Introduction
Optical pyrometers are an important industrial instrument for the accurate and fast measurement of high temperatures. A pyrometer consists of a radiation sensing element, a power source, typically batteries, and an indicator which can be analog or digital. A pyrometer works by measuring the intensity of the thermal radiation emitted from the object. The output of the instrument is then used to display the temperature of the object in either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. The accuracy of the measurements taken with an optical pyrometer is largely dependent on the quality of the optics used in the instrument.
How to use an Optical Pyrometer
Using an optical pyrometer is fairly straightforward, provided that the user is familiar with the operations of the instrument. Before taking a pyrometer reading the surface of the object being measured needs to be inspected. Make sure that the surface is clean, free of scale and dust, and is as flat as possible. Dust particles reflected off of the surface of the object can interfere with the measurement and result in an inaccurate reading, so any dust should be cleared off of the object prior to taking the measurement.
The optical pyrometer should be placed at a distance of at least 1 meter from the object and it is important to make sure that there is nothing in the way between the instrument and the object. This will ensure that the most accurate reading is taken. It is also important to make sure that the instrument is level and is not pointing upwards or downwards.
Once the instrument is in the correct position, turn it on and check that the temperature scale is set to the desired unit (either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit). Once the unit is set, hold the trigger steady and press it until the measurement is complete. Once the measurement is complete, the instrument will display the reading and the Digital Output (D.O.) will be displayed on the LCD. The LCD will also display the minimum and maximum values of the measurement, as well as any warning signals that may have been triggered during the measurement.
Conclusion
Using an optical pyrometer is fairly simple and straightforward, provided the user is familiar with the operations of the instrument. It is important to make sure that the surface of the object being measured is free of dust and scale, and that the instrument is placed at the correct distance from the object. The LCD will display the measurement results and any warnings signals that may have been triggered during the measurement. With a little practice and familiarity, the user will soon be taking accurate and reliable temperature measurements with an optical pyrometer.
