Supporting metal quality and reducing costs.

LADA Foundry is focused on delivering top-quality products from its SG/ductile iron plant, which requires accurate measurements of the liquid metal during the casting process. Traditionally the foundry used dip thermocouple tips in combination with a pyrometer which takes longer and increases operator risk and cost. AMETEK Land’s Cyclops 055L portable pyrometer can address all these issues.

Capable of taking a non-contact measurement in under two seconds, the Cyclops improves operator safety with its point-and-shoot function, allowing the operator to be positioned several metres away from the molten metal.

It also significantly reduces the use and cost of disposable dip-type thermometers and improves measurement accuracy with its clear, wide-angle field of view and clearly defined measurement area for precision sighting.

After implementing the Cyclops into its process, LADA Foundry stopped using thermocouple tips completely, resulting in a cost savings of approximately INR 7,000,000.

LADA Foundry Plant Head, Mr. Yuvraj Patil, said: “The Cyclops 055L provides us with a safe, accurate and fast temperature measurement, and is helping us to improve production at our facility. Because the Cyclops is portable, we can measure each mould pouring temperature, and at the furnace, which helps to avoid super-heating.”

Its rugged instrument casing means the Cyclops 055L is used by foundry operators worldwide and in a wide range of applications including melting furnaces, ladle treatment locations, pouring sectors, blast furnace runners and liquid metal transfers. 

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@landinst @codacomms #PAuto #Steel #India

Appointments at pyrometer leader.

AMETEK Land has introduced a new industry team structure to transform its approach to its customers, products, and solutions. The changes will mean a continued focus on global industrial solutions, and a drive to help customers meet their industry challenges.

James Cross

James Cross has been promoted to Head of Industry Management following five years as Regional Sales Manager in the Middle East as then Global Industry Manager for Hydrocarbon Processing industries. This new position will see James working with partners and customers to demonstrate where LAND’s technology is solving their most complex challenges. Commenting on the changes, he said: “This new role will allow me to highlight to our partners and customers where our technology is solving their most complex challenges. This is particularly important with the shift in industry towards safer, more intelligent, more sustainable manufacturing processes.
“I love having the strategic freedom to focus on solving serious challenges that can be replicated globally and across multiple industries. This means I’m constantly learning about new processes and how we can contribute to a more sustainable industry.
“AMETEK Land has seen the industrial landscape change and evolve dramatically, from its primary focus towards digitalisation to decarbonisation, and now to an equal focus on both. This is underlined by a demand to make more from less, with a reduced risk to human operators and engineers in the plant.”

Manfred Hayk

In addition, Manfred Hayk has taken on the role of Head of Product Management. This role will be focused on developing high-quality, accurate products in line with the wider team to support all industrial applications. He said: “I’m pleased to be working in this important role, which will see LAND develop new products and software to meet our customers’ process challenges and innovate with new algorithms to improve accuracy, save time, and increase safety.
“But it’s not an individual role – I look forward to the collaboration and teamwork across the whole AMETEK Land team to continue the market-leading product and application support we are known for.”

These team changes are key to AMETEK Land’s ongoing development towards greater digitalisation and decarbonisation, which balances between reacting to customer process challenges and innovating based on an expert understanding of what can be done with its technology.

These developments include building algorithms built into the company’s smart pyrometers to improve accuracy while saving operators significant amounts of time, and software development kits (SDKs) supplied with camera technology to allow developers the freedom to produce features using the accurate temperature data output by AMETEK Land instruments. The company is also building closer partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers, producing case studies and evidence showing the value of investing in advanced instrumentation

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@landinst @codacomms #PAuto

Induction heating.

Induction heat treatment is a highly versatile technique widely used to alter the mechanical properties of materials including metals and alloys. However, accurate temperature control is crucial to achieve the desired temperature and material properties, and to control both the heating process and induction generator.

AMETEK Land supports industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and construction with highly accurate and reliable temperature measurement solutions for induction and heat treating applications. The company offers a wide range of dedicated pyrometers, line scanners and thermal imagers to optimise these heating and processing applications*.

Manfred Hayk, Global Infrared (IR) Product Manager - Product and Application Support said: “It can be challenging to obtain accurate temperature measurements in industrial processes. Our wide range of dedicated solutions are chosen by customers around the globe because of our proven technology and infrared temperature measurement experience, helping to provide controlled and precise measurements while optimizing process efficiency and increasing product quality.”

One key solution is the SPOT+ range of pyrometers. These smart infrared pyrometers offer advanced industrial connectivity and visible light process video, making non-contact temperature measurements accurate and flexible, especially in the harshest of environmental conditions.

