The choice of which infrared thermometer to use can be divided into three categories:
In terms of performance indicators, such as temperature range, spot size, working wavelength, measurement accuracy, response time, etc.; in terms of environment and working conditions, such as ambient temperature, windows, display and output, protective accessories, etc.; in terms of other options, such as ease of use, maintenance Calibration performance and price also have a certain impact on the choice of thermometer. With the continuous development of technology, the best designs and new advances in infrared thermometers have provided users with various functional and multi-purpose instruments, expanding their choices.
Determine the temperature measurement range:
Temperature measurement range is the most important performance indicator of a thermometer. For example, Raytek products cover a range of -50℃-+3000℃, but this cannot be accomplished by one type of infrared thermometer. Each model of thermometer has its own specific temperature measurement range. Therefore, the user's measured temperature range must be considered accurately and comprehensively, neither too narrow nor too wide. According to the blackbody radiation law, the change in radiant energy caused by temperature in the short-wavelength band of the spectrum will exceed the change in radiated energy caused by the emissivity error. Therefore, shortwave should be used as much as possible when measuring temperature.
Determine target size:
Infrared thermometers can be divided into single-color thermometers and two-color thermometers (radiation colorimetric thermometers) based on their principles. For a monochromatic thermometer, when measuring temperature, the measured target area should fill the field of view of the thermometer. It is recommended that the size of the measured target exceeds 50% of the field of view. If the target size is smaller than the field of view, the background radiation energy will enter the visual and acoustic branches of the thermometer and interfere with the temperature measurement reading, causing errors. On the contrary, if the target is larger than the field of view of the thermometer, the thermometer will not be affected by the background outside the measurement area.
For Raytek two-color thermometer, the temperature is determined by the ratio of radiated energy in two independent wavelength bands. Therefore, when the measured target is small, does not fill the site, and there is smoke, dust, or obstruction on the measurement path that attenuates the radiation energy, it will not affect the measurement results. Even when the energy is attenuated by 95%, the required temperature measurement accuracy can still be guaranteed. For targets that are small and in motion or vibrating; targets that sometimes move within the field of view or may partially move out of the field of view, under these conditions, using a two-color thermometer is the best choice. If it is impossible to aim directly between the thermometer and the target, or the measurement channel is curved, narrow, or blocked, a two-color fiber optic thermometer is the best choice. This is due to its small diameter and flexibility, which can transmit optical radiation energy on curved, blocked and folded channels, so it can measure targets that are difficult to access, have harsh conditions, or are close to electromagnetic fields.
