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. 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. Commercial-grade sensors 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 utilized to monitor road surface temperature to determine ice conditions and to measure terrestrial surface (soil, vegetation, water, snow) temperature in energy balance studies.
Mounting
Research-grade and commercial-grade sensors use the AM-250 bracket. The bracket is designed to orient the radiometers at various angles for different applications. Brackets can be mounted to a mast or pipe.
Research-Grade Sensor Outputs:
Unamplified voltage outputs
SDI-12
Modbus
Commerical-Grade Sensor Outputs:
Unamplified voltage outputs
SDI-12
Rugged Housing
All sensors have a rugged shield to reduce rapid thermal fluctuations and contains fully-potted electronics. Research-grade sensor radiation shields are made with powder-coated aluminum and a polished interior for lower emissivity. Commercial-grade sensor radiation shields are made with 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.
