An optical pyrometer is a non-contact thermometer that measures high temperatures from a distance using various techniques, including detecting thermal radiation. It can read extremely hot items and hard-to-reach equipment and has an internal computer that eliminates data errors and alerts operators to potential problems. However, some designs rely on user judgment to compare color bands and require a direct line of sight to the target.
An optical pyrometer is simply a rod thermometer, shaped like a handheld gun or telescope, that measures very high temperatures from a distance. This equipment detects elevated temperatures from 100 to 1,999°F (37.8 to 1,092.8°C). These devices are often used to protect technicians from taking readings in the vicinity of dangerous equipment or processes. Pyrometers allow for non-contact temperature measurements using various techniques, such as the heated expansion of a metal rod or the strength of a thermoelectric current. The optical type can detect thermal radiation, which is heat emitted in the form of electromagnetic (EM) waves.
Thermal energy emits outside the range of visible light, in the infrared (IR) spectral band. The optical pyrometer is calibrated to filter EM band wavelengths to detect glowing from heated objects. It contains an optical system that captures wavelengths of light and a detector that measures the intensity of the radiation and matches it to a temperature.
Based on a scientific principle that all black bodies glow a similar color at a corresponding temperature, the optical pyrometer measures intensity via calibration that matches the material’s emissivity at temperature and time intervals. Modern devices also calculate the statistical error through repetitions of measurements. These instruments can read not only extremely hot items such as manufacturing processes and ovens, but also mobile and hard-to-reach equipment.
Some handheld devices are not mere telescopes, but have become increasingly capable of intelligent calculations. An internal computer can allow the optical pyrometer to eliminate data errors that can occur under industrial conditions. It can provide data from multiple bands to increase its accuracy. The device can account for factors such as dust and smoke, islands of slag on molten metal, and other obstructions.
The computer can carry out statistical processing of the data. It can alert operators to problematic signs or material obstacles, and can even alert them when temperatures are outside a specified range. This allows for greater sensitivity to potential problems before they occur, a vital safety measure when dealing with dangerously hot technology.
A disadvantage of some light pyrometer designs is that they rely on user judgment to compare color bands. Another is the need to have a direct line of sight to the target being measured. Found in numerous industries and technical services, the innovative devices enable consistent readings of unstable or moving objects and molten fluids. They can detect different surface and core temperatures. In plants with adverse conditions, these units operate through pollution, heat and vibration.
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