Pyrometer

Wavelength
Selection Guide
ARE ALL SINGLE-WAVELENGTH INFRARED PYROMETERS ALIKE?
Most single-wavelength infrared pyrometers are
virtually identical; however, a close look reveals
that most sensors are different in one critically
important way the wavelength.
Wavelength is an important parameter when
selecting an infrared pyrometer because some
optical interferences are highly transparent
only in specific wavebands. Infrared energy is
an electromagnetic energy just like visible light
and x-rays. Visible light, different from x-rays
only in wavelength, does not pass through the
human chest, while x-rays go right through. In
a similar way, correct wavelength selection
allows an infrared pyrometer to view clearly
100
H2O
H2O
Transmittance %
H2O
INTERFERENCE
0
0.6 0.8 1.0
As an example of the importance of wavelength
selection, consider a continuous heat treat
furnace with a heating zone, a soaking zone and
a cooling zone. When aiming 2 pyrometers, one
with a carefully filtered wavelength (Pyrometer
A) and one with a broad wavelength (Pyrometer
B) about 2 meters into the soaking zone
(where the combustion gas and the product
temperature are about the same) both sensors
will read the same temperature value. However,
when the two sensors are moved to the heating
2
through some types of intervening media, such as
steam, flames, combustion gasses, etc., without
introducing an error.
Williamson single-
Where the below graph is white (shaded),
steam, flames and combustion gasses are
wavelength sensors
highly transparent (opaque). Short-wavelength are the best when oil,
pyrometers with carefully selected wavelengths
are able to view clearly through steam, flames water, steam, flames
or combustion gasses (or long paths of air, for
that matter). Therefore, carefully filtered single- or combustion gasses
wavelength pyrometers provide a significant
technical advantage whenever these interferences
are encountered.
are present. Wavelength selection is equally
critical for other types of optical obstruction.
H2O H2O
CO2 CO2 CO2
1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0
Wavelength m
zone (where the combustion gasses are hotter gasses). Through thoughtful wavelength
than the product) Pyrometer A (carefully selection, certain short-wavelength pyrometers
selected wavelength), will measure the true can view clearly through even the strongest
product temperature while Pyrometer B (broad flames, combustion gasses and clouds of steam
wavelength band) will measure about 60F / 35C without interference.
too high. Likewise, when the two pyrometers
are moved to the cooling zone, Pyrometer A
(carefully selected wavelength), will again
produce a true reading while Pyrometer B
(broad wavelength band) will read about 50F
/ 30C too low (because of the cool furnace
THE ADVANTAGES OF
SHORT-WAVELENGTH SINGLE-WAVELENGTH PYROMETER Short-wavelength infrared pyrometers
offer several advantages compared
SPECTRAL RADIANCE, W cm-2 m-1 (RELATIVE)

to long-wavelength pyrometers.
SPECTRAL RADIANCE, W cm-2 m-1 (RELATIVE)

1300C
Short-Wavelength Pyrometers
1200
1300C
1200
1100 S
 hort-wavelength pyrometers better tolerate
1100 1000 emissivity variation, misalignment and optical
1000900
obstruction
900 800
A
 vailable in traditional and fiber-optic
800 700
configurations
700

V
 iew through common window materials with
0 5 10 15 thoughtful wavelength selection
0 5 10 15
WAVELENGTH, m
WAVELENGTH, m U
 niquely view clearly through steam, flames
Infrared energy emission is more dynamic at shorter wavelengths and combustion gasses with thoughtful
meaning short-wavelength sensors are more tolerant to changes in wavelength selection
infrared energy (i.e. changes in emissivity or an optical obstruction.)
S
 elect view through water, oil, wax, glass, plastic,
plasma, laser energy, and other interferences

