The traditional ways of measuring temperature in the past caused inconvenience and difficulty considering the very sensitive nature of temperature measuring instruments. With the onset of infrared technology, its use for measuring temperature in a non-contact manner has proved to be more accurate and less cumbersome than other methods. Thermometer checking in hospitals, industrial equipment attending, and food servings are just some of the areas these innovative devices can be used. However, the degree of accuracy in reading the thermometer depends on the device constantly being heated for a time period of one hour to allow the emulsion to melt. Let's further investigate the domain of contactless temperature measuring.
The Science of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared technology is implemented in checking temperatures because of its unique feature in non-contact temperature. Infrared thermometers are similar to cameras in the sense that they detect different forms of electromagnetic radiation. It differs from traditional thermometers, where the measuring device needs to be placed in contact with the surface wherein it is checked. Infrared thermometers, on the other hand, transform appearing characteristics into a temperature scale.
How Infrared Sensors Detect Temperature
Infrared thermometers measure and display the temperature with the help of their internal electronic systems. These thermal measuring devices consist of different parts, enabling them to:
- Capture thermal radiation given out from an object using an infrared sensor.
- Focus the captured radiation onto a detector that transforms the radiation into a temperature reading.
- Process the signal through the internal circuitry of the thermometer, allowing it to show the data in a desired format.
- In industry, infrared thermometers are used for checking and measuring temperature of machines with a goal of preventing overheating and ensuring their correct functioning.
The Expanding Industry and the Importance of Precision
Because different fields are needing the use of infrared thermometers , there is an ongoing expansion of the industry. As per Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the infrared thermometers industry was estimated to be worth US$ 14 billion in 2023, and from 2023 to 2030, it is projected to grow at a rate of 7.1% annually. This is due to the increased use of non-contact temperature measurement devices in healthcare, manufacturing, and food safety.
The accuracy of the temperature measuring systems is one of the most important features of infrared thermometers. Distance, ambient temperature, and the object's emissivity are just a few of the many factors that affect the degree of accuracy. To guarantee accuracy, makers of infrared thermometers calibrate them using blackbody radiation sources. These devices are fundamental instruments that are recognized to radiate specified amounts of infrared radiation.
Calibration should be performed on a regular basis, especially for industries where accuracy is imperative, such as healthcare or food safety, where small errors can result in drastic outcomes. For example, a calibrated infrared thermometer being used in a food processing plant might read the temperature incorrectly, which would lead to failure of the food safety standards.
Infrared vs. Traditional Thermometers: Which is Better?
There are major differences between traditional thermometers and infrared thermometers.
- Speed: An infrared thermometer's reading can be taken within seconds when compared to a traditional thermometer's prolonged timeframe.
- Hygiene: They do not touch the surface, so there is no risk of cross-contamination, making it applicable in medical and food industries.
- Safety: Temperature checks with infrared thermometers can be done from a distance, making it ideal for checking high-temperature industrial machines.
While short-range measurements, like in laboratory experiments or certain medical conditions, require precision, there is an argument to be made for traditional thermometers too.
With their unmatched incredible efficiency in non-contact temperature measurement, infrared thermometers are a great tool in numerous industries. These devices ensure hygiene, safety, and accuracy by using thermal radiation and infrared sensors. They aid in many fields, such as medicine, industry, and culinary, which makes their need more than that of traditional thermometers.
