Infra-red thermometer
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Hot Spot portable infra-red thermometers developed by KaneMay Ltd measure the quantity of infra-red radiation emitted by a heat source, to indicate temperature, Standard single-temperature range instruments can measure from 0-250 deg C, or 0-500 deg C, or 0-1,000 deg C, while dual-temperature range instruments have one range starting at 0 deg C, with 100-, 250-, 500-, or 1,000-deg C spans. The second range can cover any 100-, 250-, 500-, or 1000-deg C span within the overall range of the instrument.
The variety of temperature ranges available is increased by the fact that the second range of the dual-range instruments need not start at zero, For example, the first range can be 0-500 deg C and the second range 7501000 deg C. Special instruments for higher temperatures up to 1700 deg C will shortly be available.
The thermometer is claimed to have an accuracy of 3 per cent of full scale deflection assuming an emissivity of 1. Repeatability is plus or minus a half per cent, while speed of response is 2 sec.
For practical purposes, say the makers, the instruments will operate from a minimum distance of 6in. (150mm) to at least 12ft (4m) from the heat source. A typical sensing area has a 2in. (5cm) diameter at 3ft (1m) from the heat source, or a 5in. (12cm) diameter at 6ft (2m). Power is provided by a battery housed in the handle of the Hot Spot. A mercury T.146X battery is supplied with the instrument and although the company recommend this type of battery, a PP3 or equivalent battery can be used for replacement.
Overall, the instrument is 7in. (175mm) long, 3in. (78mm) wide and 61n. (160mm) from top of case to base of handle. It weighs 1Ib 10oz (750 grams) and is supplied with a wrist strap and a,carrying case.
As the thermometers do not require contact with a heat source, they are suitable for measuring moving, rotating, flowing or inaccessible objects or materials, without interrupting the production process. Rapid response makes it possible to reveal heat flashes almost instantaneously as they occur and display temperature gradients on machine housings, radiating surfaces and so on.
Made by: Kane-May Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, Herts. Price: E136.