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Understanding Optical Pyrometers

The document discusses optical pyrometers, which are non-contact devices used to measure the temperature of objects by detecting the thermal radiation emitted. An optical pyrometer works by comparing the brightness of radiation from the measured object to a calibrated reference light source. The pyrometer focuses thermal radiation through an optical system onto a detector, and the user adjusts the reference light intensity until it matches the measured object, allowing the object's temperature to be determined. Optical pyrometers offer advantages like non-contact use, remote sensing ability, and suitability for moving or hard to reach objects, though they have limitations like a minimum measurable temperature of 700°C.

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Tarun Varshney
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82 views4 pages

Understanding Optical Pyrometers

The document discusses optical pyrometers, which are non-contact devices used to measure the temperature of objects by detecting the thermal radiation emitted. An optical pyrometer works by comparing the brightness of radiation from the measured object to a calibrated reference light source. The pyrometer focuses thermal radiation through an optical system onto a detector, and the user adjusts the reference light intensity until it matches the measured object, allowing the object's temperature to be determined. Optical pyrometers offer advantages like non-contact use, remote sensing ability, and suitability for moving or hard to reach objects, though they have limitations like a minimum measurable temperature of 700°C.

Uploaded by

Tarun Varshney
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Optical Pyrometer

The technique which supports the measurement of temperature of the objects without touching
them is called as pyrometric measurement. This is a non-contact type measurement which is
being used in various industrial application.

Pyrometer

A pyrometer is a device that is used for the temperature measurement of an object. The device
actually tracks and measures the amount of heat that is radiated from an object. The thermal
heat radiates from the object to the optical system present inside the pyrometer. The optical
system makes the thermal radiation into a better focus and passes it to the detector. The output
of the detector will be related to the input thermal radiation. The biggest advantage of this
device is that, unlike a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) and Thermocouple, there is no
direct contact between the pyrometer and the object whose temperature is to be found out.

Basic principle

The object whose temperature is above absolute zero (i.e.273.15 K) emits or generates
radiation. The emission is heat radiation which depends on temperature. Generally the infrared
radiation is referred to the measurement type as majority of radiations lie in the
electromagnetic spectrum of infrared domain. This domain lies in the spectrum of above visible
red light. The energy radiated by the object is used to measure the temperature of the object
through the use of detective device which converts the received signal in to electrical signal.
The instruments or systems which is used for measurement purpose is known by common
names such as pyrometer/temperature guns or radiation pyrometers.

Optical Pyrometer

In an optical pyrometer, a brightness comparison is made to measure the temperature. As a


measure of the reference temperature, a color change with the growth in temperature is taken.
The device compares the brightness produced by the radiation of the object whose temperature
is to be measured, with that of a reference temperature. The reference temperature is produced
by a lamp whose brightness can be adjusted till its intensity becomes equal to the brightness of
the source object. For an object, its light intensity always depends on the temperature of the
object, whatever may be its wavelength. After adjusting the temperature, the current passing
through it is measured using a multimeter, as its value will be proportional to the temperature
of the source when calibrated. The working of an optical pyrometer is shown in the figure
below.

As shown in the figure above, an optical pyrometer has the following components.

1. An eye piece (observer) at the left side and an optical lens on the right.
2. A reference lamp, which is powered with the help of a battery.
3. A rheostat to change the current and hence the brightness intensity.
4. So as to increase the temperature range which is to be measured, an absorption screen
is fitted between the optical lens and the reference bulb.
5. A red filter placed between the eye piece and the reference bulb helps in narrowing the
band of wavelength.

Working

The radiation from the source is emitted and the optical objective lens captures it. The lens
helps in focusing the thermal radiation on to the reference bulb. The observer watches the
process through the eye piece and corrects it in such a manner that the reference lamp filament
has a sharp focus and the filament is super-imposed on the temperature source image. The
observer starts changing the rheostat values and the current in the reference lamp changes. This
in turn, changes its intensity. This change in current can be observed in three different ways.

1. The filament is dark. That is, cooler than the temperature source.
2. Filament is bright. That is, hotter than the temperature source.
3. Filament disappears. Thus, there is equal brightness between the filament and
temperature source. At this time, the current that flows in the reference lamp is
measured, as its value is a measure of the temperature of the radiated light in the
temperature source, when calibrated.

Advantages

1. Simple assembling of the device enables easy use of it.


2. Provides a very high accuracy with +/-5 degree Celsius.
3. There is no need of any direct body contact between the optical pyrometer and the
object. Thus, it can be used in a wide variety of applications.
4. As long as the size of the object, whose temperature is to measured fits with the size of
the optical pyrometer, the distance between both of them is not at all a problem. Thus,
the device can be used for remote sensing.
5. This device can not only be used to measure the temperature, but can also be used to
see the heat produced by the object/source. Thus, optical pyrometers can be used to
measure and view wavelengths less than or equal to 0.65 microns. But a Radiation
Pyrometer can be used for high heat applications and can measure wavelengths between
0.70 microns to 20 microns.
6. Can measure the moving objects.
7. Electrical items temp. can be measured which is very critical if we think of contact type
measurement expl HT panels, transformers.
8. The instruments can be used where physical approach is difficult small ducts or some
object at roof heights.
Disadvantages

1. As the measurement is based on the light intensity, the device can be used only in
applications with a minimum temperature of 700 degree Celsius.
2. The device is not useful for obtaining continuous values of temperatures at small
intervals.

