The Convir FL series of fibre-optic infrared temperature sensors from Calex Electronics has now grown with the addition of three new models. These new sensors extend the temperature range of the FL series, enabling them to measure from 300-2500degC, as well as improving their performance at short wavelengths.
Both the FL-SI-18 and FL-SI-25 models measure in the spectral range 0.8-1.1um and have temperature ranges of 650-1800degC and 800-2500degC, respectively. This very short-wavelength spectral response makes them particularly well suited to measuring most metal targets, as it helps to improve the apparent emissivity of the metal surface and can reduce possible errors from variations in emissivity of the surface.
Next, the FL-GAI-13 and FL-GAI-18 models measure at 1.45-1.8um and offer wide temperature ranges of 300-1300degC and 350-1800degC, respectively. These broad temperature ranges enable the FL-GAI models to be employed in applications where the use of fibre-optic sensors was not previously possible.
All of the models in the FL series have a USB interface for configuration and data logging via a PC. With the AF-301U software and interface cable the temperature range, emissivity value and response time of these sensors can be configured to meet the requirements of individual applications. A 'peak picker' mode is also available for use with intermittent targets. This software can provide a real-time display of the current temperature measurement of the FL sensor, and of the maximum, minimum and average readings. Furthermore, the AF-301U software offers graph plotting functions and can save and export measurements as a text file.
These sensors use optical heads with manually adjustable focal distances to provide the optimum measurement spot size at a given distance. Two different optical heads are available; for small targets at short distances there is the LVO25, which can give a measurement spot of 1.6mm diameter at a distance of 80mm. For measurements over longer distances there is the LVO35, which can provide a measurement spot of 11mm diameter at a distance of 1m. These optical heads provide a white LED pilot light to show both the position and size of the measurement spot for precise alignment.
The optical heads and electronics enclosures of the FL series are made of stainless steel and are sealed to IP65. The optical heads can operate in ambient temperatures up to 250degC without the need for cooling. The fibre-optic cable is protected by a stainless steel braid, with 1.5m of cable supplied as standard and up to 5m available on request.
