Infrared Temperature Measurement

Contact-based temperature sensors, such as thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), have demonstrated accurate and cost-effective operation throughout the chemical process industries (CPI). However, there are many applications and settings where they are simply not practical. In those cases, engineers can turn to a host of non-contact temperature measurement devices, many of which are based on measuring infrared (IR) radiation. IR thermometers can routinely perform measurements in situations where readings with contact thermometers would be virtually impossible. Situations where IR-based temperature measurement should be considered include the following: • Rapid and frequent temperature readings are required • Objects are moving • Objects are within strong electromagnetic fields, such as in processes involving induction or microwave heating • Rapid thermal changes are the norm • Objects needing measurement are located in process chambers or behind windows • The surface temperature of an object or equipment requires measurement • Locations are inaccessible to contact thermometers • Areas to be measured would be damaged or contaminated by contact measurement • Varying surface-temperature distributions…