Applications

1. Used to measure temperatures of liquid metals or highly heated materials.


2. Can be used to measure furnace temperatures.

Common questions

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Optical pyrometers offer several advantages over contact-based devices like RTDs and thermocouples. Firstly, they do not require direct contact with the object, making them suitable for measuring high temperatures without damaging the device . This feature also allows them to be used in remote sensing applications, since the distance between the device and the object is not a problem as long as the object fits the optical pyrometer's field of view . Additionally, they offer high accuracy with a margin of +/-5 degree Celsius . Moreover, they are particularly useful for measuring temperatures of moving objects or objects in inaccessible locations, such as in small ducts or at roof heights .

Non-contact temperature measurement devices like optical pyrometers provide significant benefits in terms of safety and equipment longevity. By not requiring physical contact with the object being measured, they reduce the risk of damage to both the pyrometer and the object, especially when dealing with extremely high temperatures . This feature ensures that measurement processes do not compromise equipment integrity, thereby prolonging device lifespan. Furthermore, the non-contact nature minimizes the potential for accidental burns or damage to the measurement device, enhancing operator and equipment safety overall .

An optical pyrometer is preferred for measuring fast-moving objects because it does not require contact with the object, eliminating potential inaccuracies caused by physical interaction disturbances. Its non-contact nature allows for continuous and accurate temperature measurements without needing to stop or slow the object down . Additionally, since optical pyrometers rely on radiated heat and brightness comparison, they can quickly adjust to changes in intensity, providing real-time temperature data crucial for monitoring moving objects efficiently .

The working principle of an optical pyrometer relies on the concept of brightness comparison. The device measures the temperature by matching the brightness of the object's emitted radiation with the brightness of a reference lamp. The optical system focuses the thermal radiation onto the reference bulb, and the observer adjusts a rheostat to change the current and thus the intensity of the reference bulb until it matches the brightness of the source. When matched, the filament of the reference bulb disappears against the object image, indicating equal brightness . The measured current at this point correlates with the object's temperature based on calibration, ensuring accurate temperature measurement without direct contact .

The red filter in an optical pyrometer enhances its function by narrowing the band of wavelengths that affect the pyrometer's brightness comparison mechanism. By filtering the light to a specific range, the red filter helps to improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement by focusing on the most relevant part of the spectrum for brightness comparison. This allows the observer to more precisely match the brightness of the reference lamp to that of the object, thereby ensuring more accurate temperature readings .

Optical pyrometers are capable of measuring and viewing wavelengths less than or equal to 0.65 microns, which makes them suitable for applications requiring high-precision brightness comparisons in the visible light range . In contrast, radiation pyrometers can handle high heat applications that involve measuring wavelengths between 0.70 microns to 20 microns, covering a broader infrared spectrum range. This capability makes radiation pyrometers more suitable for very high-temperature environments and broader-spectrum thermal measurements .

Optical pyrometers have certain limitations, primarily related to their light intensity-based measurement approach. They can only be used effectively at temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius, limiting their applications in lower temperature environments . Additionally, optical pyrometers are not suitable for obtaining continuous temperature values at small intervals, making them less useful for applications requiring real-time temperature monitoring or frequent data acquisition .

Environmental lighting conditions can affect the brightness comparison used in optical pyrometers by introducing extraneous light that may interfere with the observer's ability to accurately match the reference lamp's brightness to that of the object. Such interference might lead to erroneous temperature readings. To mitigate these effects, the use of a well-calibrated optical system with an appropriate red filter is essential to isolate the relevant wavelengths and minimize the impact of external light . Additionally, measurements could be conducted in controlled lighting environments, or using shielding techniques to block ambient light, ensuring accurate temperature readings are achieved.

The calibration process of an optical pyrometer is crucial for its accuracy and reliability in high-temperature measurements. Calibration involves establishing a proportional relationship between the brightness of the reference lamp and the measured current, correlating with specific temperature values. During calibration, the current corresponding to known reference temperatures is measured and used to adjust the pyrometer's readout system. This ensures that the optical pyrometer produces accurate temperature measurements across its operational range, reinforcing measurement reliability for various industrial applications .

Optical pyrometers are typically used in industrial applications where high-temperature measurements are necessary and contact with the object is undesirable. These applications include measuring the temperatures of liquid metals and highly heated materials, such as in furnaces . They are also advantageous for applications involving moving objects or components that are difficult to access, such as items in small ducts or at elevated locations .

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