Tips and methods for accurate temperature measurement with infrared thermometer

　　1. Working principle of infrared thermometer

　　The infrared thermometer is composed of an optical system, a photoelectric detector, a signal amplifier, and signal processing. Display output, etc. The optical system gathers the infrared radiation energy of the target within its field of view, and the infrared energy is focused on the photoelectric detector and converted into a corresponding electrical signal, which is then converted into the temperature value of the measured target through conversion.

　　2. Benefits of using infrared thermometer

　　1. Convenience: Infrared thermometers provide rapid temperature measurements. In the time it takes to read a leaking connection with a thermocouple, you can read the temperature of almost all connection points with an infrared thermometer. In addition, because infrared thermometers are solid and lightweight (all weigh less than 10 ounces), and are easy to put in a leather case when not in use, you can carry them with you when you are patrolling the factory and doing daily inspections.

　　2. Accuracy: Another advanced feature of infrared thermometers is accuracy, which is usually within 1 degree. This performance is particularly important when you are doing preventive maintenance, such as monitoring bad production conditions and special events that will cause equipment damage or downtime. Because most equipment and factories operate 365 days a year, downtime is equivalent to reduced income. To prevent such losses, scan all on-site electronic equipment-circuit breakers, transformers, fuses, switches, buses and distribution boards to find hot spots. With an infrared thermometer, you can even quickly detect small changes in operating temperature and solve problems at the bud, reducing expenses and maintenance scope caused by equipment failure.

　　3. Safety: Safety is the most important benefit of using an infrared thermometer. Unlike contact thermometers, infrared thermometers can safely read inaccessible or unreachable target temperatures. You can read the target temperature within the range allowed by the instrument . Non-contact temperature measurements can also be performed in unsafe or difficult areas where contact temperature measurement is difficult, such as near steam valves or heating furnaces. They do not need to risk burning their fingers when contacting the temperature. Accurately measuring the temperature of the supply/return air outlet 25 feet above the head is as easy as measuring it at hand. Raytek infrared thermometers have laser aiming to facilitate identification of the target area. With it, your work becomes much easier.

　　3. Where are the main areas of use of infrared thermometers?

　　Infrared thermometers have proven to be an effective tool for detecting and diagnosing electronic equipment failures. They can save a lot of money. With infrared thermometers, you can continuously diagnose electronic connection problems and detect the functional status of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) by looking for hot spots at the output filter connections on DC batteries. You can check battery components and power distribution board terminals, switch gears or fuse connections to prevent energy consumption; since loose connectors and combinations generate heat, infrared thermometers help identify insulation failures in circuit interrupters. Or monitor electronic compressors; daily scanning of transformer hot spots can detect cracked windings and terminals.

　　4. How to measure temperature with an infrared thermometer

　　The following are three temperature measurement technologies of Raytek non-contact thermometer:

　　1. Point measurement: measure the temperature of the entire surface of an object, such as an engine or other equipment

　　2. Temperature difference measurement: compare the measured temperature at two independent points, such as a connector or circuit breaker

　　3. Scanning measurement: detect target changes in a wide area or continuous area, such as refrigeration pipelines or distribution rooms.

　　5. Main considerations for selecting infrared thermometer

　　1. Temperature range: Each type of thermometer has its own specific temperature measurement range. The temperature range of the selected instrument should match the temperature range of the specific application.

　　2. Target size: When measuring temperature, the target should be larger than the field of view of the thermometer, otherwise there will be measurement errors. It is recommended that the target size should exceed 50% of the field of view of the thermometer.

　　3. Optical resolution (D:S): The ratio of the thermometer probe to the target diameter. If the thermometer is far away from the target and the target is small, a high-resolution thermometer should be selected.

　　6. Tips for Accurate Temperature Measurement

　　When measuring the temperature of a shiny surface, such as aluminum and stainless steel, the reflection of the surface will affect the reading of the infrared thermometer. Before reading the temperature, place a rubber strip on the metal surface, and measure the temperature of the rubber strip area after the temperature is balanced.

　　If you want the infrared thermometer to be able to move from the kitchen to the cold storage area and still provide accurate temperature measurements, you need to wait for a period of time in the new environment for the temperature to reach equilibrium before measuring. It is best to place the thermometer in a place that is frequently used.

　　When using an infrared thermometer to read the internal temperature of a fluid food, such as a soup or sauce, you must stir it before measuring the surface temperature. Keep the thermometer away from steam to avoid contaminating the lens and causing incorrect readings.