Handheld Infrared Thermometers: Difference between revisions
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While there are many brands and models, a good product should have the following capability: | While there are many brands and models, a good product should have the following capability: | ||
* wide measuring temperature range (-50 to 380 Celsius degrees) | * wide measuring temperature range (-50 to 380 Celsius degrees or even more) | ||
* less than 1.5 Celsius degrees temperature deviation from reference | * less than 1.5 Celsius degrees temperature deviation from reference | ||
* quickly display instant temperature reading in Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees | * quickly display instant temperature reading in Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees | ||
* laser pointer with additional indication of measurement radius (center and edge red dots) | * laser pointer with additional indication of measurement radius (center and edge red dots) | ||
* large dial display, illuminated | * large dial display, illuminated LCD, durable case | ||
* use a single 9V battery or two AA batteries (simple maintenance) | * use a single 9V battery or two AA batteries (simple maintenance) | ||
* continuous measurement temperature if trigger button is held | * continuous measurement temperature if trigger button is held | ||
* | * hold last reading after trigger button pressed and released (useful on hard to reach places) | ||
* show temperature variation from reference value with different screen colour | * show temperature variation from reference value with different screen colour | ||
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[[Image:Infrared Thermometer.jpg|Infrared Thermometer]] | [[Image:Infrared Thermometer.jpg|Infrared Thermometer]] | ||
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Despite the complexity of the above list requirements, most general purpose thermal scanners do have at least basic capabilities. Essential features are the laser pointer with radius indication and continuous measurement, to identify areas of concern. | |||
=Utility= | =Utility= | ||
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! Location !! Ambient temperature || Highest temperature !! Lowest temperature !! Comments | ! Location !! Ambient or exterior air temperature || Highest temperature !! Lowest temperature !! Comments | ||
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| | | 12000 BTU Air conditioning unit (on cooling) || 35 Celsius degrees exterior || 20 Celsius degrees || 15 Celsius degrees || Outlet air temperature around 15 degrees when operating, otherwise cleaning or servicing required | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 12000 BTU Air conditioning unit (on heating) || -5 Celsius degrees exterior || 48 Celsius degrees || 35 Celsius degrees || Outlet air temperature around 35 degrees when operating, otherwise cleaning or servicing required | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Typical water space heater on central heating systems || -5 Celsius degrees exterior || 50 Celsius degrees || 38 Celsius degrees || Large temperature on heater surface promote intense air currents, increase heat losses to exterior walls | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 300l Refrigerator (Freezer set at -18 Degrees Celsius) || 19 to 33 Celsius degrees ambient || 50 Celsius degrees || 35 Celsius degrees || Appliance backside temperature should not exceed 50 degrees in certain spots on adequate placement | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Kitchen || 19 to 33 Celsius degrees ambient || 33 Celsius degrees || 19 Celsius degrees || Temperature near cooking devices not more than 30 degrees over ambient to avoid discomfort | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Typical room || 19 to 33 Celsius degrees ambient || 31 Celsius degrees || 19 Celsius degrees || Temperature differences between various parts of the room less than 5 Celsius degrees to minimize drafts and losses | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Windows || -5 to 35 Celsius degrees ambient || 40 Celsius degrees || 15 Celsius degrees || Glass surface temperature less than 5 degrees over/under window frame on energy efficient modern windows, in intense sun or blizzard conditions | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Partition doors || 10 to 33 Celsius degrees ambient || 30 Celsius degrees || 19 Celsius degrees || Surface temperature less than 3 degrees over/under nearby wall temperature for well sealed doors, regardless of air circulation and temperature on each side | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Interior facade walls (in summer) || 35 Celsius degrees exterior || 32 Celsius degrees || 28 Celsius degrees || If interior side temperature exceeds 30-32 degrees in sunny days, more external insulation/shading is required | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Interior facade walls (in winter) || -5 Celsius degrees exterior || 20 Celsius degrees || 15 Celsius degrees || If interior side temperature drops below 15 degrees in very cold days, more external insulation is required to avoid mold growth | ||
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Hot or cold spot temperatures may be relative. Note that first readings may be different from ones made after two or three minutes, as some affordable infrared thermometers may not have proper recalibration. | Hot or cold spot temperatures may be relative. Note that first readings may be different from ones made after two or three minutes, as some affordable infrared thermometers may not have proper recalibration. | ||
=Monitoring | Food processing and storage can also benefit from sample temperature measurements to ensure conformity or other requirements, adjustments for lower energy consumption or another desired result. | ||
=Monitoring suggestions= | |||
Readings can be made at any time. Ensuring that some are done in worst conditions such as high occupancy, intense activity, very cold winter day, very hot summer day, high humidity, intense sun, some doors and windows closed or opened, creates enough scenarios to test various improvements. | Readings can be made at any time. Ensuring that some are done in worst conditions such as high occupancy, intense activity, very cold winter day, very hot summer day, high humidity, intense sun, some doors and windows closed or opened, creates enough scenarios to test various improvements. | ||
[[Image:Infrared Thermometer Measurement Radius.jpg|Infrared Thermometer Laser Pointer Shows Measurement Radius]] | |||
Measurement at a distance of around 3m, with this sample unit, is averaged inside a 20 centimeters diameter circle. | |||
Keep in mind that the further you are from the surface you point the thermometer at, the wider the measurement area so if accurate evaluations are required, the device should be placed as close as possible to the area of interest. To understand what is actually measured, the scan radius laser pointer cast from the thermometer is very important. | |||
=Flexibility= | =Flexibility= | ||