The new miniaturized Optris Fiber Optics Ratio Thermometer

The Optris GmbH is expanding the product range of infrared thermometers, with the new optris CT ratio 1M

The miniaturized Infrared Thermometer optris CTratio 1M was designed for measurements of metals of, metal oxides and ceramic materials and materials in semi-conductor industry under harsh environments.

The optrisCT ratio 1M is a fiber optics ratio thermometer for all temperature measurements from 700°C up to 1800°C in metal industry as casting, welding, forming and sintering. Due to ratio principle it is insensitive to certain dust and partially obstructed targets.

The small size and the attractive price are setting a new standard for the use with OEM applications and when a multiple application is required. The fiber optics ratio thermometer is using a 2 channel measurement principle. Two built in infrared detection channels with relatively closely spaced but mutually different measuring wavelengths produce two independent electrical signals. These signals are dependent on the infrared radiation emitted from the target and signal components, which are caused mainly from influences of the optical transmission path between the object and the pyrometer, or from changes of the object by motion or changes in size.

The ratio thermometer principle allows by taking the ratio of the two signals the elimination of any signal parts that are similar in both channels. The measured temperature of the object depends only on the signal ratio and the emissivity ratio, the so called slope value

For the slope values similar to the well-known emissivity tables adequate tables for all usual material surfaces and material conditions are available. The ratio principle for the measurement of objects with unknown or changing emissivity provides very good results, assuming that the emissivity ratio is not changing over time or temperature.

This figure is showing the typical temperature reading of a ratio thermometer optris CT ratio 1M in both the 1 and the 2 channel mode in addiction of increasing contamination of the optical transmission path inbetween the target and the ratio thermometer. Due to the ratio principle the 2 channel signal stays very stable over a wide range of attenuation up to over 90%. The signal of the 1 channel mode , acting like in a standard pyrometer with one measuring wavelength only , is decreasing rapidely with the contamination of the transmission path. In a dusty atmosphere of an industrial process it would

This graph is illustrating the extraordinary quality of the ratio thermometer optris CT ratio 1M. It shows the remarkable small deviations of temperature readings of 0,3K to 3K by measuring an object of 1012°C in a range of attenuation of 0% (clean optics) to 85% (optics strongly contaminated). This quality is warranted by smart signal processing methodes and the use of achromatic lenses.

The very small sensing head of the optris CT ratio 1M with 25mm diameter and 70mm length fits everywhere into small and tight spaces. A glass fiber cable is connecting the optical sensor head and the electronic box. The optics and the glass fiber cables are usable up to 250°C ambient temperature without the need of cooling.

Fast temperature measurements up from 5 ms response time can be done. An optical resolution of 80:1 with selectable focus allows in conjunction with the built-in laser aiming accurate measurements from a spot size up from 1.3 mm.

The operator has the choice between the 1 - and / or 2-channel mode (ratio thermometer mode) to optimize the adaptation to the measuring task, so, the user can select the better one without purchasing additional infrared sensors.

By using a glass fiber between sensor head and electronic box, the optrisCTratio 1M is insensitive against electromagnetic influence (EMI) occurring in heat treatment processes based on induction principles

Other typical applications of fiber optic thermometer optrisCT ratio 1M are the use in the metal industry for temperature measurements on the pouring stream of casting machines, during reheating of steel ingots and steel billets for forging processes, in general soldering and welding processes and process steps in the production of materials for the semiconductor and photovoltaic industry.

The electronic box allows the programming of the sensor, the temperature display and easy wiring of the analog outputs 0/4-20mA and 0-5/10V for the transmission of signals into industrial control cabinets. For integration into networks Optris provides for all CT series infrared thermometers an integrated Profibus DP interface (optional) or other plug in digital interfaces (optional) like USB, RS232, RS485 or Ethernet. A programmable signal processing ensures optimal adaptation to the production regime, eg by a smart peak hold function.

The user friendly software OptrisConnect offers a graphical display and storage of the temperature readings of all channels and the signal characteristics over time, a parameterization of the measurement modes and a quick indication of the potential contamination of the optics of the measurement system, the so called dirty lens alarm.

The technology company Optris GmbH is specialized in the development, production and sales of non contact infrared thermometers. The product range comprises online and handheld temperature sensors as well as online infrared cameras and calibration sources.

Download this press release as Word-Document
Download according image file (290kB, JPG)