70
-17 8 33 58 83 108 133 158 183 208 233 258 283 308 333 358 383 408 433 458 483 508 533
40 M
 easure low temperature values rivaling
65
38 long-wavelength sensors
36
60 34
55 32 M
 easure broad temperature spans rivaling
30
50 28 long-wavelength sensors
45 26
24
40
22
A
 re 4 to 20 times less sensitive to emissivity
35 20 variation compared to long-wavelength sensors
18
30
16
25 14 A
 re 4 to 10 times less sensitive to optical
12
20
10
obstruction compared to long-wavelength sensors
15 8
10 6
4
A
 re 4 to 10 times less sensitive to surface scale &
5
2 cold spots compared to long-wavelength sensors
0 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
A
 re 4 to 10 times less sensitive to misalignment
8-14m Sensor 2m Sensor
compared to long-wavelength sensors
1.6m Sensor

Error from 10% emissivity change or 10% optical obstruction. Williamson places a strong emphasis on short-
Shorter wavelengths produce smaller errors wavelength single-wavelength sensors because of
their better ability to tolerate emissivity variation and
Normal Spectral Emissivity of Cold Rolled Steel optical obstruction. As a result, Williamson is able to
use these short-wavelength sensors under a wider
0.55
range of operating conditions. The result is superior
0.5 sensor performance under real-world operating
Toulouldian and DeWitt
0.45 conditions. Every day, Williamson short-wavelength
luchi
single-wavelength pyrometers are used to make
0.4 Gaskey Eqn
Metallic Theory (Fe@800 C) measurements that are traditionally considered
Emissivity

0.35 impossible to make.

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Wavelength (microns)
For low-emissivity materials, emissivity is higher and more stable at shorter wavelengths 3
ARE ALL RATIO INFRARED PYROMETERS ALIKE?
(e.g. Two-Color and Dual-Wavelength)
Two-color sensors are an appropriate choice for many
Most ratio infrared pyrometers are virtually identical; however, a close common temperature measurement applications.
look reveals there are significant differences between a two-color However, when certain conditions are present such
pyrometer (sandwich detector) and a dual-wavelength pyrometer
as water, steam, scale, severe temperature gradients,
(single detector with 2 unique wavelengths). In fact, there are 4 distinct
differences between the two styles of ratio pyrometer that should be severe or intermittent optical obstruction, flames,
considered for each application. combustion gasses, laser energy, plasma, small
targets and low temperatures, or when real-time
Consideration #1: Wavelength Selection
emissivity measurements, measurement condition
Two-color detector technology dictates a specific wavelength set, validation, or calibration stability are required, dual-
while dual-wavelength technology allows for free wavelength selection. wavelength pyrometers are a more appropriate choice.
Thoughtful wavelength selection permits dual-wavelength pyrometers
to better tolerate interference from water, steam, flames, combustion
gasses, plasma and laser energy. Thoughtful wavelength selection also
permits select dual-wavelength sensors to provide broader temperature
of a ratio sensor is related to the separation between the wavelengths.
spans and to measure lower temperature values as low as 200F / 95C.
Because the dual-wavelength pyrometers sets have a greater separation,
Consideration #2: Signal Dilution Capability they are as much as 20 times less sensitive to interference compared
to two-color sensors. For example, surface scale on a steel target that
The two-color detector set includes two separate detectors one on top
causes a 40-60 degree error for a two-color sensor would only produce an
of the other, with the bottom detector blindfolded by the one above it.
error of only 2-3 degrees for a dual-wavelength pyrometer. Likewise, dual-
Therefore, most of the energy collected by the sensor never reaches the
wavelength sensors are 20 times better able to measure only the hottest
bottom detector. Without this limitation, dual-wavelength pyrometers can
temperature viewed. This is important for applications with a small heated
tolerate 20 to 100 times more optical obstruction compared to two-color
area or a temperature gradient, such as welding or induction heating.
sensors, allowing dual-wavelength pyrometers to better view through
dirty windows and severe optical obstructions and to better measure Consideration #4: Calibration Drift
small or wandering targets that do not fill the sensors field-of-view.
With two detectors, two-color sensors are prone to calibration drift. With
only one detector, any detector drift affects both wavelength equally, and
Consideration #3: Wavelength Separation
therefore, does not impact the ratio measurement. Dual-wavelength sensors
A bump on the floor causes a table to wobble, but the wobble will be smaller therefore hold their calibration much better than two-color sensors.
when there is a greater separation between the legs. Similarly, the stability