Thermal imaging cameras and systems also play an important role in industrial processing and furnace applications, forming a crucial component for visualising, controlling, and documenting the induction heating and heat treatment process.

LAND’s advanced cameras and systems, including the MWIR-640 and LWIR-640 imagers, and the NIR-2K, working with the IMAGEPro advanced processing and control software, help to meet the increasing demand for improved product quality, process efficiency, energy saving, predictive maintenance and emissions reduction.

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*See their Application Note: "TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS FOR INDUCTION HEATING AND HEAT TREATMENT PROCESSES ." 

 

@landinst @codacomms #PAuto #Metals

Pyrometer saves costs in iron foundry.

One of the leading foundries in Germany, Hundhausen Casting GmbH – a member of the Beinbauer group – specialises in the production of cast iron parts with nodular graphite. Its high-quality products and first-class service are designed to meet the demands of renowned customers from the automotive, mechanical engineering, railway technology, and hydraulics sectors.

The company was looking for a reliable temperature measurement solution to be installed at its Schwerte foundry to support high product quality while reducing lifetime costs. The automated mould tapping processes used at the foundry require accurate, consistent measurement of the temperature of each part tapped in moulds to ensure continuous quality control of the process and documentation for each casting part produced (reformatted).

Dipping thermocouples traditionally used for these measurements contributed significantly to ongoing operational costs, and do not take into account temperature variations during tapping, or time differences between the thermocouple measurements and the tapping. The thermocouple readings were accepted for several taps over longer time periods, not detecting any temperature differences during this time interval.

Additionally, the company was seeking a way to capture the continuous data that would allow it to optimise the automated process and further improve quality.

To address the needs of the Schwerte foundry, AMETEK Land supplied the SPOT+ MM Application Pyrometer, a smart, non-contact infrared thermometer specifically designed to measure liquid metal temperature in foundry tapping applications.*

With an intelligent integrated Meltmaster (MM) application mode and optimized signal processing functions, it provides a single-sensor solution for liquid metal and tapping stream temperature measurements, overcoming the challenges caused by the continuous surface and condition changes common to those applications.

The SPOT+ MM is easily integrated into new and existing process control systems, enabling the operator to monitor and control the tapping process in real time. Analog and digital communications can be used, including worldwide leading and essential cybersecurity features. By using the SPOT+ MM application pyrometer at their Schwerte foundry, Hundhausen saw a rapid return on investment.

Jonas Störmer, Electrical Engineer at Hundhausen Casting GmbH, said: “By purchasing the SPOT+ MM pyrometer, the liquid iron temperature measurements using dipping thermocouples can be mostly omitted, which results in cost savings.

“In addition, we now receive continuous casting temperatures in our casting process, building the basis for process optimisation and quality improvements.”

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* The Case study (pdf) maybe viewed and downloaded here!

@landinst @codacomms #PAuto

Aluminium temperature.

AMETEK Land has designed its integrated thermometer systems specifically for the temperature measurement of aluminum.

The new SPOT+ AL is an advanced infrared digital pyrometer, providing an all-in-one temperature measurement for aluminum. Covering a wide range of different temperature measurements, the SPOT+ AL pyrometer is a single product that can be used in every part of the aluminum production process including extrusion, quench, strip, forging and liquid aluminum applications.

Now available with Ethernet IP connectivity, the SPOT+ AL will enable plant operators to reduce costs, enhance integration and lower training requirements as separate instruments are not required across the plant.

Larry Smith, Director of Sales - Americas, said: “We provide established and time-proven systems that are used in aluminum plants worldwide. These products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, to ensure accurate performance under plant operating conditions.”

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@landinst  #PAuto

Advanced industrial temperature measurements.

The SPOT pyrometer range from Ametek Land, has been relaunched with enhanced features and benefits for a wide range of industrial applications.

The new SPOT+ family offers a wide range of temperature measurements from 50 to 3500 °C (122 to 6332 °F) and a choice of different wavelengths for applications including metals, glass, cement and lime kilns and foundries. The range includes monochromatic and ratio pyrometers, fibre optic heads and sophisticated algorithm pyrometers for complex materials such as aluminium and galvanized steel.

Dr Fiona Turner

Dr Fiona Turner, Head of Product Management said: “The principles of infra-red temperature measurement don’t change, but over the last 10 years, there have been significant advances in automation and industrial ethernet. Customer focus on product quality and process efficiency has driven an interest in big data – and a risk of cyberattacks.

