Boiler Pyrometers

HEITRONICS has more than 25 years of experience using infrared pyrometers to measure a wide range of incinerator processes. 

The HEITRONICS boiler pyrometer, an infrared radiation thermometer (IRT), provides unique spectral responses for CO₂ gas emissions, which produce the highest quality measurements of the gas temperature.  The boiler pyrometer is installed outside the furnace and is therefore not exposed to the high temperatures or aggressive gases, and is easy to access.

HEITRONICS boiler pyrometer solution characteristics include:
 

• 6.5 °C (12 °F) Accuracy @ 900 °C (1650 °F) gas temperature (also known as furnace exit gas temperature)
• The IR Thermometer is installed outside the furnace and therefore not exposed to the high temperatures nor aggressive gases and is easy to access (with furnace in operation when using a valve or sapphire window)
• Unique wavelength responses for CO₂ gas emissions produces highest quality measurements
• Exceptional long and short term stability due to the HEITRONICS chopped radiation method of measurement
• Optional Certificate of Calibration is traceable to national standards
• More than 25 years of experience on a wide range of furnace and fuel types

Read more about HEITRONICS boiler pyrometer applications:  Combustion Gas Temperature Measurement using Infrared Pyrometers (PDF)

Overview:  Temperature Measurement in Incinerators using Infrared Pyrometers

The use of infrared radiation thermometers to measure temperature in incinerators offers the following advantages:
 

• No aging or regular replacement as experienced with thermocouples
• Calibration using a blackbody radiation source
• Proven standard solution for MSW incineration plants
• Applicable to coal fired boilers and furnaces, etc.
• Gas temperature measured in combustion chambers or ducts
• Fast response times
• Adaptable to different tasks

Temperature Measurement in Incinerators:  Contact vs Non-Contact Temperature Measurement

A variety of effects can be used to measure temperature, from a change of length vs temperature (e.g. bi-metal strips) to volume change vs. temperature (e.g. mercury thermometer) to voltage change vs. temperature (e.g. thermocouples).  For all of these measuring approaches, the sensor has to be in direct mechanical and thermal contact with the measured object.  After contact is established, time is required for heat transfer, and then the sensor "measures" its own temperature.
 

When measuring with contact, acceptable results can be produced as long as the heat conduction is good and the thermal mass of the object is much larger than the sensor.  However, in the case of poor heat conduction or low mass objects, the object's temperature is not completely transferred to the sensor and the measurement fails.  In addition, for moving objects, or those which are far away, it is difficult to establish a mechanical contact.  This is where non-contact temperature measurement enters the game.

How does non-contact temperature measurement work?

Any matter at a temperature above 0 Kelvin emits electromagnetic radiation.  The spectrum and intensity of the radiation is governed by Planck's law, a universal mathematical relationship between temperature and radiation.  WIth non-contact temperature measurement, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object is what the infrared pyrometer measures.  The advantages are apparent:

• No direct contact between the Infrared Radiation Thermometer (IRT) and the measured object
• The IRT is not being heated/cooled, which leads to fast measurement
• No direct influence of the IRT on the measured object
• Moving objects can easily be measured

Read more about how boiler pyrometers work:  Temperature Measurement in Incinerators using Infrared Pyrometry (PDF)

Infrared Radiometers for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Additional Applications of Infrared Pyrometers

For years, HEITRONICS' Radiation Pyrometers have been the most frequently selected radiometers for airborne remote sensing.  On July 1, 1997, a HEITRONICS system was the first commercial infrared pyrometer to be part of a scientific experiment in the "Columbia" spaceshuttle SpaceLab project.
 

Examples of the applications, industries and science fields for our instruments include:
 

• transfer standards & blackbodies for calibration labs
• atmospheric & ocean sciences
• glass forming
• thin glass and CVD glass
• thin film plastics
• ceramic coated metals
• low emissivity metals
• materials science research
• food
• sterilization of containers
• packaging forming
• medical devices
• paper

For assistance with your application, click here for a Customer Application Requirements Form, complete it as best you can, and email it to win@wintron.com for review by one our experts, or contact us.