Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Low cost, portable infra-red camera now measures up to 600°C to cut maintenance costs in metal and glass applications", Sensor Review, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2000.08720baf.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Low cost, portable infra-red camera now measures up to 600°C to cut maintenance costs in metal and glass applications
Low cost, portable infra-red camera now measures up to 600°C to cut maintenance costs in metal and glass applications
Keywords: Infra-red, Cameras
Ircon has extended the temperature range of its digiCam-IR infra-red camera and the instrument is now capable of measuring from 0 to +600°C (see Plate 5). It was previously limited to +350°C. The digiCam-IR offers two-bit resolution and accuracy of +2°C or ±2 percent of full scale. The new version is suitable for new applications including refractory measurement in steel and glass industries. By using the camera as part of a preventive maintenance programme, for example to track the outside temperature of furnace walls, furnace downtime and maintenance work can be minimised. The camera price of 15,000 Euros (approx. £10,000) will make it affordable in many of these applications.
Plate 5Infra-red
camera 600°C
The digiCam-IR produces 120 x 120 pixel thermal images in less than 1.5 seconds. It has an integral 100mm LCD display and up to 140 images can be stores on its 4Mbyte removable ATA Flash card. The accompanying software allows direct connection from the digiCam-IR to a computer. There is a standard RS-232 output and selectable video output for NTSC or PAL. Intuitive controls and Windows® based image analysis software make the digiCam-IR very easy to use.
The camera automatically selects the upper and lower temperature limits for the image display, or the limits can be manually set. Using a unique "Hot Cursor Mode", the camera detects the hottest area on the image for fast identification of trouble spots. Emissivity can be adjusted to ensure accurate temperature readings and data can be instantly analysed on the camera by moving the cursor over the image with the user interface buttons.
The snapshot button produces an image complete with temperature data. When the button is held down the camera operates in real-time sweep mode for focusing or scanning large areas for hot spots. Pushing the snapshot button again acquires the image.
To save power, the camera can be set up to automatically dim the LCD display, turn off the display or turn off completely at selected times.
The digiCam-IR weighs 2.2 kg and measures 240mm x 100mm x 130min.
Further information from: Paul Vincent, Ircon BV, Databankweg 6C, 3821AL Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 33 45 04321; E-mail: pvincent@ircon.nl