Temperature sensors - all you need from Micro-Epsilon

Posted to News on 24th Sep 2009, 14:01

Temperature sensors - all you need from Micro-Epsilon

Micro-Epsilon has earned an excellent reputation for its displacement sensors and turnkey inspection systems, but the company also has considerable expertise in the field of temperature sensing - both for inline and handheld measurements. Depending on the application requirements, Micro-Epsilon has the means to measure temperatures from -50 to 1800degC and can offer sensors to suit a variety of extreme environments. In addition, the company has an infrared thermal imaging camera that is claimed to be comparable in terms of technical specification and performance to alternative inline thermal imagers, yet it costs around 60 per cent less.

Fibre optic pyrometer for hot metals

Micro-Epsilon's thermoMETER CT ratio is a two-colour pyrometer for measuring the temperature of hot metals in ambient temperatures of up to 250degC. Features include a short acquisition time of 5ms, a passive sensor head connected to the controller housing via fibre optics, measuring ranges of 700 to 1800degC, an optical resolution of 60:1 and a spectral range of 0.7-1.1um. Because the sensor uses the ratio principle, it is insensitive to changes of the emission. Output options are 0/40-20mA, 0-5/10V, USB, RS 232, RS 485, CAN, Profibus DP and Ethernet.

Temperature sensors with laser aiming

Suitable for precision measurement tasks in a variety of industrial environments, Micro-Epsilon's laser-aimed temperature sensors help to avoid false measurements by ensuring the temperature is measured exactly where required. Models in the range include the thermoMETER CTlaser (which has a measuring range of -50 to 975degC, an optical resolution of 75:1, a spectral range of 8-14um and laser spot as small as 0.9mm), the thermoMETER CTlaserFAST (which is similar to the thermoMETER CTlaser but with measuring times from 9ms and an optical resolution of 50:1), the thermoMETER CTlaserGLASS for glass processing applications (which is available with measuring ranges of 100-1200 or 25-1650degC, optical resolutions of 45:1 and 70:1, respectively, a spectral range of 5.2um and a choice of accessories for cooling and protection in harsh environments), the thermoMETER CTlaser M1/M2 for use with metallurgical processes as well as measurements on metal oxides and ceramics (which have four measuring ranges from 485-1050 to 385-1600degC, optical resolutions of 150:1 to 300:1, a spectral range of 1-1.6um and a response time of 1ms) and the thermoMETER CTlaser M3 for measurements on metals and composites (which has measuring ranges of 50-375 or 100-600degC, optical resolutions of 60:1 or 100:1, respectively, a spectral range of 2.3um, measuring times from 1ms and a separate controller with programming buttons).

Universal temperature sensors

This is Micro-Epsilon's 'standard' range of temperature sensors, though the company offers a number of specialist products within this range to suit specific industrial applications. Models include the thermoMETER CT robust and ultra-compact IR sensors (with measuring ranges of -50 to 600 or -40 to 900degC, optical resolutions of 2:1 to 22:1, spectral ranges of 8-14um and able to be used without cooling in ambient temperatures up to 180degC), the thermoMETER CTex (an extension set that enables standard sensors to be use in potentially explosive EX zones), the thermoMETER CTfast (with a measuring range of -50 to 600degC, an optical resolution of 10:1, a spectral range of 8-14um and an extremely short measuring time), the thermoMETER CThot (with a measuring range of -40 to 975degC, an optical resolution of 2:1 to 10:1, a spectral range of 8-14um and a facility that enables the sensor to be aligned so that measurements are not influenced by the target material's thickness - typical applications include clays, furnaces and heat treatment in metal, plastic and textile processing), the thermoMETER CT M1/M2 for applications such as welding, soldering, forming and sintering (which have measuring ranegs of 450-1050 to 385-1600degC, optical resolutions from 40:1 to 75:1, spectral ranges of 1-1.6um, a miniaturised sensor head and excellent electromagnetic compatibility), the thermoMETER CTtrans (a mobile measuring system for thermal analysis of material, comprising an IR emitter and CT sensor for determining the emission level of changing material, featuring a measuring range of -20 to 100degC, an optical resolution of 15:1 and a spectral range of 8-14um) and the thermoMETER CT M3 for measurements on metals and composites (featuring measuring ranges of 50-375 or 100-600degC, optical resolutions of 22:1 or 33:1, respectively, a spectral range of 2.3um, measuring times from 1ms and a short measuring wavelength that reduces measurement errors in the case of emissivity changes).

OEM temperature sensors with integrated controller

Economically priced, these sensors feature integral control electronics for applications where this is more appropriate than separate housings for the sensor and controller. Models include the thermoMETER_CS (with a measuring range of -40 to 400degC, an optical resolution of 15:1, a spectral range of 8-14um, scalable analogue output, and an LED alarm and smart electronic sighting support), the thermoMETER_CSmicro (with similar performance to the thermoMETER_CS but with a smaller housing and the electronics integrated within the cable) and the thermoMETER CSlaser (a miniature IR sensor with integral controller and laser aiming, a measuring range of -30 to 1600degC, an optical resolution of 50:1, 150:1 or 300:1, a spectral range of 8-14um or 1.6um and laser aiming for spot size marking).

Compact thermal imager

The thermoIMAGER TIM is a very compact (45x45x62mm) thermal imager, with measuring ranges of -20 to 100, 0-250 or 250-900degC, a resolution of 160x120 pixels, a spectral range of 7.5-13um, a thermal sensitivity of 0.08K, a choice of lenses, a frame rate of 100Hz, and all power and communications via a USB interface. Prices are said to be around 60 per cent lower than those of conventional thermal imaging systems.

Handheld pyrometers and thermal imaging cameras

Micro-Epsilon offers a range of handheld instruments to suit a variety of industrial applications where mobility is important. The thermoIMAGER I5 is claimed to be the smallest, lightest and most affordable infrared camera on the market. Easy to use, the camera provides high-quality infrared images. With 120x120 pixels resolution, the thermoIMAGER I40 features a measuring range of -20 to 350degC, 100mK thermal sensitivity and incorporates a 0.6 megapixel digital camera and LED lights. Largely similar, the thermoIMAGER I50 benefits from a 140x140 pixel resolution, a 2.3 megapixel digital camera and a laser pointer for accurate targeting.

For simple but accurate temperature measurements, the thermometer MS series of handheld infrared thermometers are available with measuring ranges of -32 to 420degC to -32 to 760degC, optical resolutions of 20:1 to 40:1 and a spectral range of 8-14um. Readings can be obtained in just 0.3s and laser sighting helps to ensure readings are accurate. The thermometer LS infrared thermometer has a measuring range of -35 to 900degC, an optical resolution of 75:1 and a spectral range of 8-14um. An innovative feature with this model is the laser crosshair marking that helps to identify the measuring point at any distance. This thermometer also benefits from a thermocouple input, a USB interface and graphical software.