Sep 13 2007
The Convir FL series of fibre-optic infrared temperature sensors has now grown with the addition of three new models. These new sensors extend the temperature range of the FL series enabling them to measure from 300 to 2500ºC, as well as improving their performance at short-wavelengths.
The new FL-SI-18 and FL-SI-25 models both measure in the spectral range 0.8 to 1.1µm and have temperature ranges of 650 to 1800ºC and 800 to 2500ºC respectively. This very short-wavelength spectral response makes them particularly well suited to measuring most metal targets, as it helps to improve the apparent emissivity of the metal surface and can reduce possible errors from variations in emissivity of the surface.
The FL-GAI-13 and FL-GAI-18 models measure at 1.45 to 1.8µm and offer wide temperature ranges of 300 to 1300ºC and 350 to 1800ºC respectively. These broad temperature ranges allow the FL-GAI models to be employed in applications where before the use of fibre-optic sensors has not been possible.
All of the models in the FL series have a USB interface for configuration and data logging via a PC. With the AF-301U software and interface cable the temperature range, emissivity value and response time of these sensors can be configured to meet the requirements of individual applications. A "peak picker" mode is also available for use with intermittent targets. This software can provide a real-time display of the current temperature measurement of the FL sensor, and of the maximum, minimum and average readings. Furthermore, the AF-301U software offers graph plotting functions and can save and export measurements as a text file.
These sensors use optical heads with manually adjustable focal distances to provide the optimum measurement spot size at a given distance. Two different optical heads are available; for small targets at short distances there is the LVO25, which can give a measurement spot of Ø1.6mm at a distance of 80mm. For measurements over longer distances there is the LVO35, which can provide a measurement spot of Ø11mm at a distance of 1m. These optical heads provide a white LED pilot light to show both the position and size of the measurement spot for precise alignment.
The optical heads and electronics enclosures of the FL series are made of stainless steel and sealed to IP65. The optical heads can operate in ambient temperatures up to 250ºC without the need for cooling. The fibre-optic cable is protected by a stainless steel braid, with 1.5m of cable supplied as standard and up to 5m available on request.