“I’m excited about the potential from using SPOT+ instruments for background temperature and emissivity correction of thermal imaging systems in IMAGEPro software. SPOT+ pyrometers provide more than just temperature measurements – emissivity outputs are key indicators of product surface quality, and the facility to log visible light process images alongside infra-red temperature measurement provides new insights into process conditions and product quality.”

A wide range of new communications interfaces makes the SPOT+ ideal for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) factory automation applications in addition to traditional 4-20 mA signals. Ethernet/IP, REST API and Modbus TCP/IP are standard on SPOT+, and an integrated web server provides easy access for control and setup using a standard browser. Upgraded cybersecurity functions reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to the instrument functions.

An integrated video camera provides a visible light process view alongside infrared temperature measurement, which allows sighting to be carried out safely and easily. As the video images are available via the webserver and AMETEK Land’s IMAGEPro software, alignment can be checked remotely and images logged for quality purposes.

The SPOT+ can be used in the harshest of environmental conditions, and in hazardous area zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 when mounted in LAND’s high-specification EXSH enclosure. With response times down to 1ms, SPOT+ pyrometers are also suitable for fast-moving processes.

AMETEK Land’s SPOT pyrometers are built on extensive research and development and have always been at the leading edge of measurement technology. The new SPOT+ enhancements offer improved connectivity for easy integration with control systems, and the confidence that data transmission is secure. Upgraded electronic and electromechanical components ensure highly reliable and accurate operations, all backed by our 36-month warranty and supported by a range of extensive accessories for installations in the most demanding applications.

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@landinst @codacomms #PAuto

Housing for hazardous areas.

AMETEK Land has increased its support for customer applications in hazardous areas with two new housing enclosures. Their new EXSH1 flameproof housings have been developed for use with the EX SPOT pyrometer range and LWIR-640 thermal imager and are approved for operation in hazardous areas.

Derek Stuart, Product Manager, said: “The EXSH1 housing allows customers in many new industries, including hydrocarbons and semiconductors, to benefit from the accuracy and reliability of AMETEK Land’s thermometers and thermal imagers.” 

Manufactured from 316/316L stainless steel and highly resistant to corrosion, both enclosures have a certified temperature range of -40 to +70 °C (-40 to 158 °F).

Ingress protection to IP66 and IP68 means that they can be exposed to dust, water immersion and high-pressure water jets, making them suitable for use in almost any application in the harshest of environmental conditions, including those where explosive mixtures are present.

The housing has a gridless design, allowing an unobstructed field of view, and is certified for use in areas with dust and gas hazards. Additionally, the enclosure does not require purge air for safety.

The EXSH1 EX SPOT housing is designed for use with the EX SPOT range, a family of fully-featured, high-performance pyrometers for fixed, non-contact, infrared spot temperature measurements.

EX SPOT pyrometers are available in a range of operating wavelengths, temperatures, and process requirements, and the new housing will enhance their capabilities in continuous annealing lines, semiconductor growth, and applications in the hydrocarbon processing and chemical industries.

The EXSH1 LWIR housing has been created specifically for the LWIR-640 thermal imager, a long-wavelength instrument providing measurements between -20 and 1000 °C (-4 and 1832 °F) in three ranges with a choice of different optics and lenses.

The LWIR-640 measures and streams live true-temperature images at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-precision temperature measurements and thermal profiles to continuously control, document, and visualise industrial processes.

The new housing protects the LWIR-640 in applications including flare stack monitoring, critical vessel monitoring, storage pile monitoring, and operations within the hydrocarbon processing and chemical industries.

With ATEX, IECEx and UKEX certifications, the housings comply with multiple international standards. This means that a common specification can be used for worldwide applications, greatly simplifying the task of specifying and quoting the product.

A range of accessories is available for the housings, including various mounting brackets with pan and tilt adjustment, a sun shield for outdoor applications, and a spoolpiece adaptor. An environmental protection tube is offered for the LWIR housing, for flare stack applications, while further accessories for the EX SPOT housing include purges and a vertical mounting stand.

@landinst #PAuto #Temperature

Thermocouple or pyrometer?

Whether to use thermocouples or a portable pyrometer for temperature measurement in liquid metal applications is a decision long-debated in the industry. Now, AMETEK Land can help make the decision with its new download, ‘Thermocouples vs Cyclops L Portable Pyrometers – Frequently Asked Questions and Other Information’ (pdf)

Prasath Venkatasamy, Global Industry Manager – Metals at AMETEK Land, said: “Making the decision to use thermocouples or the Cyclops L can have significant implications for ongoing costs, operator safety, and measurement accuracy. This new FAQ document helps metal manufacturers to cut through the confusion and find the information they need to make the choice that best suits their application.”

