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 black-body cone with the Research-Grade sensors featuring 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 target. 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 (FOV), including: three circular and two horizontal apertures. The Commercial-Grade sensor comes in a single 22° half-angle FOV option.
Typical Applications
Plant canopy temperature measurement for use in plant water status estimation, phenotyping, phenomics, road surface temperature measurement for determination of icing conditions, terrestrial surface (soil, vegetation, water, snow) temperature measurement in energy balance studies, and more.
Output Options
Research-Grade sensors are available in analog and digital outputs including unamplified voltage outputs, SDI-12, and Modbus communication protocols. Research-Grade sensors are also available attached to a hand-held meter with digital readout. Commercial-Grade models come in SDI-12 output only with an analog version coming soon.
Mounting
Research-Grade sensors use the AM-220 mounting bracket while the Commercial-Grade sensors use the AM-250 bracket, both of which are designed to orient sensors at varying 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, UV resistant, polished 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. Cable is shielded, twisted-pair wire with a TPR jacket for high water resistance, UV stability, and flexibiliy in cold conditions. Commercial-Grade pigtail lead sensors have the same high-quality cable, but 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.
