An accurately calibrated thermometer is an essential tool for measuring temperature. This device can be an excellent tool for measuring temperature from a distance without contacting the object. There are some limitations where other sensor type thermometers may not be capable of producing accurate data.
In these circumstances, an infrared thermometer is useful for creating accurate data. So, can you calibrate an infrared thermometer of your own? Well, you can do it by following some rules and steps. Let’s go a little down to discover it.
Can You Calibrate An Infrared Thermometer?
Though an infrared thermometer calibration is not an easy task, you can be successful with proper planning and setup. Uncertainty like reflected temperature, ambient temperature, the inappropriate arrangement of the infrared thermometer, etc. are the main reasons behind an infrared thermometer calibration.
You need mandatory and non-mandatory calibration equipment to make the calibration process accurate and reliable. Additionally, a reference point is required for any calibration so that you can compare the thermometer.
How to Calibrate an Infrared Thermometer & Check for Accuracy
There are several methods you can use to calibrate your Infrared thermometer. But one simple method which consists of two parts is the best for achieving this. The first one is for calibrating your infrared thermometer, and the second it for validating your result. To calibrate the infrared thermometer, you can use crushed ice. And you can use a comparator to verify your result.
Crushed ice solution is reasonably straightforward to use. In general, you need to make a squished ice and water mix that has a sludge uniformity. On the other hand, the comparator is the following simple and easy method that delivers more accurate data. We are going to see both methods to calibrate an infrared thermometer.
Calibrating an Infrared Thermometer with a Correctly Made Ice Bath
You need to follow some easy steps to achieve your preferred results. They are given below:
Step: 1 First of all, take a large glass full of ice up to the top level. It is better to use crushed ice.
Step: 2 Pour very cold water inside the glass until the water reaches the peak level. Make sure it reaches 1 centimeter lower than top ice. Most importantly, if the ices are going at the bottom of the glass, the ice bath is possibly hotter than 32.0°F.
Step: 3 Let it sit for two or three minutes after stirring the mixture properly.
Step: 4 Make a well of exposed water where no ice is floating or press the ice below, so there is a level of exposed water at the glass’s peak.
Step: 5 One thing you need to confirm that your machine is fixed to an emissivity setting of 0.95 or 0.97.
Step: 6 Firmly hold the device so that the lens or opening is straightly at the upper level and remains a position of 90° angle.
Step: 7 If you want to take the additional concern to ensure that the scale and dimension of the surface area are accurately measured, push the button on your device to take a measurement.
After following all the steps correctly, your infrared thermometer is appropriately calibrated.
Validating The Accuracy of Result With a Comparator
To validate the result’s accuracy, you need to compare the result of your infrared thermometer with an already calibrated thermometer. You can use equipment like X107 to perform the test.
1. Position the comparator pot in the spot you want to test the temperature and wait for 20-30 minutes until the temperature is consistent.
2. After connecting the thermometer to the pot, switch it on.
3. Place the infrared thermometer perpendicularly inside the comparator pot as near as possible and match the result.
4. You can note the results as part of your QMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
An infrared thermometer is capable of measuring temperature without contacting the object. While you are going to calibrate an infrared thermometer, you’ll face the following questions as well. And we’ve put together them for your preference.
Do Infrared thermometers need to be calibrated?
Yes, you can calibrate infrared thermometers for the purpose of accurate results. It is better to calibrate infrared thermometers at least at two temperatures to validate your results. For example, you can test it at 41°F [5°C] and 140°F [60°C].
Can I use infrared thermometer for body temperature?
Yes, you can use it. But the result may not be as much accurate as medical tools. You may see one degree or more difference when you check your body temperature.
Can you use an infrared thermometer on a person?
An accurate infrared thermometer is more preferable to use on a person. You can use a non-contact infrared thermometer specially designed to measure a person’s body temperature. Plus, it is simple and provides almost accurate results.
Final Thought
You can properly calibrate the infrared thermometer by following every step correctly. To make your result more reliable, you can test it with an already calibrated infrared thermometer. It will make your outcome more accurate and precise. The result should be equal or close to 32.0°F (0.0°C) since it is ideal.
Hopefully, you will be able to calibrate your infrared thermometer successfully without facing any problem. If, however, your result out of range of the accuracy specification, you should take help from an expert or try to communicate with the manufacturer.
