What is a pyrometer, and how does it work?

A pyrometer measures temperature remotely without coming into contact with the object being measured. This makes the technology well suited to industrial processes involving very hot, moving materials or other conditions where traditional temperature measurement is not practical.

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Temperature measurement without physical contact

In many industrial processes, it can be difficult or impossible to place a temperature sensor directly on the material. This may be due to high temperatures, movement along the production line or the risk of wear and damage to the measuring equipment.

A pyrometer solves this challenge by measuring the infrared radiation emitted by the object. The temperature can therefore be recorded quickly and remotely, without the instrument coming into contact with the material.

How a pyrometer works

A pyrometer is also known as an infrared thermometer. All objects emit electromagnetic radiation, the intensity of which depends on the object’s temperature.

A lens in the pyrometer collects the emitted energy and directs it to a detector. The detector converts the energy into an electrical signal, which the instrument translates into a temperature value.

The measurement therefore requires no physical contact between the pyrometer and the object being monitored.

When is a pyrometer useful?

Pyrometers can be used for continuous temperature monitoring throughout a production process. This also applies to moving materials and objects, which can be difficult to measure with traditional contact sensors.

• When the object is at a very high temperature
• When the material moves through the production process
• When physical contact with the object is not possible
• When the temperature needs to be monitored continuously
• When the measuring equipment needs protection against wear and damage
• When precise temperature measurements are essential to product quality

Temperature monitoring is important in asphalt production, among other applications, where the material’s temperature has a significant impact on the quality of the finished product.

Better process control and less production waste

Fast and accurate temperature measurements make it easier to ensure that materials and processes remain within the specified limits. This supports both quality assurance and more stable production.

When deviations are detected quickly, the process can be adjusted before larger quantities of unusable material are produced. This can reduce production waste and help increase production speed.

Non-contact measurement also reduces the risk of damage and wear to the instrument, as the pyrometer is not exposed to direct contact with hot materials or materials that could cause wear or damage.

Hans Buch offers pyrometers and industrial temperature measurement solutions from AMETEK Land, which has more than 40 years of experience in specialised infrared temperature measurement.