Taking the temperature of thermometry

The Marathon MR1F is a compact, high-performance, fibre-optic, two-colour ratio thermometer from Raytek, (enter 350 on enquiry card). To be seen on stand P54, it can measure temperature in hot, hostile environments, in high electromagnetic fields and in other difficult applications where line of sight is obscured.

The thermometer consists of a small optical head, a replaceable fibre-optic cable and remote electronics enclosure with interface, and proprietary signal processing with support for remote sensor set-up, real-time display of target temperature and field calibration software. Raytek says the two-colour operation overcomes the potential hazards of obscured sighting, smoke, particulates, badly aligned sensors and dirty lens windows. Furthermore a high-speed DSP in the sensor electronics allows two-way serial communications, remote sensor set-up and software for field calibration, diagnostics, temperature monitoring and data analysis.

Three models are available covering temperature ranges from 650-3000 C. Other specifications include a fast 10ms response time; variable and close optical heads; and D:S (distance to spot size) ratio to 75:1.

Visitors seeking out thermal imaging and measurement systems should visit stand B85, where Inframetrics (351) is demonstrating its latest models, with a new version of the ThemaCAM, hand-held, focal plane array radiometer, plus software products, from basic to advanced GUI interfaces.

Inframetrics' long wavelength 'uncooled' detectors use new silicon thermoelectric detector array technology (ThermaSNAP) which, the company claims, offers excellent longwave IR imaging, and measurement capability. Designed for stationary object observance, ThermaSNAP is said to provide instant and crisp images via a built-in 102mm active matrix colour LCD screen, across a temperature measurement range of -20 to 350 C.

New features of the ThermaCAM 80 series radiometers includes true cordless operation, without battery belts, for continuous use of up to two hours; timed image storage; and Auto-Spot measurement mode, which is said to save time by automatically seeking the hottest point. Additional post processing software, 400 image storage capacity via removable 80mb Imagebank Flash PCMCIA card and 7.62cm colour LCD are optional extras.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary in the field of temperature control equipment, Techne (Cambridge) (352) is showing its complete range of ISO 9001 manufactured products, stand D245, for medical and industrial research laboratory and on-site calibration.

New products include six Tecal portable block calibrators which can check temperature sensors with the accuracy of a traceable standard covering -45 C below ambient to 650 C, and which have interchangeable inserts for sensors from 3mm to 20mm diameter. Other products on the stand include fluidised baths covering the -100 to 1100 C range; liquid calibration baths, with a -40 to 250 C range; and a density gradient column for the measurement of the specific gravity of solids within the 0.79-2.7gm/ml range.

The development of small combustion engines generated a need for compact, precision sensors with low thermal shock errors. Consequently, Kistler (353) has developed a small, water-cooled pressure sensor, the 6041, which has a front diameter of 8mm. It suits thermodynamic investigations in small engines.

The sensor is said to be resistant to temperatures from -50 to 350 C. A failure in a water-cooling system will not damage the sensor, according to the company. The sensor incorporates a Polystable quartz element which ensures against twinning. Sensor mounting uses an M8 thread, or a 12mm diameter bore.

Kistler, stand A220, has also turned its attention to the mould and die industry. Visitors can learn about the automatic detection of the switch-over point in injection moulding: where the Kistler Automatic Quality Control System type 5881 and the OEM version Smart Amp type 5049 sensors detect when the mould is volumetrically full. At that point, the system switches over automatically to the holding phase.

A new range of miniature temperature transmitters and DIN-rail mounting signal isolators and converters from Calex Instrumentation (354) can be found on stand A210. Measuring 65x50x35mm, the CT2000 transmitters have built-in LCD temperature indication, and come housed in IP65 enclosures making them suitable for outdoor mounting without any further environmental protection.

Designed for two or three-wire Pt100 inputs, the CT2001 is supplied factory configured for span, range and temperature (degC/degF). Field configuration of thermocouple sensor type, linearisation enable/disable, span, range, alarm upscale/downscale and damping is available as standard. The display also shows CJ temperature, loop current and sensor integrity for installation and maintenance.

Ambient operation temperature for both models is quoted as -20 to 60 C, with a relative humidity of 0-95% (non-condensing). The models are fully EMC compliant in accordance with EN50081-2 and EN50082-2.

New CD1000 DIN-rail mounting signal isolators and converters are also a feature of the stand. Compact design, standard ranges include voltage, current, Pt100 and thermocouple inputs, as well as voltage and current outputs. Additionally, each model is available in mains (selectable 230/110Vac) or 24Vdc powered versions, with three-port isolation to 1500Vdc, low impedance and high drive capability with full EMC compliancy.

Temperature calibration equipment is the main theme for Isotech (Isothermal Technology) (355) on stand B160, where eight metal block calibrators, covering a temperature range of 40 C below ambient to 1200 C are on practical demonstration at the show.

Two of the units are being used with ITS-90 slim fixed point cells which, according to Isotech, are the natural progression from using metal block baths as comparison calibrators as they offer smaller uncertainties typically 10 times smaller than comparison techniques, according to the company.

A new, automatic , PC-based calibration system 'Virtual Lab Technician' also allows up to 15 sensors to be calibrated at pre-selected temperatures, and then a calibration certificate to be printed out automatically.

Swaged end thermocouple and resistance thermometer assemblies are said by one exhibitor to offer a fast response, high strength, low cost solution to a variety of problematical temperature measurements. TC (356), on stand G195, uses the swaging process to produce custom-made assemblies as it has a particularly rugged, large diameter, metal protection sheath. The sheath protects a low thermal mass, fast response, reduced tip with a reduction in diameter down to 60 per cent of the original start diameter. The sensors, says TC, then provide high accuracy, stability, strength, corrosion resistance, a fast response and less displacement.

The swaging technique and post-heat treatment procedures are said to enhance the sheath's grain structure and tensile strength in the worked region, without having a detrimental effect on sensor calibration. The range has start diameters from 12.7mm to under 1mm.

Thermo Electric's (357) thermocouple, on stand D110, is said to eliminate vacuum leakage in autoclave temperature measurement. The thermocouple wire has a single extrusion oval design, which does not create leakage paths, whereas conventional duplex, and single extrusion, wires are prone to leakage around their conductors.