THE ADVANTAGES OF SINGLE-DETECTOR DUAL-WAVELENGTH PYROMETERS

Single-detector, dual-wavelength sensors offer all of the capabilities
of two-color sensors plus these added advantages

Dual-Wavelength Sensors

Measure Low Temperatures as low as 200F / 95C and above Fiber-Optic 400F / 200C and above
Provide a Real-Time Measure of Temperature, Ambient Temperature, Emissivity and Signal Dilution
Can Measure Single-Wavelength and Dual-Wavelength Temperature Values Simultaneously
Include ESP Filtering to continuously measure intermittent targets or to eliminate intermittent interferences
S
 elect models uniquely view clearly through Water, Steam, Flames and Combustion Gasses with thoughtful
wavelength consideration
Select models uniquely view through Plasma and Laser Energy with thoughtful wavelength consideration
Are 20 times less sensitive to Scale and temperature gradients compared to two-color sensors
Are 20 to 100 times less sensitive to optical obstruction and misalignment compared to two-color sensors

4
 Dual-Wavelength Pyrometers better tolerate emissivity variation,
misalignment and optical obstruction.

Williamson places a strong emphasis

0.6
on dual-wavelength pyrometers
because of their better ability to
0.5
Top Diode tolerate a wide range of common
ABSOLUTE RESPONSIVITY

0.4 application issues with little or no

maintenance. Dual-wavelength
0.3 sensors are used every day to make
measurements that are traditionally
0.2 considered impossible to make.
Bottom Diode
0.1
Dual-Wavelength Applications
0 Molten Metal Stream
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
(Al, Cu, Fe, Ag, Au, etc)
m Sinter Furnace
The Two-Color Detector Design Dictates the Wavelength Set.
Note that the two wavelengths overlap without separation, 1.0-1.1 um is a poor wavelength for water, Coke Guide
steam, flames, combustion gasses, and silicon, and the long-wavelength (bottom detector) is weak.
Continuous Caster
Reheat / Heat Treat Furnace
100
Rolling Mill Descaler
Transmission thru
0.094 in. of water Rolling Mill Stands
80
TRANSMISSION %

Rolling Mill Cooling

60 Rolling Mill Coiler
TWO-COLOR
DUAL

Annealing Line Wedge

40
Forging Die
Wire and Rod
20
Transmission thru Ultra-Fine Wire
0.375 in. of water
0 Oilfield Tubular Products
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
Induction Heating
WAVELENGTH (MICRONS)
Select Dual-Wavelength Pyrometers View Clearly Through Water and Severe Optical Obstruction
Steam without interference. Two-color Pyrometers do not.
Aluminum Brazing
Plasma Diamond Growth
543K
623K Plasma Ion Nitriding
693K
743K
873K (600C) Carbon Densification
793K 1073K (800C)
Engineered Ceramics
Emissivity

873K
793K (510C) Silicon CVD
1073K 743K (470C) Fly Ash
693K (420C) Flames
623K (350C)

543K (270C)

Wavelength (u)
Select Dual-Wavelength Pyrometers are filtered in a waveband where silicon
has highly stable optical properties. Two-Color sensors are not.

