Pyrometertechniks

Pyrometertechniks refers to the techniques and instrumentation used to measure high temperatures by detecting and interpreting the thermal radiation emitted by objects. It encompasses optical, infrared, and ratio-based methods designed for non-contact temperature measurement in environments where contact sensors are impractical, such as molten metals, furnaces, and high-temperature processing.

The core principle of pyrometry is Planck’s radiation law. In single-color pyrometry, temperature is inferred from the spectral radiance at a chosen wavelength, which requires knowledge of the target’s emissivity. In two-color (or ratio) pyrometry, radiances at two wavelengths are compared, reducing sensitivity to emissivity when the emissivity is similar at both wavelengths. Emissivity, surface condition, and environmental factors like smoke or dust play a critical role in accuracy and often require calibration or compensation.

Pyrometer technology includes several device classes. Optical pyrometers typically operate in the visible range and may use a calibrated scale or digital processing. Infrared (IR) pyrometers detect radiance in the near to mid-infrared and convert it to temperature, with handheld, fixed-mount, or process-integrated variants. Infrared thermography systems provide spatially resolved temperature data, producing thermal images for inspection and control. Modern systems often integrate with control platforms, data logging, and automated shutoff or feedback loops.

Applications are prevalent in steel and metalworking, glass and ceramics, cement, power generation, and semiconductor manufacturing. Limitations include emissivity uncertainty, surface coatings, reflective backgrounds, and optical path contamination. Calibration against blackbody references and adherence to standards from ISO, IEC, and ASTM help ensure traceability and comparability of measurements across equipment and processes.