AMETEK Land provides a detailed comparison of the two solutions, outlining their benefits and drawbacks in liquid metal temperature measurements.

For example, thermocouples are highly accurate across a wide temperature range, offer a good response time and have a low cost of ownership. However, they have limited accuracy at very high temperatures, can be affected by several factors, and require regular tip replacement, increasing the cost of consumables.

Portable pyrometers, on the other hand, use a non-contact measurement from a safe distance, deliver a faster, better response time and have a wide temperature range measurement. They need a clear line of sight to the object being measured and can be affected by dust, smoke, steam, or other gases in the environment.

AMETEK Land’s Cyclops 055L portable pyrometer is highlighted as a solution for liquid metal measurements during the casting process to support metal quality, offering a rapid return on investment.

The Cyclops 055L model has an additional Meltmaster processing output, designed for molten metal measurements, which helps overcome variations in the radiation emitted from the metal stream, providing a valid estimation of the true temperature.

Alongside the frequently asked questions (FAQs) from customers about thermocouples and pyrometers in general, the download has full information about the Cyclops 055L, including specifications and accessories.

@landinst  #PAuto #LiquidMetal

Pyrometer for liquid steel & metal.

Liquid steel and metal foundry and tapping operators can now benefit from improved and smart temperature measurements for process control and product quality improvements with the new smart SPOT Meltmaster (MM) application pyrometer from Ametek Land. It offers a single-sensor solution for liquid metal temperature measurements in foundry and tapping applications.

This smart application pyrometer accurately measures tapping stream and liquid steel and metal temperatures independent of surface and condition changes during the process. This is done through optimised signal processing and a dedicated application mode, by just choosing the application mode of Plug’n’Play.

It also has millisecond responsivity with advanced time functions to monitor and hold the tapping temperature for a configured time, or until the next tapping process starts.

Multiple digital and analogue interfaces enable easy integration into both new and existing process control systems or a fully autonomous operation. These include the Ametek Land Jumbo Display, which can be used with the SPOT MM to monitor the tapping temperature via the 4-20mA output of the pyrometer.

The SPOT MM also incorporates an internal visual camera to aid alignment and provides a remote process view via the integrated webserver of the pyrometer. The webserver and industrial ethernet interface (Modbus TCP/IP) enable full remote access to the SPOT MM without any additional software requirements.

Compatible with the SPOT Actuator for alignment and tracking of tapping streams, the SPOT MM can also be used with a range of accessories, including the industrial enclosure with cooling and air purging options. This allows the SPOT MM to work in harsh, extreme, environmental conditions.

@landinst  #PAuto #LiquidMetal

Combustion pyrometer.

AMETEK Land helps boiler operators achieve highly accurate gas temperature measurements with the upgraded CDB combustion pyrometer.

Derek Stuart, Global Product Manager - Power said: “The CDB combines AMETEK Land’s expertise in temperature measurement and spectroscopy to make a difficult but essential measurement in a combustion process. Accurate measurements of FEGT allow boiler operators to optimize combustion conditions whilst maximizing boiler lifetime.”

Measuring furnace exit-gas temperature (FEGT) is difficult because boiler conditions are inhospitable - the heat combined with corrosive gases and a high particulate concentration means taking temperatures can be dangerous, inefficient and unreliable.

Non-contact pyrometers such as AMETEK Land’s CDB pyrometer are ideal for this sort of application, providing true gas temperature measurements efficiently in a proven design. Improving boiler control leads to improved efficiency, reduced maintenance and increased safety for operators.

This System 4 pyrometer provides operators with essential information for boiler control including FEGT. Using a special infrared wavelength that is emitted by hot carbon dioxide (CO2) allows the CDB to see through the cold gases outside the furnace and measure the average temperature along its line of sight within the region of interest.

The CDB pyrometer also measures gas temperatures at the boiler exit, where it passes to the air preheater, and in municipal waste incinerators where sufficiently high furnace temperature and long enough residence time are required to ensure complete burnup of the waste materials.

It is installed on the boiler using a permanent mount via a flange adaptor. Air purge protects the optics from hot, corrosive combustion gases.

@landinst @codacomms #PAuto 

Most successful pyrometer.

AMETEK Land's most successful handheld pyrometer has reached sales of over 11,000 worldwide. These Cyclops L Portable Pyrometers are premium quality, highly accurate hand-held instruments for use in harsh and hostile environments, where operator safety is paramount.

Providing easy, point-and-measure temperature readings, the Cyclops is a non-contact, single-handed thermometer, designed to meet the specific process challenges of liquid metal, high temperature, medium temperature, and furnace applications.

