Target size and distance are critical to accuracy for most IR thermometers

The given measured spot size contains 90% of the energy detected by the sensor. We normally recommend the target is at least twice as large as the given measured spot for maximum accuracy. Sensors may be used at longer distances than the above diagrams show. There is no maximum measurement distance in clean air, and accuracy does not change with distance; this is because the sensor detects only the wavelengths of infrared radiation that are not absorbed by the atmosphere.

Typical Applications

The PyroMiniOEM is ideal for use in a range of applications, such as:

Food industry

The PyroMini OEM's non-intrusive design means this temperature sensor can be fitted to food manufacturing machines, taking up a minimum of space, and can be used without contamination of the product. This is all thanks to the compact 55mm non-contact sensing head.

Plastics

In the plastic manufacturing industry, thermoforming machines heat plastic sheets to make them malleable. Provided the plastic is thicker than a millimetre or so, it can be measured easily using a general purpose sensor (contact Calex for specialised sensors for thinner plastics).

To integrate a PyroMini OEM sensor into existing machinery monitoring systems, there is a choice of four analogue output options.

Wood Processing 

Timber workpieces in wood manufacturing machines are constantly on the move, and as such contact temperature probes would not be suitable. Wood temperature can be measured in processes such as sawing, sanding and planing to help indicate worn cutting surfaces.

Textiles

Calex sensors are commonly used in measuring textiles with success. Industries such as textile manufacturing deploy temperature sensors to their production machinery, to monitor fabric web temperatures as well as the equipment itself such as coated rollers. Steel rollers can be measured using the PyroMini OEM if a band is painted (to measure bare steel, consider the PyroUSB).

Machinery such as screen-printers, dryers and tunnel finishers will benefit due to the need for continuous temperature monitoring.

Enclosed Spaces

A small sensing head with a right-angled cable entry allows for the discreet installation of the PyroMini OEM into most spaces. The sensor can be installed in a 16 mm hole via the included mounting nut, and optional mounting brackets are also available.