In-Process Glass Temperature Measurement Sensor

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The average measuring wavelength of 5.2um provides a low depth of penetration and enables reflection effects to occur for the infrared measurement of glass.  Using shorter wavelengths than this would mean the sensor would measure through the glass rather than measuring the true temperature of the glass itself.



The measurement of glass surface temperatures is critical in glass process lines. Take container glass production, for example.  The operator must obtain the temperature of the glass gob (molten glass that is poured into a blow mould) to observe the ratio between glass viscosity and gob weight.



The mould temperature measurement is therefore critical for balancing the cooling levels of mould shells.  Pharmaceuticals manufacturers also require temperature sensors to monitor and control the temperature of the glass when sterilising bottles.



As Ulrich Kienitz, General Manager at Micro-Epsilon Optris states: 'In the production of flat glass, automotive glass and construction glass, homogeneity of the complete glass panel is important, particularly when it comes to bending, annealing and tempering zones.



The double laser aiming of the CT glass marks the real spot location and spot size up from 1mm at any distance.  The 70:1 optics with selectable focus, provide a very small spot size of just 1mm.  To put this into perspective, the smallest spot size amongst competing sensor products in this class is 2.5mm.



The speed and high resolution optics are also unique for a sensor in this class'.  CT glass has a stainless steel sensor head and can be used in ambient temperatures of up to 85C without cooling and has an automatic laser switch off at 50C.



Cooling and protection accessories are also available for harsh environmental conditions.  For example, a water-cooled version is available for ambient temperatures of up to 175C.  CT glass comes with a monitor for programming and temperature display. This enables easy wiring of standard analogue outputs 0/4-20mA, 0-5/10V, thermocouple type K or J.