It offers highly portable accuracy, with onboard data storage allowing for the recording of up to 9,999 measurement points. A rugged instrument jacket protects Cyclops L against harsh conditions.

Other benefits include trigger operation for ease of use, a multi-function display panel and precise target viewing, free software download and wireless Bluetooth data transmission for accuracy and speed.

The Cyclops is designed for accurate temperature measurement with ranges of 200 - 3000°C / 392 – 5432°F. Industries including glass, hydrocarbon processing, industrial processing and steel have seen the benefits of using the Cyclops for precision measurements.

DN Castech, an engineering components manufacturer in India has adopted the Cyclops as a cost-effective solution that also improves measurement accuracy and operator safety.

Shri Dhirubhai Patel, Managing Director at DN Castech, said: “The Cyclops L (055L) has been easy to use and provides a fast measurement. It is highly accurate, even while pouring, right up to the last mould. Its performance and excellent return on our investment mean we would certainly recommend AMETEK Land for this application.”

@landinst @codacomms #PAuto

Pyrometers for mono, ratio, and application measurement of metals.

AMETEK Land offers one of the widest ranges of single-spot pyrometer types for mono, ratio, and application measurement of metals. 

Application Note

Mono (or monochromatic) pyrometers operate on a single wavelength, which relies on a clear view of the product and knowing the emissivity of the surface to obtain an accurate temperature measurement. Ratio pyrometers operate at two separate wavelengths, correcting for dust, dirty windows, and obstacles in the optical path. This is also true for unknown or slightly changing emissivity, providing both wavelength channels are affected proportionally by temperature or process changes.

Emissivity can vary with temperature, measurement, wavelength, or surface conditions. Dirt and dust in the process atmosphere will obscure the view of a pyrometer, reducing the amount of radiation collected. Specific process and environmental conditions must be considered when selecting the correct spectral range, which is why AMETEK Land’s range provides accurate pyrometers according to the optimum wavelength for the measuring instrument.

With proven, reliable electronics, the SPOT Series has a precision optical system that delivers accurate, repeatable temperature measurements. It also features an integrated visible camera, light fibre optic instruments, and an integrated webserver.

The SPOT Ratio (R-Series) offers different operating modes, selectable from the set-up menu, including “Mono,” “Duo,” “Ratio,” and “Multi.” The R100 F.O. and R160 F.O. are also available as light fibre instruments for use in narrow spaces, locations of high temperatures, or with strong electromagnetic field applications.

There are several application pyrometer models available, such as the GS and the AL. The GS is a smart advanced pyrometer combining SPOT technology with specialised software algorithms, specifically designed for continuous, highly accurate measurement of coated steel strip temperature during galvanising and galvannealing and silicon/electrical steel.

The SPOT AL is a highly accurate and smart application pyrometer using cutting-edge SPOT technology and unique, advanced data-processing algorithms to measure aluminium temperature in the aluminium processing industry, including profile extrusion processes, quenching, heating, forming/forging applications, and for liquid aluminium or aluminium tapping.

Manfred Hayk, Global Infrared (IR) Product Manager, of AMETEK Land, said: “Our range of highly accurate and stable and smart digital pyrometers uses cutting-edge SPOT technology to provide the accuracy required for mono, ratio, and application measurements to give you dependable results.”

@landinst @codacomms #PAuto #Metal

Foundry temperature measurement.

Atik Metal the foundry industry leader, has approved AMETEK Land’s Cyclops L portable pyrometer for use in its furnaces, with the aim of replacing its traditional dip thermocouple instruments.

Prasath Venkatasamy, AMETEK Land’s Regional Manager of Business Development and Service for the Middle East and India, commented: “As a leading foundry company, Atik was looking to make sure its processes and systems were first-class, which led to implementing the testing of Cyclops. We’re pleased to see that the results are unquestionable – using Cyclops leads to improved quality and a reduction in defects. Most importantly, it increases safety for furnace workers.”

Atik was using dip thermocouples to take measurements at the furnaces, casting lines and pouring lines, collecting temperature data at each part of the casting. However, the company wanted to assess the Cyclops for its suitability to improve quality, reduce casting defects and costs, and minimise the use of the short-lived dip thermocouples.

The Cyclops L is a portable handheld optical pyrometer that delivers instant temperature measurements using a trigger control. It can be aimed at the area of focus on liquid metal by looking through an eyepiece.

In order to carry out the required tests, Atik used the Cyclops L to measure temperatures in the melting furnaces and moulding plants, evaluating the pyrometer’s ergonomics, accuracy of data transfer, and ease of use.

