What is difference between Infrared Thermometer and Thermal Imaging Camera

We’ll cover how infrared thermometers work, different types of IR thermometers, their pros and cons, and usage tips. Infrared thermometers are used in different industries and work environments to determine the temperature of objects from a distance. The distance can range from an inch to miles. 

How Infrared Thermometers Works

Infrared radiation is a type of energy that is invisible to human eyes but we can feel it as heat. If you take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, the infrared band sits just outside the range of the visible light. All objects having a higher temperature than absolute Zero emit infrared radiation. The hotter the object, the higher the frequency of the infrared radiation. Infrared temperature sensing devices detect the infrared radiation frequency and convert that into a temperature reading. Infrared radiation is one type that occurs within the electromagnetic spectrum; other types include visible light, x-rays, and microwaves.

The infrared thermometer uses a sensor called a thermopile which turns the incoming infrared radiation into heat using tiny thermocouples. The thermocouples convert that heat into an electrical signal which is measured and displayed on the screen in the form of the temperature reading. While Infrared Thermometer is a reliable and cost-effective way to get a non-contact temperature reading, it can only read the temperature for a single point. If you need a measurement for a larger area, you'll have to take multiple temperature readings.

Thermal Imaging Camera uses a focal plane array sensor. A typical Thermal Imaging sensor has pixel dimensions of 640 x 480 and each pixel acting as a sensing element, this gives you over 300k individual points on each thermal image or video. This creates a supercool thermal image from the infrared spectrum. And because of this advanced optics Thermal Imaging Cameras can detect temperature accurately for much greater distances.

Uses of Infrared Thermometers 

Infrared Thermometers are widely used by different industries such as Automotive, Food, Energy and Medical. In medical this time widely used to measure the body temperature for fever of person by a medical professional. 

How to Use an Infrared Thermometer

It's very easy; you only need to fix the batteries in their compartment and activate the desired temperature unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit).

Turn on the device by pressing the power button and aim the gun to the surface you want to measure the temperature.

Be sure to stand close to the object or within the DS ratio indicated by the manufacturer for accurate readings.

Pull the trigger to observe the reading on the digital display on the thermometer.

Types of Infrared Thermometers

Modern infrared thermometers mimic the same concept, but numerous advances in technology have introduced sophisticated devices to widen the scope of their applications. As such, detectors are designed to match specific applications to improve performance.

There are three types of infrared temperature measurement devices that are widely available today:

Infrared scanning systems: the devices scan larger areas and are used in manufacturing processes that involve conveyors, e.g., when continuous piles of objects move along a large sheet of metal from an oven.

Spot infrared thermometer: these kinds display the temperature on a particular spot on a surface., sometimes referred to as Infrared Gun.

Infrared thermal imaging cameras: these kinds use cameras to measure the temperature at different points over a larger area to create two-dimensional images called thermograms. The technology applied to the devices is more hardware and software-intensive compared to regular infrared thermometers.

Before buying Infrared Thermometers you need to know

Emissivity: It refers to the efficiency with which an object absorbs or emits infrared energy. The values range from 0.0 to 1.0. Objects that have an emissive value of 1.0 are called perfect emitters as they radiate 100% energy. An efficient infrared thermometer should factor in this feature based on the type of object in question because various surfaces emit radiation differently.

Accuracy and Speed: Effective IR thermometers deliver temperatures fast and accurately. Advanced versions factor is adjustable emissivity for more accurate readings. Experts allow a +1% margin of error when using professional IR thermometers and +2% for less expensive devices.

Temperature Range: The primary factor here is whether the thermometer is used for professional or home-based applications. For regular use, e.g., around the house, a temperature range of (-58 to 1022 degrees Fahrenheit or -50 to 550 degrees Celsius) is ideal. 

DS Ratio: The distance to spot ratio affects the accuracy of the readings from the thermometer. The rate is determined by the size of the area being measured in relation to the distance. For example, if an object has a D/S ratio of 10:1 and it is 5 inches in size, the maximum distance the thermometer can accurately measure the temperature is within 50 inches. Distances larger than that range will be inaccurate as the IR thermometer will include the temperature of the surrounding objects and surfaces.

Warranty: A warranty is a good indication of a high-quality IR thermometer. The period can range from 90 days to 5 years based on the manufacturer.

So if you just need to do some non-contact temperature spot-checking for daily use Infrared Thermometer is good but if you really want to look at the bigger picture for better temperature profile of employees and visitors for offices/corporate/factories/hotels/hospitals/restaurants then a Thermal Imaging Camera offer robust sensing imaging.

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