What is a Radiation Thermometer

What is a Radiation Thermometer?

Infrared thermometers are a subset of devices known as “thermal radiation thermometers” Infrared thermometers, also known as pyrometers or radiation thermometers, are non contact thermometers, which measure the temperature of a body based on its emitted thermal radiation Infrared thermometers are also great for checking surface temperature, however, they do not measure the internal temperature of an object. Infrared thermometers are extremely fast, typically giving a reading in a fraction of a second, or the time it takes for the thermometer’s processor to perform its calculations.

What are the Origins of the Thermometer?

Santorii is regarded as the inventor of the thermometer, for he published the earliest account of a thermometer in 1612. Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the first mercury thermometer in 1714.Infrared Energy origins are from Sir William Herschel, an astronomer, who was credited with the discovery of infrared energy in the 1800’s. Knowing that sunlight was made up of all the colors of the spectrum, Herschel wanted to explore the colors and their relationship to heat. He devised an experiment using a prism to spread the light into the color spectrum and thermometers with blackened bulbs to measure the temperatures of the different colors. Herschel observed an increase in temperature from violet to red and observed that the hottest temperature was actually beyond red light. Herschel termed the radiation causing the heating beyond the visible red range “calorific rays.” Today, it is called “infrared” energy. As times pass numerous versions were created until the current day version of a infrared pyrometer exists.

 How does a Thermometer work?

Infrared thermometers measure temperature from a distance. This distance can range between miles or a fraction of an inch. Infrared thermometers are often used in circumstances where other sorts of thermometers are not practical. For example if an object is very fragile or dangerous to be near, an infrared thermometer is a good way to get a temperature from a safe distance.Infrared thermometers work based on a phenomenon called black body radiation. Anything at a temperature above absolute zero has molecules inside of it moving around. The higher the temperature, the faster the molecules move. As they move, the molecules emit infrared radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation below the visible spectrum of light. As they get hotter, they emit more infrared, and even start to emit visible light. That is why heated metal can glow red or even white. Infrared thermometers detect and measure this radiation. Infrared light works like visible light it can be focused, reflected or absorbed. Infrared thermometers usually use a lens to focus infrared light from one object onto a detector called a thermopile. The thermopile absorbs the infrared radiation and turns it into heat. The more infrared energy, the hotter the thermopile gets. This heat is turned into electricity. The electricity is sent to a detector, which uses it to determine the temperature of whatever the thermometer is pointed at. The more electricity, the hotter the object is.

Who uses Thermometers?

The applications of use for infrared thermometer is quite extensive. They are frequently used in industrial processes, the professional sector and in particular to monitor mains supply units or to measure the temperature of components in motors or machines. The Glass industries, Electrical industries use many forms of the thermometers.

 What are the Advantages of using Infrared Pyrometers?

Remote Temperature measurement without physical measurement. Infrared pyrometers are available for different spectral ranges and are made particularly by keeping as application in mind. Digital and Robust feature with compact electronic components. Minimum or no maintenance of infrared pyrometers as they do not undergo wear and tear due to harsh environment and high temperatures. Very fast response time within milliseconds. Easy to operate and handle. Economic and delivers more than the cost. Measurement of wide variety and high temperature ranges. High accuracy. Remote mounting possible from the hot target. Temperature of moving targets can be easily determined. Useful in hazardous or inaccessible area. No effect of electromagnetic fields on the infrared pyrometer. Don’t contaminate, damage or interfere with the process