On its most basic design an infrared thermometer consists of a lens to focus the infrared (IR) energy on to a detector, which converts the energy to an electrical signal that can be displayed in units of temperature after being compensated for ambient temperature variation.
This configuration facilitates temperature measurement from a distance without contact with the object to be measured. As such, the infrared thermometer is useful for measuring temperature under circumstances where thermocouples or other probe type sensors cannot be used or do not produce accurate data for a variety of reasons.
Some typical circumstances are where the object to be measured is moving; where the object is surrounded by an EM field, as in induction heating; where the object is contained in a vacuum or other controlled atmosphere; or in applications where a fast response is required.
Learn more about Infrared Thermometers
Why should I use an infrared thermometer to measure temperature in my application?
Infrared pyrometers allow users to measure temperature in applications where conventional sensors cannot be employed. Specifically, in cases dealing with moving objects ( i.e., rollers, moving machinery, or a conveyor belt), or where non-contact measurements are required because of contamination or hazardous reasons (such as high voltage), where distances are too great, or where the temperatures to be measured are too high for thermocouples or other contact sensors.
- Determine the field of view (target size and distance)
- Consider the type of surface being measured and its emissivity
- Analyze the spectral response for atmospheric effects or transmission through surfaces
- Specify the temperature range and the mounting needs
- Don't forget: response time, environment, mounting limitations, viewing port or window applications, and desired signal processing
What should I consider about my application when selecting an infrared thermometer?
The critical considerations for any infrared pyrometer include field of view (target size and distance), type of surface being measured (emissivity considerations), spectral response (for atmospheric effects or transmission through surfaces), temperature range and mounting (handheld portable or fixed mount). Other considerations include response time, environment, mounting limitations, viewing port or window applications, and desired signal processing.
In this table refractive indexes for IR windows are detailed.
What is meant by Field of View, and why is it important?
The field of view is the angle of vision at which the instrument operates, and is determined by the optics of the unit. To obtain an accurate temperature reading, the target being measured should completely fill the field of view of the instrument. Since the infrared device determines the average temperature of all surfaces within the field of view, if the background temperature is different from the object temperature, a measurement error can occur. OMEGA offers a unique solution to this problem. Many OMEGA infrared pyrometers feature patented laser switchable from circle to dot. In the circle mode a built-in laser sighting creates a 12-point circle which clearly indicates the target area being measured. In the dot mode a single laser dot marks the center of the measurement area.
Choose the right Infrared for your application
Handheld Infrared Thermometers
A handheld infrared thermometer is one of the most popular type of infrared pyrometer. They are commonly used for portable applications although some models also feature an integral tripod mount. OMEGA offers a large variety of infrared thermometers in various shapes and form factors. Many of OMEGA handheld infrared pyrometers feature OMEGA's patented Circle Dot/Circle Laser sighting which clearly outlines the field of view of the thermometer.
Pocket Infrared Thermometers
The pocket infrared thermometers are extremely compact. They are normally small enough to be carried in a shirt pocket.
Infrared Thermocouples
A infrared thermocouple is a small low cost infrared sensor. They are unique in that they are self-powered and produce an output that mimics a thermocouple sensor.
Fixed Mount Infrared Thermometers
A fixed mount infrared thermometer is commonly used in industrial processes where the thermometer can be mounted in a stationary position. Read the article about High Speed Fiber Optic Infrared Transmitter for information about the OS4000 Series.
Two Color-Ratio Thermometry
Given that emissivity plays such a vital role in obtaining accurate temperature data from infrared thermometers, it is not surprising that attempts have been made to design sensors which would measure independently of this variable. The best known and most commonly applied of these designs is the Two Color-Ratio Thermometer. This technique is not dissimilar to the infrared thermometers described so far, but measures the ratio of infrared energy emitted from the material at two wavelengths, rather than the absolute energy at one wavelength or wave band. The use of the word "color" in this context is somewhat outdated, but nevertheless has not been superseded. It originates in the old practice of relating visible color to temperature, hence "color temperature."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is emissivity, and how is it related to infrared temperature measurements?
Emissivity is defined as the ratio of the energy radiated by an object at a given temperature to the energy emitted by a perfect radiator, or blackbody, at the same temperature. The emissivity of a blackbody is 1.0. All values of emissivity fall between 0.0 and 1.0. Most infrared thermometers have the ability to compensate for different emissivity values, for different materials. In general, the higher the emissivity of an object, the easier it is to obtain an accurate temperature measurement using infrared. Objects with very low emissivities (below 0.2) can be difficult applications. Some polished, shiny metallic surfaces, such as aluminum, are so reflective in the infrared that accurate temperature measurements are not always possible.
In this table the emissivity of several materials are stated.
Five Ways to Determine Emissivity
There are five ways to determine the emissivity of the material, to ensure accurate temperature measurements:
1. Heat a sample of the material to a known temperature, using a precise sensor, and measure the temperature using the IR instrument. Then adjust the emissivity value to force the indicator to display the correct temperature.
2. For relatively low temperatures (up to 500°F), a piece of masking tape, with an emissivity of 0.95, can be measured. Then adjust the emissivity value to force the indicator to display the correct temperature of the material.
For high temperature measurements, a hole (depth of which is at least 6 times the diameter) can be drilled into the object.
3. This hole acts as a blackbody with emissivity of 1.0. Measure the temperature in the hole, then adjust the emissivity to force the indicator to display the correct temperature of the material.
4. If the material, or a portion of it, can be coated, a dull black paint will have an emissivity of approx. 1.0. Measure the temperature of the paint, then adjust the emissivity to force the indicator to display the correct temperature.
5. Standardized emissivity values for most materials are available (see pages 114-115). These can be entered into the instrument to estimate the material's emissivity value.
How can I mount the infrared pyrometer?
The pyrometer can be of two types, either fixed-mount or portable. Fixed mount units are generally installed in one location to continuously monitor a given process. They usually operate on line power, and are aimed at a single point. The output from this type of instrument can be a local or remote display, along with an analog output that can be used for another display or control loop. Battery powered, portable infrared ''guns'' are also available; these units have all the features of the fixed mount devices, usually without the analog output for control purposes. Generally these units are utilized in maintenance, diagnostics, quality control, and spot measurements of critical processes.
What is a Calibrator and why is it an important device? Introduction to Instrument Calibration
