Infrared (IR) Sensor Technical Specifications

Infrared Sensors - About Infrared Sensors

Infrared Sensors - Infrared Radiation

Infrared Sensors - Emissivity Information and Table

Why Use Infrared Measurement?

• Infrared sensors, when used to their fullest extent, can provide cost effective, accurate, and highly repeatable measurements.
• Infrared sensors tend to be very fast, some high-end sensors can take more than 500 samples per second, but the the most cost-effective models take as little as 2 samples per second.
• Infrared sensors are non-contact forms of measuremt, so they do not have to touch their targets, moving processes and harsh environments are most benefited by their measurements.
• They can measure very high temperatures, some of our handhelds go to 5400 °F, while the most cost effective sensors can measure 932 °F with no problem. Measuring high temperatures doe not affect the lifespan of the sensor, unlike most forms of contact measurement.
• Many infrared sensors have a thermocouple or process output so they can readily replace contact measurement.
• Handheld infrared thermometers allow technicians and operators and easy method of measureming an object's temperature without having to touch or get close to it.

When Not to Use Infrared Measurement

• The most important thing to remember is that infrared sensors are not a cure-all and there are times when contact measurement may be the only solution at this time.
• Infrared sensors need solid surfaces to measure temperature; gasses and open flames can't be measured, but the surfaces they are heating can be measured, nor can the inside of most materials be measured.
• The target must be larger than the sensor's spot size, so small targets may pose problems.
• The infrared sensor must have an unobstructed line of sight to its target, so the process or object of interest needs to have enough space to accomodate the sensor.
• While an infrared sensor is able to measure from afar, it is more fragile than contact probes, so ambient issues are more of a concern. For example, many of our sensors can measure more than 1000 °F, but they can only withstand about 180 ° or less without special enclosures. The RAYMIH sensors are an exception and can withstand 356 °F with no prolems.
• Dusty and harsh debris-filled environments can damage or cover the lenses, so air purging and sight-tubes may be required.
• A target's emissivity can affect a sensor's accuracy, so it is very important to get the right sensor for the right job.
• It can be very difficult to determine what is targeted when using a handheld infrared thermometer.

Infrared Wavelength

Infrared Radiation on the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Measuring Radiated Energy

Measured Infrared Wavelengths

• 1µm (RAYR3i1M)
Great for high temperatures, foundries, molten metals, and high temperature forging. Cannot be used well outdoors because it can pick up the sun's radiation and it can't measure temperatures less than 1100 °F
• 1.6µm (RAYR3i2M)
Great for high temperatures, foundries, molten metals, and high temperature forging as well as medium temperature metal measurements. Cannot be used well outdoors because it can pick up the sun's radiation and it can't measure temperatures less than 400 °F.
• 5µm (RAYR3iG5)
Specifically design for measuring glass at all temperatures from 300 to 3275 °F. It is not effective at measuring materials besides glass.
• 7.9µm (RAYR3iP7)
Measures plastic, especially thin film plastic.
• 7-18µm/8-14µm (RAYR3iLT, all other handhelds and fixed mount)
8-14µm sensors are the most common type of infrared sensor because they can measure a wide variety of materials such as papers, thick plastics, sand, painted objects, rubber and concrete at room temperature. Their drawback is that they cannot measure glass or unpainted metals.

Emissivity Table for Non-Metals

Emissivity Table for Metals