To calibrate and compare, Atik measured temperature with both a dip thermocouple and the Cyclops. The measurement time for a dip thermocouple was 13-14 seconds. The Cyclops, meanwhile, only took 1-2 seconds.

The Cyclops measurement testing was also carried out without the need to open the furnace lid, and directly measured from pouring metal. With a range of up to 5 metres away, this provided a much safer environment for the workers.

An additional benefit of using the Cyclops L is that, unlike thermocouples, it does not use disposable tips that need replacing, thereby allowing for successive measurements.

Following the assessment, Atik Metals has approved the use of Cyclops L in its furnaces.

 @landinst @codacomms #Pauto

Bucking delivery trend for pyrometers.

High-performance infrared temperature measurement systems with a low, consistent, and reliable lead time are offered by AMETEK Land.

David Primhak, Director of Development and Product Management at AMETEK Land advises: “We constantly review and assess our supply chain to maintain best-in-class lead times – a crucial benefit to customers in these challenging times. Our extensive, reliable network, plus our enviable position as part of a global organisation, ensures we can obtain the critical raw materials so that the SPOT thermometer is not subject to the significant supply chain delays affecting competitor products. Our rapid delivery of just four weeks for the SPOT is supported by superior customer service, helping our customers to avoid unnecessary downtime, maintenance or delays to their industrial processes.”

Thus as industries are facing significant delays in the supply chain, AMETEK Land is bucking this trend and maintaining its excellent delivery times, particularly with the SPOT high-performance pyrometers.

Designed to meet process challenges for industries including power generation, metals, glass, and industrial processing, the SPOT family includes specific solutions developed for aluminium and galvanised steel applications.

Simple to install, position, and operate, the SPOT pyrometers are available in a variety of operating wavelengths, temperature ranges, and process requirements, suitable for an extensive range of industries and applications.

Combining powerful processing, communications, and control functions with AMETEK Land’s world-leading infrared temperature measurement technology, these pyrometers deliver accurate single-spot results to optimise application processes.

SPOT pyrometers provide a rich stream of accurate, repeatable, real-time temperature data, delivered locally via the unit or remotely with SPOT software, helping users to maintain high product quality and protect against costly process inefficiencies.

Compact and robust, the SPOT family covers temperatures from 0-2600 °C (32-4700 °F), requires no separate processor, and is ready for Industry 4.0 integration.

@landinst @codacomms #Pauto

Infrared pyrometer.

The Thermalert® 4.0 is a versatile infrared spot pyrometer for automatic, noncontact temperature measurement in harsh industrial environments. Launched by Fluke® Process Instruments it is intended for use with temperatures of -40 °F to 4,082 °F (-40 °C to 2,250 °C), the pyrometer series comprises 13 models with varied spectral responses, including dedicated sensors for metals, glass, plastics, paper and food products.

Backed by 150 years of industrial experience, the Thermalert 4.0 is a smart, integrated sensor providing temperature measurement performance suitable for demanding factory automation applications. The device offers a choice of optics for long and short focal distances, and its exceptional ambient temperature range of 68 °F to 185 °F (-20 °C to 85 °C) enables measuring points to be set up without any extra cooling.

Compact and rugged, the Thermalert 4.0 provides best-in-class repeatability, response time, and accuracy. The advanced IP65/NEMA4 instrument employs real-time background temperature compensation and laser aiming, and its DataTemp Multidrop system software supports remote configuration, monitoring, field calibration, and firmware updates. These functions can significantly lower service costs and time spent on setup and troubleshooting. Plug & play operation further facilitates installation and maintenance.

Reliable and easy to operate, the new pyrometer delivers outstanding optical resolution. Two-wire loop-powered, RS-485 and analog outputs are available to meet diverse user requirements. In addition, galvanic insulation ensures correct readings. Up to 32 devices can be connected as part of an RS485 network. Additional fieldbus options are planned for the future. Moreover, retrofit of existing measuring points has been made as easy as possible.

A wide variety of options and accessories are available to customize the installation of Thermalert 4.0 sensors. Lens protectors and air purge collars offer protection under severe conditions. Water- and air-cooled housings can be specified for operation in ambient temperatures up to 315 °F (175 °C). For extremely challenging environments, the ThermoJacket is recommended. This rugged cast aluminum housing protects the sensor in ambient temperatures to 600 °F (315 °C).

The Thermalert 4.0 is backwards compatible with legacy Raytek® and Ircon®; sensors, and can be equipped with fixtures for Endurance, Thermalert TX, and XR pyrometers. Adapters are available for use with Modline® 4 and Marathon® MM fixtures.

