An optical pyrometer is a non-contact temperature measurement device used to measure the
temperature of hot objects by observing the thermal radiation they emit, particularly in the visible
and infrared spectrum. It is widely used in industries where direct contact with the object is not
possible, such as in furnaces, molten metals, or very high-temperature environments.
Working Principle of Optical Pyrometer:
Optical pyrometers are based on the principle of thermal radiation and Wien's displacement law. As
objects get hotter, they emit radiation at shorter wavelengths, including visible light. The color of the
light emitted by the object changes as the temperature increases, allowing the pyrometer to
determine the temperature based on the wavelength and intensity of the emitted radiation.
The basic principle can be summarized in steps:
1. Thermal Radiation: Hot objects emit electromagnetic radiation. The intensity and
wavelength of the radiation depend on the object's temperature. The pyrometer focuses on
a specific wavelength of this radiation, usually in the visible or near-infrared range.
2. Comparison with Standard Light Source: The pyrometer uses a reference standard, typically
a filament lamp with an adjustable current. The current in the lamp changes the
temperature of the filament, which causes it to emit light of varying brightness.
3. Matching the Brightness: The optical pyrometer operator views the hot object and the
filament lamp through an eyepiece. The current in the filament is adjusted until the
brightness of the filament matches the brightness of the hot object. When the brightness
matches, the temperature of the filament equals the temperature of the hot object.
4. Temperature Readout: The current passing through the filament is calibrated to temperature
using Wien's displacement law. By knowing the current, the optical pyrometer determines
the temperature of the hot object.
Key Components of an Optical Pyrometer:
1. Lens: Collects and focuses the thermal radiation emitted by the hot object.
2. Eyepiece: Allows the user to view the object and the comparison filament inside the device.
3. Filament Lamp: A standard tungsten filament lamp is used as a reference. The temperature
of the filament is adjusted by varying the electric current.
4. Adjustable Current Control: Adjusts the temperature of the filament lamp, allowing its
brightness to be varied for comparison with the object.
5. Temperature Display: Once the filament brightness matches the object’s radiation, the
current through the filament is measured and converted to a temperature reading using a
calibrated scale.
Types of Optical Pyrometers:
1. Disappearing Filament Pyrometer: The most common type, where the user adjusts the
filament brightness until it "disappears" into the background of the target's brightness.
2. Automatic Optical Pyrometer: These use sensors to automatically adjust and match the
filament brightness, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Advantages of Optical Pyrometers:
• Non-contact measurement: Suitable for very hot or dangerous environments where physical
contact is impractical or impossible.
• High-temperature measurement: Can measure temperatures from around 700°C up to
several thousand degrees Celsius.
• Fast response: Provides quick temperature readings without any significant delay.
Disadvantages:
• Requires visibility: Optical pyrometers rely on visible light, so they may not work well in
smoky or dusty environments, or where the object is not glowing.
• Operator skill: Manual optical pyrometers require careful adjustment and skill from the
operator to match the filament brightness correctly.
Applications:
• Metallurgy: Measuring the temperature of molten metals, furnace operations, and metal
forging processes.
• Glass Industry: Monitoring the temperature of molten glass during manufacturing.
• Foundries: Used to monitor temperatures in furnaces and kilns.
• High-temperature manufacturing: Monitoring temperatures in environments where other
contact-based temperature sensors would be damaged or fail.
