Transactions in measurement and control -- 1.4

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s described in chapter 3 on IR Thermometers and Pyrometers, thermocouples have been used as detectors in radiation thermometry for many decades. Often, a series of thermocouples, or thermopile, was the thermal detector of choice. But in more recent years a new class of low-cost, self-powered "infrared thermocouples"
has been developed, and has opened up a broad market for non-contact temperature measurement in such industries as food, electronics, paper, pharmaceutical, plastics, rubber, and textiles.

All infrared thermocouple sensors work in a fashion similar to a standard thermocouple: a small millivoltage or electromotive force (emf) relates to the temperature being measured. To correctly apply any such instrument, the user or designer must be aware of certain basic characteristics of all thermocouples and the circuitry involved. Just how does the thermocouple function in providing a usable emf measuring signal? And what is important to observe so far as metering that signal to accurately indicate the measured temperature?
What is the effect of changes in ambient temperature—at the thermocouple
and at the meter? A discussion with references will help make such points clear.

Topics covered include:
1.  Thermocouple Basics
2.  Self-powered Infrared Thermocouples
3.  Installation Guidelines

Other chapters of Transactions will systematically cover other aspects of temperature, humidity, pressure, strain, flow, level, pH, and conductivity instrumentation as well as other measurement, data acquisition and control topics. Click here to view the other chapters of Volume I, or to download Non-Contact Temperature Measurement in its entirety.

 

We hope the Transactions in Measurement and Control series will find a permanent home on your reference shelf, and that it proves itself of great value now and in the future.

Click the Download Now button below to view and save Chapter Four: Infrared Thermocouples.