An infrared temperature detector can detect electromagnetic waves in a range of 700nm-1400 nm. Even though the infrared spectrum surpasses 1,000,000 nm, IR temperature detectors don’t measure above 14,000 nm. Sensors like pyroelectric detector work by focusing the object’s infrared energy onto a photodetector(s).
The photodetector transforms the energy into electrical signals proportional to the object’s infrared energy. Since the released infrared energy of the item is relative to its temperature, the electrical signal offers accurate readings of the temperature that the object is pointed at. Then, the infrared signals are transmitted into the detector via a window made of plastic.
Even though plastic doesn’t allow the infrared frequency to pass through it, the detector uses a form that is transparent to specific frequencies. The plastic’s work is to filter out unwanted frequencies and safeguard the electronics inside the detector from dust, dirt, and other foreign substances.
Benefits of Infrared temperature detectors
IR detectors can read moving substances. Contact-based thermal detectors don’t work well on moving substances. Infrared thermal detectors are perfectly suited for measuring the temperatures of brakes, tires, and similar devices.
Infrared detectors don’t wear fast. No contact implies no friction. IR detectors experience zero wear and tear and consequently have a longer lifespan. IR detectors like pyroelectric detectors can offer more details. These thermal detectors offer deeper details when measuring objects by pointing at various spots on the item being measured. IR detectors can be utilized to detect motion by measuring fluctuations in temperatures in a field of view.
Pyroelectric thermal detectors
Pyroelectric detectors are a category of temperature sensors that emit a current output directly proportional to the rate of change of temperature when exposed to radiation. The sensors are perfect for pulsed laser applications. This means they can be utilized in applications where compact, small, easily integrated, inexpensive, and sensitive measurement gadgets are needed.
Most of these sensors range from 1-9 mm in diameter, and they are available in different configurations. These configurations include high sensitivity or higher average power, hybrid or passive. They present a pyroelectric sensor element covered with a metallic coating and are packaged in a miniature can.
The benefits of a pyroelectric detector over other infrared sensors include:
- It can be used at room temperature
- It has a wide spectral response
- Higher sensitivity
- Quick response
- Wide spectral response
Unlike photovoltaic and photoconductive sensors, pyroelectric detectors are not restricted to small parts of the electromagnetic field. They are wider spectrum sensors that are sensitive from 0.1-3000 μm.
Ordering a sensor
Every object releases more infrared radiation at a specific frequency than at others. For example, polyethylene releases more of its infrared radiation at 3430 nm while metals release at 1000 nm. For best performance, an infrared detector should have a wide spectral range centered at the peak temperatures. So, it’s important to know the specific application infrared is required for when buying a detector with an adjustable spectral range.
Application of pyroelectric detectors
The modern production process requires a higher level of automation. One advantage of fully automated plants and procedures is the reduction of mistakes that might lead to costly downtimes. In huge steel manufacturing plants, there are many red hot steel slabs that move around. They are processed, milled, and produced into different items like bars, coils, and wires. Keeping track of these items is of great importance to guarantee a smooth and cost-effective production process. Damage or blockage of production might lead to unexpected downtime. This will take many hours to be rectified and restart the whole procedure.
To resolve these challenges encountered in steel companies’ manufacturing procedures, you must control and monitor material flows electronically. This applies the path of workpieces via the plant, and detectors to sense parts will be placed at restricted access or risky areas within the plant. An infrared pyroelectric detector can sense a reliable flow and availability of red hot substances in the manufacturing procedure.
Detection of red hot metal
Standard detectors like photoelectric or inductive gadgets can’t be utilized in bear red hot metals. This is because they can be damaged by the high temperature or overloaded with huge infrared radiation released by the substances. Compared to the standard detectors, there is a detecting principle that uses this infrared radiation to sense hot objects and even offers a clue about their temperatures.
Non-contact infrared sensors such as pyroelectric detectors meet the prerequisites and are successfully utilized in these applications. The detectors can be fixed far away from hot metals, such that they won’t be damaged by heat. They sense the infrared light released by the hot metal as this radiation moves virtually unrestricted. Furthermore, the radiation’s intensity and wavelength can be assessed to allow accurate temperature measurement of the objects. However, there are some specific parameters to be taught or set to make the gadget work optimally. Since the pyroelectric detectors are mounted in inaccessible or dangerous spots, a parametrization or adjustment at the device is hard or impossible. So, an intelligent interface is needed to read out and monitor data produced by the detector. The interface is also used to download parameters and other important data to the detector.
Reasons to use infrared pyroelectric detectors
This optical-based and non-contact measuring technique offers many benefits over-temperature detectors with direct contact. Some of these benefits include:
- Reactionless readings. This means the measured substance remains unaffected, making it easy to measure a tiny part’s temperature.
- Quick measuring frequency
- Can measure long-distance since the detector can be placed outside dangerous areas
- You can sense and measure high temperatures.
- Sensing hot parts
- Measures moving objects
- No wear and tear at measuring point
Areas of applications
You can use pyroelectric detectors in all types of applications with high temperatures of over 482°F(250°C). This can manufacture glass, ceramic, or metals; the challenging environment around furnaces and foundries is the place for these infrared thermal detectors.