@FlukePI #PAuto 

High temperature infrared pyrometers.

Fluke® Process Instruments announced the expansion of the Endurance® Series line of high-temperature ratio infrared pyrometers to include three new single-color models and one new two-color model with extended temperature ranges and enhanced optical resolution characteristics. These best-in-class pyrometers meet the demands of harsh industrial environments, including primary and secondary metals manufacturing, carbon processing, silicon production, and now foundries and welding, as well as rubber and thick plastics.

Handling a wider temperature range of 50 °C (122 °F) to 3,200 °C (5800 °F) with superior optical resolution (up to 300:1), these rugged and flexible instruments enable continuous visual process monitoring. Built to tolerate the harshest environments, the sensors feature stainless steel IP65 (NEMA 4) housing able to withstand ambient temperatures up to 65 °C (149 °F) or up to 315 °C (600 °F) using cooling accessories, as well as galvanically isolated inputs/outputs.

Temperature Range and Spectral Response Table

The Endurance Series pyrometers are remarkably versatile and easy to install – a robust solution for manufacturers looking to reduce reject rates, improve product quality and uniformity, maximize throughput, and minimize energy costs. Their broad temperature range and multiple wavelengths cover an entire process with fewer units. The sensors operate with either Power over Ethernet (PoE) or DC power, and interface to various bus systems (Ethernet, Profinet and RS-485). An intuitive backlit rear-panel with tactile feedback simplifies navigation. PC-based Endurance setup and monitoring software simplifies configuration and deployment, and a built-in web server enables archiving of historical data for traceability, process troubleshooting and remote viewing.

Multiple lens, sighting and focus options are available for different mounting distance and sighting needs. For example, on-board camera video sighting via Ethernet ensures the sensor is always sighted properly for remote and control room viewing. On-board laser sighting can be used to verify process alignment for local viewing when the sensor is located in a hard-to-reach area. On-board light-emitting diode (LED) sighting makes it easy to view the actual spot size projected on the target. A dirty lens alarm helps avoid unneeded periodic lens cleaning checks.

All Endurance Series pyrometers are offered with a best-in-class four-year warranty.

@FlukeCorp #PAuto 

Pyrometer for High-Temperature Applications and Metals.

The new FibreMini is a fibre-optic pyrometer from Calex Electronics with advanced features that allow accurate temperature readings on metal surfaces in harsh applications.

Measuring the surface temperature of metals is challenging. Reflective surfaces, high ambient temperatures and harsh environments make it difficult to achieve accurate measurements with infrared temperature sensors.

The following features, provided as standard on all FibreMini models, make non-contact temperature measurement possible in these difficult conditions:

• - Fibre optic sensing head withstands up to 200°C ambient temperature, making it ideal for mounting near furnaces.
• - Containing no electronics, the FibreMini sensing head is immune to electromagnetic interference in high-EMC applications such as induction heating.
• - Achieve accurate readings when measuring reflective objects in hot environments such as furnaces, with the FibreMini's reflected energy compensation feature. On Modbus models, adjust this setting automatically on-the-fly using RS485 Modbus communications.
• - See the exact size and location of the measurement spot with the built-in laser sighting light.
• - Large, full-colour temperature display with data logging makes the FibreMini a truly plug-and-play solution - just connect power and start measuring. A choice of 4-20 mA or RS485 Modbus outputs is available.
• - Fully configurable via touch screen.

A choice of optics for measuring small or large areas at short or long distances is available, as is a choice of temperature ranges from 250°C to 2000°C.

It is easy to feed the sensing head through conduit and trunking, thanks to the slim, flexible fibre optic cable. This is available in lengths of 3, 5 or 10 metres. An optional air purge collar is available to help keep the lens clean.

@Calex_Infrared #PAuto 

Non-contact temperature sensor.

The new PyroNFC-K from Calex Electronics is a new miniature infrared temperature sensor that is quick and easy to install in place of a traditional thermocouple probe.

Industrial processes have used thermocouples for temperature measurement for more than 100 years, but non-contact sensors are now increasingly used in their place thanks to proven, modern infrared measurement technology. Traditional contact probes have several drawbacks such as a slow response time, as well as susceptibility to mechanical failure and vibration, which can all be overcome simply by switching to infrared pyrometers.

The fully-configurable PyroNFC-K has a simulated thermocouple output, making it easier than ever to start using IR temperature sensors in place of thermocouples. Its side-entry cable and length of just 29 mm make it easy to mount in confined spaces.

