High-accuracy, non-contact surface temperature measurements for environmental applications in harsh conditions
Depending on the accuracy required for your application, Apogee offers several Research-Grade sensors with ± 0.2 C uncertainty and a lower-priced Commercial-Grade sensor with ± 0.5 C uncertainty.
High-Accuracy Measurements
All Apogee IR sensors are NIST traceable and include a calibration certificate. Sensors are calibrated to a custom blackbody cone. The Research-Grade sensors feature a measurement uncertainty of ± 0.2 C from -30 to 65 C when the sensor (detector) temperature is within 20 C of the surface (target) being measured. Commercial-Grade sensors have a measurement uncertainty of ± 0.5 C from 0 to 50 C when the sensor is within 20 C of the surface. Radiometers are only sensitive from 8 to 14 µm (atmospheric window) to minimize the influence of water vapor and CO2 on the measurement.
Field of View Options
Research-Grade sensors come in five fields of view, which includes three circular and two horizontal apertures. The Commercial-Grade sensor comes in a single 22° half-angle field of view option.
Typical Applications
Both radiometers can be used to measure plant canopy temperature for use in plant water status estimation. The radiometers are also used in phenotyping and phenomics of different plants. They can additionally be utlizeld to measure road surface temperature to determine icing conditions and to measure terrestrial surface (soil, vegetation, water, snow) temperature in energy balance studies.
Output Options
Research-Grade sensors are available in analog and digital outputs, including unamplified voltage outputs, SDI-12, and Modbus communication protocols. They are also available with a hand-held meter attached to a digital readout. Commercial-Grade models are currently only available in an SDI-12 output, but an analog version is coming soon.
Mounting
Research-Grade sensors use the AM-220 mounting bracket, while the Commercial-Grade sensors use the AM-250 bracket. Both brackets are designed to orient sensors at various angles for different applications. Brackets can be mounted to a mast or pipe.
Rugged Housing
All sensors have a rugged, anodized, aluminum body with fully-potted electronics. Both types feature a radiation shield to reduce rapid thermal fluctuations of the sensor body. The Research-Grade sensor's radiation shield is made from powder-coated aluminum with a polished interior for lower emissivity. The Commercial-Grade sensor's radiation shield is made from rugged, polished, UV-resistant ASA plastic.
High Quality Cable
Research-Grade pigtail lead sensors feature an IP68, marine-grade stainless-steel cable connector (approximately 30 cm from the head) to simplify sensor removal for maintenance and recalibration. The cable features a shielded, twisted-pair wire with a TPR jacket for high water resistance, UV stability, and flexibility in cold conditions. Commercial-Grade pigtail lead sensors have the same high-quality cable, but they do not have a stainless-steel connector.
Warranty and Support
All Apogee products are backed by an industry-leading four-year warranty and outstanding customer support.
