Since surface temperature is often a good indicator of how well your equipment or process is running, regular temperature measurement should be an essential element in any industrial process control application.
Some considerations for you to make before choosing an infrared sensor:
* What is the temperature range of your process or maintenance application?
* What type of material are you measuring?
* How far away from the process to be measured are you able to put the sensor?
* What area of the process do you need to measure?
These are the main questions to ask when choosing the correct Raytek temperature sensor for your application.
Environmental and operating conditions, for example ambient temperature, will determine other sensor specifications, such as the need for protective accessories or display and output capability.
Consider target size and distance
Raytek offers a variety of products with specific temperature range features. Single wavelength infrared temperature sensors need a clear line of sight between the instrument and the target. Sighting options allow you to aim the sensor on the target. Some Raytek units have a built-in laser that pinpoints the target, which is very helpful when the target is very small, or in dark inaccessible areas. A two colour or ratio instrument is most effective when the target is very small or is moving in and out of the field of view. A fibre-optic unit, whose cable can snake around obstructions, is best in a harsh environment or if a direct line of sight between the instrument and the target is otherwise impossible. For single wavelength sensors, the measurement target should be larger than the field of view by at least 50%. If the target is smaller than the field of view, background temperatures will affect the reading.
Consider surface characteristics
Additionally, the target materials temperature range, emissivity and surface characteristics determine the response or wavelength needed in a sensor. Emissivity is the ability of the material to emit IR energy. Most organic, painted or oxidised surfaces have emissivity values close to 0,95, which is already pre-set in some of the Raytek products. Other Raytek sensors have adjustable emissivity to ensure accuracy when measuring materials outside this value, such as metals, glass and thin film plastic.
With these considerations in mind you are on the way to selecting the correct instrument for the application.
For more information contact R&C Instrumentation, 086 111 4217, stevee@randci.co.za, www.randci.co.za
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