There is a huge range of pyrometer models and types specifically designed to provide optimal performance when measuring specific materials or defined temperature ranges and for certain types of applications. Examples of these types of pyrometers are single-colour pyrometers, dual-colour pyrometers, fiber optic pyrometers and transfer-standard pyrometers (TSP).
Our product specialists at LIMAB UK can provide you with expert guidance to help you select the correct pyrometer for your particular application. When choosing an infrared (IR) pyrometer, we consider the following information.
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Over What Temperature Range Do You Need to Measure?
This is a simple question and for most applications, this information is known. Nonetheless, this is important information, as pyrometers cover different temperature ranges, so selecting a model that fits the temperature range of interest is crucial.
For many applications, the overall temperature range will be large, but there is often a smaller range of interest, which acts as the control point in the process. We recommend that you specify both the overall minimum and maximum temperature as well as the temperature range of interest or process control point.
What Is the Material of the Object Being Measured?
Knowing the material of the object you want to measure is essential for selecting a suitable pyrometer. This is because the spectral range (or wavelength) of the pyrometer will need to be selected according to the material being measured. These materials fall into broad categories, including metals, non-metals, glass and special materials.
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The non-metals category includes organic materials such as foodstuffs, wood, paper and inorganic material such as ceramics or fire clay and plastics. Special materials include silicon and sapphire wafers in semiconductors. If you need to measure a range of different materials, we can help you select the right option.
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It is also important to know the material of the object being measured as it affects its emissivity, the parameters of which can be set by the user. A product specialist at LIMAB UK can provide you with expert guidance in setting the emissivity parameter for your application.
What Is the Size of the Object and How Far Away Is It from the Pyrometer?
Pyrometers are fitted with optics that determine the field of view (FOV) or spot size at a given distance from the pyrometer. For the correct optics to be selected for your application, knowing how far the pyrometer will be away from the measured optic and the size of the measuring spot needed is important.
In What Environment Will the Pyrometer Be Used?
Describing the chosen environment for your pyrometer will allow a LIMAB UK product specialist to understand your general application and use this information to determine which type of pyrometer is likely to be best suited.
Considering Ambient Temperature
It is important to consider the ambient temperature where the pyrometer will be mounted. If the temperature is higher than ambient, a fiber optic sensor head will probably need to be specified, with the electronics mounted remotely in the same location. An air or water-cooled jacket may also be required.
What Is the Environmental Atmosphere Like?
Is the pyrometer to be used in an area where there will likely be fumes, steam, smoke, dust or other airborne contamination? This may dictate the use of a dual-colour or ratio pyrometer or an air purge to protect the optics from contamination.
Considering the Window or Port
Is the pyrometer measuring in a vacuum furnace and looking through a port or viewing window? Is there a viewing port already installed and what material is it made from? These are important considerations for choosing a pyrometer.
Stray IR Radiation or Reflections
If the pyrometer is being used close to a large source of IR, for example, near a very hot furnace where the door is periodically opened, this will impact your choice of pyrometer.
What Speed Response Rate Do You Need?
Some heating processes involve a very rapid change in temperature, which dictates that the pyrometer must have a fast response rate to follow the temperature change without any lag. Response time is the time interval for the output to abruptly go from a low-temperature value up to 90% (or 95%) of the temperature. Higher-end pyrometers tend to have a faster response rate.
Learn More about Pyrometers
Several factors determine how to choose a pyrometer suited to your application. Our product specialists at LIMAB UK can offer advice to help you make the right choice.
You can learn more about pyrometers by using the links below:
- Learn more about what a pyrometer is used for
- Learn more about how a pyrometer works
- Learn more about the different types of pyrometers
- Learn more about the advantages of a pyrometer compared to contact measurement
- Learn more about spot size when selecting a pyrometer.
Visit our temperature measurement and thermal processing page to learn more about LIMAB UK’s temperature measurement products, including pyrometers. To speak to a product specialist to find out how a pyrometer could benefit your company, call +44 (0)1823 668633.