5
WILLIAMSONS UNIQUE MULTI-WAVELENGTH TECHNOLOGY
Some of the more popular
The most significant challenge for many infrared pyrometer applications is contending with multi-wavelength applications
the complex emissive character associated with the measured material or with challenging include the following materials.
measurement conditions. Single-wavelength sensors measure a significant error whenever the
emissivity value is highly variable and they can not tolerate a significant optical obstruction. Dual- Aluminum & Copper
wavelength sensors measure a significant error whenever the change in emissivity is inconsistent Extruded Surface
at the two measured wavelengths and they assume that any optical obstruction impacts both Rolled Surface
measured wavelengths equally. When the emissive character of the measured material or when the
Cast Surface
transmission characteristic of any intervening media does not allow a single- or dual-wavelength
Sheared Surface
sensor to produce an accurate reading, then multi-wavelength technology is recommended.
Forged Surface
Brazing Operations
Multi-wavelength pyrometers are used for a variety of applications where traditional infrared
pyrometer technologies prove inadequate. Multi-wavelength sensors use ESP Algorithms to adjust Coating Preheat
for the unique emissive character associated with the specific measured material or measurement
condition to produce an accurate measure of temperature and emissivity. There are different Steel & Zinc
algorithms for different materials and for different measurement conditions. The iterative ESP Cold Rolled Steel
Algorithm is used to first measure the spectral emissive character of the measured material, and High Alloy Steels
then to calculate a measure of both temperature and emissivity. Each Williamson multi-wavelength Electrical Steel
sensor can hold as many as eight ESP Algorithms. The ability to hold multiple algorithms means Zinc-Coated Steel
that each Williamson sensor can be used for multiple measurement applications. Shot-Blasted Pipe
Hot Mill Coilers
The Williamson multi-wavelength infrared pyrometers represent the culmination of nearly four High Strength Bearings
decades of refinement and perfection to the worlds first and most robust commercial multi- Motor Rotors
wavelength product line. Originally introduced in the 1970s, no other multi-wavelength sensor is
as precise, as accurate, as robust, as reliable, as versatile, as innovative, or as easy to use. No
Glass & Plastic
other infrared pyrometers equal the features or performance of the Williamson multi-wavelength
Molds
products. No other product can measure such a wide range of materials under such a wide range
of conditions over such a wide temperature span and in such a wide range of environments. Plungers
Williamson multi-wavelength sensors are truly without peers. There are a number of temperature Streams & Gobs
measurement applications for which the Williamson multi-wavelength pyrometer represents the
only viable and accurate solution.

Comparison of Single, Dual and Multi-Wavelength

Infrared Pyrometers on Steel Annealing Lines
150 83
125 69
Single-Wavelength Pyrometer:
1 Emissivity Setting = 0.3
100 56
Temperature Error in C
Temperature Error in F

75 42
50 28
Dual-Wavelength Pyrometer:
25 2 E-Slope Offset = 0.000 14
0 0
Multi-Wavelength Pyrometer:
ESP Algorithm = Annealing
-25 -14
-50 -28
-75 -42
0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60
Surface Emissivity
Note: Assumes Strip Temperature of 1400F (760C) and sensors wavelength centered at ~ 1.5 to 1.6 microns
6
 Multi-Wavelength Sensors tolerate non-greybody
emissivity variation and optical obstruction. Williamson specializes in advanced
technologies to compensate for the low
Normal Spectral Emissivity of Cold Rolled Steel and variable emissivity character associated
0.55 with many industrial applications.
0.5
Multi-wavelength infrared pyrometers offer several
Toulouldian and DeWitt
0.45 luchi advantages compared to other brands and to other
0.4 Gaskey Eqn sensor technologies. As a result Multi-Wavelength
Metallic Theory (Fe@800 C)
Sensors can make impossible measurements of
Emissivity

0.35
challenging materials (Aluminum, Zinc, Stainless
0.3 Steel, Copper, High Alloy Steel, Electrical Steel, Cold
0.25 Rolled Steel, Molds and Plungers, etc)
0.2

0.15

0.1 Williamson Multi-Wavelength Pyrometers

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Wavelength (microns) P
 roduce a highly accurate temperature reading for
all low emissivity materials
Non-Greybody: Emissivity is different and
changes differently at different wavelengths. A
 re available in traditional and fiber-optic
configurations

