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Infrared thermometry is useful in non-contact temperature measurements such as determining the temperature of a ladle of molten iron, or the temperature of a continuous sheet of glass as it moves from a curing oven. Smaller units are also useful on a manufacturing line to determine hot spots or overheated components on printed circuit boards during final quality control tests when boards are powered up for the first time as they are manufactured . Fig. 1 shows an example of an infrared pyrometer, and Fig. 2 shows an example of testing for warm components on a final inspection of a printed circuit board during the manufacturing process. The smaller sensors are called infrared thermocouples because they are approximately the same size as a thermocouple.
Above: Fig. 1: Infrared
pyrometer.
Another important application of non-contact temperature measurement is thermal photography, which is used to troubleshoot hot spots on industrial motors, switch gears, and transformers where the extra heat is an indication of a malfunctioning component or a loose connection. In this type of application, a camera with infrared-sensing capability is used to take a picture of the suspect part. The picture will indicate where temperatures are normal or abnormal. Once a hot spot is detected, appropriate action must be taken to prevent severe damage due to overheating.
Above: Fig. 2: Example of infrared thermometry used
to provide non-contact temperature measurement of printed circuit boards
on a production line.
