The part number of an IRt/c sensor is made up of three parts:
Model Number - Thermocouple Type -Temperature Range,
for pre-calibrated sensors e.g. IRt/c.3X - J - 440F1220C
Model Number - Thermocouple Type -HiE or LoE,
for adjustable models e.g. IRt/c.20A - K - LoE
To select a model for an application, answer the following five points in order. You should then be in a position to select the optimum sensor.
1. Type of Controller / Transmitter / Input
Most sensors are available in J, K, E or T types. The thermocouple type should be the same as the readout/controller input type.
2. Target Material.
Virtually all non-metal surfaces are good emitters and work well with IRt/c sensors (Tech Note #31). If a target is to be viewed and it cannot be coated or an uncoated metal masked, a LoE model must be selected (Tech Note #21).
3. Target Temperature
Exergen offers 8 pre-calibrated temperature ranges for convenience (Tech Note #49). The sensors can be used outside their calibrated ranges, up to the temperature limit;with stated repeatability:
550°F limit: IRt/c.01 and IRt/c.03
1200°F limit: IRt/c, IRt/c.1X, IRt/c.3X, IRt/c.5
and IRt/c.10
4. Target Size and Distance Between Sensor and Target
The target should completely fill the field of view (Tech Note #55). As an example, the IRt/c.3X has a 3:1 field of view, this means that at a distance of 24" from the target the sensor will view a 8" diameter spot (spot size = distance ÷ 3). All of the IRt/c sensors have a minimum spot size (this minimum spot size varies with model type). It is not recommended that a sensor be used with a target smaller than the minimum spot size. Based on the minimum spot size:
For a target <0.3" (8mm), select a focused unit
For a target 0.3-0.8" (8-20mm), select IRt/c, IRt/c.01, IRt/c.03, IRt/c.1X or IRt/c.3X
For a target >0.8" (20mm), select any sensor.
5. Ambient Temperature and Environment
The IRt/c.01 and IRt/c.03 can be used in ambient temperatures
up to 160°F (70°C). All of the other sensors can be used in ambient
temperatures up to 212°F (100°C) without any external cooling.
Above 212°F the IRt/c can be used with the CJK-1 cooling jacket and
the IRt/c.3X can be used with the CJK-2 cooling jacket (see accessories).
The IRt/c.5, IRt/c.10 and all of the adjustable sensors have a built in
air purge that can be used to cool to ambient temperatures up to 450°F
(230°C). If the environment where the sensor is placed is prone
to be dusty or otherwise dirty, it is good practice to select a sensor
with an air purge. If linearization software can be employed in the
readout device, HiE and LoE models can be supplied in a pre-calibrated
form (see Tech Note #96). This allows for the convenience of a pre-calibrated
range and security from accidental
sensor adjustment after installation.
Example
For the following situation:
1) K-type readout
2) Target Material; black conveyer belt
3) Target temperature; 300°F (150 0 C)
4) Target size and distance; belt 24” (61 cm) wide, sensor
1.5” (3.8 cm) away.
5) Ambient temperature and environment; ambient 80°F,
(27 0 C) oil vapors present
For this application the best sensor to select would be an IRt/c.3X-K-280°F/140°C. The sensor type must be a K-type to match the readout. The target material is highly emissive. The temperature range is converted easily by this sensor and the 280°F/140°C calibration range from the temperature selection guide is the best one for 300°F (150 0 C). The IRt/c.3X has a 3:1 field of view, at 1.5" (3.8 cm) distance it will have a spot size of 0.5" (1.3 cm); this sensor has a built-in air purge which would be useful to keep the lens clean from oil vapor.
Also see the Accuracy Table
and Selection Chart.