View through common window materials

Single, Dual and Multi-Wavelength Readings
Compared to a Reference Thermocouple M
 easure low temperatures as low as 300F / 150C
and above; fiber-optic 400F / 200C and above
900 Dual-Wavelength (F) 2
890 P
 rovide a real-time measure of temperature,
880
870
1.8
ambient temperature, emissivity and signal dilution
860 1.6
850
840
Reference T/C (F) Multi-Wavelength(F)
1.4
C
 an measure single-wavelength and dual or multi-
wavelength temperature values simultaneously
Temperature (F)

830
Emissivity

820 1.2
810
800
Single-Wavelength (F)
1
I nclude ESP filtering to measure intermittent targets
790 or to eliminate intermittent interferences
780 0.8
770
760 0.6
M
 easure broad temperature spans ideal for most
750
Emissivity
heating applications
740 0.4
730
720 0.2 S
 elect models uniquely view clearly through water,
710
steam, flames and combustion gasses
700 0

S
 elect models uniquely view through plasma and
laser energy

Single-Wavelength Error vs Emissivity Steel Strip T olerate misalignment and dirty optics (select
Annealing Line, Emissivity Setting =0.460 algorithms)
60 35

30
T olerate non-greybody emissivity variation and
50

25
optical interferance
40
20
S
 tore as many as eight ESP algorithms for use in as
Temperature Variance (C)
Temperature Variance (F)

30
15
20
10
many as eight applications for extreme versatility
10 5

0 0

-10 -5

-10
-20
-15
-30
-20
-40
-25
-50
-30

-60 -35

0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8

Emissivity

7
Unequaled Performance in Temperature Measurement

A COMPLETE RANGE OF INFRARED PYROMETERS FOR EVERY APPLICATION

WILLIAMSON OVERVIEW
With the Silver, Gold, and Pro Series sensors, WIlliamson
offers a complete range of infrared pyrometers to provide Silver U Class
accurate and reliable measurements for traditional and
challenging applications.
The Silver Series offers a choice of miniature, low cost
configurations for many general purpose applications.
The Gold Series offers a complete selection
of wavelengths, optics, and configurations for
traditional and challenging applications including
heavy industrial environments.
The Pro Series offers the most advanced capabilities
with a complete selection of wavelengths, optics, and Silver C Class Silver M Class
configurations for traditional and challenging applications
including heavy industrial environments.

Class Sighting
Single-Wavelength Sensors
Silver C, M, & U Line of Sight
Gold 20 Line of Sight or Laser
Gold 30 Fiber optic w/ Aim Light
Pro 40 Visual or Laser
Pro 50 Fiber optic w/ Aim Light
Dual-Wavelength Sensors Gold 20 Gold 30
Pro 80 Visual or Laser
Pro 90 Fiber optic w/ Aim Light
Multi-Wavelength Sensors
Pro 100 Visual or Laser
Pro 200 Fiber optic w/ Aim Light

For more details on Single-Wavelength models, see

Williamsons Single-Wavelength Industrial Infrared
Thermometers brochure and data sheets.

SAMPLE INDUSTRIES SERVED

Iron and Steel Pro 40, 80, 100 Pro 50, 90, 200
Nonferrous Metal
Industrial Heating, Thermal Surface Treatment
Engineered Materials, Semiconductor
Glass and Ceramics including Bricks, Cement, Glass, and
Refractory
Incinerators, Boilers, Rotary Kilns, Flares, Thermal Reactors
Paper, Textile, Plastic, Rubber
Pharmaceutical
Food
Aggregate, Ores, Soil and Asphalt

WILLIAMSON CORPORATION
70 Domino Drive, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
TWA 113 TEL: (978) 369-9607 FAX: (978) 369-5485 (800) 300-8367 (USA)
sales@williamsonir.com www.williamsonir.com