Temperature measurement is a crucial task in various industries, including manufacturing and metallurgy. Among several pieces of equipment, the pyrometer is the most popular device that allows one to detect very high temperatures without physical contact.
Pyrometers, also known as infrared thermometers, are non-contact thermometers used to measure the temperature of an object’s surface with the power of thermal radiation emitted from it.
Pyrometers function as photodetectors due to their ability to absorb energy and measure the strength of electromagnetic waves at any wavelength. Continue reading the blog to know the types and advantages of pyrometers.
Types of Pyrometers
There are various types of pyrometers. Here are the most common types of pyrometers
-
Optical Pyrometer
Optical pyrometers are used to measure visible-spectrum thermal radiation. The visible light emitted by the heated objects being monitored determines their temperature. Optical pyrometers can provide a visual comparison between a calibrated light source and the surface of the target object. It allows direct visual assessment.
When the temperature of the filament and the object’s surface are the same, the thermal radiation intensity created by the filament merges with the surface of the targeted object and becomes visible. When this occurs, the current flowing through the filament is translated into a temperature level.
-
Infrared Pyrometers
The infrared pyrometers are intended to detect thermal radiation in the infrared range, basically at a distance of 2-14 μm. It derives the temperature of a target object from the radiation it emits. This radiation can be aimed at a thermocouple and converted into electrical impulses.
The thermocouple can provide a larger current equal to the heat it emits. Infrared pyrometers are composed of pyroelectric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride and lithium tantalate.
-
Radiation Pyrometers
Radiation pyrometers are non-contact temperature measurement tools that utilise thermal radiation emitted by an object to accurately determine its temperature. They are ideal for extremely high-temperature applications because they work on the basis that all objects emit infrared energy in proportion to their temperature. These pyrometers are widely used in industries such as metallurgy, glass manufacture, and ceramics, where direct contact with hot surfaces is hazardous.
The radiation pyrometers provide readings even at a distance and are especially handy for moving objects. They rely on factors such as emissivity and atmospheric interference, which can impair accuracy, necessitating adequate calibration and consideration of environmental factors.
-
Fiber Optic Pyrometers
Fibre optic pyrometers are advanced temperature measurement devices that use optical fibres to send infrared light from a target to a remote sensing unit. They are ideal for severe, high-temperature settings and provide non-contact temperature monitoring with great precision and speed. These pyrometers are particularly useful in small and inaccessible areas, like within furnaces or near moving objects.
Fibre optic pyrometers can withstand harsh environments while maintaining precision. They are widely used in metal processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and glass production to provide accurate readings free of interfaces and signal degradation.
Advantages of Pyrometers
Pyrometers are non-contact temperature measurement instruments commonly used in industrial and research settings. They have significant advantages over traditional contact-based temperature sensors, such as thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors, especially in situations where contact is inconvenient or hazardous. Below mentioned are some of the benefits of pyrometers.
-
Non-contact Measurements
The fundamental benefit of pyrometers is their capacity to monitor temperature without physical contact. This makes them suitable for detecting temperature changes in moving, spinning, or inaccessible items. This capability is crucial in an industry where direct contact with molten and red-hot material is impossible.
-
High-Temperature Range
Pyrometers can accurately measure temperatures ranging from 200°C to over 3000°C, thereby surpassing the limitations of contact-based sensors. This makes them suitable for high-temperature industrial applications, such as steel production, combustion monitoring, and kiln operation.
-
Quick Response Time
Pyrometers offer fast temperature readings, frequently in milliseconds. This quick response is crucial in industries where temperature changes rapidly or must be monitored in real time to ensure process stability and product quality.
-
Durability and Safety
Pyrometers are less vulnerable to damage from extreme environmental conditions, such as high pressure or vibrations, because they don’t need to come into contact with the objects being measured. This extends their operating life and assures user safety in dangerous conditions.
-
Improved Accuracy
Advanced pyrometers, particularly those used in optical and infrared technologies, offer exceptional accuracy and repeatability, even in applications where emissivity changes occur. With proper calibration and emissivity adjustments, they provide accurate temperature readings that ensure consistent product quality.
-
Versatility
Pyrometers have diverse applications in industries such as metallurgy, ceramics, glass production, power generation, chemical processing, and food production. Their adaptability to different climates and surfaces increases their utility.
Final Thoughts
Now you may have a clear idea of pyrometers. They offer various advantages to the developing industries. As companies move toward automation, digitalization, and sustainability, the function of pyrometers will become increasingly important in maintaining efficiency and precision.
To purchase the highest-quality pyrometers for your shop, visit Tempsens. We offer a variety of pyrometers that you can buy in bulk to meet your specific needs. Visit our site today, explore our pyrometers, and order as much as you require at a reasonable price.