Solutions Direct Offers Guidelines to Help Customers Select the Right Non-Contact Infrared Temperature Sensor

Riverside, CA - February 26, 2013 - The infrared energy around an object (in the region between visible light and microwaves) increases as the object becomes hotter and the frequency of vibrations rises. Infrared detectors convert this energy into an electrical signal which produces a temperature value. These devices, especially non-contact sensors, are extremely useful when it comes to determining the temperature of moving, hot, hard to reach objects, or in situations where contact with sensors could damage the material.

There is a wide range of applications where this infrared technology has been proven useful. These include forging, packaging, heat treating, glass processing, machine condition monitoring, and food processing. As each of these applications vary from the next, Solutions Direct has come up with some questions to help customers determine the right sensor for their needs:

• How much accuracy is required and what is the temperature range of the process to be measured?
• What is the target material? Is it dull or shiny? Optical resolution is specified by the D:S ratio, which is found by comparing the distance from the object to the sensor (D) with the size (i.e., diameter) of the spot being measured (S). For example, a 1" spot on a target being measured at a distance of 10" has a D:S of 10:1.
• What are the ambient/environmental conditions (i.e., ambient temp., smoke, dust, or particulates)?
• Does the target completely fill the field of view (FOV) of the IR device?
• What signal input does your controller accept (i.e., 4-20 mA, J or K thermocouple, or RS-485)?
• Are the parts moving (i.e., rollers, moving machinery, or conveyor belt)? If so, how fast? This influences response time requirements.

Solutions Direct is a distributor of a line of fixed mount infrared thermometers by Raytek for applications ranging from -40 to 1800°C (-40 to 3272°F). These sensors are simple to install, adapt well in current process control systems, and are well-priced. Accessories are available as well as options regarding optical resolutions, temperature ranges, outputs, response times, and spectral responses/wavelengths.

Raytek has been designing and manufacturing high quality temperature measurement instruments for a variety of process control, maintenance and industrial applications since 1963. A world leader in non-contact temperature measurement, Raytek is a Fluke company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Solutions Direct, an online distributor of technical products for industrial customers, is committed to offering the highest quality products at competitive prices. From electronic cabinets and racks to material testing equipment and temperature measurement products, Solutions Direct is a trusted supplier of a wide range of products.

For more information, visit Solutions Direct online.