Infrared Temperature Measurement

An overview of Infrared Temperature Measurements

Within our daily life all bodies give off radiation or electromagnetic waves dependant upon their temperature. Energy is transported during this dispersion of radiation and this energy allows us to use radiation as a measurement for body temperature without actual contact. This can be done because the energy & its characteristic wavelengths are dependant on the temperature.

Infrared Thermometers monitor temperature at a distance in a wide array of functions. Common uses are to check the temperature of mechanical and electrical equipment and to monitor materials in processes, but there are many other uses for these extremely useful tools.

Advantages of Infrared measuring technology

This method of temperature measuring allows simple recording of fast dynamic processes. This is helped by the short reaction times of the sensors and systems. This method also has no influence on the object being measured, which enables you to take measurements on sensitive surfaces or sterile products. It is also good for measuring hazardous points or places that are difficult to access.

Infrared thermometers are very good at measuring temperatures for poor heat conductors such as plastics, ceramics and rubber. Determining the temperature of gears, housing and bearing in both large and small motors or for moving parts such as sheet metal tracks. It is also good for parts that cannot be touched such as freshly painted parts or corrosive substances or very small or very large areas.

• Large parts like electrical components / transformers
• Small, low mass items where a probe would remove too much heat thus resulting in incorrect results.

However non contact measuring can have its problems, The composition of the transmission path of the object and the instrument may have an effect on the measured result. Disturbance variable may include dust or dirt particles, moisture (rain, Steam & Gases). So you should only measure when there are no disturbing variables.

There are several things to remember when using infrared thermometers:

• The measuring instrument must have time to adjust to new temperatures otherwise you could occur significant errors. If it is at all possible you should store the instrument in the place where you will be measuring, thus avoiding the problem of adjustment time.
• Infrared measurement is an optical measurement so it is vital that a clean lens is used and not misted up in order to obtain an accurate measurement.
• You should always make sure that the surface you are measuring is clean and you are not measuring occultation’s.
• Finally the measuring distance between the object and the instrument must be as small as possible for the most accurate measurement.

To view our online catalogue of Infrared Thermometers, click here