:1 up to 50:1 on high-quality models). A laser pointer (visible as a dot or a circle) makes it easier to target the measuring point. Advanced functions include adjustable emissivity, max\/min\/avg, alarm thresholds, a data logger and Bluetooth\/USB output. Models with dual optics (telescopic and standard) cover different applications. <\/p>
Spectral bands<\/h2>
Pyrometers are distinguished by spectral band: short wavelength (1-2 \u00b5m, for high temperatures and metals, insensitive to emissivity in dual-color mode); medium wavelength (3-5 \u00b5m, for many industrial applications, excellent for glass and ceramic materials); long wavelength (8-14 \u00b5m, for low and medium temperatures, excellent for HVAC and organic materials). The choice of band depends on the typical temperature (choose the band containing the material’s emission peak) and on the material (some materials are transparent in certain IR bands). <\/p>
Applications<\/h2>
The applications are highly varied: electrical maintenance (checking for hot spots on MV\/LV switchboards, motors and substations); mechanical maintenance (bearings, brakes, shafts, fans); building inspection (heat loss, thermal bridges, integrity of insulation); the food industry and HACCP (product temperature control, less accurate than contact probes but far faster); the paper industry (dryers); plastics (film blowing lines, thermoforming); metallurgy (furnaces, rolling, forging, casting control); medical applications (body screening, medical monitors); and fire safety.<\/p>
Emissivity limitations<\/h2>
The main limitation of IR pyrometry is its dependence on the emissivity of the material: polished metal surfaces (\u03b5\u22480.1) give very uncertain measurements unless \u03b5 is known exactly. To overcome this limitation the following are used: dual-color or ratio pyrometers (simultaneous measurement in two spectral bands, the ratio being independent of emissivity to a first approximation); the application of matt black paint or black adhesive tape (\u03b5\u22480.95) as a patch of known emissivity at the measuring point; indirect measurement on parts of the system with known emissivity (internal caps, cavities, observation ports); and calibration against a reference contact thermometer. <\/p>
Standards and calibration<\/h2>
IR pyrometers are characterized metrologically to VDI\/VDE 3511 and ASTM E2847. Calibration is carried out with reference black bodies at known temperatures, with ISO 17025 certificates, at no fewer than 3-5 points of the measuring range. The typical interval is annual, or according to intensity of use and customer requirements. <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IR pyrometers and non-contact infrared thermometers for surface temperature measurement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":157040980,"featured_media":0,"parent":19441,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_wpcom_ai_launchpad_about_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_gallery_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_contact_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_events_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_video_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_portfolio_piece":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23856","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
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