Possible to recalibrate an infrared thermometer?

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I have an Accutech InfraRed Pyromometer that I use on the 911--oil-pipe temps, etc.--and it seems to need recalibration, if that's possible. When I point it directly at boiling water, for example, it reads 195 degrees.

Is it possible to calibrate these things, or do need a new one? Maybe I need to retire this one to use for nothing other than pointing at womens' tits at parties, which I have found to be an effective icebreaker, no pun intended...

[James Brown]

hummmm i have a craftsman, don't have a clue (about calibraition) but I like the tit part!

[Danny_Ocean]

Not sure you have a problem with your thermometer...

From the web:

Watch out for "evaporative cooling" effects. Faulty readings are also common in a another kind of situation: if you try to measure the temperature of the surface of some types of boiling liquids. Consider boiling water: as it boils, the liquid evaporates. This tends to create an evaporative cooling effect at the surface of the water, where an IR thermometer reads the temperature. Try it yourself. Take a reading from the surface of boiling water; then, shut the burner off and agitate the surface of the liquid with a fork while you are taking a reading. The new reading will be much closer to the water's actual temperature. (Some liquids, like oils, do not evaporate at cooking temperatures and do not have this problem).

Perhaps the engineers on the forum will chime in.

P.S. - Please post your results from measuring mammaries, including real vs. synthetic...pics would be nice, too...

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I have an Accutech InfraRed Pyromometer that I use on the 911--oil-pipe temps, etc.--and it seems to need recalibration, if that's possible. When I point it directly at boiling water, for example, it reads 195 degrees.

Is it possible to calibrate these things, or do need a new one? Maybe I need to retire this one to use for nothing other than pointing at womens' tits at parties, which I have found to be an effective icebreaker, no pun intended...

While I couldn't deny the entertainment value of using one at a party to see if some are real or not, your IR unit should not fall out of calibration. Battery and contact condition are crucial for best results.

I do see differences between IR and contact thermometers used on the same subject so there are some variables to consider using this technology. For example, one needs a contact thermometer to see accurate values when measuring oil, brake rotor, and tire temps, however IR units work really well for checking exhaust pipes (rough EGT), oil coolers, (radiators, if you have 'em) so see if you have consistent temperatures.

I have both Accutek and Raytech hand-held IR thermometers and they read the same values on the same subject. My contact thermometer reads consistently higher.

I'd be happy to check yours against mine (thermometers, that is) to confirm proper operation, if you wish,....

[HarryD]

Steve,

Hijacking this thread, I have a companion question about contact vs IR thermometers.

While the IR reads lower (i.e lower precision), are the relative differences and changes detected consistent (i.e. similar accuracy)?

[pete3799]

Technical question....what's the temp. difference of silicone vs saline.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by pete3799

Technical question....what's the temp. difference of silicone vs saline.

Just a guess but Saline being mostly water would be cooler than Silicone.

[ShakinJoe]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I have an Accutech InfraRed Pyromometer that I use on the 911--oil-pipe temps, etc.--and it seems to need recalibration, if that's possible. When I point it directly at boiling water, for example, it reads 195 degrees.

Is it possible to calibrate these things, or do need a new one? Maybe I need to retire this one to use for nothing other than pointing at womens' tits at parties, which I have found to be an effective icebreaker, no pun intended...

If you pointed the IR thermometer at something hotter than it's capable temperture range, you could damage it and it will be ruined. They cannot be recalibrated either to my knowledge. You should also be aware that you may need to change the emissivity setting of the unit for different materials.

If you need to check it accuracy, put a black dull pipe in a bucket of icewater and then shoot the dull black finish and it should read 32 F.

[peppy]

Try measuring the temp. of ice water. Should be 32 degrees, that is what we use in the restaurant .

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Steve,

Hijacking this thread, I have a companion question about contact vs IR thermometers.

While the IR reads lower (i.e lower precision), are the relative differences and changes detected consistent (i.e. similar accuracy)?

Hi Harry,

For the same materials (subject matter) yes, they are pretty consistent.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I have an Accutech InfraRed Pyromometer that I use on the 911--oil-pipe temps, etc.--and it seems to need recalibration, if that's possible. When I point it directly at boiling water, for example, it reads 195 degrees.

Is it possible to calibrate these things, or do need a new one? Maybe I need to retire this one to use for nothing other than pointing at womens' tits at parties, which I have found to be an effective icebreaker, no pun intended...

Steve,

The boiling water is not a bad idea, if the water is very still.

Another thought is to use an additional criterion such as a cooking immersable thermomer or pyrometer imersed in the water for comparison.

Also, I would think that the mfgr would have some type of calibration/metrology lab with the appropriate standards to re-calibrate your unit.

I've never been a big fan of these IR units especially in A/C applications as the measurement can encapsulate peripheral areas/components.

As for your oil temp aplication(s), there is a long probe thermometer available which will reach well into your oil tank.

I used this type for A/C applications, which would not accomodate your needs.



Good luck,

Gerry

[billybek]

Reflectivity and even colour make a difference in how an infrared thermometers read.
Flat black is probably the best surface to temperature accuracy.