The pyrometer works by measuring the amount of infrared radiation that a surface emits, and converting that into a meaningful temperature reading within 0.125 seconds. The output works just like the old Type K thermocouple that it replaces, and is connected in the same way to the same instrumentation with no need to re-configure it. Then all the sensor needs to start measuring is a supply of 6 to 28 V DC.

Measurements are highly repeatable, within 0.5% or 0.5°C, helping to ensure consistent product quality in manufacturing processes.

Non-reflective non-metals are measured easily and accurately straight out of the box, and painted metals are also no problem. The sensor can be configured for emissivity setting, averaging, peak or valley hold processing, and reflected energy compensation, without even connecting the power, via the free Android app for NFC-enabled phones. If the sensor is powered, the temperature reading is shown continuously while the phone is held against it.

The included open drain alarm output (standard on all models) can be used simultaneously with the temperature output, and a version with a linear voltage output is also available.

@Calex_Infrared #PAuto 

Scanning accessory for spot pyrometers.

Fluke® Process Instruments has introduced the SpotScan™ line scanning accessory for its family of best-in-class spot pyrometers. Compatible with the Endurance™, Marathon, and Modline® 5 and Modline 7 Series of infrared (IR) noncontact temperature measurement sensors, the accessory features an innovative scanning mechanism that enables users to gather temperature data over a larger area on the target.

The SpotScan line scanning accessory helps optimize the performance of IR thermometers in applications ranging from metals processing and induction heating, to carbon graphite production. It is especially well-suited for web and conveyor hot spot or cold spot monitoring.

With the SpotScan accessory, industrial facilities can continue to utilize the advanced optics of their Fluke Process Instruments IR temperature sensors to achieve small spot sizes on the measurement target, but also “spot sweep” over the target to see a larger area—thus obtaining additional information on critical production processes. Users can see a hot spot over a larger area and continuously monitor the analog output for temperature variations that exceed defined limits.

The SpotScan accessory allows plant operators to employ signal conditioning sensor capabilities to obtain temperature information in a variety of different ways. For example, use of the “peak picker” function helps identify hot spots over a larger area. The averaging/response time functions provide average temperature over an extended range. In either case, operators benefit from an expanded view and increased awareness of process conditions.

The SpotScan accessory is available with options for sighting the IR instrument and periodically checking sighting accuracy. Onboard controls make it easy to manipulate the end or center positions of the scan, as well as its frequency. For a sensor equipped with a laser, the user can simply turn the unit on to see exactly where the sensor is aimed. For units equipped with through-the-lens sighting, scanning at the end points can be stopped to make necessary aiming adjustments.

The SpotScan line scanning accessory utilizes the existing sensor DC power supply. Its durable IP65 enclosure is designed to withstand ambient temperatures up to 60°C (140ºF), and an air purge option is available for use in dusty or dirty environments.

Scanning accessory for spot pyrometers.

Fluke® Process Instruments has introduced the SpotScan™ line scanning accessory for its family of best-in-class spot pyrometers. Compatible with the Endurance™, Marathon, and Modline® 5 and Modline 7 Series of infrared (IR) noncontact temperature measurement sensors, the accessory features an innovative scanning mechanism that enables users to gather temperature data over a larger area on the target.

The SpotScan line scanning accessory helps optimize the performance of IR thermometers in applications ranging from metals processing and induction heating, to carbon graphite production. It is especially well-suited for web and conveyor hot spot or cold spot monitoring.

With the SpotScan accessory, industrial facilities can continue to utilize the advanced optics of their Fluke Process Instruments IR temperature sensors to achieve small spot sizes on the measurement target, but also "spot sweep" over the target to see a larger area–thus obtaining additional information on critical production processes. Users can see a hot spot over a larger area and continuously monitor the analog output for temperature variations that exceed defined limits.

The SpotScan accessory allows plant operators to employ signal conditioning sensor capabilities to obtain temperature information in a variety of different ways. For example, use of the "peak picker" function helps identify hot spots over a larger area. The averaging/response time functions provide average temperature over an extended range. In either case, operators benefit from an expanded view and increased awareness of process conditions.

The SpotScan accessory is available with options for sighting the IR instrument and periodically checking sighting accuracy. Onboard controls make it easy to manipulate the end or center positions of the scan, as well as its frequency. For a sensor equipped with a laser, the user can simply turn the unit on to see exactly where the sensor is aimed. For units equipped with through-the-lens sighting, scanning at the end points can be stopped to make necessary aiming adjustments.

The SpotScan line scanning accessory utilises the existing sensor DC power supply. Its durable IP65 enclosure is designed to withstand ambient temperatures up to 60°C (140°F), and an air purge option is available for use in dusty or dirty environments.