Ever wondered how engineers measure the heat/temperature of machines that emit high heat energy? Furnaces, molten steel, etc., emit a high level of heat that cannot be measured via normal thermometers. Hence, this is where tools, such as pyrometers, come into play. Now, you might wonder: What are pyrometers, and how do they work?
This article will explain a pyrometer’s basic functionality, advantages, and principles. In addition, it will briefly discuss a few types of pyrometers.
What are Pyrometers? Defined
Pyrometers are non-contact devices/tools that measure the temperature of distant objects. They are generally utilized in manufacturing industries to monitor and maintain a high level of heat emission during the overall production process.
These devices calculate the temperature by measuring an object’s infrared or heat radiation. Moreover, there are a few different types of these devices for specific purposes.
Principle of a Pyrometer
In simple words, Pyrometers work on the principle that the amount and wavelength of heat radiation are directly proportional to the Temperature of an object. Furthermore, each of these have different components, such as:
Optical System: To collect and focus on thermal radiation.
Detector: To measure the intensity of the radiation.
Signal Processor: To convert the radiation into an electrical signal.
Display: For displaying the final temperature of the object.
Types of Pyrometers
Since we have answered the question- What are Pyrometers?- Let us look into a few different types:
Optical Pyrometer: Compares the thermal radiation of an object to a calibrated light source, which finally estimates the temperature.
Infrared Pyrometer: Infrared or IR Pyrometers calculate the intensity of infrared radiation that comes out of an object, providing an estimated temperature.
Radiation Pyrometer: Being well-suited for high-temperature applications, radiation pyrometer only measure the overall radiation of an object regardless of wavelength.
Two-Color Pyrometer: Often referred to as ratio pyrometer, these devices calculate the temperature by comparing the emitted radiation at two different wavelengths.
Advantages of a Pyrometer
A pyrometer can measure the temperature of an object without contact, and hence has multiple utilities in manufacturing sectors. Let us look into some advantages of these devices:
Non-Contact Temperature Measurements: With pyrometers, organizations can easily measure high-temperature appliances or heat emission without any necessity of direct contact. This allows insights into the current functionality of a machine/process. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of injuries at production plants.
High-Temperature Measurement: These devices allow temperature measurements up to several degrees Celsius. Their ability to withstand such high temperatures will enable users to measure the quality of products/systems accurately.
Accuracy of Temperature Measurement: Different types of pyrometers offer different utilities. However, IR and Ratio Pyrometers provide high accuracy and precision of temperature measurement results. As a result, this assists in avoiding any mishaps during the production cycle.
Conclusion
Pyrometers are non-contact temperature measurement devices that can measure high temperatures by measuring the amount of heat and radiation emitted by an object. Owing to different needs, these devices have various types, such as optical, infrared, radiation, and ratio pyrometers. Manglam Electricals offers a wide range of quality pyrometers that can assist organizations or manufacturers in accurately measuring temperature from a distance.
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