4 replies to this topic

[HARPC]

Hello All,
Users of infrared (IR) thermometers, how do you verify accuracy?

For our current procedure, we use an NIST certified standard thermometer, beaker, and cold/hot water. Just wondering if anyone else does it differently.


Regards,
Bill

[Charles.C]

Hello All,
Users of infrared (IR) thermometers, how do you verify accuracy?

For our current procedure, we use an NIST certified standard thermometer, beaker, and cold/hot water. Just wondering if anyone else does it differently.

Regards,
Bill

Dear sci,

I assume "verify" equiv. to 'calibrate".

Not a user but if yr query includes the professionals, I think you will immediately get involved in some high-tech gear and maybe a little advanced Physics. Just try googling "calibration infra-red thermometers" to see what i mean. I have attached the Fluke procedure as an example which you probably know already .

 Fluke Infra-red calibration guide.pdf   2.04MB   227 downloads

If you mean the "average" user, there is another nice thread here somewhere which has a quite lengthy input from a seeming merchandiser of such instruments and, from memory, which discusses calibration also. Will link thread later if can search it out.

Rgds / Charles.C

[HARPC]

Dear sci,

I assume "verify" equiv. to 'calibrate".

Not a user but if yr query includes the professionals, I think you will immediately get involved in some high-tech gear and maybe a little advanced Physics. Just try googling "calibration infra-red thermometers" to see what i mean. I have attached the Fluke procedure as an example which you probably know already .

 Fluke Infra-red calibration guide.pdf   2.04MB   227 downloads

If you mean the "average" user, there is another nice thread here somewhere which has a quite lengthy input from a seeming merchandiser of such instruments and, from memory, which discusses calibration also. Will link thread later if can search it out.

Rgds / Charles.C

Hey Charles.C,
Thank you for your response and informative guide on calibration.

But what I was looking for was "Field Verification of Accuracy." The link contains the procedure to do so:

http://www.instrumar...o_umeng0100.pdf

Page 10.

Regards,
Bill

[Charles.C]

Hey Charles.C,
Thank you for your response and informative guide on calibration.

But what I was looking for was "Field Verification of Accuracy." The link contains the procedure to do so:

http://www.instrumar...o_umeng0100.pdf

Page 10.

Regards,
Bill

Dear sci,

Ok, thks.

Frankly, this basically looks like a “field” calibration to me . Conceptually similar to comparing a conventional probe with a conventional ref. unit.

Practical differences look especially related to radiation basis of IR / provision of suitable defined temperature source-target. The method described in yr attachment seems a bit more “empirical” as compared to typical procedures for conventional probes.

Quick googling showed alternative field methods of similar basis but intended to improve the source / measuring procedure. One link discussed caveats / criticisms relating to potential errors of usual calibration methods (probably field / non-field). Some of these errors are only too familiar when working with conventional probes.

Examples –

http://www.thermowor...ed-thermometry/
 gf1 - IR field calibration units - R_02093.pdf   97.49KB   174 downloads
 gf2 - IR field verification - ITUserGuide.pdf   20.67KB   147 downloads

Sorry if you knew all the above already . Hopefully some actual users will comment further.

Rgds / Charles.C

[HARPC]

Dear sci,

Ok, thks.

Frankly, this basically looks like a “field” calibration to me . Conceptually similar to comparing a conventional probe with a conventional ref. unit.

Practical differences look especially related to radiation basis of IR / provision of suitable defined temperature source-target. The method described in yr attachment seems a bit more “empirical” as compared to typical procedures for conventional probes.

Quick googling showed alternative field methods of similar basis but intended to improve the source / measuring procedure. One link discussed caveats / criticisms relating to potential errors of usual calibration methods (probably field / non-field). Some of these errors are only too familiar when working with conventional probes.

Examples –

http://www.thermowor...ed-thermometry/
 gf1 - IR field calibration units - R_02093.pdf   97.49KB   174 downloads
 gf2 - IR field verification - ITUserGuide.pdf   20.67KB   147 downloads

Sorry if you knew all the above already . Hopefully some actual users will comment further.

Rgds / Charles.C

Hey Charles.C,
Thank you for researching into this matter. The first PDF is a really good guide since it is made from UL. Looks like we will use this method for verifying. Have a great day.

Much Appreciated,
Bill