The third article of our Infrared thermometers series explains how to properly validate the precision of a infrared device on the ground. Our first article examined theemissivity And how to get a precise reading, while the second focused on the cleaning method and storage of a infrared thermometer. We recommend that you read these articles to fully understand the functioning of the infrared before trying a calibration.
Calibration vs validation
THE calibration process of a thermometer can only be carried out in a controlled laboratory environment. THE validation process, where an instrument is compared to check its precision, is described here. If reading is inaccurate during validation with a calibrated thermometer, he must be sent to a calibration laboratory.
Why the validation of a temperature on an IR instrument is different from the calibration of a penetration probe
THE infrared thermometers only measure surface temperatures And must therefore be used as a quick guide. Their precision is affected by variables such asemissivity, material, color, transparency and reflectivity. A infrared thermometer must be validated with a Master thermometer Stunned in the laboratory. The most reliable way is to use a black body To stabilize the temperature and eliminate measuring errors.
Emissivity
As mentioned in our previous article on Details of infrared thermometers, L'emissivity plays a major role during thecalibration. It measures the capacity of a material to emit theinfrared energy, from 0.01 to 1.00. The closer it is to 1.00, the more reliable the measurement is.
What equipment is necessary to validate the accuracy of an infrared instrument?
At Thermometre.fr, we offer a calibration certificate traceable for each infrared thermometer. To validate precision, you will need a Thermometer comparison and a Reference thermometer high precision. The comparator contains a matte black base with two holes to insert the master thermometer probe. The infrared instrument takes the temperature above the black surface.
How to validate a temperature on an infrared instrument?
Make sure that the comparator and the infrared thermometer are clean. Place the comparator on a flat surface. Insert it Reference probe In one of the holes and let it stabilize. Adjustemissivity on 0.95. Direct the thermometer to the base and make a measurement. It must be within 1 ° C of the Reference thermometer at 22 ° C.
At what temperature can an infrared instrument be validated?
There precision can be verified to any stable temperature, but it is more reliable at 22 ° C. This reduces the difference between the internal temperature and that of the comparator's surface.
Thermal stability
The use of a infrared thermometer Apart from 22 ° C can cause theThermal instability. For each difference of 1 ° C, an adjustment is necessary (eg: 0.05 ° C for Raytemp thermometers). Here is a table for the adjustments to be applied.
*The precision and thermal stability of other instruments may vary.
To do and not to do
- Calibrate At an ambient temperature of about 22 ° C if possible.
- Born Do not change the comparator environment before validation.
- Be Aware of external factors such as humidity or debris.
- Born Do not position the thermometer too far or at an angle.
- Make Measures quickly to avoid variations.
- Do not forget Not that devices should adapt to room temperature.
