The truth about non-contact measurement and infrared thermometers

Infrared technology is used in a vast array of industries — from astronomy to communications to art history. The formulas upon which infrared temperature measurement is based on are old, established and well proven. But when it comes to technology, there is always room for improvement. 

Today’s infrared temperature measurement technology can help improve the reliability and efficiency of the most demanding industrial operations. End-users can save thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours by implementing non-contact infrared temperature measurement systems, not to mention the added level of safety they provide to personnel.

Thermo-Kinetics uses infrared thermometers for non-contact temperature measurement, which is an indispensable technique for many temperature measurement applications. 

How do infrared (IR) thermometers work?

All objects emit infrared energy. The hotter an object is, the more active its molecules are, and the more infrared energy it emits. An infrared thermometer houses optics that collect the radiant infrared energy from the object and focus it onto a detector. The detector converts the energy into an electrical signal, which is amplified and displayed.

IR thermometers are strictly passive devices and will not affect the measured equipment as the IR energy comes into the device and is not emitted by the thermometer.

There are several advantages to non-contact temperature measurement over contact measurement, including its ability to capture temperature measurements of distant, moving or overheated objects, and of objects in hazardous surroundings. Other advantages include: 

• Very fast response and exposure times, delivering measurement results within seconds; 
• Measurement without interaction, which means no influence on the measuring object and non-destructive measurement;
• Allows for temperature measurement of objects that are virtually impossible to measure with contact sensors, such as electrical panels;
• Contact sensors require replacement over time, but infrared thermometers may only require an occasional calibration; 
• Infrared thermometers quickly identify the source of problems without exchanging components; and
• Have the ability to detect weak points before they become a problem.

The bottom line is that non-contact measurement can save the user valuable time and money, while increasing the safety of staff. It’s a valuable tool for any industry.

To learn more about non-contact measurement and infrared thermometers, contact Thermo-Kinetics. 

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